Paris protests: Police deploy water cannon as gilets jaunes activists burn trees in French capital
Seventeen police officers among 135 injured during unrest across France
Your support helps us to tell the story
My recent work focusing on Latino voters in Arizona has shown me how crucial independent journalism is in giving voice to underrepresented communities.
Your support is what allows us to tell these stories, bringing attention to the issues that are often overlooked. Without your contributions, these voices might not be heard.
Every dollar you give helps us continue to shine a light on these critical issues in the run up to the election and beyond
Eric Garcia
Washington Bureau Chief
More than 1,000 people were arrested across France as security forces deployed tear gas and water cannon to tackle anti-government protests.
Rioters hurled missiles, torched cars and trees and vandalised shops and restaurants as the ‘gilets jaunes’ staged their fourth weekend of demonstrations.
The violence also spread to Amsterdam and Brussels, where a crowd attempted to reach the European Union headquarters and other official buildings.
In Paris an estimated 10,000 people marched up a Champs-Elysees decked out in pink Christmas lights and police charged protesters on horseback. A total of 620 people were arrested in the French capital alone.
Rioting also broke out in Marseilles, Bordeaux, Lyon and Toulouse, although the nationwide demonstrations were generally much more peaceful than a week ago.
As darkness fell, interior minister Christophe Castaner announced that the violence was “under control” but condemned it as “totally unacceptable”.
He said 135 people, including 17 police officers, were injured across the country and vowed that the security forces would remain vigilant overnight as there were reports of groups of youths looting shops.
The “yellow vests” movement – a reference to the fluorescent safety outfit French motorists keep in their cars – began on 17 November as a backlash to a rise in fuel taxes.
They have since come to encompass general anger and disillusionment with President Emmanuel Macron’s government and high living costs. Four people have died during the protests so far.
Amid warnings that far-right, anarchist and anti-capitalist groups would try to hijack the demonstrations, nearly 90,000 police and other security personnel were deployed across the country from 4am on Saturday.
Shops, restaurants and cafes were boarded up and shuttered while tourist destinations such as The Louvre, Eiffel Tower and the Paris Opera were also closed.
Donald Trump reacted to reports of rioting in the French capital by suggesting that the unrest could be blamed on the 2015 Paris climate change agreement. He also claimed that protesters were shouting “We want Trump”.
If you want to read how events unfolded, read our live coverage below.
Police in Paris estimate that 8,000 yellow vest protesters are marching in the capital today.
In Brussels police have used pepper spray and scuffled with a group of protesters who tried to break through a barricade blocking access to the European Parliament
A fire is blazing on Avenue Friedland. Not sure what’s been set alight.. Some people are moving away from it, others heading towards it #giletsjaunes
Heavily armoured police vehicles are driving through the streets of Paris as protests continue
100 protesters have been detained in Belgium, including many who were carrying dangerous objects like fireworks.
Paris' mayor Anne Hidalgo has asked demonstrators to "take care" of the city.
“It’s with an immense sadness that we’ll see our city partially brought to a halt, but your safety is our priority,“ she said.
“Take care of Paris on Saturday because Paris belongs to all the French people.”
Protesters in the French capital have called on Emmanuel Macron to resign.
They chanted 'Macron Resign' and 'Police Everywhere - Justice Nowhere' as they walked through central Paris.
The activists are calling Saturday "Act 4", a day of action which follows weeks of protests throughout France.
This 22-year-old has just been shot in the leg with a rubber bullet by police. There are medics among the protesters who are ready to treat injuries like this https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dt5n5jQWsAAOnGM.jpg
A group of four protesters who travelled to Paris from Normandy on Saturday said that they saw people wearing yellow vests turned away at train stations along their route.
The group added that fellow protesters trying to reach Paris from Toulouse in southern France reported the same problems.
Embattled French president Emmanuel Macron met on Saturday with the riot police who were deployed across Paris.
Mr Macron, a divisive figure, has kept a low profile as the anti-government protests continue.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments