In Pics | Paris hosts 'World's Biggest Dictation'

According to reports, police was&nbsp;deployed in Champs-Élysées in France after a bag of ammunition was reportedly discovered near the Eiffel Tower.

Watch:&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/france-emmanuel-macrons-war-against-radical-islam-338181/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

There is also a bomb scare at the Arc de Triomphe, reports said. However,&nbsp;traffic was back to normal later, police said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-macron-is-paying-the-price-for-not-believing-in-politics-of-appeasement-338397">Also Read:&nbsp;Why Macron is paying the price for not believing in politics of appeasement</a>

The area around Champs-Élysées was&nbsp;evacuated briefly as police searched for evidence, reports said.

France is on high alert after the beheading of a teacher this month by an 18-year-old Muslim man.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/anti-macron-protests-soar-across-the-world-in-the-aftermath-of-france-beheading-338335">Also See:&nbsp;Anti-Macron protests soar across the world in the aftermath of France beheading</a>

French school teacher Samuel Paty was beheaded in a Paris suburb&nbsp;after showing his students Mohammed cartoons during a lesson on freedom of expression.

President Emmanuel Macron vowed that the country "will not give up cartoons" as he was vilified by protesters in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Syria, Gaza Strip and Libya.

Meanwhile, the French&nbsp;government has urged its citizens to be cautious in countries that have announced the boycott&nbsp;of French products after Turkish President Erdogan backed&nbsp;calls to boycott French goods.

"In several countries in recent days, there have been calls for a boycott of French products, particularly foodstuff, and more generally calls to protest against France," the French foreign ministry said. &nbsp;

"It is advisable to avoid areas where demonstrations are held, to stay away from gatherings, and to follow the guidance of the relevant French embassy or consulate," it added.&nbsp;

"It is recommended to be most vigilant, especially when travelling, and in places frequented by tourists and expatriate communities," the French government said.

According to reports, police was deployed in Champs-Élysées in France after a bag of ammunition was reportedly discovered near the Eiffel Tower. Watch: There is also a bomb scare at the Arc de Triomphe, reports said.

According to reports, police was deployed in Champs-Élysées in France after a bag of ammunition was reportedly discovered near the Eiffel Tower. Watch: There is also a bomb scare at the Arc de Triomphe, reports said. However, traffic was back to normal later, police said. Also Read: Why Macron is paying the price for not believing in politics of appeasement The area around Champs-Élysées was evacuated briefly as police searched for evidence, reports said. France is on high alert after the beheading of a teacher this month by an 18-year-old Muslim man. Also See: Anti-Macron protests soar across the world in the aftermath of France beheading French school teacher Samuel Paty was beheaded in a Paris suburb after showing his students Mohammed cartoons during a lesson on freedom of expression. President Emmanuel Macron vowed that the country "will not give up cartoons" as he was vilified by protesters in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Syria, Gaza Strip and Libya. Meanwhile, the French government has urged its citizens to be cautious in countries that have announced the boycott of French products after Turkish President Erdogan backed calls to boycott French goods. "In several countries in recent days, there have been calls for a boycott of French products, particularly foodstuff, and more generally calls to protest against France," the French foreign ministry said. "It is advisable to avoid areas where demonstrations are held, to stay away from gatherings, and to follow the guidance of the relevant French embassy or consulate," it added. "It is recommended to be most vigilant, especially when travelling, and in places frequented by tourists and expatriate communities," the French government said.

France: Bomb scare in Paris after ammunition bag reportedly discovered

More than 7,000 police officers are to be deployed for rallies in Paris on Saturday over fears that yellow vest protesters and their radical, anarchist "black blocs" could try to infiltrate a march against climate change in the French capital.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-president-emmanuel-macron-says-yellow-vest-crisis-very-good-for-me-250668">yellow vest movement erupted 10 months ago</a> and blindsided President Emmanuel Macron, who protesters accused of being out of touch with the needs of ordinary French people.

Their weekly demonstrations prompted Macron to loosen the state's purse strings to the tune of nearly $18.8 billion in wage boosts and tax cuts for low earners, but tapered off over the summer.

Fresh yellow vest rallies are planned for Saturday but it remains to be seen whether the movement will regain the momentum of the winter and early spring, when the protests often descended into violent clashes with security forces, especially in Paris.

Macron on Friday called for "calm", saying that while "it's good that people express themselves", they should not disrupt a climate protest and cultural events also due to go ahead on Saturday.

Paris police chief Didier Lallement has said 7,500 police would be deployed for Saturday's rallies in Paris -- numbers on a par with the peak of the yellow vest protests in December and March.

Key yellow-vest figure Jerome Rodrigues has billed Saturday's protest as "a revelatory demonstration", claiming "many people are going to come to Paris".

But officials have again outlawed protests on the Champs-Elysees and other areas in the heart of the capital, where previously protesters had ransacked and set fire to luxury shops and restaurants.

Some demonstrators in January even used a forklift to break down the doors of a government ministry.

The police have also been criticised for being heavy-handed in clashes with hardcore anti-capitalist "black bloc" groups blamed for much of the violence that has accompanied the demonstrations.

Saturday coincides with the annual European Heritage Days weekend, when public and private buildings normally off-limits to the public are open to visitors.

After attracting 282,000 people nationwide on the first day of protests last November, yellow-vest protest participation had fallen sharply by the spring, and only sporadic protests were seen over the summer.

Macron said in an interview with Time magazine published Thursday that the movement had been "very good for me" as it had made him listen and communicate better.

"My challenge is to listen to people much better than I did at the very beginning," the president said.

More than 7,000 police officers are to be deployed for rallies in Paris on Saturday over fears that yellow vest protesters and their radical, anarchist "black blocs" could try to infiltrate a march against climate change in the French capital.

More than 7,000 police officers are to be deployed for rallies in Paris on Saturday over fears that yellow vest protesters and their radical, anarchist "black blocs" could try to infiltrate a march against climate change in the French capital. The yellow vest movement erupted 10 months ago and blindsided President Emmanuel Macron, who protesters accused of being out of touch with the needs of ordinary French people. Their weekly demonstrations prompted Macron to loosen the state's purse strings to the tune of nearly $18.8 billion in wage boosts and tax cuts for low earners, but tapered off over the summer. Fresh yellow vest rallies are planned for Saturday but it remains to be seen whether the movement will regain the momentum of the winter and early spring, when the protests often descended into violent clashes with security forces, especially in Paris. Macron on Friday called for "calm", saying that while "it's good that people express themselves", they should not disrupt a climate protest and cultural events also due to go ahead on Saturday. Paris police chief Didier Lallement has said 7,500 police would be deployed for Saturday's rallies in Paris -- numbers on a par with the peak of the yellow vest protests in December and March. Key yellow-vest figure Jerome Rodrigues has billed Saturday's protest as "a revelatory demonstration", claiming "many people are going to come to Paris". But officials have again outlawed protests on the Champs-Elysees and other areas in the heart of the capital, where previously protesters had ransacked and set fire to luxury shops and restaurants. Some demonstrators in January even used a forklift to break down the doors of a government ministry. The police have also been criticised for being heavy-handed in clashes with hardcore anti-capitalist "black bloc" groups blamed for much of the violence that has accompanied the demonstrations. Saturday coincides with the annual European Heritage Days weekend, when public and private buildings normally off-limits to the public are open to visitors. After attracting 282,000 people nationwide on the first day of protests last November, yellow-vest protest participation had fallen sharply by the spring, and only sporadic protests were seen over the summer. Macron said in an interview with Time magazine published Thursday that the movement had been "very good for me" as it had made him listen and communicate better. "My challenge is to listen to people much better than I did at the very beginning," the president said.

Thousands of Paris police deployed over 'yellow vest' clash fears

French prosecutors said Friday they had opened an inquiry into the suspected rape and sexual abuse of minors linked to the scandal surrounding disgraced <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jeffrey-epstein-wrote-will-two-days-before-death-puts-578-million-in-assets-into-trust-with-unnamed-beneficiaries-report-244262">US multimillionaire&nbsp;Jeffrey Epstein</a>.

The move came after growing calls for French investigators to look into allegations of abuse at Epstein's sumptuous apartment near the Champs-Elysees in Paris.&nbsp;

"The investigations... will focus on potential crimes against French victims committed on national territory as well as abroad, and on perpetrators who are French citizens," Paris Prosecutor Remy Heitz said in a statement.

The potential charges could include the rape and sexual assault of minors aged 15 and over, the prosecutors said.

It will also investigate claims Epstein and others participated for years in a vast child sex trafficking ring.

The move came after US investigators turned up links in France in their probe into the disgraced financier, who was found hanged at his New York jail cell on August 10 while awaiting trial on new sex trafficking charges.

He had been arrested five weeks earlier after flying back to the United States after a trip to Paris.&nbsp;

Earlier this week Innocence in Danger, a French charity working to protect children against sexual violence, said it had collected 10 witness statements involving alleged sexual crimes involving minors that took place in France.&nbsp;

The testimonies were from both victims and those who had witnessed alleged abuse, "probably at the hands of French people," the NGO's head Homayra Sellier told AFP.&nbsp;

Some but not all of the victims were French.&nbsp;

Investigators are likely to be asking questions about a formerly powerful French modelling tycoon in his 70s named Jean-Luc Brunel, a close friend of Epstein.

