In Caen, where a roundabout over the ring road has become the emblem of its protest, France, which can no longer make ends meet, overcomes disorganization with determination. Report, this Monday, November 19, 2018, in Ifs.
It's called the blue roundabout. Because this huge roundabout built above the southern device of Caen is surrounded by a metal structure of this color, similar to swimming pool slides. In L
agglomeration, it has become the symbolic blocking point of yellow vests. Since Saturday, November 17, they have installed dams below, on the asphalt, on each side of the ring road. On Monday morning, heavy trucks blocked the 2x2 lanes. No more people go by.
This blue roundabout serves Caen, Falaise, the ring road towards Paris or Brittany ... A strategic choice already long occupied by farmers, in 2015.
In 2018, there is a difference in size: no trade union organization coordinates the blockage. And yet it lasts. With the support of people who have never shown their life. "I defend my purchasing power and that of my children and grandchildren , " says a sexagenarian. The rise in fuel is just a pretext. "In January 2018, I was announced a retirement at 945 €. In June, after the merger of the funds on which I depend: 845 €! But what are we moving towards? "
"Our account is still in the red"
Three words pierce tirelessly the black fumes of tires that coat the roundabout blue: "Ras le bol". That of Florent, 28, landscaper on his own: "I feel like working for nothing. Jean-Pierre, 55, who "can not live with his unemployment benefit". That of Philippe, whose disability pension was ratiboisée almost € 40, with the rise of the CSG. Many repeat it: "Our account is always in the red. "
Their fuel is exasperation. And the reservoir of these middle classes seems full enough to support the 0 ° C evenings. To take turns according to the family constraints of each: "I stay until 22 pm, says this Calvadosian 35 years, who has already spent a sleepless night at the blue roundabout. My children are asking me. But I'll be back on Tuesday. No planning, only word of mouth.
We organize ourselves with friends or family
In fixed-term contracts, Céline, 48, "mouths holes" according to her schedule. More surprising, they are many to have put RTT to be present. Like Virginie, 46: "I think it will last. We organize ourselves between groups of friends or family to "defend our children" , some of whom are also present.
No leader or structure in the yellow jackets. In Normandy, they nevertheless benefit from the experience of bikers, accustomed to big protests. For the rest, live on Facebook provide information on current actions. Or used to launch replenishment calls: "A lot of people are feeding us," slips Florent the landscaper, in a smile that splits the soot layer on his face.
He is ready to sacrifice his week of work. Others assured their hours then came back to block Monday. "Always uncovered on the 15th of the month," this 35-year-old dad rested. Without a strong government response, "I will not give up. Quit to block for a week. "