It's a topsy-turvy world. President Emmanuel Macron's France can recognise Juan Guaido, who is leading the protests in distant Venezuela, as “Interim President” of that country. But Italy's Deputy Prime Minister Luigi Di Maio cannot meet “Yellow Vest” protesters demonstrating on the streets of Paris. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Why is the recognition of protests acceptable in the case of Venezuela but not when it comes to France? &nbsp;

Because the West led by the United States and its camp followers in Europe say so. This is the so-called “international community” known for its duplicitous standards. &nbsp;

When it comes to bleeding or browbeating a developing country the developed industrial nations of the North band come and set aside their own differences, divisions and disputes. They also find collaborators among poorer southern nations willing to strike against one of their own. Which explains Venezuela's neighbours acting as columns of the US, which is out to topple President Nicolas Maduro; and, as a step towards this, has recognised Guaido as “Interim President”.&nbsp;

What happened in Venezuela?&nbsp; &nbsp;

On January 10, President Maduro began his second term. The next day, Guaido, who is also National Assembly President, declared himself “Interim President”. A week later thousands came out to root for Guaido; and, on January 19, there were violent clashes between supporters of Maduro and Guaido. The army was incited to revolt. However, the Maduro government put down the mutiny even as protests escalated in the capital Caracas.&nbsp; 
 
In the last one month, all efforts to unseat Maduro – from propping up Guaido, his recognition by powerful nations barring Russia, China, India, Iran and Turkey to inciting the armed forces, imposing sanctions, squeezing Venezuela economically, denying the country food and medicines and funding protests – have failed. The US-led community is certain to keep at it till Maduro goes, for South America has been its backyard where its chosen dictators have ruled the roost for the last 100 years.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Those opposed to US-led interference and regime-change in Venezuela have taken the stand that it is for Venezuela to resolve its internal issues. Given the 'big power play' in Venezuela – the world's largest petroleum producer – it is, no coincidence that the protests in Caracas have overshadowed the Yellow Vest protests in France.&nbsp;

The protests in France began on November 17, almost two months before the eruption in Venezuela. A move to hike fuel prices drew more than 300,000 people across France to protest by raising barricades, jamming streets and blocking roads.&nbsp;

Soon the protests, which were not to any script and had no leadership, swelled into a movement where the demonstrators clashed with the police. The violent police crackdown – said to be the worst in 40 years -- has been likened to that unleashed upon students during the 1968 revolt.&nbsp;

President Macron's handling of the protests was repressive and inept. He promised to hold back on the proposed fuel tax and called for a national debate on economic issues. The debate was a flop. His promise to hike wages and pensions did not staunch the tide of protest.&nbsp;

A few days ago, some 12 weeks after the protests began, France passed the anti-hooligan law to suppress the yellow vest protests. The police have been given enormous powers to pick out trouble-makers from demonstrations. Local authorities can ban individual protesters. And, protesters have been banned from hiding their faces.

The passing of this draconian law was dubbed as a “Black Day” for French democracy. President Macron, once hailed as the harbinger of change in France and Europe, proved that he is as intolerant of dissent and protest as Latin American dictators. It is hardly surprising then that President Macron approval ratings are the worst even; and, France's annual growth rate is the worst in over two years.&nbsp;

Yet President Macron recognised Venezuelan protesters leader Guaido as “Interim President”.&nbsp; Can other countries follow the French example and use the same argument to talk to the Yellow Vest protesters?&nbsp;&nbsp;

Apparently not. France recalled its ambassador to Italy because Italian Deputy Prime Minister &nbsp;Luigi di Maio met leaders of the Yellow Vest movement. Earlier France, which is now interfering in the affairs of Venezuela (in the footsteps of the US), had warned Di Maio that "this new provocation is unacceptable”. After his meeting with the protesters, Di Maio, leader of Italy's populist Five Star Movement, tweeted "The wind of change has crossed the Alps".&nbsp;&nbsp;

Italy's ruling coalition, which includes the Five Star movement, is divided on Guaido. Di Maio has not only stopped the Italian government from backing Guaido but also scuttled the European Union from taking a joint position in support of Guaido. Venezuelans of Italian origin are a large and influential group in the South American country.&nbsp; 
 
It is surprising that the EU, which is divided on a host of issues from migrants and refugees to human rights and trade, should be one when it comes to ganging up against Venezuela. And, see it as an opportunity to get on the right side of US President Donald Trump despite disputes and differences that have kept the trans-Atlantic partners far apart in recent years.&nbsp; &nbsp;

In 2012, the EU was awarded the Nobel Prize for its contribution to peace and reconciliation, democracy and human rights. That reads more like an epitaph to a Europe where democracy and human rights are little valued except as instruments for striking trade bargains and selling military hardware.&nbsp; 
 
( Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

It's a topsy-turvy world. President Emmanuel Macron's France can recognise Juan Guaido, who is leading the protests in distant Venezuela, as “Interim President” of that country.

