France: Clashes reported during “yellow vest” protest in Toulouse April 13 /update 2

Event

Clashes broke out between "yellow vest" protesters and riot police in Toulouse on Saturday, April 13, as thousands participated in related demonstrations across France for the 22nd consecutive Saturday. Thousands of demonstrators gathered on Toulouse's Allée Jean Jaurès and adjacent streets to protest President Emmanuel Macron's government, with some throwing rocks and other objects at police, setting fires in trash cans, and attempting to enter restricted areas. Police fired tear gas to disperse the protesters and arrested several. Protests were also organized in Paris, Marseille, Grenoble, and Lille, among other cities, with no major unrest immediately reported.

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.