Protests continue in Marseille

Protests in Marseille continued on Saturday afternoon, despite a ban by the prefecture of Bouches-du-Rhône. The demonstrations, which have been ongoing for nearly two months, involve students, Yellow Vests, and others protesting against the high cost of living.

Participants use pop culture references

The atmosphere remained lively, with participants displaying humor and creativity, including references to pop culture such as Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings. Demonstrators wore various costumes and signs, including one that referenced a character from The Lord of the Rings and another that referenced One Piece, a popular manga series.

Symbolism and personal expression

Participants included individuals like Souleymane, a 33-year-old insurance employee, who wore a One Piece hat and a French flag, stating that the symbols were important for the revolutionary aspect and to reappropriate the French flag. Others, such as Anne, dressed as "ghost of democracy" with friends, highlighted the need for collective strength amid increasing restrictions on the right to demonstrate.

Police presence is notable

The police presence was significant, with approximately forty gendarmerie, CRS, and national police vehicles, as well as two Centaure armored vehicles, stationed in areas such as the Canebière, the Rome street, and the Réformés. The demonstration split into two groups around 4 p.m., with one heading toward the Cinq-Avenues and the other attempting to reach the Saint-Charles station.

Halloween elements and student concerns

Halloween elements were also present, with masks, pumpkins, and scythes. Assif, a 17-year-old senior student, dressed as a devil with a sign that read "They are worse than me," highlighted issues such as hygiene problems, the elimination of specializations, and increased class sizes in his high school. He emphasized that the protests were for future generations, not just for his own benefit.

Clashes and continued resistance

Reports of clashes with the police began to emerge from other parts of the city. The demonstration was expected to continue into the evening, with a planned gathering at 8 p.m. at the Plaine, where tear gas had been used the previous week. Despite the ongoing repression and fatigue, humor and collective strength provided temporary relief from the anxiety and frustration of the participants.

Symbolic speeches and solidarity

Éric Akopian, co-founder of the association Clean My Calanques, addressed the crowd in a Gandalf costume, chanting "Marseille will not let itself be done by fascism!" and raising the flag of Reunion to the cheers of the crowd.