It's a topsy-turvy world. President Emmanuel Macron's France can recognise Juan Guaido, who is leading the protests in distant Venezuela, as “Interim President” of that country. But Italy's Deputy Prime Minister Luigi Di Maio cannot meet “Yellow Vest” protesters demonstrating on the streets of Paris. Why is the recognition of protests acceptable in the case of Venezuela but not when it comes to France? Because the West led by the United States and its camp followers in Europe say so. This is the so-called “international community” known for its duplicitous standards. When it comes to bleeding or browbeating a developing country the developed industrial nations of the North band come and set aside their own differences, divisions and disputes. They also find collaborators among poorer southern nations willing to strike against one of their own. Which explains Venezuela's neighbours acting as columns of the US, which is out to topple President Nicolas Maduro; and, as a step towards this, has recognised Guaido as “Interim President”. What happened in Venezuela? On January 10, President Maduro began his second term. The next day, Guaido, who is also National Assembly President, declared himself “Interim President”. A week later thousands came out to root for Guaido; and, on January 19, there were violent clashes between supporters of Maduro and Guaido. The army was incited to revolt. However, the Maduro government put down the mutiny even as protests escalated in the capital Caracas. In the last one month, all efforts to unseat Maduro – from propping up Guaido, his recognition by powerful nations barring Russia, China, India, Iran and Turkey to inciting the armed forces, imposing sanctions, squeezing Venezuela economically, denying the country food and medicines and funding protests – have failed. The US-led community is certain to keep at it till Maduro goes, for South America has been its backyard where its chosen dictators have ruled the roost for the last 100 years. Those opposed to US-led interference and regime-change in Venezuela have taken the stand that it is for Venezuela to resolve its internal issues. Given the 'big power play' in Venezuela – the world's largest petroleum producer – it is, no coincidence that the protests in Caracas have overshadowed the Yellow Vest protests in France. The protests in France began on November 17, almost two months before the eruption in Venezuela. A move to hike fuel prices drew more than 300,000 people across France to protest by raising barricades, jamming streets and blocking roads. Soon the protests, which were not to any script and had no leadership, swelled into a movement where the demonstrators clashed with the police. The violent police crackdown – said to be the worst in 40 years -- has been likened to that unleashed upon students during the 1968 revolt. President Macron's handling of the protests was repressive and inept. He promised to hold back on the proposed fuel tax and called for a national debate on economic issues. The debate was a flop. His promise to hike wages and pensions did not staunch the tide of protest. A few days ago, some 12 weeks after the protests began, France passed the anti-hooligan law to suppress the yellow vest protests. The police have been given enormous powers to pick out trouble-makers from demonstrations. Local authorities can ban individual protesters. And, protesters have been banned from hiding their faces. The passing of this draconian law was dubbed as a “Black Day” for French democracy. President Macron, once hailed as the harbinger of change in France and Europe, proved that he is as intolerant of dissent and protest as Latin American dictators. It is hardly surprising then that President Macron approval ratings are the worst even; and, France's annual growth rate is the worst in over two years. Yet President Macron recognised Venezuelan protesters leader Guaido as “Interim President”. Can other countries follow the French example and use the same argument to talk to the Yellow Vest protesters? Apparently not. France recalled its ambassador to Italy because Italian Deputy Prime Minister Luigi di Maio met leaders of the Yellow Vest movement. Earlier France, which is now interfering in the affairs of Venezuela (in the footsteps of the US), had warned Di Maio that "this new provocation is unacceptable”. After his meeting with the protesters, Di Maio, leader of Italy's populist Five Star Movement, tweeted "The wind of change has crossed the Alps". Italy's ruling coalition, which includes the Five Star movement, is divided on Guaido. Di Maio has not only stopped the Italian government from backing Guaido but also scuttled the European Union from taking a joint position in support of Guaido. Venezuelans of Italian origin are a large and influential group in the South American country. It is surprising that the EU, which is divided on a host of issues from migrants and refugees to human rights and trade, should be one when it comes to ganging up against Venezuela. And, see it as an opportunity to get on the right side of US President Donald Trump despite disputes and differences that have kept the trans-Atlantic partners far apart in recent years. In 2012, the EU was awarded the Nobel Prize for its contribution to peace and reconciliation, democracy and human rights. That reads more like an epitaph to a Europe where democracy and human rights are little valued except as instruments for striking trade bargains and selling military hardware. ( Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Venezuela, France & West's duplicity

