The “freedom convoys” set off for Paris against health measures
Audio 01:14
People leave with the "freedom convoy" from Nice, February 9, 2022. AFP - VALERY HACHE
Text by: RFI Follow
2 mins
Several convoys bringing together opponents of the restrictions linked to the health crisis set off on Wednesday February 9 in the direction of Paris, to then reach Brussels, in particular from Nice.
The movement is inspired by that of
the "freedom convoy
" in Canada, where truckers blockade the capital, Ottawa.
No trucks, but a hundred cars which should arrive in the French capital on Friday February 11.
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With our special correspondent in Aix-en-Provence,
Yoram Melloul
The atmosphere is reminiscent of the movement of yellow vests on a roundabout at the exit of Aix-en-Provence.
Like Christiane, there are around 200 of them waiting for “
the freedom convoy
”, which is due to arrive from Nice: “
We are not vaccinated, we can no longer do anything.
Now we want them
to take that pass away from us
.
»
The possible lifting of the vaccination pass at the beginning of April, announced by the government, does not convince her: “
They tell us everything and immediately after the opposite.
We know who we are dealing with.
We won't believe them.
Now it is we who will make the law, not them.
»
When the convoy arrives, Christiane says she feels “
chills
”
: “
You don't feel alone, and that's great.
Especially in such a movement, so that our country remains free until the end.
France has always been free, it must remain so.
»
The demands are varied, and mix pell-mell speeches on the past, health policy, vaccines... and the cost of living.
Jean-François is a biker: “
I'm thinking of these exorbitant increases that fall on us, with electricity, gasoline, tolls and everything else.
It's a general disappointment.
»
This regular of the demonstrations goes to Paris, but they are not many to make the whole journey: he finances gasoline and food thanks to the solidarity of the other demonstrators.
Marisa, spokesperson for Convoy France, explains how the movement got organized
Dominique Desaunay
►
To read also:
"Freedom Convoy" in Canada: "We thought it was all over, and not"
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