France: Clashes reported amid “yellow vest” protests, Bastille Day events in Paris July 14 /update 14

Event

Clashes have been reported in Paris as "yellow vest" protesters reportedly attempted to disrupt Bastille Day events on Sunday, July 14. Police fired tear gas and clashed with protesters on Avenue de Champs-Elysées and on the nearby streets of Rue du Colisée and Avenue Franklin Delano Roosevelt. At least 150 people have been detained by police as of 14:00 (local time). The clashes followed the annual military parade along the Avenue de Champs-Elysées, which began at 10:30.

Additional "yellow vest" protests are to be expected across France over the coming weeks, particularly on Saturdays. A heightened security presence is 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. President Emmanuel Macron announced a series of reforms on April 25, including closing corporate tax loopholes, income tax cuts, linking pensions to inflation by 2020, and reforms to referendum processes, among others.

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.