Why People in Yellow Vests Are Blocking French Roads

What started in November as a grassroots movement against plans to hike gas taxes has spiraled into widespread anger about the rising cost of living and discontent with French President Emmanuel Macron. Weekly Saturday demonstrations have attracted more than 100,000 people and at times turned violent, tarnishing France’s reputation with images of torched cars, tear gas and rioters defacing the Arc de Triomphe. Outrage has been fueled by criticism that Macron, the youngest French leader since Napoleon, is out of touch with average people, his policies favoring the rich. After scrapping the fuel tax failed to bring calm, he faces a political crisis and economic quandary in how to respond to a growing list of sometimes contradictory demands.

The initial discontent focused on plans to raise hydrocarbon taxes to curb emissions and fund incentives for cleaner cars and home-heating systems. The hikes, after increases at the start of 2018, were set to take effect on Jan. 1, adding 6.5 cents per liter on diesel and 2.9 cents on gasoline. For many in France’s small towns and rural areas, who rely on cars and have seen public services dwindle, rising fuel prices were the final straw. An online petition grew into a grassroots movement organized through social media and divided into local chapters carrying out local actions. They named themselves after the “gilets jaunes,” or reflective yellow safety vests, that French motorists are required to carry in their cars in case of an emergency. Demands by the loosely affiliated protesters have expanded from there.