Four years ago, Brunel was named in a civil lawsuit in which he was accused of rape and procuring young girls for the US financier.&nbsp;

Virginia Roberts Giuffre, who filed the suit, accused Epstein of using her as a "sex slave" and said she had been forced to have sex with well-known politicians and businessmen, including Brunel.&nbsp;

She also alleged that Brunel would bring girls as young as 12 to the United States and pass them on to his friends, including Epstein.

Shortly afterwards, Brunel issued a rare statement that itself broke years of silence in which he vehemently denied involvement, "directly or indirectly", in Epstein's crimes.

Like various other former allies of the late billionaire, Brunel has not been heard of since Epstein was charged in early July.

Earlier this month, Innocence in Danger urged French investigators to "shed light on" what went on behind the walls of Epstein's Paris apartment, where Brunel was a regular visitor.&nbsp;

Two French government ministers have also demanded action, saying the US inquiry had exposed links with France that needed investigating.&nbsp;

"The verifications and cross-checking undertaken on the basis of elements submitted to prosecutors and exchanges with the American authorities in the context of the Epstein affair have prompted the Paris prosecutor's office to open a preliminary inquiry," Friday's statement said.&nbsp;

Epstein, who at one time counted Bill Clinton, Donald Trump and Britain's Prince Andrew among his friends, has been linked to a string of sordid abuses involving underage girls at his Palm Beach home and on his private Caribbean island.&nbsp;

He has been accused of recruiting young girls to administer massages which frequently led to abuse and even rape.&nbsp;

His address book, which was made public in 2015 through the Gawker website, included dozens of names listed under "massages", some 30 of which were in France.

Long before the Epstein scandal broke, Brunel was accused of rape by several models in a CBS television documentary released in 1988.&nbsp;

And last week, the French investigative website Mediapart released testimony from a former Dutch model, Thysia Huisman, alleging she was "drugged and raped" by Brunel in the early 1990s. At the time she was 18.

French prosecutors said Friday they had opened an inquiry into the suspected rape and sexual abuse of minors linked to the scandal surrounding disgraced US multimillionaire Jeffrey Epstein.

French prosecutors said Friday they had opened an inquiry into the suspected rape and sexual abuse of minors linked to the scandal surrounding disgraced US multimillionaire Jeffrey Epstein. The move came after growing calls for French investigators to look into allegations of abuse at Epstein's sumptuous apartment near the Champs-Elysees in Paris. "The investigations... will focus on potential crimes against French victims committed on national territory as well as abroad, and on perpetrators who are French citizens," Paris Prosecutor Remy Heitz said in a statement. The potential charges could include the rape and sexual assault of minors aged 15 and over, the prosecutors said. It will also investigate claims Epstein and others participated for years in a vast child sex trafficking ring. The move came after US investigators turned up links in France in their probe into the disgraced financier, who was found hanged at his New York jail cell on August 10 while awaiting trial on new sex trafficking charges. He had been arrested five weeks earlier after flying back to the United States after a trip to Paris. Earlier this week Innocence in Danger, a French charity working to protect children against sexual violence, said it had collected 10 witness statements involving alleged sexual crimes involving minors that took place in France. The testimonies were from both victims and those who had witnessed alleged abuse, "probably at the hands of French people," the NGO's head Homayra Sellier told AFP. Some but not all of the victims were French. Investigators are likely to be asking questions about a formerly powerful French modelling tycoon in his 70s named Jean-Luc Brunel, a close friend of Epstein. Four years ago, Brunel was named in a civil lawsuit in which he was accused of rape and procuring young girls for the US financier. Virginia Roberts Giuffre, who filed the suit, accused Epstein of using her as a "sex slave" and said she had been forced to have sex with well-known politicians and businessmen, including Brunel. She also alleged that Brunel would bring girls as young as 12 to the United States and pass them on to his friends, including Epstein. Shortly afterwards, Brunel issued a rare statement that itself broke years of silence in which he vehemently denied involvement, "directly or indirectly", in Epstein's crimes. Like various other former allies of the late billionaire, Brunel has not been heard of since Epstein was charged in early July. Earlier this month, Innocence in Danger urged French investigators to "shed light on" what went on behind the walls of Epstein's Paris apartment, where Brunel was a regular visitor. Two French government ministers have also demanded action, saying the US inquiry had exposed links with France that needed investigating. "The verifications and cross-checking undertaken on the basis of elements submitted to prosecutors and exchanges with the American authorities in the context of the Epstein affair have prompted the Paris prosecutor's office to open a preliminary inquiry," Friday's statement said. Epstein, who at one time counted Bill Clinton, Donald Trump and Britain's Prince Andrew among his friends, has been linked to a string of sordid abuses involving underage girls at his Palm Beach home and on his private Caribbean island. He has been accused of recruiting young girls to administer massages which frequently led to abuse and even rape. His address book, which was made public in 2015 through the Gawker website, included dozens of names listed under "massages", some 30 of which were in France. Long before the Epstein scandal broke, Brunel was accused of rape by several models in a CBS television documentary released in 1988. And last week, the French investigative website Mediapart released testimony from a former Dutch model, Thysia Huisman, alleging she was "drugged and raped" by Brunel in the early 1990s. At the time she was 18.

France opens Epstein-linked rape, abuse probe

French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday announced the creation of a new national military space force command that will eventually be part of his country's air force.

The declaration -- made on the eve of France's Bastille Day national celebrations that feature a military parade down Paris's Champs-Elysees -- mirrors an initiative in the US championed by President Donald Trump.

"To assure the development and the reinforcement of our capacities in space, a high command for space will be created in September," Macron told military brass gathered for a traditional pre-Bastille Day reception.

He called the renewed military focus on space a "true national security issue".

Last year Macron had spoken of the need for a strategy for space defence and this was the result, he said.

"The new spatial and military doctrine that has been proposed to me by the (defence) ministry, which I have approved, will allow us to ensure our defence of space...," added.

"We will reinforce our knowledge of the situation in space, we will better protect our satellites, including in an active manner," he said.

Defence Minister Florence Parly would reveal details of the funding at a later date, he added.

International space race

France's declared interest in boosting its military readiness in space follows increased spending and interest in the area by the United States, China and Russia.

Observers see military activities -- including spy satellites, location tracing and jamming, communications and cyberattacks -- increasingly being set up in orbit around Earth.

France has a 2019-2025 military spending plan that allocates 3.6 billion euros ($4 billion) to defence in space.

That includes the renewal of France's CSO observation and Syracuse communication satellites, the launch of three CERES electromagnetic-monitoring satellites, and the modernisation of a spatial radar surveillance system called GRAVES.

The Pentagon has drafted plans for a new Space Force on orders from Trump who has declared space a "war-fighting domain". But that project still requires the approval of the US Congress.

In March, United Nations-backed talks in Geneva to prevent an arms race in outer space ended without agreement.

Party announced research into the new generation of military satellites at the Paris Air Show last month.

French operations could no longer do without a presence in space "to contribute to our autonomy of evaluation, decision and action in a decisive manner," she said.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday announced the creation of a new national military space force command that will eventually be part of his country's air force.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday announced the creation of a new national military space force command that will eventually be part of his country's air force. The declaration -- made on the eve of France's Bastille Day national celebrations that feature a military parade down Paris's Champs-Elysees -- mirrors an initiative in the US championed by President Donald Trump. "To assure the development and the reinforcement of our capacities in space, a high command for space will be created in September," Macron told military brass gathered for a traditional pre-Bastille Day reception. He called the renewed military focus on space a "true national security issue". Last year Macron had spoken of the need for a strategy for space defence and this was the result, he said. "The new spatial and military doctrine that has been proposed to me by the (defence) ministry, which I have approved, will allow us to ensure our defence of space...," added. "We will reinforce our knowledge of the situation in space, we will better protect our satellites, including in an active manner," he said. Defence Minister Florence Parly would reveal details of the funding at a later date, he added. International space race France's declared interest in boosting its military readiness in space follows increased spending and interest in the area by the United States, China and Russia. Observers see military activities -- including spy satellites, location tracing and jamming, communications and cyberattacks -- increasingly being set up in orbit around Earth. France has a 2019-2025 military spending plan that allocates 3.6 billion euros ($4 billion) to defence in space. That includes the renewal of France's CSO observation and Syracuse communication satellites, the launch of three CERES electromagnetic-monitoring satellites, and the modernisation of a spatial radar surveillance system called GRAVES. The Pentagon has drafted plans for a new Space Force on orders from Trump who has declared space a "war-fighting domain". But that project still requires the approval of the US Congress. In March, United Nations-backed talks in Geneva to prevent an arms race in outer space ended without agreement. Party announced research into the new generation of military satellites at the Paris Air Show last month. French operations could no longer do without a presence in space "to contribute to our autonomy of evaluation, decision and action in a decisive manner," she said.

France's Emmanuel Macron announces creation of a new space force command

Thousands of police fanned out across central Paris and other French cities Saturday ahead of planned "yellow vest" protests, with the government vowing to prevent a repeat of the rioting and looting seen in the capital last week.

Authorities have banned demonstrations in a large area in the west of the city, including the Champs-Elysees, the scene of last week's rampage by hundreds of black-clad agitators.

Dozens of police vehicles, including armoured trucks and water cannons, encircled the Arc de Triomphe at the top of the iconic avenue, with officers searching people's bags and patrolling in front of boarded-up storefronts.

At the opposite end of the avenue access was completely blocked to the Place de la Concorde, near the presidential palace and the National Assembly, and two drones were flying over the capital to help officers track any protesters' movements.

Yellow vest organisers had called on social media for protests elsewhere in Paris, including the Trocadero square in front of the Eiffel Tower at the Place de la Republique, though both areas were calm early Saturday.

But banks and other businesses remained shut in several parts of the city, their windows protected with planks of wood, and some schools had cancelled Saturday classes in anticipation of further violence.

Protest bans were also in effect in the centres of Toulouse, Bordeaux, Dijon, Rennes and the southern city of Nice, where Chinese President Xi Jinping is to meet his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron this weekend.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-battles-to-end-controversy-over-use-of-army-against-yellow-vests-204985">Macron is under pressure to avoid a repeat of last week's sacking of the Champs-Elysees</a>, where over 100 shops were damaged, looted or set alight during seven hours of rioting by mainly masked, black-clad protesters.

The government has redeployed soldiers from its Sentinelle anti-terror force to guard public buildings on Saturday, freeing up the 6,000 deployed police in Paris to tackle any flare-ups of violence.

The move has drawn fierce criticism from opposition parties, who have accused the government of playing with fire.

On social media, several "yellow vest" leaders urged caution for Saturday, warning demonstrators against appearing to countenance the violence by far-left or far-right infiltrators.

In a YouTube post, truck driver Eric Drouet called on protesters not to try to return to the Champs-Elysees.

"It's a very, very bad idea. You know what image they're trying to create of us," he said, predicting a "quiet Saturday".

'Zero tolerance'

Macron's government drew fierce criticism over its handling of last week's protests when police appeared to hang back during the wave of rioting and vandalism that swept the Champs-Elysees.&nbsp;

Analysts say the authorities may have been reluctant to engage the rioters after the dozens of injuries sustained by participants in previous protests.

But this week officials vowed, "zero tolerance" for more violence.

"He needs to show the world that the government has a handle on the country and on the capital," said Sylvian, the leader of a team of repair workers still clearing away debris on the avenue on Friday.

The Paris police chief was fired over his handling of the violence, which saw dozens of windows shattered by people hurling paving stones and wielding hammers and other makeshift weapons.

The protests began in rural France on November 17 over fuel tax increases and quickly ballooned into a full-scale anti-government rebellion that two months of public policy debates have failed to defuse.

In recent weeks, the protesters' numbers have dwindled, falling from 282,000 nationwide on the first Saturday to just 32,000 last week, according to official estimates.

But those still on the streets appear more determined than ever to make their presence felt.

In a Facebook video this week, Maxime Nicolle one of the movement's figureheads, explained the periodic rioting in Paris and other cities as the result of "40 years of being beaten psychologically and financially" by successive governments.

"It's a bit as if a battered woman beats up her boyfriend and you say she's the violent one," he said.

The violence has cost the protesters much of the public support they enjoyed early in the movement, which seeks higher taxes on the rich and a greater say for ordinary people in the running of the country.

Some 53 percent of respondents said they either supported or felt a degree of sympathy towards the movement, down eight points in a week, according to a poll released Wednesday.

Thousands of police fanned out across central Paris and other French cities Saturday ahead of planned "yellow vest" protests, with the government vowing to prevent a repeat of the rioting and looting seen in the capital last week.

Thousands of police fanned out across central Paris and other French cities Saturday ahead of planned "yellow vest" protests, with the government vowing to prevent a repeat of the rioting and looting seen in the capital last week. Authorities have banned demonstrations in a large area in the west of the city, including the Champs-Elysees, the scene of last week's rampage by hundreds of black-clad agitators. Dozens of police vehicles, including armoured trucks and water cannons, encircled the Arc de Triomphe at the top of the iconic avenue, with officers searching people's bags and patrolling in front of boarded-up storefronts. At the opposite end of the avenue access was completely blocked to the Place de la Concorde, near the presidential palace and the National Assembly, and two drones were flying over the capital to help officers track any protesters' movements. Yellow vest organisers had called on social media for protests elsewhere in Paris, including the Trocadero square in front of the Eiffel Tower at the Place de la Republique, though both areas were calm early Saturday. But banks and other businesses remained shut in several parts of the city, their windows protected with planks of wood, and some schools had cancelled Saturday classes in anticipation of further violence. Protest bans were also in effect in the centres of Toulouse, Bordeaux, Dijon, Rennes and the southern city of Nice, where Chinese President Xi Jinping is to meet his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron this weekend. Macron is under pressure to avoid a repeat of last week's sacking of the Champs-Elysees, where over 100 shops were damaged, looted or set alight during seven hours of rioting by mainly masked, black-clad protesters. The government has redeployed soldiers from its Sentinelle anti-terror force to guard public buildings on Saturday, freeing up the 6,000 deployed police in Paris to tackle any flare-ups of violence. The move has drawn fierce criticism from opposition parties, who have accused the government of playing with fire. On social media, several "yellow vest" leaders urged caution for Saturday, warning demonstrators against appearing to countenance the violence by far-left or far-right infiltrators. In a YouTube post, truck driver Eric Drouet called on protesters not to try to return to the Champs-Elysees. "It's a very, very bad idea. You know what image they're trying to create of us," he said, predicting a "quiet Saturday". 'Zero tolerance' Macron's government drew fierce criticism over its handling of last week's protests when police appeared to hang back during the wave of rioting and vandalism that swept the Champs-Elysees. Analysts say the authorities may have been reluctant to engage the rioters after the dozens of injuries sustained by participants in previous protests. But this week officials vowed, "zero tolerance" for more violence. "He needs to show the world that the government has a handle on the country and on the capital," said Sylvian, the leader of a team of repair workers still clearing away debris on the avenue on Friday. The Paris police chief was fired over his handling of the violence, which saw dozens of windows shattered by people hurling paving stones and wielding hammers and other makeshift weapons. The protests began in rural France on November 17 over fuel tax increases and quickly ballooned into a full-scale anti-government rebellion that two months of public policy debates have failed to defuse. In recent weeks, the protesters' numbers have dwindled, falling from 282,000 nationwide on the first Saturday to just 32,000 last week, according to official estimates. But those still on the streets appear more determined than ever to make their presence felt. In a Facebook video this week, Maxime Nicolle one of the movement's figureheads, explained the periodic rioting in Paris and other cities as the result of "40 years of being beaten psychologically and financially" by successive governments. "It's a bit as if a battered woman beats up her boyfriend and you say she's the violent one," he said. The violence has cost the protesters much of the public support they enjoyed early in the movement, which seeks higher taxes on the rich and a greater say for ordinary people in the running of the country. Some 53 percent of respondents said they either supported or felt a degree of sympathy towards the movement, down eight points in a week, according to a poll released Wednesday.

French police out in force to prevent 'yellow vest' violence

Paris police said Friday that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-brings-out-army-ahead-of-next-yellow-vest-protest-204633">"yellow vest" protests </a>would be banned on the Champs-Elysees on Saturday, a week after hundreds of anti-government demonstrators rioted and looted shops on the iconic Paris avenue.

Protesters will also be stopped from entering streets surrounding the Arc de Triomphe, at the top of the avenue, as well as several nearby areas, including the presidential Elysee Palace and the National Assembly, the Paris prefect's office said.

"There are serious reasons to believe that violence and damages are likely during the scheduled demonstrations," the office said.

Similar bans were planned in other major cities, including Toulouse, in southwestern France, where officials said the main city square will be out of bounds for demonstrators.

Protests will also be outlawed in much of the southern city of Nice, where Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron on Sunday.

The Paris prefect's office said anyone defying the bans would face fines, part of tough new measures vowed by the government to prevent another flare-up of violence.

In other areas of Paris, "the right to demonstrate, which is a fundamental freedom, will be allowed", but "any riotous groups will be immediately dispersed," police warned.

Last Saturday, police appeared to hang back as hundreds of violent protesters rampaged along the Champs-Elysees, burning and looting more than 100 businesses in unrest that cost the Paris police chief his job.

Addressing the new Paris police chief Didier Lallement on Thursday, Interior Minister Christophe Castaner demanded a "zero tolerance" approach towards violent demonstrators.

"Black blocs belong in prison, not on the Champs-Elysees," he said, referring to the black-clad anarchists that overran the Champs-Elysees on Saturday.

The weekly Saturday protests began on November 17 over fuel tax increases and quickly ballooned into an anti-government rebellion against Macron's policies, seen by the protesters as geared towards the rich.

Although several of the initial protests ended in rioting, the clashes with police had eased as participation dwindled in recent weeks.

Destruction of property is estimated to have cost 200 million euros ($227 million) so far over the 18 weeks of protests, according to Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire.

Paris police said Friday that "yellow vest" protests would be banned on the Champs-Elysees on Saturday, a week after hundreds of anti-government demonstrators rioted and looted shops on the iconic Paris avenue.

Paris police said Friday that "yellow vest" protests would be banned on the Champs-Elysees on Saturday, a week after hundreds of anti-government demonstrators rioted and looted shops on the iconic Paris avenue. Protesters will also be stopped from entering streets surrounding the Arc de Triomphe, at the top of the avenue, as well as several nearby areas, including the presidential Elysee Palace and the National Assembly, the Paris prefect's office said. "There are serious reasons to believe that violence and damages are likely during the scheduled demonstrations," the office said. Similar bans were planned in other major cities, including Toulouse, in southwestern France, where officials said the main city square will be out of bounds for demonstrators. Protests will also be outlawed in much of the southern city of Nice, where Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron on Sunday. The Paris prefect's office said anyone defying the bans would face fines, part of tough new measures vowed by the government to prevent another flare-up of violence. In other areas of Paris, "the right to demonstrate, which is a fundamental freedom, will be allowed", but "any riotous groups will be immediately dispersed," police warned. Last Saturday, police appeared to hang back as hundreds of violent protesters rampaged along the Champs-Elysees, burning and looting more than 100 businesses in unrest that cost the Paris police chief his job. Addressing the new Paris police chief Didier Lallement on Thursday, Interior Minister Christophe Castaner demanded a "zero tolerance" approach towards violent demonstrators. "Black blocs belong in prison, not on the Champs-Elysees," he said, referring to the black-clad anarchists that overran the Champs-Elysees on Saturday. The weekly Saturday protests began on November 17 over fuel tax increases and quickly ballooned into an anti-government rebellion against Macron's policies, seen by the protesters as geared towards the rich. Although several of the initial protests ended in rioting, the clashes with police had eased as participation dwindled in recent weeks. Destruction of property is estimated to have cost 200 million euros ($227 million) so far over the 18 weeks of protests, according to Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire.

Paris police ban 'yellow vest' protests on Champs-Elysees Saturday

Thousands of anti-government demonstrators marched in cities across France on Saturday in a new round of "yellow vest" protests against President Emmanuel Macron, accused of ignoring the plight of millions of people struggling to make ends meet.

Officials have vowed zero tolerance for the violence that has marred the weekly protests since they began two months ago, deploying some 80,000 security forces nationwide.

In Paris, epicentre of the fiery street clashes and vandalism that have made global headlines, 5,000 riot police were on hand, using tall barricades and armoured vehicles to lock down the central Place de la Concorde and surrounding districts.

Hundreds of officers were also on guard on the Champs-Elysees, where banks, jewellery stores and other shops had boarded up windows in anticipation of renewed looting and violence.

Yet many cafes and retailers on the iconic avenue remained open for business, with workers washing the windows on the first weekend of post-holiday sales.

Businesses have taken a heavy hit since the protests began in November, losing out on millions of euros in Christmas revenue as shoppers steered clear of the protests.

After easing slightly over the holidays, the protests were expected to intensify on Saturday, surpassing the estimated 50,000 who turned out for last weekend's demos, wearing their emblematic high-visibility safety vests.

'We'll make ourselves heard'

At around 11:00 am (1000 GMT), thousands of protesters gathered near the Gare de Lyon train station for a march towards the Arc de Triomphe -- which had been covered in graffiti and ransacked during daylong clashes with police in November.

"We've come to Paris to make ourselves heard, and we wanted to see for ourselves at least once what's going on here," said Patrick, 37, who told AFP he had travelled from the Savoie region of western France.

Another 1,000 or so protesters gathered in Chantilly, a well-heeled horseracing town just north of Paris, where they marched through the centre before descending on the hippodrome where they delayed the start of a race, local media said.&nbsp;

And another 1,200 protesters began gathering in the central city of Bourges, where some yellow-vest organisers were hoping to those from areas far from Paris.

Local prosecutor Joel Garrigue said five people had been detained after police discovered a cache of ball bearings during a search of their car.&nbsp;

The protests also spilt over the border into eastern Belgium late on Friday, where one of around 25 protesters manning a blockade died after being hit by a truck, Belgian media reported.

Mutual mistrust

Officials have warned they expect this weekend's protests to be bigger and more violent than last week when demonstrators rammed a forklift truck through the main doors of a government ministry in Paris.&nbsp;

Video footage of a former boxer bashing two police officers as they retreated across a bridge over the Seine river was denounced by officials who said the protesters had gone too far.

"Those who are calling to demonstrate tomorrow know there will be violence, and therefore they are in part responsible," Interior Minister Christophe Castaner said in a Facebook interview Friday with Brut, a digital news site favoured by many yellow vests.

But many yellow vests pointed to images of a police officer repeatedly striking an unarmed man on the ground during a protest last week in Toulon, accusing the police of excessive use of force.

The movement, which began as protests over high fuel taxes, has snowballed into a wholesale rejection of Macron and his policies, which are seen favouring the wealthy at the expense of rural and small-town France.

Politicians inspire 'distrust, disgust'

Macron has called for a national debate starting next week to hear voters' grievances, hoping to sate demands for more of a say in national law-making and tamp down the protesters' anger.

He has already unveiled a 10-billion-euro ($11.5 billion) financial relief package for low earners and axed the planned fuel tax hike.

But the public consultations risk being hobbled by record levels of distrust towards politicians and representatives of the state.

A poll by the Cevipof political sciences institute released Friday showed 77 per cent of respondents thought politicians inspired "distrust", "disgust" or "boredom".

And Macron may not have done himself any favours on Friday when he told a gathering at the Elysee Palace that "too many of our citizens think they can get something without making the necessary effort."

Thousands of anti-government demonstrators marched in cities across France on Saturday in a new round of "yellow vest" protests against President Emmanuel Macron, accused of ignoring the plight of millions of people struggling to make ends meet.

Thousands of anti-government demonstrators marched in cities across France on Saturday in a new round of "yellow vest" protests against President Emmanuel Macron, accused of ignoring the plight of millions of people struggling to make ends meet. Officials have vowed zero tolerance for the violence that has marred the weekly protests since they began two months ago, deploying some 80,000 security forces nationwide. In Paris, epicentre of the fiery street clashes and vandalism that have made global headlines, 5,000 riot police were on hand, using tall barricades and armoured vehicles to lock down the central Place de la Concorde and surrounding districts. Hundreds of officers were also on guard on the Champs-Elysees, where banks, jewellery stores and other shops had boarded up windows in anticipation of renewed looting and violence. Yet many cafes and retailers on the iconic avenue remained open for business, with workers washing the windows on the first weekend of post-holiday sales. Businesses have taken a heavy hit since the protests began in November, losing out on millions of euros in Christmas revenue as shoppers steered clear of the protests. After easing slightly over the holidays, the protests were expected to intensify on Saturday, surpassing the estimated 50,000 who turned out for last weekend's demos, wearing their emblematic high-visibility safety vests. 'We'll make ourselves heard' At around 11:00 am (1000 GMT), thousands of protesters gathered near the Gare de Lyon train station for a march towards the Arc de Triomphe -- which had been covered in graffiti and ransacked during daylong clashes with police in November. "We've come to Paris to make ourselves heard, and we wanted to see for ourselves at least once what's going on here," said Patrick, 37, who told AFP he had travelled from the Savoie region of western France. Another 1,000 or so protesters gathered in Chantilly, a well-heeled horseracing town just north of Paris, where they marched through the centre before descending on the hippodrome where they delayed the start of a race, local media said. And another 1,200 protesters began gathering in the central city of Bourges, where some yellow-vest organisers were hoping to those from areas far from Paris. Local prosecutor Joel Garrigue said five people had been detained after police discovered a cache of ball bearings during a search of their car. The protests also spilt over the border into eastern Belgium late on Friday, where one of around 25 protesters manning a blockade died after being hit by a truck, Belgian media reported. Mutual mistrust Officials have warned they expect this weekend's protests to be bigger and more violent than last week when demonstrators rammed a forklift truck through the main doors of a government ministry in Paris. Video footage of a former boxer bashing two police officers as they retreated across a bridge over the Seine river was denounced by officials who said the protesters had gone too far. "Those who are calling to demonstrate tomorrow know there will be violence, and therefore they are in part responsible," Interior Minister Christophe Castaner said in a Facebook interview Friday with Brut, a digital news site favoured by many yellow vests. But many yellow vests pointed to images of a police officer repeatedly striking an unarmed man on the ground during a protest last week in Toulon, accusing the police of excessive use of force. The movement, which began as protests over high fuel taxes, has snowballed into a wholesale rejection of Macron and his policies, which are seen favouring the wealthy at the expense of rural and small-town France. Politicians inspire 'distrust, disgust' Macron has called for a national debate starting next week to hear voters' grievances, hoping to sate demands for more of a say in national law-making and tamp down the protesters' anger. He has already unveiled a 10-billion-euro ($11.5 billion) financial relief package for low earners and axed the planned fuel tax hike. But the public consultations risk being hobbled by record levels of distrust towards politicians and representatives of the state. A poll by the Cevipof political sciences institute released Friday showed 77 per cent of respondents thought politicians inspired "distrust", "disgust" or "boredom". And Macron may not have done himself any favours on Friday when he told a gathering at the Elysee Palace that "too many of our citizens think they can get something without making the necessary effort."

France's 'yellow vests' mobilise for fresh round of protests

Here is a timeline of the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/french-police-clash-with-yellow-vest-protesters-in-paris-169-arrested-180785"> "yellow vest" movement</a> in France, from the first online rumblings against a fuel tax hike to nationwide protests that led to the worst Paris riots in decades.

A new day of high-risk demonstrations is planned on Saturday. So far four people have died and hundreds have been injured during the protests.

Viral video&nbsp;

A video posted on Facebook on October 18 quickly goes viral. It shows a woman, Jacline Mouraud, addressing<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/france-fuel-protest-president-emmanuel-macron-to-address-next-week-on-yellow-vest-movement-182168"> French President Emmanuel Macron </a>"Monsieur Macron", she says from her living room.&nbsp;

In it she lists the grievances of drivers in the face of the fuel price hike.

A petition to bring down the price of fuel is posted online.

&nbsp;Mass protests&nbsp;

Saturday, November 17 is the first day of road blockades across France with nearly 290,000 demonstrators wearing the fluorescent yellow vests motorists are required to carry in their cars.

