For almost a month now, France has been experiencing protests from the "Yellow Vests" (as the protesters are known), who, as can be seen from the picture, wear bright yellow vests with high visibility. Originally numbering around 100,000, the protesters have swollen in size since the inception of the protests.
The protests were originally initiated to object against a fuel tax increase, but the movement has later morphed into calling for things such as higher wages, lower taxes, and better pensions. Many protesters are disappointed at President Macron for not fulfilling many of the promises he made when he was elected. Many protesters are middle class, claiming that they have been forgotten.
President Macron has announced plans of eliminating taxes on overtime pay and increasing the minimum wage. However, many protesters are still not satisfied; some even call for his resignation. Violence has also broken out.
It seems to me that the Yellow Vest Protests will continue to grow in strength. The goal of the protest has evolved into addressing a much larger problem than a fuel tax increase, and I believe it will continue to evolve as such. As of right now, I'm not sure how the situation will resolve.
As in many countries, a small percentage of the population (the 1%) hold majority of wealth and power over the remaining 99%. The Yellow Vest Protests have demonstrated a call for action against this disproportionate distribution of power.
Questions:
1) How do you think the situation will be resolved?
2) Could this movement spread to other countries?
3) Why do you think the movement has so much support?
The protests were originally initiated to object against a fuel tax increase, but the movement has later morphed into calling for things such as higher wages, lower taxes, and better pensions. Many protesters are disappointed at President Macron for not fulfilling many of the promises he made when he was elected. Many protesters are middle class, claiming that they have been forgotten.
President Macron has announced plans of eliminating taxes on overtime pay and increasing the minimum wage. However, many protesters are still not satisfied; some even call for his resignation. Violence has also broken out.
It seems to me that the Yellow Vest Protests will continue to grow in strength. The goal of the protest has evolved into addressing a much larger problem than a fuel tax increase, and I believe it will continue to evolve as such. As of right now, I'm not sure how the situation will resolve.
As in many countries, a small percentage of the population (the 1%) hold majority of wealth and power over the remaining 99%. The Yellow Vest Protests have demonstrated a call for action against this disproportionate distribution of power.
Questions:
1) How do you think the situation will be resolved?
2) Could this movement spread to other countries?
3) Why do you think the movement has so much support?
Sources:
1) https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-46513189
2) https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/10/world/europe/macron-france-yellow-vests.html
3) https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/yellow-vests-protesting-france-181206083636240.html
I think this movement has so much support because people see it as a way to reform the government and they want to take this chance to implement policies since they have the momentum. In addition, it seems to be mostly non-violent therefore anyone would feel safe to participate without facing significant risking that would otherwise cause them to back down. Additionally, it seems that this movement has grown tremendously and the government is giving it recognition therefore I belief that the people will get some form of what they are looking for. It is likely that President Macron will start feeling responsibly for this outrage and take initiative to implement policies regarding fuel taxes and overtime payment taxes along with increasing the minimum wage. I doubt this specific yellow vest movement will spread to other countries but if it works out for the people of France then there could possibly be similar movements regarding governmental policy reform in other countries. I doubt France wants to fight against its own people right now so they will do whatever it takes to resolve the situation in a reasonable way.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, these protests seem very effective. Macron has to be kept in check by the public, and these protests have forced some positive actions out of him to meet the requests of the protesters. I think this movement continues growing in support because others see that the movement is effective and forcing policy adjustments, and in addition, people want to release the built up frustration they have had with their government. I think this movement will continue up to a point, until Macron refuses to cooperate, and then the protests will probably die out once they have seen a bit of work impacting policy. In addition, this energy can probably spread to other countries as well. There are many examples of people not being satisfied with the government, so the situation in France can set an example to others. If the French people can get Macron to cooperate even just a little bit, surrounding countries will see that such protests are effective and they might start trying to change their own circumstances. I think these protests will continue being, for the most part, non-violent, for this shows the government a civilized people and makes the government more likely to cooperate. Once this turns violent, then there is a lesser chance of policies being adjusted.
ReplyDeleteThese protests are ineffective as the country and its citizens what change. However, such radical change is not right. With the new law signed in, employers can force workers to work for a long time each day for a few years, and then cut them off before they can be awarded their severance fee. However, the French government is not letting any leeway into this situation and causes friction with the people
ReplyDeleteI believe that these protests can be effective in helping give the middle class some recognition from the French government. I feel like the middle class is often overlooked in many countries and it is necessary for them to come together in order to get policy put in place that they want. I think that this is a good way to protest because this is nonviolent and the demands of the people aren't outrageous. I think that the solution will probably be resolved by Macron making some sort of appeasement towards the protestors, but I'm not sure how long this will continue on. I feel like similar protests like this could spread to other countries in the future, following the example set by the French. This is a very public protest that's being observed by people around the world and I feel like other countries who feel like they have a silenced middle class could easily start a protest. I think that this movement has so much support because the middle class has been shrinking in many countries, including the U.S., and those citizens are starting to realize that voicing their concerns is the best way to peacefully preserve their way of life.
