Paris bans Canada-style Covid 'freedom convoys'
India Today
Convoys of vehicles from across France are expected to converge on the French capital on Friday, with anger over coronavirus restrictions high on their agenda as well as concerns over the rising cost of living due to high energy prices.
French police warned Thursday that they would prevent so-called "freedom convoys" from blocking roads in Paris, ahead of a possible standoff with protesters inspired by truckers who have paralysed the Canadian capital Ottawa.
Convoys of vehicles from across France are expected to converge on the French capital on Friday, with anger over coronavirus restrictions high on their agenda as well as concerns over the rising cost of living due to high energy prices.
The French movement echoes the violent "yellow vest" protests against social inequality that rocked the country in 2018 and brought France to a partial standstill at weekends.
A repeat of the "yellow vests" would be highly unwelcome for President Emmanuel Macron as he prepares for April 2022 elections he remains favourite to win.
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"There will be a special deployment... to prevent blockages of major roads, issue tickets and arrest those who infringe on this protest ban," the Paris police force said in a statement.
Police chief Didier Lallement had "ordered officers to be rigorous" with infringers, it added.
