Remembering the French Chef Riots of ‘99

The recent riots in France have made me nostalgic for the French chef riots of 1999. Over 1000 French Chefs marched on the National Assembly to protest a 20.6% restaurant tax. Along the way they pelted riot police with eggs, flour, and other food until the police tear gassed them. That was back when the French had the balls to stand up to their chefs.

The Washington Post (October 11, 1999) ran the following photos:

A tax revolt, in France?

The police boldly move in. The chefs remain defiant.

And inflict some casualties.

I can’t help but wonder whether this riot so scarred the French psyche that it has hindered the response to the current riots – their riot Vietnam.