France: Pension reform protest scheduled in Paris January 29 /update 15

Event

Several labor unions have called for an additional protest against pension reform in Paris on Wednesday, January 29. Participants plan to gather at 13:30 (local time) at Place d'Italie, though exact details of the march remain unknown as of Monday, January 27. A related protest is set to take place in Aubervilliers at 09:00. Unions stated that the demonstration will be the last event before a break in strikes.

A heightened security presence and transportation disruptions are to be expected along the march route.

Context

Thousands have protested across France in December 2019 to voice their opposition to the planned pension reform scheme. Subsequent ongoing nationwide strikes have caused significant disruptions to 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, particularly in Paris, are advised to avoid all demonstrations as a precaution, monitor developments to the situation, anticipate transportation disruptions, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.