29 Apr 2022 | 06:58 PM UTC
France: Yellow Vest activists to stage protests in Paris April 30 and May 1
Yellow Vest activists to demonstrate in several areas of Paris, France, on April 30 and May 1. Increased security likely.
Event
Activists affiliated with the Yellow Vests (Gilets jaunes) movement plan to stage several demonstrations in Paris on April 30 and May 1. The purpose of the action is to protest certain social and economic issues in France, including the value-added tax, COVID-19 restrictions, and the outcome of the nation's recent presidential election, among other matters. Organizers have announced the following specific events:
April 30
Activists will assemble at Place Madeleine Braun near the Gare de l'Est railway station in the 10th Arrondissement at 13:00 before marching to Place du Bataillon du Pacifique in the city's Bercy neighborhood starting at 14:30. The march route will follow Rue du Faubourg Saint Martin, Boulevard Saint Martin, Boulevard Voltaire, Boulevard Richard Lenoir, Rue de Charenton, and Boulevard de Bercy.
A separate group will assemble at Place de la Bataille de Stalingrad at 13:00 in the 10th Arrondissement before marching to Place Mireille-Havet in the 11th Arrondissment starting at 14:30. The march route will follow Rue La Fayette, Quai de Valmy, Boulevard Jules Ferry, Boulevard Richard Lenoir, Place de la Bastille, and Rue du Faubourg Saint Antoine.
May 1
Activists will stage rallies in the Porte de Vanves neighborhood and at the Porte de Clignancourt metro station at 10:00 and 15:00 respectively. Further details have as yet not been released.
It remains unclear how many participants each event may draw. Nevertheless, authorities will almost certainly deploy additional police to monitor all of the announced demonstrations. Localized transport and business disruptions are possible. While the events will probably remain mostly peaceful, low-level clashes cannot be ruled out.
Advice
Avoid the announced demonstration locations. Consider alternate travel routes to circumvent areas where marches are taking place. If violence erupts nearby, immediately depart the area and seek shelter in a secure, nongovernmental building. Heed all instructions from local authorities.
