France: “Yellow vest” protests to take place nationwide March 16 /update 1

Event

"Yellow vest" protesters have announced demonstrations across France scheduled for Saturday, March 16. Rallies are expected at various locations throughout the capital, Paris, including at the Trocadéro at 09:00 (local time), at the Arc de Triomphe at 09:00, at Gare du Nord train station at 09:00, on the Avenue des Champs-Elysées at 10:00, at La Madeleine at 13:00, and at Place de la République at 14:00. Associated demonstrations are planned in other French cities on Saturday, in Lille at Place de la République at 13:00; in Toulouse at Allée Jean Jaurès at 14:00; in Bordeaux at Place de la Bourse at 14:00; and in Lyon at the Palais de Justice at 15:00.

Climate Marches organized nationwide on Saturday might overlap with "yellow vest" protests. 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.

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.