Vigipirat (in French: Plan Vigipirate) is France’s national alert system for terrorist threat levels. Created in 1978 by President Valerie Giscard d'Estaing , it has since been updated three times: in 1995 (after terrorist attacks ), in 2000 and 2004.
"Vigipirate" is a purse word from fr. “Vigilance” (vigilance) or “ vigie ” (watchtower) and “pirate” (pirate).
The system determines four levels of antiterrorist readiness, which are represented by five colors: white , yellow , orange , red , purple . (Note: sometimes the magenta level is translated into Russian as scarlet .)
The system provides for special security measures, including an increased number of patrols, police or mixed patrols of police and military, in the subway, train stations and other vulnerable places.
The plan is carried out in accordance with the plans of Biotox, Piratox, Piratome, Piratair-Intrusair, Pirate-mer, and Piranet (these are components of the Vigipirat plan).
Opponents of the plan mockingly call it the “Plan Vichypirate”, in connection with the Vichy regime, due to its interference in the private lives of citizens.
Warning Levels
- White level
- There is no danger.
- Yellow level
- Raising the level of security to readiness for a real, but as yet there is no certain danger, with the help of measures that are local and minimally violating normal life, readily switch to the "orange" or "red" level within a few days.
- Orange level
- Taking measures against the plausible danger of terrorist acts, including the use of means that are moderately destructive to normal social activities, with the readiness to switch to "red" or "purple" in the shortest time possible.
- Red level
- Taking measures against the proven risk of one or more terrorist acts, including measures to protect state institutions and introduce appropriate means for emergency rescue and response actions that allow a significant level of violations in social and economic activities.
- Purple level
- Notification of the risk of major terrorist attacks, simultaneous or at different times, committed using unconventional means and causing serious damage; preparation of appropriate means of salvation and response; measures are allowed that greatly violate the life of society.
See also
- Counter-terrorism , anti-terrorism
- UK Threat Levels , UK hazard levels, replaced BIKINI state in 2006
- Homeland Security Advisory System in the United States
- French counter-terrorism system on Agentura.ru