France - National March of Anger - 02 October 2019

Police unions across France have declared 02 October 2019 as the day for a “National March of Anger” to take place in Paris. According to police unionists, this is a “first warning” to the attention of the federal government.

Through the first eight months of 2019, 48 police officers have committed suicide. The police unions are calling for an “improvement in the quality of life at work.” They unionists continue how the police stations of the country “lack everything.”

Yellow Vests

The yellow vest protests which had reduced in size and cadence throughout the summer appear to attempt to reignite. In a violent action on 09 September, the yellow vests set fire to a police car in Montepellier, where approximately 1,500 people had gathered in protest.

Travel advice

Should the yellow vest protests pick up steam and continue to plague France, the police strike action may provide more fuel to that fire as yellow vest protesters capitalize on the diminishing morale of the police.

Travelers should heed travel advice from their Embassies and Consulates. The United States carries France at Level 2 - Exercise increased caution. Furthermore, they advise government employees to avoid Paris and other major cities on weekends due to civil unrest.

Exercise increased caution in France due to terrorism and civil unrest.
Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in France. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.

Demonstrations in Paris and other major cities continue in France and are expected to continue in the coming weeks. Property damage, including looting and arson, in populated tourist areas has occurred with reckless disregard for public safety. Police have responded with water cannons, rubber bullets, and tear gas.

The U.S. Embassy is advising official U.S. government travelers to avoid travel to Paris and other major cities in France on the weekends.