Poliarchie / Polyarchies volume 3 n. 1/2020

The purpose of this research is to provide a description of the Gilets Jaunes movement in France, in the light of the theoretical approaches to the description of the protest movements. First, it is necessary to consider whether in this case we can explain the emergence of the movement as caused by the “systemic imbalance” or “power imbalance”, which has occurred in France in the aftermath of Macron’s rise to power, and according to Smelser’s approach. Secondly, according to Tilly, the repertoires of the conflict or collective action were recorded to assess to what extent the action of the Gilets Jaunes has inclined towards mobilization, violence, or manifestation of public discontent. The Gilets Jaunes movement looks more like a reaction against the French establishment and the incumbent President Macron, than as a collective movement with its own identity and “systemic” claims. This is the expression of a priori rejection of the political class, without clear alternatives and in a form of almost extreme nihilism. The Gilets Jaunes appear as a manifestation of the opposition to power, refusing any proposal for mediation or dialogue with the political institution. The political class is rejected in its entirety and the Gilets Jaunes can be labelled as a Generally Unwanted Rulers (GURs) movement.