Fewer protesters turned out for the 25th straight weekend of "yellow vest" anti-government demonstrations in Paris and elsewhere in France on Saturday, days after a wider May Day rally was marked by violent clashes in the French capital.

The quieter nature of the demonstrations could be a relief to President Emmanuel Macron, who last week made a series of policy proposals in a bid to address the nearly six-month-long series of protests.

Some 3,600 protesters were taking part in marches across the country as of 1200 GMT on Saturday, compared with 5,500 a week earlier, the Interior Ministry said.

In Paris, where three rallies had been authorised, turnout was 1,000 as of 1200 GMT against 2,600 by the same time last week.

"Many of them were shocked by the behaviour and repression of last Wednesday," Herve, one protester, told Reuters. "So it's not surprising to see that it's lagging behind a bit regarding the turnout."

In contrast, tens of thousands of labour union and "yellow vest" protesters had taken the streets across the country on Wednesday in a demonstration that saw clashes between anarchists and police, especially in Paris.

In the southwestern town of Bordeaux, a Reuters journalist estimated the number of demonstrators at several hundred people against more than 2,000 a week earlier.

The protests, named after motorists' high-visibility yellow jackets, began over fuel tax increases but morphed into a sometimes violent revolt against politicians and a government they see as out of touch.

Many in the grassroots movement, which lacks a leadership structure, have said Macron's proposals last week, which include tax cuts worth around 5 billion euros ($5.6 billion), did not go far enough and lacked details.

Fewer protesters turned out for the 25th straight weekend of "yellow vest" anti-government demonstrations in Paris and elsewhere in France on Saturday, days after a wider May Day rally was marked by violent clashes in the French capital.

Fewer protesters turned out for the 25th straight weekend of "yellow vest" anti-government demonstrations in Paris and elsewhere in France on Saturday, days after a wider May Day rally was marked by violent clashes in the French capital. The quieter nature of the demonstrations could be a relief to President Emmanuel Macron, who last week made a series of policy proposals in a bid to address the nearly six-month-long series of protests. Some 3,600 protesters were taking part in marches across the country as of 1200 GMT on Saturday, compared with 5,500 a week earlier, the Interior Ministry said. In Paris, where three rallies had been authorised, turnout was 1,000 as of 1200 GMT against 2,600 by the same time last week. "Many of them were shocked by the behaviour and repression of last Wednesday," Herve, one protester, told Reuters. "So it's not surprising to see that it's lagging behind a bit regarding the turnout." In contrast, tens of thousands of labour union and "yellow vest" protesters had taken the streets across the country on Wednesday in a demonstration that saw clashes between anarchists and police, especially in Paris. In the southwestern town of Bordeaux, a Reuters journalist estimated the number of demonstrators at several hundred people against more than 2,000 a week earlier. The protests, named after motorists' high-visibility yellow jackets, began over fuel tax increases but morphed into a sometimes violent revolt against politicians and a government they see as out of touch. Many in the grassroots movement, which lacks a leadership structure, have said Macron's proposals last week, which include tax cuts worth around 5 billion euros ($5.6 billion), did not go far enough and lacked details.

Fewer turn out for 'Yellow vest' protests in France after May Day clashes

Clashes broke out between opposition supporters and Venezuela's armed forces in the capital Caracas on Wednesday during May Day protests with opposition leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-accuses-venezuelas-us-backed-opposition-leader-juan-guaido-of-fuelling-conflict-215063">Juan Guaido</a> attempting to rally demonstrators against President Nicolas Maduro.

National Guard troops fired tear gas at stone-throwing protesters attempting to block a highway close to the airbase in eastern Caracas where Guaido had tried on Tuesday to spark a military uprising against Maduro.

The second day of confrontations between opposition supporters and Maduro's security services came as the United States said it was prepared to take military action, if necessary, to stem the crisis in the South American nation.

In Tuesday's clashes, one person was killed and dozens injured, according to human rights monitors.

Tensions in Venezuela have soared since Guaido, who heads the National Assembly, invoked the constitution to declare himself the acting president on January 23, claiming Maduro's re-election last year was illegitimate.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned Venezuela's authorities not to use deadly force against demonstrators, while the US and Russia accused each other of making the crisis worse, evoking Cold War confrontations of the past.

