France: Protest march scheduled in Paris December 19 /update 6

Event

Several labor unions plan to march in Paris on Thursday, December 19, to denounce the pension reform project. Participants are due to meet at 14:00 (local time) at Gare de Lyon before heading to Gare de l'Est via Place de la Bastille, Place de la République, and boulevard Magenta. Additional protests are expected across the Paris region.

A heightened security presence is expected near all protest sites and along all march routes. Disruptions to transportation and business are  expected in demonstration-affected areas.

Context

Thousands have protested across France in December 2019 to voice their opposition to the planned pension reform scheme, which would raise the retirement age from an average age of 62 to 64. 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 Paris and its region are advised to closely monitor developments to the situation, anticipate significant transportation and business disruptions, plan alternative routes and budget additional travel time in areas affected by the general strike and protests, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.