Yellow Vest protests continue for 12th straight week in France

Thousands of "yellow vest" protesters returned to the streets of France Saturday to protest against President Emmanuel Macron's policies, clashing with police in several cities in a challenge to his bid to quell the movement.

Police fired tear gas and water cannon to push back protesters at Place de la Bastille in Paris, one of the regular protest areas, as some demonstrators threw stones from a building site.

The local prefecture reported 223 arrests in Paris, while the interior ministry estimated numbers for the 11th week of protests were at 69,000 across France, compared with 84,000 last Saturday.

The demonstrations erupted in mid-November over Macron's economic reforms, but have since grown into wider rallies calling for the resignation of the former investment banker who critics say is out of touch with the economic struggles of ordinary French people.

In Paris and other cities, the yellow vest movement had called for the protests to continue into the night.

But police quickly dispersed several hundred protesters in the capital's symbolic Republique square, using stun grenades as well as tear gas and water cannon to clear the area, AFP journalists said.

Clashes erupted too in Nantes in western France and in the southern city of Montpellier, where a police officer was injured by "a pyrotechnic device", said a statement from the local prefecture.

In Paris, the official count was 4,000 demonstrators against 7,000 the previous weekend.

Interior Minister Christophe Castaner on Twitter criticised "rioters disguised as yellow vest protesters" after Saturday's clashes.

'Keep the pressure on'

The weekend's protests against Macron's tax and social policies came as divisions appeared among the yellow vests -- named after the high-visibility vests they wear -- as to where to take the movement.

In a new political development, a 31-year-old nurse named Ingrid Levavasseur said this week she would lead a yellow vest list of candidates for the European elections in May.

An initial survey in the wake of the announcement suggested they would garner a respectable 13 per cent of the vote.

But not every protester appeared to welcome this development.

"There is a hardcore that is ready to keep fighting," said 42-year-old Gilbert Claro from the Paris suburbs. But the movement "is not meant to be political", he added.

"We have to keep the pressure on in the streets," to get their demands accepted, said Virginie, an activist in her 40s who said she had been involved in the protests from the beginning.

She and many other protesters want a citizen-sponsored referendum so ordinary people can have more of a say in government policy.

This idea has been consistently rejected by the government, although Macron made some concessions last December in a bid to end the protests.&nbsp;

Recent opinion polls suggest that he has regained some of the ground lost during the crisis, as he has presented his case in a series of town hall events around the country.

The "great national debate" he initiated in response to the protests has nevertheless been dismissed as a public relations operation by many yellow vest protesters.

The debate is a "masquerade", said Mathieu Styrna, a 36-year-old carpenter from northern France in Paris for the protests. His impression, he said, was that the participants had been selected.

Night protests

Outside Paris, several thousand protesters were marching in Bordeaux and Toulouse in the southwest -- two of the cities where support for the movement has been consistently strong.

In Bordeaux, police broke up small groups of protesters tossing fireworks and bottles as night fell.

In the Mediterranean port city of Marseille, members of the CGT union joined the protests and about a thousand protesters turned out in the eastern city of Lyon.

For the first time on Saturday, riot police used controversial defence ball launchers (LBDs) that shoot 40-millimetre (1.6-inch) rubber and foam rounds were equipped with cameras.

A French court on Friday refused a bid brought by France's League for Human Rights (LDH) and the CGT to ban the weapons, blamed for serious injuries suffered by some demonstrators.

The police authority in Paris announced the introduction of cameras in a move for greater transparency.

On Sunday, supporters of the government will stage their first "red scarf" protest to represent what they say is "the silent majority" defending "democracy and its institutions" and denouncing the violence of the yellow vests protests.

Two-thirds of people questioned in an IFOP-Journal du Dimanche survey published Sunday said they thought the demonstrations had not succeeded in changing how Macron was governing France.

