Paris police used tear gas Saturday to disperse anti-government demonstrators who are trying to revive the yellow vest movement in protest at perceived economic injustice and French President Emmanuel Macron’s government.
The French capital was placed under high security as a few hundred anti-government protesters started marching in the Paris streets.
Police in riot gear were moving quickly to disperse small crowds of protesters, using tear gas on and around the Champs-Elysees avenue, Saint-Lazare train station and Madeleine plaza – areas where protests have been banned this weekend.
Most demonstrators didn’t wear the fluorescent vests that gave the movement its name.
Paris police said at least 106 people were arrested and 1,249 security checks took place. Over 100 people received 135-euro ($149) fines for demonstrating in a banned area.
Paris police said no damage was registered by midday.
Authorities have deployed more than 7,000 officers and banned protests in a large central area including the presidential palace, government and parliament buildings, the Champs-Elysees, the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral.
Several calls for demonstrations have been issued in the French capital by yellow vest supporters, environmental activists and a far-left workers union.
Russian researcher who studied plague died of mysterious illness: What to know
WATCH: Hasan Piker Reminds James Talarico About His Liberal Puppet Masters: ‘He’s Got to Play Ball’
Arizona State cheerleader charged after confrontation with police caught on viral video
Coast Guard Issues Sad Announcement on Search for Downed Medical Plane Near Nantucket
Catholic schools, banned rifles and ‘climate lawfare’: Blockbuster fights await Supreme Court
California realtor accused of spying for China caught at LAX and more top headlines
Green New Deal Lovers Beware: Senate Deal Would Cut the Six-Year Stall on Pipelines and Gas Plants to 150 Days
WATCH: GOP senators skeptical of Bill Gates’ ‘fearmongering’ AI warning as Dems sound alarm
Meet the AI doomsday death cult connected to a cross-country killing spree
Democrat, Leftist Ties to Suspected Serial Killer, Violent Pornographer Emerge as House of Horrors Case Grows
From doubted to dominant: Fox News turns 30 and looks to the future
Wall Street has a new rival, and it’s deep in the heart of this southern state
AI is supercharging political ad wars. But viral doesn’t mean victorious
Shark bites fisherman twice during kayaking encounter along California beach
Mass shooting at Georgia block party leaves 2 dead, 35 injured
France’s annual heritage weekend, a very popular event with many cultural sites open to the public, is also taking place.
Parisians and tourists were queuing to visit landmark and government buildings, including the presidential palace and Macron’s office. The public could only access the Elysee after having pre-registered and passing security checks.
Some other monuments, including the Arc de Triomphe that suffered damage during a yellow vest protest last December, will remain closed to the public so the busy police don’t have to deal with it.
The yellow vest movement that emerged 10 months ago petered out this summer, after weekly protests that led to often-violent clashes with police in Paris and other cities.
Macron made multiple concessions to the movement, including a 10-billion euro package of measures to boost purchasing power. But anger is now mounting again over his plans to overhaul France’s costly, convoluted pension system.
Climate activists are demonstrating Saturday afternoon in Paris to demand more action from the government and companies to reduce emissions and save the burning Amazon rainforest and the melting Arctic.
The hard-left Workers Force union is also holding a separate march against the retirement reform, amid concerns it will require people to work longer and reduce pensions.
Story cited here.
