France: “Yellow vest” movement to stage protests nationwide January 5 /update 13

Event

The "yellow vest" movement plans to stage additional protests throughout the country on Saturday, January 5. Gatherings have been called for in the capital Paris, notably at the Avenue des Champs Elysées and La Bourse. A demonstration march is also planned from Place de l'Hôtel de Ville in Paris beginning at 14:00 (local time) to the Assemblée Nationale, via Île de la Cité, Place Saint Michel, and Musée d'Orsay. Further demonstrations should take place in cities nationwide, including Lyon, Bordeaux, Toulouse, and Nice.

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 arrest 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.

The January 5 demonstration is set to take place days after the arrest of Eric Drouet, a leader of the "yellow vest" movement. Supporters maintain the government unjustly arrested Drouet in an attempt to suppress the protests which has sparked calls for increased participation.

Advice

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