French demonstrators inspired by the Canadian freedom protest against Covid-19 restrictions are driving to Paris in at least two convoys.
About 200 people assembled in a car park in Nice, on France's Mediterranean coast, where many showed Canadian flags in recognition of the lorry drivers’ protest in Canada.
They set off from Nice for the 930 kilometre drive to the capital and then hope to complete another 300km drive to Brussels, Belgium, and the headquarters of the EU.
“Lots of people don't understand why a vaccine pass is in force in France,” said Denis, who was helping to co-ordinate the convoy from Nice.
“Our work is to communicate to Europe that putting in place a health pass until 2023 is something the majority of our fellow citizens cannot understand."
In the city of Perpignan, near France's border with Spain, another 200 people set off towards Paris as part of the “freedom convoy” movement.
They want, among other things, an end to rules barring people from public venues if they do not have a Covid vaccination.
The convoy consisted of cars, camper vans and one lorry.
“We are just tired of it all,” said Nicolas Bourrat, an independent lorry driver. "We want to go where we want without being asked for a vaccine pass. At least with this action, I am doing something."
Not everyone setting out from Nice planned to travel all the way to Paris or Brussels.
Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said the lorry driver protests besieging central Ottawa are undermining democracy, and the country's public safety minister has told US Republicans to stay out of Canada's domestic affairs.
Protesters say they will not leave until all vaccine mandates and Covid restrictions are lifted.
The protests began in Ottawa but spread across the country, with lorry blockades halting commercial traffic at critical border crossings, including the Ambassador Bridge into Detroit.
Many members of the US Republican Party, including former president Donald Trump, have made comments supporting the demonstrations.
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Other ways to buy used products in the UAE
UAE insurance firm Al Wathba National Insurance Company (AWNIC) last year launched an e-commerce website with a facility enabling users to buy car wrecks.
Bidders and potential buyers register on the online salvage car auction portal to view vehicles, review condition reports, or arrange physical surveys, and then start bidding for motors they plan to restore or harvest for parts.
Physical salvage car auctions are a common method for insurers around the world to move on heavily damaged vehicles, but AWNIC is one of the few UAE insurers to offer such services online.
For cars and less sizeable items such as bicycles and furniture, Dubizzle is arguably the best-known marketplace for pre-loved.
Founded in 2005, in recent years it has been joined by a plethora of Facebook community pages for shifting used goods, including Abu Dhabi Marketplace, Flea Market UAE and Arabian Ranches Souq Market while sites such as The Luxury Closet and Riot deal largely in second-hand fashion.
At the high-end of the pre-used spectrum, resellers such as Timepiece360.ae, WatchBox Middle East and Watches Market Dubai deal in authenticated second-hand luxury timepieces from brands such as Rolex, Hublot and Tag Heuer, with a warranty.
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Matthew Weiner,
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The Bio
Favourite place in UAE: Al Rams pearling village
What one book should everyone read: Any book written before electricity was invented. When a writer willingly worked under candlelight, you know he/she had a real passion for their craft
Your favourite type of pearl: All of them. No pearl looks the same and each carries its own unique characteristics, like humans
Best time to swim in the sea: When there is enough light to see beneath the surface
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
What is Reform?
Reform is a right-wing, populist party led by Nigel Farage, a former MEP who won a seat in the House of Commons last year at his eighth attempt and a prominent figure in the campaign for the UK to leave the European Union.
It was founded in 2018 and originally called the Brexit Party.
Many of its members previously belonged to UKIP or the mainstream Conservatives.
After Brexit took place, the party focused on the reformation of British democracy.
Former Tory deputy chairman Lee Anderson became its first MP after defecting in March 2024.
The party gained support from Elon Musk, and had hoped the tech billionaire would make a £100m donation. However, Mr Musk changed his mind and called for Mr Farage to step down as leader in a row involving the US tycoon's support for far-right figurehead Tommy Robinson who is in prison for contempt of court.
'Brazen'
Director: Monika Mitchell
Starring: Alyssa Milano, Sam Page, Colleen Wheeler
Rating: 3/5