ReplyDeleteSimilar to previous commments, I believe that the issues raised by these yellow vest protesters are valid and represent perspectives from the general public. This issue of the middle class feeling overlooked is not uncommon, and I believe that the success of these protests will only increase the animosity which the middle class holds internationally. If anything, I believe that these protesters and the success of the movement will inspire others in other nations to follow suit, which will incentivize world leaders to take action.
ReplyDeleteI'm not really sure if there is a fast and effective way for this situation to be resolved, rather, it may just slowly die down over time. However, I do believe that the Yellow Vest Protests are a very good demonstration of speaking up for what you want in a effective way, rather than violently. I think that the protesting is very beneficial since not only are people speaking up about fuel tax increase, it has sparked people to bring up other concerns which shows the government what the public actually wants done.
ReplyDeleteThe Yellow Vest movement has gotten increasingly powerful, and it is going to be interesting where this goes since Macron has already made many concessions yet the protests seemed to have gotten stronger. Macron has already cut taxes and increased the minimum wage and people are still demanding more since this is a grassroots movement. The people have already acquired so much momentum that they are going to take this opportunity to bring change to other issues. These protests started due to dissatisfaction with a gas tax and now it has reached other issues, so I do not think that this movement would go any time soon until people finally see change happen.
ReplyDeleteWhile the Yellow Vest protests are supported by many people, I think that they will ultimately backfire. As the protests have turned violent, it puts the protests (and thus their message) in a negative light. Violence is intended to hurt someone, and even though violence may seem like the quickest solution to change, people on both sides will be harmed, and it will also make people less willing to cooperate. Although the protests have already spread to Belgium, I doubt the Yellow Vest movement will gain much traction in other countries. For example, while California is not a country, the decision to reject an effort to undo the gas tax increase passed with 55% of the vote, demonstrating that the French dislike for a gas tax increase is not a sentiment shared by some others around the world.
ReplyDeleteI think that the only solution to this situation at hand is for Macron to comply with the middle class citizens who are protesting. These Yellow Vest Protests have indeed, like many have stated above, gained ground and are very relevant in France’s society. The protests point out the various improper things going on in society like the distribution of power. Therefore, the middle classes will continue to push their movement leading to Macron complying so that he can keep respect from the people. Moreover, due to the progression of this movement and its possible success to wake up the French government to France’s societal issues like wealth and power and unemployment, I think that this movement will spread to other countries that have the same issue. This relates to how the French Revolution was inspired by the American Revolution, and although there may not be a war, the values of the people will definitely spread across countries to achieve liberty for all. Finally, I believe that this movement has so much support because the movement regards problems that exist within 99% of the population. Therefore, a majority of the population feels as if the movement applies to them leading to the overwhelming support.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if this situation will get solved how they people want it to be. I also think the Yellow Vest protest is getting support because people want better for their country. Even though the protesters are still protesting, Macron has done what he can for the people. It's hard to get work done with that much pressure on his back. It' a good thing to lose taxes that hurt the 99%, but the people shouldn't go overboard in asking for his removal.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Mayuko above that while violent protests attract media attention, they ultimately portray the protestors negatively, making their claims and goals less legitimate. It's understandable that the people are angry, but killing and injuring people isn't going to solve their problems. The best course of action is nonviolent protests. That way they are still making a statement and are likely to gain more sympathy from the government.
ReplyDeleteThe Yellow Vest protests have become increasingly widespread and has grown to attract a lot of media attention. However, the protests could attract unwanted attention as it could paint a negative portrayal of these protesters and end up backfiring. However, I believe that the only way for the situation to be resolved is fro Macron to concede to the protesters and work towards appeasing their demands for high pay and less taxes. While the protesters mean well for their country, they probably will not receive everything that they demand.
ReplyDeleteThis protest has been fairly non violent which greatly increase the facots of being an efficent protest. I think to resolve this issue, President Marcon needs to meet with the middle class protestors and disscuss what they could do in the next coming years. This protest has so muc support from people becuase it deals with taxes and higher wages, which is what people can all realte to. Throughout the world the middle class is sometimes forgetton, so this protest gives them a voice.
ReplyDeleteI feel that there is no simple solution to end the protests and promote peace in France at this point. Even though the President has listened to their protests and made change, they continue to protest. This stubbornness suggests that regardless of what changes are made, the people will continue to protest until the power is not in the hands of the elite, which would require a drastic change in the form of the entire country. Because there are so many middle class people who are not represented in that small 1% elite group, they can all come together to protest for a unified cause, which makes the protests so much more impactful.
ReplyDeleteWhile this protest originally started as a good idea, the increase in violence is not the solution. It seems to have been somewhat successful as the President has announced plans of eliminating taxes on overtime pay and increasing the minimum wage. While they are getting some of their intentions met, they want more and now most likely will continue to protest until they get their full intent. The recent violence has shined them in a negative light on them. I believe that violence isn't the answer and will not help their cause especially with their protests getting more media attention.
ReplyDeleteI think this situation will be resolved with the implementation of measures the protesters desire, or the deposition of Macron. This movement could easily spread to other countries. Some are arguing that it is a continuation of the trends seen in Italy, Brazil, and the US. This movement has so much support because its application applies to a large number of people who are aware of encroachments and have the bravery to speak up about them.
ReplyDelete