In a phone call with Russian Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-state-secretary-pompeo-russian-foreign-minister-lavrov-trade-accusations-on-venezuela-in-phone-call-215196">Sergei Lavrov, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo </a>accused Moscow of "destabilizing" Venezuela.&nbsp;

'Joy' in the streets

Lavrov, in turn, charged that US interference was "destructive" and "in flagrant violation of international law."

Guaido rallied his supporters in Caracas in the Labor Day demonstrations, urging them to stay in the streets.

His appeal came despite the apparent failure the day before of a revolt by some soldiers and members of the Bolivarian National Guard who joined his side. &nbsp;

"There is nothing for workers to celebrate," Guaido told supporters in the oil-rich country suffering from hyperinflation and food and medicine shortages that have driven millions to flee.

"We're going to remain in the streets until we achieve freedom for the Venezuelan people.

"The regime will try to increase the repression. It will try to persecute me, to stage a coup d'etat," said Guaido, recognized by more than 50 countries as the country's interim president.

He said staggered industrial action would begin on Thursday, leading to a general strike.

Maduro, whose supporters staged their own march in Caracas, posted a message of support for them on Twitter.

"I'm receiving images of a huge display of joy spilling out over the streets of Caracas," he wrote.

Tuesday's events showed that "the insurrection, the coup and armed confrontation are not the way for our beloved Venezuela," Maduro said.

Maduro had congratulated the armed forces for having "defeated this small group that intended to spread violence through putschist skirmishes."

Accusing Guaido of attempting to stage a coup, he vowed, "This will not go unpunished."

'Serious crimes'

Hours after the revolt by military members appeared to have fizzled out, Pompeo told CNN he believed Maduro was ready to flee to ally Cuba before he was dissuaded by Russia -- a claim Maduro later refuted as "a joke."

A senior Brazilian official said at least 25 Venezuelan troops had sought asylum at its Caracas embassy.

Venezuela's security forces number around 365,000 including military and police, as well as 1.6 million civilian reservists.

Pompeo said on Wednesday that Washington wants a peaceful transfer of power but warned that US President Donald Trump is prepared to take military action if necessary.

"The president has been crystal clear and incredibly consistent. Military action is possible. If that's what's required, that's what the United States will do," Pompeo told Fox Business Network.

'Living through hell'

Venezuela has suffered five years of recession marked by shortages of basic necessities as well as failing public services, including water, electricity and transport.

"We're living through hell, without water, without electricity. I believe the people in the streets will be the straw that breaks the camel's back," a resident of western Caracas, Evelinda Villalobos, 58, told AFP.

The United Nations says a quarter of Venezuela's 30 million people need humanitarian aid, 3.7 million people are malnourished while another 2.7 million have fled the country's economic woes.

"Yesterday we saw soldiers recognizing our interim president. We have to stay in the streets," said Patricia Requena, 40. "I'll keep demonstrating as long as God allows me to."

Michael Shifter, an analyst with the Inter-American Dialogue, told AFP the US approach to Venezuela was "unhelpful and often counterproductive."&nbsp;

"The US is right to back Guaido in his battle against Maduro," said Shifter.

"But beyond being on the right side, the administration is making it harder, not easier, to achieve a democratic transition in Venezuela."

He added that Russia had "committed fewer self-inflicted wounds than the US and seems more skilful in advancing its own interests." 
&nbsp;

Clashes broke out between opposition supporters and Venezuela's armed forces in the capital Caracas on Wednesday during May Day protests with opposition leader Juan Guaido attempting to rally demonstrators against President Nicolas Maduro.