The protests are spontaneous, and not organised by political parties or unions.&nbsp;

The next day Prime Minister Edouard Philippe says the government will not back down.

Violence breaks out in the French Indian Ocean island of La Reunion, led mainly by armed youths.

&nbsp;Second Saturday&nbsp;

The next protests take place the following Saturday, November 24. Thousands of demonstrators clash with police on the Champs-Elysees in Paris.

More than 106,000 demonstrators are recorded across France, including 8,000 in Paris. Revised official numbers count 166,000.

Aborted meeting&nbsp;

On November 27 Macron offers minor concessions, saying he would propose a mechanism to adjust the tax increases and calls for a three-month national consultation.&nbsp;

Unimpressed, the "yellow vests" call for a new protest on December 1 on the Champs-Elysees.

On November 29 Philippe meets a "yellow vest" protester. A day later two accept his invitation, but one walks out.

Chaos in Paris&nbsp;

The third day of protests takes place on Saturday, December 1 with widespread violence erupting particularly in Paris around the Arc de Triomphe and several upscale neighbourhoods.&nbsp;

The government says some 136,000 people protested across the country.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Crisis meetings&nbsp;

On his return from the G20 summit in Argentina, Macron immediately calls a crisis meeting at the Elysee Palace on December 2.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/france-pm-philippe-confirms-fuel-tax-suspensions-calls-for-calm-181453">Philippe</a> meets with political party leaders on December 3. "Yellow vests" representatives announce they will not go to a meeting with Philippe planned the following day&nbsp;later cancelled as some say they have received death threats.&nbsp;

Blockages of roads, shopping centres and fuel depots continue.

Seizing on the momentum from the protests, students start demonstrating over education reforms, disrupting dozens of high schools every day from December 3.

Six-month suspension&nbsp;

On December 4 the government retreats.&nbsp;

The prime minister says planned tax increases on petrol and diesel on January 1 will be<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/macron-makes-u-turn-on-fuel-tax-increases-in-face-of-yellow-vest-protests-181577"> suspended for six months</a> and hikes in regulated electricity and gas prices will be frozen during the winter.

The "yellow vests" reject the moves as insufficient and press ahead with plans for the fourth day of protests on Saturday, December 8.

The government fears the new protests could lead to a new explosion of violence, anticipating participation by the far left and far right.

2019 tax hikes scrapped&nbsp;

On December 5 Macron announces that all planned fuel tax hikes for 2019 will be scrapped.

However, he rules out re-imposing a "fortune tax" on high-earners.

Farmers say they are planning to hold demonstrations next week, to support their own demands.

High risk demonstration&nbsp;

For the fourth day of protests on Saturday, 89,000 security force members will be deployed, including 8,000 in Paris. Armoured vehicles will also be mobilised in the capital.

The government, as well as most opposition parties and unions, have called for calm.

On the eve of a demonstration, "yellow vest" representatives advise against demonstrating in Paris where museums, monuments, big shops and many metro stations will be closed.

Here is a timeline of the "yellow vest" movement in France, from the first online rumblings against a fuel tax hike to nationwide protests that led to the worst Paris riots in decades.

Here is a timeline of the "yellow vest" movement in France, from the first online rumblings against a fuel tax hike to nationwide protests that led to the worst Paris riots in decades. A new day of high-risk demonstrations is planned on Saturday. So far four people have died and hundreds have been injured during the protests. Viral video A video posted on Facebook on October 18 quickly goes viral. It shows a woman, Jacline Mouraud, addressing French President Emmanuel Macron "Monsieur Macron", she says from her living room. In it she lists the grievances of drivers in the face of the fuel price hike. A petition to bring down the price of fuel is posted online. Mass protests Saturday, November 17 is the first day of road blockades across France with nearly 290,000 demonstrators wearing the fluorescent yellow vests motorists are required to carry in their cars. The protests are spontaneous, and not organised by political parties or unions. The next day Prime Minister Edouard Philippe says the government will not back down. Violence breaks out in the French Indian Ocean island of La Reunion, led mainly by armed youths. Second Saturday The next protests take place the following Saturday, November 24. Thousands of demonstrators clash with police on the Champs-Elysees in Paris. More than 106,000 demonstrators are recorded across France, including 8,000 in Paris. Revised official numbers count 166,000. Aborted meeting On November 27 Macron offers minor concessions, saying he would propose a mechanism to adjust the tax increases and calls for a three-month national consultation. Unimpressed, the "yellow vests" call for a new protest on December 1 on the Champs-Elysees. On November 29 Philippe meets a "yellow vest" protester. A day later two accept his invitation, but one walks out. Chaos in Paris The third day of protests takes place on Saturday, December 1 with widespread violence erupting particularly in Paris around the Arc de Triomphe and several upscale neighbourhoods. The government says some 136,000 people protested across the country. Crisis meetings On his return from the G20 summit in Argentina, Macron immediately calls a crisis meeting at the Elysee Palace on December 2. Philippe meets with political party leaders on December 3. "Yellow vests" representatives announce they will not go to a meeting with Philippe planned the following day later cancelled as some say they have received death threats. Blockages of roads, shopping centres and fuel depots continue. Seizing on the momentum from the protests, students start demonstrating over education reforms, disrupting dozens of high schools every day from December 3. Six-month suspension On December 4 the government retreats. The prime minister says planned tax increases on petrol and diesel on January 1 will be suspended for six months and hikes in regulated electricity and gas prices will be frozen during the winter. The "yellow vests" reject the moves as insufficient and press ahead with plans for the fourth day of protests on Saturday, December 8. The government fears the new protests could lead to a new explosion of violence, anticipating participation by the far left and far right. 2019 tax hikes scrapped On December 5 Macron announces that all planned fuel tax hikes for 2019 will be scrapped. However, he rules out re-imposing a "fortune tax" on high-earners. Farmers say they are planning to hold demonstrations next week, to support their own demands. High risk demonstration For the fourth day of protests on Saturday, 89,000 security force members will be deployed, including 8,000 in Paris. Armoured vehicles will also be mobilised in the capital. The government, as well as most opposition parties and unions, have called for calm. On the eve of a demonstration, "yellow vest" representatives advise against demonstrating in Paris where museums, monuments, big shops and many metro stations will be closed.

France 'yellow vest' protests: Timeline of unrest

Paris police detained nearly 300 people Saturday ahead of fresh anti-government<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/france-yellow-vest-protests-timeline-of-unrest-182371"> "yellow vest" protests </a>which authorities fear could turn violent for the third weekend in a row.

Clad in their luminous road safety jackets, dozens of demonstrators who accuse <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/france-fuel-protest-president-emmanuel-macron-to-address-next-week-on-yellow-vest-movement-182168">President Emmanuel Macron </a>of only looking out for the rich gathered at dawn on the Champs-Elysees, the scene last Saturday of the worst rioting in Paris for decades.

"We had to come to Paris to be heard," said protester Herve Benoit, arriving with three friends from the Dordogne in western France.

He called on the government to boost people's spending power and increase taxes on the wealthiest.

By 8.40 am (0740 GMT) police had already detained, 278 people.

Some 8,000 police were deployed, carrying out checks on people arriving at train stations and at protest hotspots such as the Champs-Elysees and Bastille monument.

A source close to the operation told AFP that at least 34 people were arrested for carrying masks, hammers, slingshots and rocks that could be used to attack police.

Shops, museums, the Eiffel Tower and many metro stations were closed as much of the city-centre went on effective lockdown.&nbsp;

Top-flight football matches and concerts were cancelled.

Last weekend's violence, which saw some 200 cars torched and the Arc de Triomphe vandalised, shook France and plunged Macron's government into its deepest crisis so far.

Interior Minister Christophe Castaner said he expected "only a few thousand people" to descend on Paris after the 8,000 protesters counted last weekend, "but among them are ultraviolent individuals".

"These past three weeks have produced a monster that its creators no longer control," Castaner said, vowing "zero tolerance" towards those aiming to wreak further destruction.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/france-pm-philippe-confirms-fuel-tax-suspensions-calls-for-calm-181453">Prime Minister Edouard Philippe</a> on Friday evening met a delegation of self-described "moderate" yellow vests who have urged people not to join the protests.

After the meeting, a spokesman from the movement, Christophe Chalencon, said Philippe had "listened to us and promised to take our demands to the president".

"Now we await Mr Macron. I hope he will speak to the people of France as a father, with love and respect and that he will take strong decisions," he said.

Philippe said some 89,000 police were being mobilised nationwide, with a dozen armoured vehicles deployed in Paris for the first time in decades.

Shops around the Champs-Elysees boulevard boarded up their windows and emptied them of merchandise on Friday, while the Louvre, Musee d'Orsay and other museums were shut.

Department stores were also staying closed due to the risk of looting on what would normally be a busy shopping weekend in the run-up to Christmas.

Foreign governments are watching developments closely in one of the world's most visited cities.

The US embassy issued a warning to Americans in Paris to "keep a low profile and avoid crowds", while Belgium, Portugal and the Czech Republic advised citizens planning to visit Paris over the weekend to postpone their visit.

In a warning of impending violence, an MP for Macron's party, Benoit Potterie, received a bullet in the post on Friday with the words: "Next time it will be between your eyes."&nbsp;

Calls on social media for protesters to attack the police or march on the presidential palace have especially rattled the authorities.

Macron this week gave in to some of the protesters' demands for measures to help the poor and struggling middle classes, including scrapping a planned increase in fuel taxes and freezing electricity and gas prices in 2019.

