9 chapters across the catalog
Protests against U.S. tariffs and the influence of Elon Musk spread to European capitals, including Berlin, Paris, and London. In Trafalgar Square, American expats chanted slogans such as "hands off Canada" and "hands off Ukraine." The hosts question why Americans living abroad are concerned with domestic U.S. trade policy and mock the "solidarity" messages sent by privileged Westerners.
Protesters in Paris reportedly broke into BlackRock's headquarters as part of ongoing demonstrations against raising the retirement age. Simultaneously, Paris residents voted in a referendum to ban rental electric scooters from the city streets starting in August. The hosts praise the French for "standing up to things" and removing what they characterize as a significant traffic hazard and urban nuisance.
Global Trucker Protests, Paris and Canberra Demonstrations
Inspired by the Canadian Freedom Convoy, similar protests emerge in Paris, France, and Canberra, Australia. In Paris, police used tear gas to disperse 500 vehicles attempting to enter the city near the Arc de Triomphe.
Denmark has lifted all COVID-19 restrictions, returning to 2019 norms due to high vaccination levels. Conversely, large-scale protests continue in Paris, France, where citizens are clashing with police over ongoing mandates. The divergence in European policies is expected to create pressure on the Biden administration to justify continued mandates in the United States.
French Health Pass Protests, Media Underreporting
Over 200,000 people protested across France against President Emmanuel Macron's "health pass" law, which requires proof of vaccination for trains and cafes. Critics claim American media is intentionally underreporting the scale of these European protests and other controversial topics like the Hunter Biden laptop.
The UK has lifted self-isolation requirements for fully vaccinated travelers from the U.S. and Europe, provided they use FDA or EMA-approved vaccines. Simultaneously, Paris has seen three consecutive weeks of mass protests against the "Pass Sanitaire." Riot police have been deployed to manage thousands of citizens angry over the requirement to show vaccine proof for basic social activities.
The "Yellow Vest" movement in France entered its eighth week of protests with 50,000 people demonstrating across the country. Despite President Emmanuel Macron's attempts to label the protesters as "haters," the movement remains determined to continue its fight against the government.
European Protests, Anti-Trump Sentiment in London and Paris
Thousands of protesters marched in London and Paris against President Trump's travel ban, using slogans like "Theresa the Appeaser" to criticize Prime Minister Theresa May's relationship with the U.S. administration. The protests reflect international condemnation of the policy, which critics label a "Muslim ban."
A listener report from a European trip describes being inundated by refugee women in Paris using adoption papers as a ruse to solicit signatures or money. In Munich, refugees were observed selling selfie sticks, while unrecorded protests were noted throughout Paris.
