France's 'yellow Vests': Noisy, But Not An Electoral Force

Paris, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 23rd May, 2019 ) :Christophe Chalencon, a blacksmith with right-wing views, is on the campaign trail around France seeking to turn his fame as a "yellow vest" protester into a seat in the European parliament. And it's no easy task.

"The yellow vests don't want anyone to represent them," he told AFP in between campaign stops for his "Citizen's Evolution" formation, which is competing in the European election in France this Sunday.

The difficulty for him is that the anti-government "yellow vest" movement, which has roiled national politics since mid-November, brings together people of all political stripes, many of whom have a strong anti-authority streak.

"I don't want to represent the yellow vests," explained Chalencon, who emerged as one of several spokespeople for the movement. "I want to represent as many people as possible who supported the yellow vests.

" Despite his hopes, and the still high levels of public support for the protests, voter surveys show his party winning less than 1 percent.

"The polls are wrong," he shot back in his thick southern accent.

Six months after a spontaneous revolt in rural and small-town France began against President Emmanuel Macron, the often violent protests by people wearing fluorescent yellow vests still continue ever Saturday.

Their impact on French public life has been huge. Macron has been forced into a series of policy U-turns, while the protests and rioting have left a human toll of injuries and bankrupt businesses.

But from its height of nearly 300,000 people who spontaneously blocked roads and occupied roundabouts on November 17, the movement has dwindled to only 15,500 people last weekend, according to French authorities.

And their electoral prospects look dim.