&nbsp;

Thousands of "yellow vest" protesters returned to the streets of France Saturday to protest against President Emmanuel Macron's policies, clashing with police in several cities in a challenge to his bid to quell the movement.

Thousands of "yellow vest" protesters returned to the streets of France Saturday to protest against President Emmanuel Macron's policies, clashing with police in several cities in a challenge to his bid to quell the movement. Police fired tear gas and water cannon to push back protesters at Place de la Bastille in Paris, one of the regular protest areas, as some demonstrators threw stones from a building site. The local prefecture reported 223 arrests in Paris, while the interior ministry estimated numbers for the 11th week of protests were at 69,000 across France, compared with 84,000 last Saturday. The demonstrations erupted in mid-November over Macron's economic reforms, but have since grown into wider rallies calling for the resignation of the former investment banker who critics say is out of touch with the economic struggles of ordinary French people. In Paris and other cities, the yellow vest movement had called for the protests to continue into the night. But police quickly dispersed several hundred protesters in the capital's symbolic Republique square, using stun grenades as well as tear gas and water cannon to clear the area, AFP journalists said. Clashes erupted too in Nantes in western France and in the southern city of Montpellier, where a police officer was injured by "a pyrotechnic device", said a statement from the local prefecture. In Paris, the official count was 4,000 demonstrators against 7,000 the previous weekend. Interior Minister Christophe Castaner on Twitter criticised "rioters disguised as yellow vest protesters" after Saturday's clashes. 'Keep the pressure on' The weekend's protests against Macron's tax and social policies came as divisions appeared among the yellow vests -- named after the high-visibility vests they wear -- as to where to take the movement. In a new political development, a 31-year-old nurse named Ingrid Levavasseur said this week she would lead a yellow vest list of candidates for the European elections in May. An initial survey in the wake of the announcement suggested they would garner a respectable 13 per cent of the vote. But not every protester appeared to welcome this development. "There is a hardcore that is ready to keep fighting," said 42-year-old Gilbert Claro from the Paris suburbs. But the movement "is not meant to be political", he added. "We have to keep the pressure on in the streets," to get their demands accepted, said Virginie, an activist in her 40s who said she had been involved in the protests from the beginning. She and many other protesters want a citizen-sponsored referendum so ordinary people can have more of a say in government policy. This idea has been consistently rejected by the government, although Macron made some concessions last December in a bid to end the protests. Recent opinion polls suggest that he has regained some of the ground lost during the crisis, as he has presented his case in a series of town hall events around the country. The "great national debate" he initiated in response to the protests has nevertheless been dismissed as a public relations operation by many yellow vest protesters. The debate is a "masquerade", said Mathieu Styrna, a 36-year-old carpenter from northern France in Paris for the protests. His impression, he said, was that the participants had been selected. Night protests Outside Paris, several thousand protesters were marching in Bordeaux and Toulouse in the southwest -- two of the cities where support for the movement has been consistently strong. In Bordeaux, police broke up small groups of protesters tossing fireworks and bottles as night fell. In the Mediterranean port city of Marseille, members of the CGT union joined the protests and about a thousand protesters turned out in the eastern city of Lyon. For the first time on Saturday, riot police used controversial defence ball launchers (LBDs) that shoot 40-millimetre (1.6-inch) rubber and foam rounds were equipped with cameras. A French court on Friday refused a bid brought by France's League for Human Rights (LDH) and the CGT to ban the weapons, blamed for serious injuries suffered by some demonstrators. The police authority in Paris announced the introduction of cameras in a move for greater transparency. On Sunday, supporters of the government will stage their first "red scarf" protest to represent what they say is "the silent majority" defending "democracy and its institutions" and denouncing the violence of the yellow vests protests. Two-thirds of people questioned in an IFOP-Journal du Dimanche survey published Sunday said they thought the demonstrations had not succeeded in changing how Macron was governing France.

'Yellow vests' back on France's streets to challenge Macron

A prominent French<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-gather-in-paris-for-11th-weekend-of-yellow-vest-protests-192979"> anti-government "yellow vest" activist</a>, badly injured in the eye at a protest, was struck with one of the controversial rubber bullets used by police, his lawyer said Sunday.

Jerome Rodrigues' lawyer fears he will be "handicapped for life" after he was injured in clashes with police in Paris on Saturday during an 11th straight weekend of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/number-of-yellow-vest-protesters-surges-to-84000-but-violence-down-189927">protests against President Emmanuel Macron.</a>

Rodrigues was placed in an artificial coma overnight after the incident at the Bastille monument in central Paris.&nbsp;

"He is in shock. He will be handicapped for life. It is a tragedy for him and his family," lawyer Philippe de Veulle told BFM television, adding that he was lodging a complaint against police.

