Paris is Burning

For John, BLUF:  The transition to the new economy, involving less carbon emissions, is going to involve some balancing.  Nothing to see here; just move along.

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'This is the start of a revolution':  Paris rioters steal police assault rifle, torch dozens of cars and vow to 'stay in the streets until Christmas' as fuel protests continue into the night and spread across France - and even to Holland

Here is the sub-headline:

• 'Yellow Vest' supporters staged fresh protests on the Champs-Elysees which leads to the Arc de Triomphe
• They vowed to continue rioting until Christmas after riot police used tear gas and water cannon to fight back
• Dozens of cars were torched, the Arc de Triomphe was graffitied and shops and houses were ransacked
• French President Emmanuel Macron promised that protesters would be 'held responsible for their acts'
• It comes a week after rioters brought chaos to Paris in a movement against fuel prices and high living costs

From The Daily Mail, by Reporters Peter Allen and Tim Stickings, 1 December 2018.  There are lots of photos at the article.

Here is the lede plus five:

The centre of Paris was on lockdown tonight after masked protesters stole an assault rifle from police, clashed with riot squads and set fire to cars and Christmas trees on the Champs-Elysees in furious demonstrations against the French government.

Protesters said today's actions were 'the start of a revolution' that would eclipse the mass strikes and occupation of universities and factories in1968 when the country was on the cusp of civil war.

Fires and clouds of tear gas covered the French capital from early morning until late in the evening, in some of the worst violence ever seen in the French capital as more than 5,000 demonstrators brought chaos to Paris for the second week running.

As so-called Yellow Vest fuel price demonstrators marched along the opulent Avenue Foch near the Arc de Triomphe, home to embassies and luxury residences, they were joined by criminal groups included looters.

French President Emmanuel Macron has promised the protesters will be 'held responsible for their acts'.

Macron said today's demonstrations which have left dozens injured and hundreds arrested 'have nothing to do with the peaceful expression of a legitimate anger.'  He said 'no cause justifies attacks on police or pillaging stores and burning buildings'.

Second weekend in a row.  Fortunately, the French has Emmanuel Macron as President and not someone like The Donald.  I imagine it will all clear itself up in just no time.

Last weekend it spread to Belgium and this weekend it has spread to the Netherlands.

One observer, living in Belgium, noted that these demonstrations represent the divide, in Europe, between the Urban and the Rural.  I wonder if we are seeing somewhat the same divide in the United States.

For additional insights, see the blog ¡No-Pasaran!, "BLOGGER IN PARIS IN THE MIDST OF TEAR GAS CANISTERS RAINING DOWN ON THE CROWDS (video)", by Erik.

Hat tip to the InstaPundit.

Regards  —  Cliff