Anti-government riots broke out Saturday in central Paris as “yellow vest” protests enter a third weekend.
Anti-government riots broke out Saturday in central Paris as “yellow vest” protests enter a third weekend.
Protesters gathered near the Champs-Elysees, hurling rocks and paint at riot police – who then responded with tear gas and water cannons.
Around 36,000 protestors participated in this weekend’s demonstration across the country, according to the French Prime Minister. Though the riots originated from the dissatisfaction with President Emmanuel Macron’s gas tax, it has now morphed into a broad distaste with the French government.
So far, 160 people were arrested and 80 people injured, including some officers deployed to the protests.
Structures have been set ablaze and cars overturned; however, despite the growing violence, protesters insist the movement is peaceful.
