France is deploying thousands of police to try to contain nationwide protests and road blockades by drivers angry over rising fuel taxes and Emmanuel Macron’s presidency.
The Latest on protests in France (all times local):
3 p.m.
Violent clashes between police and protesters are ongoing in the French capital, with demonstrators angry about rising fuel taxes and President Emmanuel Macron’s government.
Protesters burned large plywood sheets and other material in the middle of several streets in central Paris, sending up large columns of smoke. Demonstrators also hurled rocks and other projectiles at police, who responded by firing tear gas and bursts from water cannons.
Police tried to push back the protesters, at times beating back demonstrators with baton strikes and dragging them away.
___
2:35 p.m.
French Interior Minister Christophe Castaner has accused the far right of encouraging acts of violence and clashes with police in Paris.
