France: “Yellow Vest” protests scheduled in Paris and Montpellier February 1 /update 40

Event

"Yellow Vest" activists have called for protests in Paris and Montpellier on Saturday, February 1. In Paris, participants plan to gather at 13:00 (local time) at the Palais-Royal - Musée du Louvre metro station and then head to the National Assembly. The exact details of the march route remain unknown as of Friday, January 31. A related demonstration is set to take place at 15:00 at either the Place Monge or Jussieu metro stations.

In Montpellier, a protest is planned to start at 10:00 at Place de la Comédie where organizers have asked participants to bring umbrellas. Additional protests are possible in other urban centers across Paris and France more globally.

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.