A year after the first demonstration of Vests yellow, which have struggled to mobilize for months, the authorities expect the influx of several thousand people in Paris on Saturday, including radical protesters. More than 200 actions are scheduled in the weekend.

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Yellow Vests are hoping for a second wind for their birthday. While struggling to mobilize for months, demonstrators have beaten the recall of troops ahead of the day Saturday, calling on social networks to more than 200 actions in France, from simple towing parade. Objective: to take advantage of the symbol of the first anniversary of the movement, born in November 2018.

The information to remember:

  • Calls for 200 "anniversary" shares have been launched throughout France
  • Authorities predict 5,000 to 8,000 people in Paris and fear the presence of radical elements
  • The mobilization could last until Sunday, in Paris and in the provinces

282,000 demonstrators on November 17, 2018

While a great deal of uncertainty remains over the success of the various appeals launched before that day, Secretary of State for the Interior Laurent Nuñez acknowledged "a slightly more marked interest" for this anniversary. The last "acts" of the Yellow Vests have never gathered beyond a few thousand people, far from the 282,000 protesters recorded by the authorities on November 17, 2018 on the inaugural Saturday of this unprecedented move that shook the power.

300 to 600 "Ultra-yellow" anticipated in Paris

On the security side, a note from the prefect consulted by Europe 1 calls for an "exceptional mobilization" of police officers: on Saturday and Sunday, 100% of the public security staff in Paris and the suburbs will be mobilized. The authorities currently predict the presence of 5,000 to 8,000 yellow vests only, but fear that there is among them the most radical. According to our information, the specialized services anticipate 300 to 600 Ultras-yellow, from all over France and determined to break. A question remains about the risk that students, mobilized against precariousness, do not join the movement.

No slogans or specific claims

According to an Elabe poll released Wednesday, 55% of the French support or have sympathy for the mobilization, but 63% do not want it to resume. On Facebook events this weekend, no slogan or precise demands, but references to "the party" and "anniversary" of the movement born a year ago of anger against a tax on fuel before spreading to multiple other claims like the resignation of Emmanuel Macron or more direct democracy. This "birthday" could last more than one day: some gatherings are planned for Sunday, in Paris and in province.