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CAIRO. – The Egyptian government has reportedly restricted the sale of yellow reflective vests out of fear that dissenters might take the lead of the “Gilets Jaunes” protesters wreaking havoc in France. The Associated Press quoted security officials and retailers who said Monday that industrial safety equipment dealers had been ordered not to sell yellow vests to individuals buying in person and only to allow wholesale purchases by verified companies, and even then only after securing police permission.
They were also warned that anyone flouting the new restrictions would be punished, though did not elaborate on potential penalties.
Anti-government unrest has spread across France since November 17, when the Gilets Jaunes – meaning “Yellow Vests” – protesters took to the streets to demonstrate against a fuel tax proposed by President Emmanuel Macron. The protests have since morphed into a wider anti-Macron movement, with demands for improved living standards, economic reform and Macron’s resignation—all symbolized by the now-iconic high-vis jackets.
Macron had been forced to reverse his planned tax and has vowed to increase the country’s minimum wage in a bid to appease the Gilets Jaunes, though the demonstrations continued last weekend regardless.
One Cairo retailer told the AP, “They seem not to want anyone to do what they are doing in France.”
Another told the agency, “The police came here a few days back and told us to stop selling them. When we asked why, they said they were acting on instructions.” Both sellers requested anonymity out of fear of retribution.
Security officials – who told the AP they were not authorised to comment publicly – confirmed the restrictions, which they said were announced at a meeting between senior police officers and retailers this week.
Public protests had been all but banned by Sisi’s authoritarian government. Nonetheless, the authorities remained wary of organised opposition. The AP noted that Egyptian media has emphasised riots, looting and arson in Paris, taking its leads from Sisi’s warnings that organised street demonstrations would descend into violence and chaos. – Newsweek/AP
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