Groups of Yellow Vests gathered on the Europe roundabout in Bagnols/Cèze around three main demands: the Ric, the fight against tax evasion and the accounting of blank votes. The demonstrators are also counting on popular support to make themselves heard.
Around forty activists, from several “GJ” groups, took possession of the Europe roundabout from 11 a.m. and shared a meal from the bag. • E.R
“Act, don’t suffer”
The inscriptions “Justice, dignity, solidarity”, “act not suffer” were posted by the demonstrators, who support the RIC (Editor’s note: referendum on solidarity initiatives). Dominique Vervacke, one of the thinking heads of the Yellow Vests in the Gard Rhone territory, reviews the history while reiterating their strong proposals: “On November 17, we ordinary citizens were angry. We participated in the people's uprising and became the Yellow Vests. Our demands are still the same as in 2018: recognition of the blank vote, an end to social and judicial discrimination. There is a lot of poverty at the moment. We are in a state of disrepair today in France. This is what we are here for”deplores the activist.
Dominique Verbacke at the forefront alongside a representative of 17 shades of yellow, during the mobilization of the Yellow Vests in Bagnols/Cèze. • E.R
“You don’t have to have a yellow vest to have courage”
Same story for another Yellow Vest from Montélimar, who wishes to speak loud and clear the voice of those who are absent or in the shadows: “It’s a catastrophe at the social level, in terms of purchasing power. Taxes, VAT, everything increases, but nothing changes”proclaims one of the representatives of 17 shades of Yellow. “You don’t have to have a yellow vest to have courage”, takes up Dominique Vervacke who “supports everyone” and asks “the union of citizens and peasants”. Defiant and disappointed, one “yellow vest since day one”, no longer trusts the government: “Political achievements are not respected. We wonder if the vote is really useful.”
Committed slogans were plastered all along Avenue de l'Europe. • E.R
Honking, a symbol of support for the Yellow Vests
At the heart of the Europe roundabout, all afternoon, flags were waving, tongues were loosening, ideas were converging among the most committed demonstrators, who were the last to remain on site until 5 p.m. Popular support pushes them to continue this fight in favor of a “better world” and the “social justice” : “All these horns mean we are still here,” confirms Christophe Prevost, one of their members. The majority of leaflets were distributed to passing motorists.
Motorists stopped to pick up a leaflet or honked their horns as a sign of support for the social movement. • E.R
An activist wears a Phrygian cap during the symbolic anniversary of the 6th anniversary of the Yellow Vests. • E.R
This social movement could be renewed in the coming weeks depending on “the evolution of the country”, confides Dominique Vervacke, determined with all her colleagues, whatever the cost, to “don’t give up”.
