France: “Yellow Vest” protests planned in Paris March 7 /update 46

Event

"Yellow Vest" activists have called for protests in Paris on Saturday, March 7. Participants plan to gather at 11:30 (local time) at Gare de l'Est and then head to Place de la Porte de Champerret via Trinité area. Another demonstration is scheduled at 11:00 at Châtelet Les Halles station. A third protest is set to take place from 10:00 to 18:00 at Place de la République. Additional protests are possible in other urban centers across France.

Associated business and transportation disruptions and a heightened security presence are to be anticipated near all demonstration sites.

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.

Advice

Individuals in Paris, and across France are advised to avoid all demonstrations as a precaution, monitor developments, anticipate transportation and business disruptions near protest sites, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.