France: "Yellow vest” protesters demonstrate in Paris, other cities January 5 /update 14

Thousands of “yellow vest” protesters demonstrate in Paris and other French cities January 5; additional protests likely over the near term, particularly on weekends
Read all related news alert(s):
France: 51,400 participate in "yellow vest" protests across France on February 9 /update 25
France: Thousands participate in “yellow vest” protests nationwide February 9 /update 24
France: “Yellow vest” protests planned nationwide February 9 /update 23
France: Macron considering May referendum to mollify “yellow vest” protests /update 22
France: Thousands participate in “yellow vest” protests across country February 2 /update 21
France: “Yellow vest” protests planned nationwide February 2 /update 20
France: “Yellow vest” protests planned for January 26 /update 19
France: Thousands participate in “Yellow Vest” protests across France Jan. 19 /update 18
France: “Yellow vest” protests planned for January 19 /update 17
France: Additional "Yellow vest” protests announced for January 12 /update 16
France: "Yellow vest” protests planned for January 12 /update 15
France: “Yellow vest” movement to stage protests nationwide January 5 /update 13
France: “Yellow vest” protest planned in Paris December 31 /update 12
France: “Yellow vest” protests continue December 29 /update 11
France: “Yellow vest” protests nationwide Dec. 29 /update 10
France: “Yellow vest” protests in Paris December 31 /update 9
France: “Yellow vest” protests continue nationwide December 22 /update 8
France: “Yellow vest” movement to hold another round of protests Dec. 22 /update 7
France: "Yellow vest” protesters block highways December 20 /update 6
France: “Yellow vest” protests held nationwide December 15 /update 5
France: Heightened security ahead of “yellow vest” protests December 15 /update 4
France: Hundreds of “yellow vest” protesters arrested as clashes continue Dec. 8 /update 3
France: High risk of violence during “yellow vest” protests December 8 /update 2
France: “Yellow vest” protests to continue through December 10 /update 1
France: Fuel shortages reported amid “yellow vest” movement December 4
Event
Thousands of "yellow vest" protesters demonstrated in cities across France (including in Paris, Bordeaux, Toulouse, Rouen, Marseille, and Nantes) on Saturday, January 5, denouncing the rising cost of living and the government and policies of President Emmanuel Macron for an eighth consecutive weekend. Notably, in Paris, protesters gathered at Place de la Bourse, with some later setting fire to motorbikes and barricades on Boulevard Saint-Germain. Police blocked bridges crossing the Seine as protesters launched projectiles at the officers, who responded by firing tear gas to disperse the demonstrators. Police also dispersed dozens of demonstrators on Avenue des Champs-Élysées around nightfall (local time). Clashes between police and protesters in Paris left at least one police officer wounded.
Additional protests are likely in Paris and French cities in the near term, particularly on weekends. A heightened security presence, as well as localized transportation and business disruptions, are to be expected near protest sites. Clashes between protesters and security forces are possible, along with arrests of demonstrators.
Context
The "yellow vest" movement began on November 17 to protest rising fuel prices and a planned fuel tax, and 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. The government had previously announced a tax increase on fuel prices, including gasoline and diesel, beginning on January 1, 2019, to promote environmentally friendly practices. Although the government announced the withdrawal of the carbon tax project from the 2019 budget on December 5, protests have continued.
The January 5 demonstrations came days after the arrest of Eric Drouet, a leader of the "yellow vest" movement. Supporters maintain the government unjustly arrested Drouet to suppress the protests, sparking calls for increased participation.
Advice
Individuals in France are advised to avoid all protests due to the risk of violence and arrest, allow for extra time to reach their destinations, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.
Copyright and Disclaimer
GardaWorld is the owner or licensee of all intellectual property rights in the material presented on this website. All such rights are reserved.
The use of this website and its material is subject to the Terms of Use and accordingly you must not use any content from this website for commercial or other analogous purposes without our consent,
including but not limited to any deep-linking or framing in order to copy, distribute, display or monitor any portion of the website.
If you have any questions or are interested in distributing any content from this website, Contact us for more details.