France: "Yellow Vest" protests planned in Melun and Montpellier November 30 /update 32

Event

"Yellow Vest" protesters have called for demonstrations on Saturday, November 30, in Melun and Montpellier. In Melun, participants plan to gather at 13:00 (local time) outside the Castorama shop. In Montpellier, participants will gather at 13:00 at Place de la Comédie. Additional protests are possible in other urban centers across France, notably in the Paris region, although no specific details have been announced as of Thursday, November 28. Security forces may cordon off landmarks and other areas surrounding the demonstrations to prevent acts of violence and vandalism.

A heightened security presence along with localized transportation and business disruptions are anticipated near all demonstration sites. Clashes between security forces and protesters cannot be ruled out.

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. 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 France are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests due to the risk of violence, budget extra time to reach their destinations if traveling through areas affected by demonstrations, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.