But the "yellow vests", some of whom who have become increasingly radicalised, are holding out for more. Many are calling on Macron to resign.

The protesters began blocking roads, fuel depots and shopping centres around France on November 17 over soaring petrol prices that have hit people in the provinces who get around by car.

Since then the movement has snowballed into a wider revolt against former investment banker Macron.

Protests at dozens of schools over university reforms and a call by farmers for demonstrations next week have added to a sense of general revolt.

The hardline CGT union, hoping to capitalise on the movement, has called for rail and metro strikes next Friday to demand immediate wage and pension increases.

Macron's decision early in his presidency to slash taxes on France's wealthiest is particularly unpopular with the protesters.

Arguing that such a move was necessary in order to boost investment and create jobs, he has so far ruled out re-imposing the "fortune tax".

But the policy, along with hikes on pensioners' taxes, cuts in housing allowances and a string of comments deemed insensitive to ordinary workers, has led critics to label him a "president of the rich".

Macron had previously vowed to stay the course in his bid to shake up the French economy and not be swayed by mass protests that have forced previous presidents to back down.

His U-turn on higher fuel taxes which were intended to help France transition to a greener economy marks a major departure.

Paris police detained nearly 300 people Saturday ahead of fresh anti-government "yellow vest" protests which authorities fear could turn violent for the third weekend in a row.

Paris police detained nearly 300 people Saturday ahead of fresh anti-government "yellow vest" protests which authorities fear could turn violent for the third weekend in a row. Clad in their luminous road safety jackets, dozens of demonstrators who accuse President Emmanuel Macron of only looking out for the rich gathered at dawn on the Champs-Elysees, the scene last Saturday of the worst rioting in Paris for decades. "We had to come to Paris to be heard," said protester Herve Benoit, arriving with three friends from the Dordogne in western France. He called on the government to boost people's spending power and increase taxes on the wealthiest. By 8.40 am (0740 GMT) police had already detained, 278 people. Some 8,000 police were deployed, carrying out checks on people arriving at train stations and at protest hotspots such as the Champs-Elysees and Bastille monument. A source close to the operation told AFP that at least 34 people were arrested for carrying masks, hammers, slingshots and rocks that could be used to attack police. Shops, museums, the Eiffel Tower and many metro stations were closed as much of the city-centre went on effective lockdown. Top-flight football matches and concerts were cancelled. Last weekend's violence, which saw some 200 cars torched and the Arc de Triomphe vandalised, shook France and plunged Macron's government into its deepest crisis so far. Interior Minister Christophe Castaner said he expected "only a few thousand people" to descend on Paris after the 8,000 protesters counted last weekend, "but among them are ultraviolent individuals". "These past three weeks have produced a monster that its creators no longer control," Castaner said, vowing "zero tolerance" towards those aiming to wreak further destruction. Prime Minister Edouard Philippe on Friday evening met a delegation of self-described "moderate" yellow vests who have urged people not to join the protests. After the meeting, a spokesman from the movement, Christophe Chalencon, said Philippe had "listened to us and promised to take our demands to the president". "Now we await Mr Macron. I hope he will speak to the people of France as a father, with love and respect and that he will take strong decisions," he said. Philippe said some 89,000 police were being mobilised nationwide, with a dozen armoured vehicles deployed in Paris for the first time in decades. Shops around the Champs-Elysees boulevard boarded up their windows and emptied them of merchandise on Friday, while the Louvre, Musee d'Orsay and other museums were shut. Department stores were also staying closed due to the risk of looting on what would normally be a busy shopping weekend in the run-up to Christmas. Foreign governments are watching developments closely in one of the world's most visited cities. The US embassy issued a warning to Americans in Paris to "keep a low profile and avoid crowds", while Belgium, Portugal and the Czech Republic advised citizens planning to visit Paris over the weekend to postpone their visit. In a warning of impending violence, an MP for Macron's party, Benoit Potterie, received a bullet in the post on Friday with the words: "Next time it will be between your eyes." Calls on social media for protesters to attack the police or march on the presidential palace have especially rattled the authorities. Macron this week gave in to some of the protesters' demands for measures to help the poor and struggling middle classes, including scrapping a planned increase in fuel taxes and freezing electricity and gas prices in 2019. But the "yellow vests", some of whom who have become increasingly radicalised, are holding out for more. Many are calling on Macron to resign. The protesters began blocking roads, fuel depots and shopping centres around France on November 17 over soaring petrol prices that have hit people in the provinces who get around by car. Since then the movement has snowballed into a wider revolt against former investment banker Macron. Protests at dozens of schools over university reforms and a call by farmers for demonstrations next week have added to a sense of general revolt. The hardline CGT union, hoping to capitalise on the movement, has called for rail and metro strikes next Friday to demand immediate wage and pension increases. Macron's decision early in his presidency to slash taxes on France's wealthiest is particularly unpopular with the protesters. Arguing that such a move was necessary in order to boost investment and create jobs, he has so far ruled out re-imposing the "fortune tax". But the policy, along with hikes on pensioners' taxes, cuts in housing allowances and a string of comments deemed insensitive to ordinary workers, has led critics to label him a "president of the rich". Macron had previously vowed to stay the course in his bid to shake up the French economy and not be swayed by mass protests that have forced previous presidents to back down. His U-turn on higher fuel taxes which were intended to help France transition to a greener economy marks a major departure.

Nearly 300 detained as Paris braces for 'yellow vest' protests

The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre museum and scores of shops on the Champs-Elysees are set to close as <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/french-presidency-fear-major-violence-as-it-scrap-fuel-tax-hikes-report-181768">authorities warned Thursday of fresh violence</a> this weekend during protests which have ballooned into the biggest crisis of Emmanuel Macron's presidency.

The government is scrambling to stave off another Saturday of burned cars and running street battles with police by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/france-mulls-state-of-emergency-after-paris-riots-wont-change-policy-180924">"yellow vest" protesters furious </a>over rising costs of living they blame on high taxes.

An interior ministry official told AFP that authorities were bracing for "significant violence" on Saturday, based on indications that protesters on both the far right and far left are planning to converge on the capital.

Officials fear they could be joined by hooligans set on rioting and looting, as is widely thought to have been the case last weekend.

Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said 8,000 police would be deployed in Paris alongside a dozen armoured vehicles -- not used in urban areas since suburban youth riots in 2005 -- for crowd control as part of "exceptional" measures to contain the risk of violence.

He also reiterated his appeal for calm, saying in a prime-time TV interview that the government was ready to consider "any measure which would allow us to boost spending power".

Across the country, some 89,000 police will be mobilised, up from 65,000 last weekend, when the country was rocked by daylong scenes of urban unrest in Paris.

But so far the "yellow vest" movement shows no signs of losing steam, despite the government's rollback of planned fuel tax hikes for January, one of the protesters' core demands.

Shops and businesses along and near the famous Champs-Elysees were told to keep their doors closed, protect exposed windows and remove outdoor furniture, according to police notices seen by AFP.

The move is likely to cost thousands of euros in lost revenue as tourists and locals stay clear for a second holiday weekend in a row.

Both the Garnier and Bastille opera houses have cancelled performances on Saturday and the doors of major museums will be shut.

Six Ligue 1 football games, one involving Paris Saint-Germain, scheduled for Saturday have been postponed.

Student protests

The "yellow vest" protests began on November 17 in opposition to rising fuel taxes, but they have since expanded into a broad challenge to Macron's pro-business agenda and style of governing.

The protesters, mainly from small-town and rural France, have broad public support, with an opinion poll this week showing 72 per cent backed the demonstrations despite last weekend's violence.

The movement has spurred other protests, in particular students demanding an end to testing overhauls and stricter university entrance requirements.

Nearly 280 high schools were disrupted, 45 of which were blocked, in protests across France on Thursday, with more than 700 students detained by police, an interior ministry source told AFP.&nbsp;

Dozens of people wearing face masks threw Molotov cocktails, torched rubbish bins and clashed with police outside schools in several cities.

"We're the ones who are going to eventually have to pay higher fuel prices," said Ines, one of around 150 high school students demonstrating in the southern Paris suburb of Cachan.

Farmers have also called for demonstrations every day next week, while two truck driver unions plan an indefinite sympathy strike from Sunday night.

Meanwhile, yellow-vest blockades at fuel depots have caused shortages in Brittany, Normandy, and southeast regions of France.

'Brink of insurrection'

Political leaders from across the spectrum have appealed for calm, after four people died in accidents during protests and hundreds have been injured.

On Thursday a yellow-vest representative, Benjamin Cauchy, called on Macron to meet a delegation of protesters Friday to help defuse a situation that he said had brought the country "to the brink of insurrection and civil war".

"We're asking him to meet us to negotiate on spending power, which is what underpins all this anger," Cauchy told AFP.

Macron, whose approval ratings are down to just 23 per cent, will speak about the issue "early next week", Richard Ferrand, a senior MP from the president's party, said late Thursday.

The French leader, who has not commented publicly since Saturday on the deepest crisis of his presidency so far, did not want to "pour oil on the fire" ahead of Saturday's protest, Ferrand told AFP.

Members of Macron's government have signalled they are ready to make further concessions.

But Macron's office said he would stick to his decision to cut a "fortune tax" on high-earners, which the former investment banker abolished last year.

Restoring the wealth tax has become a core demand of the "yellow vests," alongside the fuel tax rollback and an increase in the minimum wage.