The bearded Rodrigues, who has become a well-known figure in the "yellow vest" movement with 50,000 followers on Facebook, was live-streaming the protest on the website when he was hit.

De Veulle said Rodrigues was struck with a "flashball", referring to the 40-mm (1.6-inch) rubber projectiles used by French riot police.

The devices have become deeply controversial in France since the protests began in November, blamed for dozens of serious injuries.

On Saturday, police using the bullets were for the first time deployed wearing body cams in a bid to increase transparency.

Rodrigues, speaking to LCI television from hospital, said he was also hit by a sting ball grenade, another controversial riot control device.

"Everything happened very quickly. They threw a grenade at me and I took a (rubber) bullet. I was attacked twice — a grenade to the foot, and the bullet," Rodrigues said.

He accused police of carrying out "all the violence the rules allow".

Witnesses picked up the projectile that struck Rodrigues and police are set to investigate the circumstances of the incident.

Originally sparked by rises in fuel taxes, the "yellow vest" protests quickly snowballed into a widespread revolt over accusations that Macron, an ex-banker, is out of touch with rural and small-town France.

Named after the emblematic luminous road safety vests worn by protesters, the demonstrations have drawn tens of thousands of people to the streets.

But their numbers have eased in recent weeks after Macron announced a series of policy climbdowns and launched a two-month consultation to allow people to vent their anger.

The interior ministry estimated that 69,000 turned out across France on Saturday, compared with 84,000 a week earlier.

A prominent French anti-government "yellow vest" activist, badly injured in the eye at a protest, was struck with one of the controversial rubber bullets used by police, his lawyer said Sunday.

A prominent French anti-government "yellow vest" activist, badly injured in the eye at a protest, was struck with one of the controversial rubber bullets used by police, his lawyer said Sunday. Jerome Rodrigues' lawyer fears he will be "handicapped for life" after he was injured in clashes with police in Paris on Saturday during an 11th straight weekend of protests against President Emmanuel Macron. Rodrigues was placed in an artificial coma overnight after the incident at the Bastille monument in central Paris. "He is in shock. He will be handicapped for life. It is a tragedy for him and his family," lawyer Philippe de Veulle told BFM television, adding that he was lodging a complaint against police. The bearded Rodrigues, who has become a well-known figure in the "yellow vest" movement with 50,000 followers on Facebook, was live-streaming the protest on the website when he was hit. De Veulle said Rodrigues was struck with a "flashball", referring to the 40-mm (1.6-inch) rubber projectiles used by French riot police. The devices have become deeply controversial in France since the protests began in November, blamed for dozens of serious injuries. On Saturday, police using the bullets were for the first time deployed wearing body cams in a bid to increase transparency. Rodrigues, speaking to LCI television from hospital, said he was also hit by a sting ball grenade, another controversial riot control device. "Everything happened very quickly. They threw a grenade at me and I took a (rubber) bullet. I was attacked twice — a grenade to the foot, and the bullet," Rodrigues said. He accused police of carrying out "all the violence the rules allow". Witnesses picked up the projectile that struck Rodrigues and police are set to investigate the circumstances of the incident. Originally sparked by rises in fuel taxes, the "yellow vest" protests quickly snowballed into a widespread revolt over accusations that Macron, an ex-banker, is out of touch with rural and small-town France. Named after the emblematic luminous road safety vests worn by protesters, the demonstrations have drawn tens of thousands of people to the streets. But their numbers have eased in recent weeks after Macron announced a series of policy climbdowns and launched a two-month consultation to allow people to vent their anger. The interior ministry estimated that 69,000 turned out across France on Saturday, compared with 84,000 a week earlier.

Yellow vest activist handicapped for life after getting hit by rubber bullet: Lawyer

France's "yellow vests" took to the streets on Saturday for a 10th straight weekend of anti-government protests, defying attempts by President Emmanuel Macron to channel their anger into a series of town hall debates.

A police source said the authorities expected the protests to be "at least as big as last week" when over 80,000 people demonstrated over inequality, the privileges enjoyed by senior public servants and the governing style of a president accused of arrogance.

