11 Jan 2019 | 09:26 AM UTC
France: Additional "Yellow vest” protests announced for January 12 /update 16
Additional “Yellow vest” protests announced throughout France on January 12; heightened security presence and transportation and business disruptions expected
Event
"Yellow vest" protesters have announced additional demonstrations across France scheduled for Saturday, January 12. Protesters have detailed demonstrations in Paris to include rallies at La Défense from 09:00 (local time), at Place Vauban from 10:00, and at Place de la République from 14:00. Demonstrations on Avenue des Champ-Elysées cannot be ruled out. Demonstrations are also scheduled to take place in Bordeaux from 13:00 at the police station on Cours Maréchal-Juin, in Lille from 13:30 at Place de la République, and in Toulouse from 12:30 at Place du Capitole and from 13:30 at University of Toulouse-Jean Jaurès.
Thousands of protesters are expected to meet in Bourges for the largest events from 10:00 to 14:00; however, local authorities have banned protesters to demonstrate within the city center. In Lyon, protesters are planning to march from Fourvière around 10:00 to Place Bellecour until 13:00, and finally to Guillotière at 14:00 for a large rally.
A heightened security presence is expected in major urban areas throughout France. Localized transportation and business disruptions in the vicinity of protests are also likely. Clashes between security forces and protesters cannot be ruled out.
Context
The "yellow vest" movement began on November 17 to protest rising fuel prices and a planned fuel tax, and 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. 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. Although the government announced the withdrawal of the carbon tax project from the 2019 budget on December 5, protests have continued.
Advice
Individuals in France are advised to follow all instructions issued by local authorities, avoid all protests due to the risk of violence, allow for extra time to reach their destinations, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.