The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre museum and scores of shops on the Champs-Elysees are set to close as authorities warned Thursday of fresh violence this weekend during protests which have ballooned into the biggest crisis of Emmanuel Macron's presidency.

The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre museum and scores of shops on the Champs-Elysees are set to close as authorities warned Thursday of fresh violence this weekend during protests which have ballooned into the biggest crisis of Emmanuel Macron's presidency. The government is scrambling to stave off another Saturday of burned cars and running street battles with police by "yellow vest" protesters furious over rising costs of living they blame on high taxes. An interior ministry official told AFP that authorities were bracing for "significant violence" on Saturday, based on indications that protesters on both the far right and far left are planning to converge on the capital. Officials fear they could be joined by hooligans set on rioting and looting, as is widely thought to have been the case last weekend. Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said 8,000 police would be deployed in Paris alongside a dozen armoured vehicles -- not used in urban areas since suburban youth riots in 2005 -- for crowd control as part of "exceptional" measures to contain the risk of violence. He also reiterated his appeal for calm, saying in a prime-time TV interview that the government was ready to consider "any measure which would allow us to boost spending power". Across the country, some 89,000 police will be mobilised, up from 65,000 last weekend, when the country was rocked by daylong scenes of urban unrest in Paris. But so far the "yellow vest" movement shows no signs of losing steam, despite the government's rollback of planned fuel tax hikes for January, one of the protesters' core demands. Shops and businesses along and near the famous Champs-Elysees were told to keep their doors closed, protect exposed windows and remove outdoor furniture, according to police notices seen by AFP. The move is likely to cost thousands of euros in lost revenue as tourists and locals stay clear for a second holiday weekend in a row. Both the Garnier and Bastille opera houses have cancelled performances on Saturday and the doors of major museums will be shut. Six Ligue 1 football games, one involving Paris Saint-Germain, scheduled for Saturday have been postponed. Student protests The "yellow vest" protests began on November 17 in opposition to rising fuel taxes, but they have since expanded into a broad challenge to Macron's pro-business agenda and style of governing. The protesters, mainly from small-town and rural France, have broad public support, with an opinion poll this week showing 72 per cent backed the demonstrations despite last weekend's violence. The movement has spurred other protests, in particular students demanding an end to testing overhauls and stricter university entrance requirements. Nearly 280 high schools were disrupted, 45 of which were blocked, in protests across France on Thursday, with more than 700 students detained by police, an interior ministry source told AFP. Dozens of people wearing face masks threw Molotov cocktails, torched rubbish bins and clashed with police outside schools in several cities. "We're the ones who are going to eventually have to pay higher fuel prices," said Ines, one of around 150 high school students demonstrating in the southern Paris suburb of Cachan. Farmers have also called for demonstrations every day next week, while two truck driver unions plan an indefinite sympathy strike from Sunday night. Meanwhile, yellow-vest blockades at fuel depots have caused shortages in Brittany, Normandy, and southeast regions of France. 'Brink of insurrection' Political leaders from across the spectrum have appealed for calm, after four people died in accidents during protests and hundreds have been injured. On Thursday a yellow-vest representative, Benjamin Cauchy, called on Macron to meet a delegation of protesters Friday to help defuse a situation that he said had brought the country "to the brink of insurrection and civil war". "We're asking him to meet us to negotiate on spending power, which is what underpins all this anger," Cauchy told AFP. Macron, whose approval ratings are down to just 23 per cent, will speak about the issue "early next week", Richard Ferrand, a senior MP from the president's party, said late Thursday. The French leader, who has not commented publicly since Saturday on the deepest crisis of his presidency so far, did not want to "pour oil on the fire" ahead of Saturday's protest, Ferrand told AFP. Members of Macron's government have signalled they are ready to make further concessions. But Macron's office said he would stick to his decision to cut a "fortune tax" on high-earners, which the former investment banker abolished last year. Restoring the wealth tax has become a core demand of the "yellow vests," alongside the fuel tax rollback and an increase in the minimum wage.

Eiffel Tower, other monuments to close as fears of riot mount

Paris police on Thursday urged shops and restaurants on the Champs-Elysees to close on Saturday when new protests have been called against <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/france-to-introduce-digital-tax-if-no-eu-deal-181913">President Emmanuel Macron</a>, according to notices delivered to businesses seen by AFP.

Around a dozen museums in the capital have also announced their closures following vandalism and clashes with police during the "yellow vest" protests at the weekend, according to the latest tally.

Officials fear a repeat of the violence which saw demonstrators smash windows, burn scores of vehicles and set six buildings ablaze around central Paris on Saturday.

Shops along the iconic avenue were told to keep their doors closed and protect exposed windows, while also removing any outdoor furniture including tables and chairs, according to the notices.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/france-pm-philippe-confirms-fuel-tax-suspensions-calls-for-calm-181453">French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe</a> announced on Tuesday new concessions to "yellow vest" protesters, including the suspension for six months of planned tax increases raising the price of fuel.

"No tax merits putting the unity of the nation in danger," Philippe said in a televised address, adding that the anger on the streets "originates from a profound injustice: of not being able to live with dignity from one's work".

The measures are an attempt to take the heat out of anti-government protests by low-income people in small-town and rural France who have blocked roads and demonstrated for more than a fortnight.

Protests in Paris on Saturday degenerated into some of the worst violence in years in the capital, which saw more than 200 vehicles torched and the Arc de Triomphe vandalised.&nbsp;

Nearly 190 fires were put out and six buildings were set alight, the interior ministry said.

Three people have died in incidents linked to the anti-government protests which began on November 17.

Paris police on Thursday urged shops and restaurants on the Champs-Elysees to close on Saturday when new protests have been called against President Emmanuel Macron, according to notices delivered to businesses seen by AFP.

Paris police on Thursday urged shops and restaurants on the Champs-Elysees to close on Saturday when new protests have been called against President Emmanuel Macron, according to notices delivered to businesses seen by AFP. Around a dozen museums in the capital have also announced their closures following vandalism and clashes with police during the "yellow vest" protests at the weekend, according to the latest tally. Officials fear a repeat of the violence which saw demonstrators smash windows, burn scores of vehicles and set six buildings ablaze around central Paris on Saturday. Shops along the iconic avenue were told to keep their doors closed and protect exposed windows, while also removing any outdoor furniture including tables and chairs, according to the notices. French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe announced on Tuesday new concessions to "yellow vest" protesters, including the suspension for six months of planned tax increases raising the price of fuel. "No tax merits putting the unity of the nation in danger," Philippe said in a televised address, adding that the anger on the streets "originates from a profound injustice: of not being able to live with dignity from one's work". The measures are an attempt to take the heat out of anti-government protests by low-income people in small-town and rural France who have blocked roads and demonstrated for more than a fortnight. Protests in Paris on Saturday degenerated into some of the worst violence in years in the capital, which saw more than 200 vehicles torched and the Arc de Triomphe vandalised. Nearly 190 fires were put out and six buildings were set alight, the interior ministry said. Three people have died in incidents linked to the anti-government protests which began on November 17.

Paris police urge Champs-Elysees shops, restaurants to remain shut over protests

Anti-government protesters clashed with French police on the Champs-Elysees in Paris on Saturday, leaving the area cloaked in tear gas and smoke from fires on a fresh day of demonstrations against President Emmanuel Macron.

Demonstrators wearing the yellow, high-visibility vests that symbolise their movement threw projectiles at police preventing them from moving along the famed shopping avenue, which was decked out in twinkling Christmas lights.&nbsp;

They also built barricades in some spots, and tore down traffic lights and street signs, creating <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/more-than-400-hurt-in-french-fuel-price-protests-minister-178016">riotous scenes reminiscent of France's 1968 civil unrest</a>, or street insurrections in the mid-19th century immortalised in paintings and movies.

Police arrested 130 people, 42 of those in Paris, and 24 people were injured, five of them police officers including one who suffered burns to his groin, the city police department and Interior Minister Christophe Castaner said.

Elsewhere, protesters took over highway toll booths to let traffic pass for free, or held go-slow vehicle processions, underlining one of their core complaints of escalating taxes on car fuel, especially diesel.

Macron, targeted by protesters' calls that he resign, took to Twitter to thank police.

"Shame" on those who assaulted or intimidated citizens, journalists and politicians, Macron said. "There is no place for violence in the (French) Republic."

Smaller than a week ago

The violence was on a smaller scale than a week ago when the "yellow vest" movement staged its first nationwide protest.&nbsp;

"We're not here to beat up cops. We came because we want the government to hear us," said one protest spokeswoman, Laetitia Dewalle, 37, adding that the largely spontaneous movement denounced "violence by pseudo-protesters" on the fringes.

"We have just demonstrated peacefully, and we were teargassed," said Christophe, 49, who travelled from the Isere region in eastern France with his wife to protest in the capital.

The interior ministry counted 106,000 protesters across France on Saturday, with 8,000 in Paris, of whom around 5,000 were on the Champs-Elysees.

That was far less than the national tally of 282,000 in the November 17 protests.

Castaner said after the tumult died down that damage on the Champs-Elysees &nbsp;was "small".

The French government cast blame for the unruly protests on far-right politician Marine Le Pen, claiming she egged them on.

But Le Pen rejected that accusation saying she had "never called for any violence whatsoever" and in turn accused the government of "organising the tension" and seeking to make her a scapegoat.

Meanwhile opposition parties on both the right and left accused the government of trying to reduce the protests to just the sporadic scenes of violence, and turning a deaf ear to the demonstrators' grievances.

