France: “Red scarf” protest planned for January 27

Event

The "Red scarf" movement will hold a demonstration, known as the "Republican March for Liberties," in Paris on Sunday, January 27. Protesters are expected to meet at 12:00 (local time) at Place de la Nation and march to Place de la Bastille for a rally at 14:00. According to organizers, several thousand people are expected to attend. A heightened security presence is expected in the capital. Localized transportation and business disruptions in the vicinity of protests are also likely. Clashes between security forces and protesters cannot be ruled out.

Context

The "Red scarf" movement launched in December in response to "Yellow vests" protests to denounce violence and unrest in anti-government demonstrations. The January 27 demonstration will mark the first gathering of the "Red scarf" movement.

As a reminder, the "yellow vests" 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 France 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.