Download
France's own 'Freedom Convoy' rolls towards Paris in mass vaccine protest
John Bevir in Paris
Europe;France

Translating...

Content is automatically generated by Microsoft Azure Translator Text API. CGTN is not responsible for any of the translations.

France's Freedom Convoy is on the way to Paris. /Gabriel Bonnaveira/via Reuters

France's Freedom Convoy is on the way to Paris. /Gabriel Bonnaveira/via Reuters

 

Protestors from around France are on their way to Paris. Inspired by events in Canada, the Freedom Convoy is taking to the roads to protest against vaccine laws.

Authorities in the French capital have made it clear they are not welcome. Checkpoints are being put in place on the roads into the city to try and stop them.

The scale of the protest is hard to judge, with vehicles arriving from all directions. But the police aren't taking any chances. It is estimated that 7,200 officers are being deployed over the weekend with heavy lifting equipment at their disposal, to be able to remove vehicles or roadblocks.

 

READ MORE

Food that keeps COVID-19 at bay 

Who's visiting Ukraine? And who isn't? 

What is the Year of the Tiger? 

 

They have also been issuing stark warnings to those taking part, reminding them of the laws against blocking public roads: a maximum of up to two years in prison and a fine of up to 4,500 Euro ($5,130 USD).

 

Checkpoints are being put in place on the roads into Paris to try and stop the convoy. /Gonzalo Fuentes/Reuters

Checkpoints are being put in place on the roads into Paris to try and stop the convoy. /Gonzalo Fuentes/Reuters

 

The plan is to continue on to the European Commission's headquarters in Brussels to cause disruption on Monday, but again, they are not welcome. Belgian authorities will be keeping a close eye on what happens in Paris over the weekend. 

The protestors are opposed to strict vaccination rules, which differ by country, but many include needing to show a pass to be able to get into places like restaurants or cinemas. The protestors say it's all about public choice and freedom.

But it has attracted fringe elements as well. Lots of online messages have been about false vaccine conspiracy theories. Some say that is undermining the original point the protest is trying to make.

 

Error loading player: No playable sources found
02:50
TOP NEWS
Xi, Macron commit to closer ties and safeguarding global order
{"type":2,"value":"CGTN","commentator":[],"valueShow":true,"commentatorShow":false}

China

11:38, 22-May-2025

Grand opening! China-CEEC expo's tech feast unveiled
{"type":2,"value":"CGTN","commentator":[],"valueShow":true,"commentatorShow":false}

China

06:29, 22-May-2025

Aid trucks enter Gaza after delays, as pressure mounts on Israel
{"type":2,"value":"CGTN","commentator":[],"valueShow":true,"commentatorShow":false}

Middle East

03:04, 22-May-2025

Search Trends