30 Mar 2019 | 10:35 PM UTC
France: Thousands participate in “yellow vest” protests across country Mar. 30 /update 5
Thousands of people participate in “yellow vest” protests in Paris and other cities across France March 30; some clashes with police reported, though protests held without major incident amid lower turnout
Event
Thousands of people participated in the 20th installment of "yellow vest" protests in Paris and other cities across France on Saturday, March 30. Some acts of vandalism, arrests, and clashes with police were reported in Paris, Avignon, Bordeaux, and Toulouse, though the protests were generally held without major incident. In Paris, security forces notably cordoned off Avenue des Champs-Élysées, the Élysée Palace, and the National Assembly building to protest activity; the centers of Avignon, Bordeaux, and Toulouse were also reportedly cordoned off. Authorities directed store owners in planned protest areas to close their businesses as a precaution. In total, "yellow vest" demonstrators numbered about 33,400 across France on Saturday - a decrease from the 40,500 estimated to have participated in the March 23 protests.
Additional "yellow vest" protests are to be expected across France over the coming weeks, particularly on Saturdays. A heightened security presence is to be anticipated near related demonstrations. Localized transportation and business disruptions are likely near protest sites, and clashes between security forces and protesters cannot be ruled out.
Context
The "yellow vest" movement began on November 17, 2018, to protest rising fuel prices and a planned fuel tax. It 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, although the scale of the protests has diminished since their height in December.
Demonstrations have continued despite French government proposals to address protesters' concerns.
Advice
Individuals in France are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests due to the risk of violence, budget extra time to reach their destinations if traveling through areas affected by demonstrations, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.