Last week's turnout confirmed that, after a lull at the end of the year, the protesters behind the biggest crisis in Macron's presidency remain fully mobilised.

In pics: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/gangs-of-yellow-vest-militants-set-heart-of-paris-ablaze-180834">'State of insurrection' as rioters run amok in Paris</a>

The centrist leader is hoping that the launch this week of a "grand national debate" on policy will mark a turning point.

One of the yellow vests' top demands is that ordinary citizens be given a greater say in policy-making.

Macron this week kickstarted two months of public consultations on issues ranging from taxation to public services, spending over 12 hours in total debating with mayors at two separate gatherings in the north and south-west of the country.

The debates mark a return to form for the 41-year-old president who won election at the head of a grassroots movement that went door-to-door asking the French what kind of changes were needed.

A prodigious debater he appeared this week to relish the return to campaign-style politics.

But many yellow vests have announced plans to boycott the discussions scheduled in dozens of towns and villages, seeing them as an attempt to drain support from a movement that erupted in mid-November over fuel taxes and quickly broadened into a campaign of weekly protests that have regularly ended in clashes with police and destruction of property.

The growing number of demonstrators to suffer serious injuries at the hands of the police has compounded their anger towards the state.&nbsp;

The "Disarm" collective, a local group that campaigns against police violence, has counted 98 cases of serious injuries, including 15 cases of people losing an eye, mostly after being hit by rubber bullets.

On Saturday, protesters plan to march from Invalides war museum in Paris through the left bank of the Seine.

Some 80,000 security force members are on duty again nationwide, 5,000 of them in Paris.

Warning against debate 'bluff'

Macron is pinning his hopes on the debate to quash the image of a leader out-of-touch with the concerns of people in rural France.

Polls show mixed feelings among the French, with around 40 per cent saying they would like to take part but around two-thirds saying they do not believe the consultations will end the protests.

"I'm warning you, Mr President. This debate must not become a big bluff," the mayor of the south-central village of Saint-Cirgues, Christian Venries, warned Macron at a public meeting Friday in his region.

To fend off accusations that his policies favour rich urbanites the most, former investment banker Macron has already scrapped a controversial fuel tax hike that would have squeezed car-dependent rural-dwellers.&nbsp;

He has also unveiled a 10-billion-euro ($11.5-billion) package of wage increases and tax relief for low earners and retirees that threw off France's deficit targets.

The measures fell short of the mark for the protesters, who are demanding a radical policy shift in favour of low earners, buoyed by polls that show widespread sympathy for their cause.

burs-cb/ach&nbsp;

France's "yellow vests" took to the streets on Saturday for a 10th straight weekend of anti-government protests, defying attempts by President Emmanuel Macron to channel their anger into a series of town hall debates.

France's "yellow vests" took to the streets on Saturday for a 10th straight weekend of anti-government protests, defying attempts by President Emmanuel Macron to channel their anger into a series of town hall debates. A police source said the authorities expected the protests to be "at least as big as last week" when over 80,000 people demonstrated over inequality, the privileges enjoyed by senior public servants and the governing style of a president accused of arrogance. Last week's turnout confirmed that, after a lull at the end of the year, the protesters behind the biggest crisis in Macron's presidency remain fully mobilised. In pics: 'State of insurrection' as rioters run amok in Paris The centrist leader is hoping that the launch this week of a "grand national debate" on policy will mark a turning point. One of the yellow vests' top demands is that ordinary citizens be given a greater say in policy-making. Macron this week kickstarted two months of public consultations on issues ranging from taxation to public services, spending over 12 hours in total debating with mayors at two separate gatherings in the north and south-west of the country. The debates mark a return to form for the 41-year-old president who won election at the head of a grassroots movement that went door-to-door asking the French what kind of changes were needed. A prodigious debater he appeared this week to relish the return to campaign-style politics. But many yellow vests have announced plans to boycott the discussions scheduled in dozens of towns and villages, seeing them as an attempt to drain support from a movement that erupted in mid-November over fuel taxes and quickly broadened into a campaign of weekly protests that have regularly ended in clashes with police and destruction of property. The growing number of demonstrators to suffer serious injuries at the hands of the police has compounded their anger towards the state. The "Disarm" collective, a local group that campaigns against police violence, has counted 98 cases of serious injuries, including 15 cases of people losing an eye, mostly after being hit by rubber bullets. On Saturday, protesters plan to march from Invalides war museum in Paris through the left bank of the Seine. Some 80,000 security force members are on duty again nationwide, 5,000 of them in Paris. Warning against debate 'bluff' Macron is pinning his hopes on the debate to quash the image of a leader out-of-touch with the concerns of people in rural France. Polls show mixed feelings among the French, with around 40 per cent saying they would like to take part but around two-thirds saying they do not believe the consultations will end the protests. "I'm warning you, Mr President. This debate must not become a big bluff," the mayor of the south-central village of Saint-Cirgues, Christian Venries, warned Macron at a public meeting Friday in his region. To fend off accusations that his policies favour rich urbanites the most, former investment banker Macron has already scrapped a controversial fuel tax hike that would have squeezed car-dependent rural-dwellers. He has also unveiled a 10-billion-euro ($11.5-billion) package of wage increases and tax relief for low earners and retirees that threw off France's deficit targets. The measures fell short of the mark for the protesters, who are demanding a radical policy shift in favour of low earners, buoyed by polls that show widespread sympathy for their cause. burs-cb/ach

