04 Jul 2019 | 03:59 PM UTC
France: “Yellow vest” protests to take place countrywide July 6 /update 12
“Yellow vest” protests planned across France on July 6; heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions expected surrounding demonstration sites
Event
"Yellow vest" protesters have announced demonstrations across France scheduled for Saturday, July 6, with the largest rallies expected in Paris.
In Paris, protesters are due to gather from 09:00 (local time) at Place de la République and then march to Bastille, Denfert Rochereau, and Place de Catalogne. In Toulouse, protesters are expected to gather at 14:00 (local time) at Allée Jean Jaurès. Security forces in the capital are expected to cordon off the areas surrounding the Champs-Elysées, the Elysée Palace, the National Assembly, and Notre-Dame during the protests to prevent acts of violence and vandalism. Information regarding possible closures to public transportation services is available here.
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.
