German Gilets Jaunes in Stuttgart Have a Case, Too - Bloomberg

German Gilets Jaunes in Stuttgart Have a Case, Too - Bloomberg



...The original protesters were car owners. The mass rallies were initially directed against government policies many felt were unfairly targeting less well-to-do drivers -- environmentally-motivated fuel tax increases, draconian fines for traffic violations (France is one of the few European countries where a driver can even go to prison for speeding) and the lowering of the speed limit on country roads. Given France’s relatively high unemployment, real estate prices that prevent many from living close to their jobs, and underfunded public transportation in many areas, it’s easy to conclude the government either has it in for poor people who drive or doesn’t understand their plight. 



... 1.3 million cars with older diesel engines that are currently in use are affected, and the German government isn’t doing anything for their owners. 



...Since Jan. 1, cars complying with the pre-2006 Euro-4 emissions standard are banned from entering downtown Stuttgart. Starting in April, city residents won’t be able to drive such cars, either, and the pre-2011 Euro-5 standard will be outlawed by the fall.



...like in France, the conflict between lofty environmental goals and the needs of ordinary people isn’t so much about culture as about the fundamental question of how seriously governments should take the mobility needs of people who can’t afford to change cars every couple of years