France and New Zealand, Vaccine Refusal Vehicle Protests... "Opposition to Vaccine Passes Too"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] While the Canadian capital was paralyzed by truck protests opposing vaccine mandates, similar protests occurred in France and New Zealand.

According to AFP on the 10th, a major clash occurred between anti-vaccine protesters and police in Wellington, the capital of New Zealand. Police cracked down hard on the protesters, arresting 120 people. On the 8th, the protesters led hundreds of vehicles including trailers and campers to occupy the central roads of Wellington.

In New Zealand, workers in health, education, and defense sectors are required to be vaccinated. Those who refuse vaccination may be dismissed. Additionally, proof of vaccination is required to use restaurants, sports stadiums, and religious facilities.

Although a significant number of the protesters who initially started the demonstration withdrew after about a day, some set up temporary tents around the parliament and refused police orders to disperse, showing signs of a prolonged protest. Consequently, the police shifted from a restrained approach to forced dispersal, issuing warnings that "those who do not leave will be arrested," controlling surrounding roads, and launching a dispersal operation. According to AFP, even as they were being suppressed, protesters shouted slogans such as "This is not democracy" and "Withdraw the mandates."

In various parts of France, "Convoys of Freedom" have formed, with vehicle processions opposing vaccine mandates marching from cities like Nice, Perpignan, and Bayonne toward the capital Paris over the weekend. Notably, among these were vehicles waving not only the French tricolor but also the Canadian maple leaf flag, where the first anti-COVID-19 policy vehicle protests began. Some claim they will lead the convoy all the way to Brussels, Belgium, where the European Union (EU) headquarters is located. Protest participants voiced that "it is difficult to understand why vaccine passes are forcibly applied in France."

Paris police issued a statement banning truck protests from the 11th to the 14th of this month to protect public order, stating their intention to block protesters from entering Paris. They warned that violations could result in up to two years imprisonment, a fine of 4,500 euros (approximately 6.15 million KRW), and driver's license suspension.

The protests in Canada first appeared on the 23rd of last month in Vancouver, British Columbia. The protests began in response to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's COVID-19 policies. Hundreds of large trucks converged on the capital Ottawa, causing traffic paralysis. Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson declared a state of emergency.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.