France: Education unions demonstrating in Paris Jan. 26

Event

Education unions are leading a demonstration in central Paris Jan. 26. Participants are gathered outside the Ministry of Education building on Rue de Grenelle. The action is to demand better pay and working conditions and denounce the government's handling of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Attendance is in the thousands. Related protests are reported in additional French cities nationwide, with attendance varying by location.

Additional police are deployed to monitor the action; related security measures will likely prompt localized transport disruptions in the demonstration area. Current COVID-19 measures in France restrict public gatherings; police may attempt to disperse the action if participants are deemed to be breaching these restrictions. The demonstration is likely to be largely peaceful, though isolated clashes cannot be ruled out.

Advice

Avoid the demonstration as a routine security precaution and to mitigate associated disruptions. Heed instructions from security services and leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation. Allow extra time for travel in the protest area and check public transport schedules and local traffic conditions for disruptions before beginning journeys.