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.
Danish PM Frederiksen resigns after lackluster election for Social Democrats, Moderates seek to wield power
Why CPAC has a golden opportunity to reestablish itself as the ‘go-to conservative conference’
Newsom’s Social Media Team Freaks, Glowingly Compares Candidate to ‘American Psycho’ Who Used Acid to Mutilate Woman
Illinois Gov Pritzker admits ‘real failures’ as slain Chicago student’s hometown pays tribute in lights
LA model and influencer charged with using dating apps to burglarize homes of elderly, wealthy victims
Israel funds front websites in attempt to push ChatGPT into promoting pro-war messaging
Chicago Mayor Who Said ‘We Cannot Jail Our Way Out of Violent Crime’ Proves We Can As Student Allegedly Murdered by Criminal Illegal
SEE IT: Travelers sound off as ICE agents deployed to airports as shutdown drags past 40 days
American Dennis Coyle lands in Texas after over a year in Taliban captivity
Maryland Dems mocked for prioritizing tampons in men’s bathrooms amid state deficit: ‘Nonsense’
US, Israeli officials insist Iran’s speaker is negotiating despite denials
Matt Mahan moves to boost sagging poll numbers in California free-for-all
Trump urges RNC chair’s wife to run for Congress, pledges endorsement: ‘RUN, SYDNEY, RUN!’
Rep. Jim Jordan eyes spy powers warrant debate after short-term extension of FISA Section 702
Chicago alderwoman apologizes for ‘wrong place at the wrong time’ comment on slain student
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.
