France: “Yellow Vest” activists to protest in Paris February 15 /update 43

Event

Activists from the "Yellow Vest" movement have called for protests in Paris on Saturday, February 15. Participants plan to gather at several locations including at the Préfecture on Place Louis Lepine at 13:00 (local time) before marching to the Elysée, as well as at Nation at 14:30. 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.