Les Greves

Only in France is it necessary to have an app for information on strikes. However, the current situation with the “Yellow Vests” is too spontaneous to make the list of scheduled strikes. There was considerable violence on the Champs-Elysees last weekend. Fires were set, and it seems like almost every store has broken windows.

The Yellow Vest movement started in late fall of 2018. It is a “grassroots political movement for economic justice.” (Wikipedia) The yellow vest is an article of clothing worn by workers for visibility on the job. Also, French drivers are required to have a yellow vest in the car, so they are easily acquired.

This motorcycle is just outside our apartment building. I assume it was torched.

As a result, Paris is on alert this weekend. There are hundreds of police and other officers out on the street, and many are carrying automatic weapons. There are about 15 police vans just around the corner - and many more parked along the Champs-Elysees.  I believe the Arc de Triomphe is closed to traffic. Many of the stores are boarded up, and many have security posted. Metro stops in the area are being closed, as well as around the Grand Palais and Place de la Concorde.

I figure, at this moment, that this is likely the safest spot in France.