France: “Yellow vest” protest scheduled in Paris December 28

Event

"Yellow vest" activists have called for a march in Paris on Saturday, December 28. Participants plan to gather at 11:00 (local time) at Place de la Bourse before heading to Gare du Nord Station via Place de la République, where activists will join another protest to denounce the government's pension reform project. The latter is expected to start at 13:00.

Additional protests are possible in other urban centers in Paris and across France.

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 2018. 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.

Thousands have also protested across France in December 2019 to voice their opposition to the planned pension reform scheme. Subsequent related ongoing nationwide strikes have caused significant disruptions across all forms of transportation. Strikes may continue for an indefinite period if the government does not abandon its proposed pension reform plan.

Advice

Individuals in France, notably in Paris, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests due to the risk of violence, budget extra time to reach their destinations, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.