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French ‘Freedom convoys’ heading to Paris, and police checkpoints



PARIS – France will deploy thousands of police in and around Paris on Friday and over the weekend and set up checkpoints at toll booths on main roads leading into the capital to stop motorists.” Freedom Convoy” out, the city’s police force said.

Despite orders not to enter Paris, motorists protesting against COVID-19 restrictions are gathering in French capitals from cities across France, inspired by intense protests. taking place in Canada.

However, the “Liberty Convoy” protests in France show signs of uniting a disparate group against President Emmanuel Macron two months after the presidential election in April, with remnants of the movement. Anti-government “yellow vests” 2018/2019 and some far-right politicians rallied behind motorists.

“We’ve been walking around for three years. We see Canadians and say to ourselves, ‘This is amazing, what they’re doing.” In eight days, boom, something was ignited,” said Jean-Marie Azais, a retiree, arriving in Paris from the southwest.

The rally by motorists comes after a wave of protests over France’s vaccine pass rules – which require people to present proof of vaccination against COVID to enter bars, houses and restaurants. shops, cinemas and other public spaces.

While in Canada protests have rallied truckers angered by the ban on cross-border vaccination, in France, everyday people angry about COVID restrictions are using vehicles. their.

In Toulouse, a convoy of trucks, motorcycles and cars set off from a parking lot on Thursday, greeted by a crowd wearing vests with high visibility.

Various convoys are expected to arrive outside Paris late on Friday. Their number is not clear. In the city center Le Mansone rendezvous point was deserted on Friday.

The police deployment will include rapid response officers on motorcycle and heavy lifting equipment to remove any makeshift barricades erected by the protesters.

Some “Free Convoys” supporters say protesters should not be prevented by police orders to stay outside the Paris city limits.

“The authorities can’t block everyone,” said one woman cheering for motorists in Toulouse. “Convoys have to force, still have to try to enter.”

The “Yellow Vests” uprising has shaken Macron’s presidency for months and reveals the deep anger felt outside the big cities with their high cost of living and urban elites. considered far removed from the daily hardships of ordinary people.

With energy prices spiraling and a strong economic recovery sending inflation soaring, households are once again feeling a tight budget, prompting the government to take coordinated measures. to limit voter frustration.

(Reporting by Richard Lough in Paris and Alex Minguez in Toulouse; Writing by Richard Lough; Editing by Alison Williams)

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