France: “Yellow vest” protest planned in Paris December 31 /update 12

Event

"Yellow vest" protesters are planning to stage a demonstration on Avenue des Champs-Élysées in Paris at 15:00 (local time) on Monday, December 31. Additional protests are likely in the near term, particularly on weekends. A heightened security presence, as well as localized transportation and business disruptions, are to be expected near protest sites. Clashes between protesters and security forces are possible, along with arrests of demonstrators.

Context

The "yellow vest" movement began on November 17 to protest rising fuel prices and a planned fuel tax, and has since grown to encompass a number of popular grievances against the French government; some protests have turned violent and acts of vandalism and looting have been reported. The government had previously announced a tax increase on fuel prices, including gasoline and diesel, beginning on January 1, 2019, to promote environmentally friendly practices. Although the government announced the withdrawal of the carbon tax project from the 2019 budget on December 5, protests have continued.

Advice

Individuals in Paris are advised to follow all instructions issued by local authorities, avoid all protests due to the risk of violence, allow for extra time to reach their destinations, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.