Clashes broke out between opposition supporters and Venezuela's armed forces in the capital Caracas on Wednesday during May Day protests with opposition leader Juan Guaido attempting to rally demonstrators against President Nicolas Maduro. National Guard troops fired tear gas at stone-throwing protesters attempting to block a highway close to the airbase in eastern Caracas where Guaido had tried on Tuesday to spark a military uprising against Maduro. The second day of confrontations between opposition supporters and Maduro's security services came as the United States said it was prepared to take military action, if necessary, to stem the crisis in the South American nation. In Tuesday's clashes, one person was killed and dozens injured, according to human rights monitors. Tensions in Venezuela have soared since Guaido, who heads the National Assembly, invoked the constitution to declare himself the acting president on January 23, claiming Maduro's re-election last year was illegitimate. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned Venezuela's authorities not to use deadly force against demonstrators, while the US and Russia accused each other of making the crisis worse, evoking Cold War confrontations of the past. In a phone call with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo accused Moscow of "destabilizing" Venezuela. 'Joy' in the streets Lavrov, in turn, charged that US interference was "destructive" and "in flagrant violation of international law." Guaido rallied his supporters in Caracas in the Labor Day demonstrations, urging them to stay in the streets. His appeal came despite the apparent failure the day before of a revolt by some soldiers and members of the Bolivarian National Guard who joined his side. "There is nothing for workers to celebrate," Guaido told supporters in the oil-rich country suffering from hyperinflation and food and medicine shortages that have driven millions to flee. "We're going to remain in the streets until we achieve freedom for the Venezuelan people. "The regime will try to increase the repression. It will try to persecute me, to stage a coup d'etat," said Guaido, recognized by more than 50 countries as the country's interim president. He said staggered industrial action would begin on Thursday, leading to a general strike. Maduro, whose supporters staged their own march in Caracas, posted a message of support for them on Twitter. "I'm receiving images of a huge display of joy spilling out over the streets of Caracas," he wrote. Tuesday's events showed that "the insurrection, the coup and armed confrontation are not the way for our beloved Venezuela," Maduro said. Maduro had congratulated the armed forces for having "defeated this small group that intended to spread violence through putschist skirmishes." Accusing Guaido of attempting to stage a coup, he vowed, "This will not go unpunished." 'Serious crimes' Hours after the revolt by military members appeared to have fizzled out, Pompeo told CNN he believed Maduro was ready to flee to ally Cuba before he was dissuaded by Russia -- a claim Maduro later refuted as "a joke." A senior Brazilian official said at least 25 Venezuelan troops had sought asylum at its Caracas embassy. Venezuela's security forces number around 365,000 including military and police, as well as 1.6 million civilian reservists. Pompeo said on Wednesday that Washington wants a peaceful transfer of power but warned that US President Donald Trump is prepared to take military action if necessary. "The president has been crystal clear and incredibly consistent. Military action is possible. If that's what's required, that's what the United States will do," Pompeo told Fox Business Network. 'Living through hell' Venezuela has suffered five years of recession marked by shortages of basic necessities as well as failing public services, including water, electricity and transport. "We're living through hell, without water, without electricity. I believe the people in the streets will be the straw that breaks the camel's back," a resident of western Caracas, Evelinda Villalobos, 58, told AFP. The United Nations says a quarter of Venezuela's 30 million people need humanitarian aid, 3.7 million people are malnourished while another 2.7 million have fled the country's economic woes. "Yesterday we saw soldiers recognizing our interim president. We have to stay in the streets," said Patricia Requena, 40. "I'll keep demonstrating as long as God allows me to." Michael Shifter, an analyst with the Inter-American Dialogue, told AFP the US approach to Venezuela was "unhelpful and often counterproductive." "The US is right to back Guaido in his battle against Maduro," said Shifter. "But beyond being on the right side, the administration is making it harder, not easier, to achieve a democratic transition in Venezuela." He added that Russia had "committed fewer self-inflicted wounds than the US and seems more skilful in advancing its own interests."

Clashes break out at Venezuela May Day protest

Hundreds of masked and hooded anarchists smashed shop windows, torched cars and hurled cobblestones at riot police on Tuesday, hijacking a May Day rally by labour unions against President Emmanuel Macron's economic reforms.

Riot police used teargas and water cannon to disperse the protesters. Paris police chief Michel Delpuech said more than 200 demonstrators had been arrested and four people were lightly injured in the clashes, including a police officer.

"I condemn with absolute firmness the violence that took place today and derailed the May Day processions," tweeted Macron, who was on a visit to Australia.

"Everything will be done so that the perpetrators are identified and held responsible for their actions."

Authorities said around 1,200 protesters, many garbed in black, had turned up on the sidelines of the annual May Day demonstration. The protesters were from far-left anarchist groups known as Black Blocs, police said.

Government spokesman Benjamin Griveaux criticised the protesters for covering their faces. "When you have sincere convictions, you demonstrate with your face unmasked," he said. "Those who wear hoods are the enemies of democracy."

Chanting anti-fascist slogans and waving Soviet flags and anti-government banners, the protesters smashed windows of businesses, including a Renault garage and McDonalds restaurant near the Austerlitz train station in eastern Paris.