Jean-Luc Melenchon, leader of the radical left France Unbowed who attended a separate march Saturday protesting violence against women, tweeted that the action on the streets was "a mass protest of the people" which signalled "the end for Castaner".

Rural frustrations

A week ago, two people died and over 750 people, including 136 police officers, were injured in sometimes violent demonstrations that have shone a light on frustrations in many rural areas and small towns of France.

The "yellow vests" hail overwhelmingly from non-urban areas of France. They feel overlooked and penalised by policies they see as being pushed through by elitist politicians in Paris.&nbsp;

Former investment banker Macron was elected on a pledge to put more money in workers' pockets. But the effects of his pro-business reforms on unemployment and purchasing power have been limited so far.

Many of the often low-income "yellow vest" protesters are particularly incensed at his decision to hike anti-pollution taxes on diesel, while scrapping a wealth tax on the rich.

"I'm not just fighting against the price of fuel. It's about tax, what we pay," protester Catherine Marguier told AFP near the village of La Gravelle in northwest France.

Meanwhile, in a separate protest in the southern city of Marseille, police fired teargas at bottle-throwing demonstrators upset by the &nbsp;"gentrification" renovation work on the town's biggest square. Around 1,200 demonstrators took part and two were arrested.

'Gap between rich and poor'

Revolts against taxes have been a feature of French public life for centuries. Citizens still pay some of the highest in Europe as a percentage of GDP, and fuel-price protests are a common modern occurrence.

Previous rounds pitting the government against drivers took place in 1995, 2000, 2004, and 2008, often when tax increases coincided with high oil prices -- as they have this year.

A poll by the Odoxa research group for Le Figaro newspaper this week found that 77 percent of respondents described it as "justified".

Anti-government protesters clashed with French police on the Champs-Elysees in Paris on Saturday, leaving the area cloaked in tear gas and smoke from fires on a fresh day of demonstrations against President Emmanuel Macron.

Anti-government protesters clashed with French police on the Champs-Elysees in Paris on Saturday, leaving the area cloaked in tear gas and smoke from fires on a fresh day of demonstrations against President Emmanuel Macron. Demonstrators wearing the yellow, high-visibility vests that symbolise their movement threw projectiles at police preventing them from moving along the famed shopping avenue, which was decked out in twinkling Christmas lights. They also built barricades in some spots, and tore down traffic lights and street signs, creating riotous scenes reminiscent of France's 1968 civil unrest, or street insurrections in the mid-19th century immortalised in paintings and movies. Police arrested 130 people, 42 of those in Paris, and 24 people were injured, five of them police officers including one who suffered burns to his groin, the city police department and Interior Minister Christophe Castaner said. Elsewhere, protesters took over highway toll booths to let traffic pass for free, or held go-slow vehicle processions, underlining one of their core complaints of escalating taxes on car fuel, especially diesel. Macron, targeted by protesters' calls that he resign, took to Twitter to thank police. "Shame" on those who assaulted or intimidated citizens, journalists and politicians, Macron said. "There is no place for violence in the (French) Republic." Smaller than a week ago The violence was on a smaller scale than a week ago when the "yellow vest" movement staged its first nationwide protest. "We're not here to beat up cops. We came because we want the government to hear us," said one protest spokeswoman, Laetitia Dewalle, 37, adding that the largely spontaneous movement denounced "violence by pseudo-protesters" on the fringes. "We have just demonstrated peacefully, and we were teargassed," said Christophe, 49, who travelled from the Isere region in eastern France with his wife to protest in the capital. The interior ministry counted 106,000 protesters across France on Saturday, with 8,000 in Paris, of whom around 5,000 were on the Champs-Elysees. That was far less than the national tally of 282,000 in the November 17 protests. Castaner said after the tumult died down that damage on the Champs-Elysees was "small". The French government cast blame for the unruly protests on far-right politician Marine Le Pen, claiming she egged them on. But Le Pen rejected that accusation saying she had "never called for any violence whatsoever" and in turn accused the government of "organising the tension" and seeking to make her a scapegoat. Meanwhile opposition parties on both the right and left accused the government of trying to reduce the protests to just the sporadic scenes of violence, and turning a deaf ear to the demonstrators' grievances. Jean-Luc Melenchon, leader of the radical left France Unbowed who attended a separate march Saturday protesting violence against women, tweeted that the action on the streets was "a mass protest of the people" which signalled "the end for Castaner". Rural frustrations A week ago, two people died and over 750 people, including 136 police officers, were injured in sometimes violent demonstrations that have shone a light on frustrations in many rural areas and small towns of France. The "yellow vests" hail overwhelmingly from non-urban areas of France. They feel overlooked and penalised by policies they see as being pushed through by elitist politicians in Paris. Former investment banker Macron was elected on a pledge to put more money in workers' pockets. But the effects of his pro-business reforms on unemployment and purchasing power have been limited so far. Many of the often low-income "yellow vest" protesters are particularly incensed at his decision to hike anti-pollution taxes on diesel, while scrapping a wealth tax on the rich. "I'm not just fighting against the price of fuel. It's about tax, what we pay," protester Catherine Marguier told AFP near the village of La Gravelle in northwest France. Meanwhile, in a separate protest in the southern city of Marseille, police fired teargas at bottle-throwing demonstrators upset by the "gentrification" renovation work on the town's biggest square. Around 1,200 demonstrators took part and two were arrested. 'Gap between rich and poor' Revolts against taxes have been a feature of French public life for centuries. Citizens still pay some of the highest in Europe as a percentage of GDP, and fuel-price protests are a common modern occurrence. Previous rounds pitting the government against drivers took place in 1995, 2000, 2004, and 2008, often when tax increases coincided with high oil prices -- as they have this year. A poll by the Odoxa research group for Le Figaro newspaper this week found that 77 percent of respondents described it as "justified".

'Shame' on you, Macron tells French fuel hike protesters

An armed driver who&nbsp;drove a car into a&nbsp;police van on Paris&#39;s Champs-Elysees avenue &quot;in an attempted attack&quot; is dead, France&#39;s interior minister&nbsp;Gerard Collomb said.

The driver was unconscious after he was pulled&nbsp;out of the flaming vehicle and he was &quot;very likely dead,&quot; police and the interior minister earlier told AFP. 
 
Police sources earlier told AFP that a Kalashnikov rifle, handguns and gas bottles were found in the Renault Megane. 
 
Police say the situation is now under control, with no one injured, BBC reported. 
&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
The whole of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChampsElysees?src=hash">#ChampsElysees</a> is blocked. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Paris?src=hash">#Paris</a> <a href="https://t.co/EmaYQmf8oj">pic.twitter.com/EmaYQmf8oj</a>
&mdash; Kevin W. (@kwilli1046) <a href="https://twitter.com/kwilli1046/status/876809204367056896">June 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

Police and judicial sources told AFP&nbsp;they suspect the incident was a deliberate act.

Police have closed two of the metro stations on the Champs-Elysees, a major tourist draw in the French capital.

The incident comes&nbsp;just two months after a policeman was shot and killed on the world-renowned avenue, three days before the first round of France&#39;s presidential election.

A note praising the Islamic State group was found next to the body of the gunman, Karim Cheurfi, in that incident.&nbsp;

Police later found other weapons in Cheurfi&#39;s car including a shotgun and knives.

France has been hit by a wave of deadly terror attacks in recent years.

The country is still under a state of emergency imposed after the November 2015 attacks in Paris by the Islamic State, when IS jihadists killed 130 people in a night of carnage at venues across the city.

In January 2015, attackers&nbsp;targeted the Charlie Hebdo satirical magazine.&nbsp;In November that year, gunmen and suicide bombers attacked venues around Paris including the Bataclan concert hall, killing 130 people.

 
&nbsp;

Police pulled the driver out of the flaming vehicle and he was 'very likely dead', an interior ministry spokesman said

An armed driver who drove a car into a police van on Paris's Champs-Elysees avenue "in an attempted attack" is dead, France's interior minister Gerard Collomb said. The driver was unconscious after he was pulled out of the flaming vehicle and he was "very likely dead," police and the interior minister earlier told AFP. Police sources earlier told AFP that a Kalashnikov rifle, handguns and gas bottles were found in the Renault Megane. Police say the situation is now under control, with no one injured, BBC reported. The whole of the #ChampsElysees is blocked. #Paris pic.twitter.com/EmaYQmf8oj — Kevin W. (@kwilli1046) June 19, 2017 × Police and judicial sources told AFP they suspect the incident was a deliberate act. Police have closed two of the metro stations on the Champs-Elysees, a major tourist draw in the French capital. The incident comes just two months after a policeman was shot and killed on the world-renowned avenue, three days before the first round of France's presidential election. A note praising the Islamic State group was found next to the body of the gunman, Karim Cheurfi, in that incident. Police later found other weapons in Cheurfi's car including a shotgun and knives. France has been hit by a wave of deadly terror attacks in recent years. The country is still under a state of emergency imposed after the November 2015 attacks in Paris by the Islamic State, when IS jihadists killed 130 people in a night of carnage at venues across the city. In January 2015, attackers targeted the Charlie Hebdo satirical magazine. In November that year, gunmen and suicide bombers attacked venues around Paris including the Bataclan concert hall, killing 130 people.

Suspected attacker dead after driving car into police van on Paris's Champs-Elysees

champs-elysees

Champs Elysees, News on Champs Elysees, stories on Champs Elysees, articles on Champs Elysees, Champs Elysees stories at Wion, Champs Elysees news, Champs Elysees latest news

champs elysees