One year on, the gilets jaunes are still fighting for justice

Their broad political programme reflected the protest’s diversity, with activists from both left and right.

PARIS, FRANCE - DECEMBER 01: Teargas surrounds riot police as they clash with protesters during a 'Yellow Vest' demonstration near the Arc de Triomphe on December 1, 2018 in Paris, France. The third 'Yellow Vest' (gilets jaunes) rally in Paris over increased fuel taxes and leadership in the government today caused over 150 arrests in the city with reports of injuries to protesters and security forces from violence that irrupted from the clashes. (Photo by Veronique de Viguerie/Getty Images)

After celebrating its first anniversary on 17 November, the gilets jaunes (yellow vests) movement is alive and well in France. It has undoubtedly declined from its peak at the end of 2018, when between 100,000 and 200,000 protesters were marching every week in cities across the country. But rallies continue to gather as many as 20,000 people each Saturday, while protestors have employed other forms of action, such as occupying roundabouts, joining protests organised around different national causes and forming short-lived popular assemblies.

From 2 November, a new motto has been heard at gilets jaunes rallies: “Peoples around the world are waking up. Let’s carry on!” Indeed, there are at least three common features shared by the gilets jaunes and the ongoing protests in Ecuador, Chile, Iraq, Lebanon, Sudan and Hong Kong, among others.