They also ransacked shops and scrawled anti-capitalist graffiti on walls before eventually being dispersed by police.

Avoiding casualties

David Le Bars, a police union official, told BFM TV that security services had decided to let the protesters smash things rather than engage them to avoid casualties on either side that could exacerbate tensions.

"They came to hit capitalist symbols and burn cops. When you come with Molotov cocktails, it's to burn cops," he said, citing clashes on May 1 last year in which one police officer was seriously burnt.

Unions put the number of peaceful protesters at Tuesday's main May Day rally in Paris at about 55,000, though police put it at around 20,000. The numbers were relatively small compared to other recent demonstrations.

Police said the Black Blocs had mixed into a smaller demonstration of around 14,500 people which took place alongside the official union rally.

Tuesday's clashes come amid mounting union discontent with Macron's plans to reboot France's economy and spur jobs growth by loosening labour regulations.

Under a union campaign to foil Macron's reforms, railway staff have begun three months of nationwide rolling strikes aimed at halting a planned overhaul of state-run railway SNCF.

Speaking in Australia earlier on Tuesday Macron, a former investment banker who swept to power a year ago, reiterated that he would not back down on his reform agenda.

Opposition conservative and far-right politicians accused Macron's government of being insufficiently prepared for the violent protests and criticised it for not cracking down more heavily on anarchists.

 
&nbsp

Hundreds of masked and hooded anarchists smashed shop windows, torched cars and hurled cobblestones at riot police on Tuesday, hijacking a May Day rally by labour unions against President Emmanuel Macron's economic reforms

Hundreds of masked and hooded anarchists smashed shop windows, torched cars and hurled cobblestones at riot police on Tuesday, hijacking a May Day rally by labour unions against President Emmanuel Macron's economic reforms. Riot police used teargas and water cannon to disperse the protesters. Paris police chief Michel Delpuech said more than 200 demonstrators had been arrested and four people were lightly injured in the clashes, including a police officer. "I condemn with absolute firmness the violence that took place today and derailed the May Day processions," tweeted Macron, who was on a visit to Australia. "Everything will be done so that the perpetrators are identified and held responsible for their actions." Authorities said around 1,200 protesters, many garbed in black, had turned up on the sidelines of the annual May Day demonstration. The protesters were from far-left anarchist groups known as Black Blocs, police said. Government spokesman Benjamin Griveaux criticised the protesters for covering their faces. "When you have sincere convictions, you demonstrate with your face unmasked," he said. "Those who wear hoods are the enemies of democracy." Chanting anti-fascist slogans and waving Soviet flags and anti-government banners, the protesters smashed windows of businesses, including a Renault garage and McDonalds restaurant near the Austerlitz train station in eastern Paris. They also ransacked shops and scrawled anti-capitalist graffiti on walls before eventually being dispersed by police. Avoiding casualties David Le Bars, a police union official, told BFM TV that security services had decided to let the protesters smash things rather than engage them to avoid casualties on either side that could exacerbate tensions. "They came to hit capitalist symbols and burn cops. When you come with Molotov cocktails, it's to burn cops," he said, citing clashes on May 1 last year in which one police officer was seriously burnt. Unions put the number of peaceful protesters at Tuesday's main May Day rally in Paris at about 55,000, though police put it at around 20,000. The numbers were relatively small compared to other recent demonstrations. Police said the Black Blocs had mixed into a smaller demonstration of around 14,500 people which took place alongside the official union rally. Tuesday's clashes come amid mounting union discontent with Macron's plans to reboot France's economy and spur jobs growth by loosening labour regulations. Under a union campaign to foil Macron's reforms, railway staff have begun three months of nationwide rolling strikes aimed at halting a planned overhaul of state-run railway SNCF. Speaking in Australia earlier on Tuesday Macron, a former investment banker who swept to power a year ago, reiterated that he would not back down on his reform agenda. Opposition conservative and far-right politicians accused Macron's government of being insufficiently prepared for the violent protests and criticised it for not cracking down more heavily on anarchists.

Riot police, masked protesters clash at Paris May Day rally

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Fewer turn out for 'Yellow vest' protests in France after May Day clashes

Clashes break out at Venezuela May Day protest

Riot police, masked protesters clash at Paris May Day rally