Video – Paris, October 17: Uprising!We are linking to an inspirational video posted by Reel News and Strike Map and their description below.
The video can be seen here.
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The student uprising in France took a major step forward on October 17, as the gilet jaunes (yellow vests) movement and workers from a number of sectors took to the streets with them in incredible scenes that have terrified Macron’s deeply unpopular government.
Over 800,000 demonstrated across France, with the biggest demo in Paris – a demo which was completely peaceful until the police violently attacked the assembly point they had already agreed with the school students, in Place de la Republique.
But for once the police lost control. Heavily outnumbered after seriously underestimating the scale of the mobilisation, they faced the fury of school students who have endured weeks of horrific violence and repression – simply for demanding a future.
As you’ll see in this video, the students are incredibly articulate and very sophisticated in their political analysis – and absolutely determined to change the whole of society, not just education.
In a demonstration dominated by anti-fascist slogans and Palestine flags, it’s clear that this is a movement that has lost its fear, is growing in confidence and is now inspiring movements to take off in other countries too. And if the students can keep this momentum going, we could be on the verge of something very special indeed.
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