27 Feb 2020 | 02:47 PM UTC
France: “Yellow Vest” activists to protest in Paris February 29 /update 45
“Yellow Vest” activists have called for protests in Paris on February 29; heightened security presence and transportation disruptions expected
Event
"Yellow Vest" activists have called for protests in Paris on Saturday, February 29. One group plans to gather from 14:00 to 18:00 (local time) at Place Édouard Herriot near the National Assembly. Another protest is scheduled at the Cité Universitaire station at 11:00, followed by a march towards the Champs de Mars area. In Place de la République, activists will demonstrate from 10:00 to 18:00. 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.
