12 Dec 2019 | 02:17 PM UTC
France: “Yellow Vest” demonstration planned in Paris and Paris-Charles De Gaulle airport amid ongoing nationwide strike December 14
“Yellow Vest” activists to protest in Paris and Paris-Charles De Gaulle airport amid ongoing nationwide strike on December 14; heightened security presence and transportation disruptions expected
Event
"Yellow Vest" protesters have called for a demonstration in Paris on Saturday, December 14, amid an ongoing nationwide strike affecting public transportation networks. Participants plan to gather at 14:30 (local time) at Paris-Charles De Gaulle airport's (CDG) terminal 2. In Paris, another demonstration is set to take place at 14:00 at Place Stalingrad. Related protests are possible across Paris and in other urban centers across France on Saturday, although no specific details have been announced as of Wednesday, December 12. Security forces may cordon off landmarks and other areas surrounding the demonstrations to prevent acts of violence and vandalism.
A heightened security presence along with localized transportation and business disruptions are anticipated near all demonstration sites.
Context
As of December 12, a nationwide strike is underway since December 4, to denounce the government's proposed universal pension reform. The strike has resulted in significant transportation disruptions across France.
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 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, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.
