05 Dec 2018 | 04:33 PM UTC
France: “Yellow vest” protests to continue through December 10 /update 1
“Yellow vest” protests to continue across country through December 10; associated disruptions reported as of December 5, with additional disruptions expected over the coming days
Event
"Yellow vest" protests are ongoing in France as of Wednesday, December 5, resulting in significant disruptions in some areas. Associated transportation disruptions have been reported near Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) as of Wednesday morning (local time), impeding access to the airport. Road and fuel depot blocks are also ongoing in parts of the country and are expected to persist throughout the week. Fuel shortages have been reported at some 457 gas stations due to various oil depot blocks in Britanny and Pays de la Loire.
Activists associated with the "yellow vest" movement also plan to hold multiple disruptive protests across the country over the coming week. Protests are scheduled in Paris and other urban areas throughout the weekend of December 8-9. Participants have also called for a total blockade across the country on Monday, December 10, to disrupt means of transportation, business operations, and various other services; such actions had not been confirmed by official sources as of Wednesday. Severe transportation disruptions are to be expected in affected areas. Clashes between protesters and police cannot be ruled out.
Context
The "yellow vest" movement has been carrying out daily protests since November 17 against rising fuel prices and a planned fuel tax. Hundreds of thousands of participants have engaged in slow-rolling protests to block roads and highways, causing significant traffic disruptions. Four people have been killed and over a thousand injured in traffic incidents or protests.
The government had previously announced a tax increase on fuel prices, including gasoline and diesel, beginning on January 1, 2019, to promote environmentally friendly practices. On December 4, the French government postponed the fuel tax increase for at least six months and called for greater dialogue to address economic concerns in the country.
Advice
Individuals in France are advised to monitor developments to the situation, anticipate increased wait times at fuel stations, allow for extra time to reach their destinations, and avoid all protests as a precaution.
