Initial reactions in Germany to the protests of the Gilets Jaunes in France were characterised by fear of a surge of a right-wing movement. However, soon  numerous publications appeared showing the movement to be considerably  different. In his omnibus review Torsten Bewernitz presents an overview of the main arguments brought forth in these publications by NGOs, anarchist and  syndicalist initiatives as well as trade unions and left-wing parties. Focussing on the specificity of the Gilet Jaunes’ protests the author criticises the traditional position  of left-wing parties attempting to exert influence on new social movements and  instead prefers the option of a participatory perspective.