French ‘freedom convoy’ opposing COVID-19 mandates head to Paris
Global News
French "freedom convoy" supports congregated near the Vimy Canadian war memorial in northern France on Friday as demonstrations also continued in other parts of the world.
Hundreds of participants to the French ‘Freedom Convoys‘ and supporters gathered on Friday (February 11) near the Vimy Canadian war memorial, in Northern France, as convoys hailing from Valenciennes, Lille and Arras were merging on their way to Paris.
Motorist drove past while honking, as supporters waved French flags to the cries of “freedom, freedom, freedom”, many of them also wearing the infamous yellow vest.
“I’m using my work hours and time I would otherwise spend with my family to do something,” said motorist Djemi Drici, as he drove a car clad in French flags. “Because doing nothing is giving consent and I don’t give consent.”
France will deploy thousands of police in and around Paris on Friday and over the weekend and set up checkpoints at toll stations on major roads leading into the capital to keep “Freedom Convoy” motorists out, the city’s police force said.
Despite an order not to enter Paris, motorists protesting against COVID-19 restrictions are converging on the French capital from multiple cities across France, like in Vimy, inspired by the horn-blaring demonstrations taking place in Canada.
The French “Freedom Convoy” protests, however, show signs of uniting a disparate group against President Emmanuel Macron two months out from April’s presidential election, with remnants of the 2018/2019 anti-government “Yellow Vest” movement and some far-right politicians rallying behind the motorists.
One yellow vest supporter in Vimy who did not give his name told Reuters he was driving to Paris “for freedom, against the vaccine pass, also for issues relating to purchasing power, fuel prices and all that.”
The motorists’ protest follows waves of demonstrations over France’s vaccine pass rules — which require people to show proof of inoculation against COVID to enter bars, restaurants, cinemas and other public spaces.
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