Paris: Yellow vest movement enters 10th week, agitators gather for fresh round of protest

Watch: WION Gravitas, 15th January, 2019

Gravitas: Emmanuel Macron launches 'national debate' after protests

French President Emmanuel Macron faced a battle Monday to convince sceptical French of his latest move to quell "yellow vest" anger as he kickstarted a two-month national debate on his policies.

Struggling to end the biggest crisis of his presidency, Macron on Sunday set out over 30 questions to be debated in towns and villages across the country from January 15 to March 15.

"We won't agree on everything, that's normal, that's democracy. But at least we'll show we are a people who are not afraid to talk, exchange and debate," he wrote in his "letter to the French".

The missive followed a ninth consecutive Saturday of nationwide "yellow vest" rallies which saw an uptick in turnout but less violence than previous demonstrations.

Macron hopes that returning to more participative democracy -- a key feature of his 2017 grassroots election campaign -- will satisfy protester demands for a greater say in the running of the country.

"I intend to transform anger into solutions," he wrote, promising "a new contract for the nation".

'Extremely grumpy'

In the ranks of the "yellow vests" reactions were mixed, with some welcoming the prospect of dialogue but many calling it a government smoke-screen.

"A debate means discussing everything. When you say we're going to debate, but not about that, that, that and that... that's called 'shut up and listen to me'," Maxime Nicolle, one of the movement's most prominent figures, said in a YouTube video.

The leftwing Liberation daily said Monday the debate was an attempt by Macron "to save the three years he has left" as president, but warned that national mood is "extremely grumpy".

In an Odoxa-Dentsu poll published last week, 32 per cent of respondents said they would take part in the debate but 70 per cent said they did not believe it would lead to significant change.

The task of organising the public forums has fallen to local government minister Sebastien Lecornu and junior environment minister Emmanuelle Wargon, government sources told AFP.

But it remains unclear who will host and coordinate the discussions at the local level.

Three association of French mayors and local officials said in a statement Monday that they could act as "facilitators" but not organisers.

"People always turn to mayors when there are problems but we can't be held responsible," Michel Vergnier, mayor of the central French town of Gueret, told AFP.

Macron will get the ball rolling Tuesday by attending a debate at Bourgtheroulde, in Normandy, northwest of Paris.

Taxes, environment

The questions to be debated include: "Which taxes do you think should be lowered first?", "Should some public services that are out of date or too expensive be eliminated?" and "Should we use more referendums?"

While Macron assured there were "no forbidden questions", he has ruled out discussions on bringing back the death penalty, banning abortion or ending the right to seek asylum.

He also said he would not revisit steps taken "to encourage investment and make work pay more" -- seen as a slapdown of the "yellow vest" demand to reinstate the fortune tax on high earners he partly repealed last year.

The hard-left France Unbowed party, which has been vocal in support of the "yellow vests", accused 41-year-old Macron of pre-determining the outcome of the talks.

"The people may debate, but Jupiter decides," tweeted France Unbowed MP Eric Coquerel, referring to Macron mockingly by his nickname, the king of the gods in Roman times.

Less violence&nbsp;

The debate is the third prong of Macron's strategy for ending the "yellow vest" protests, which erupted in November over high fuel taxes before morphing into a widely supported revolt over inequality.

Macron has already opened the state's purse strings, scrapping fuel tax hikes as part of a 10-billion-euro ($11.5-billion) package of wage increases and tax relief for low earners.

At the same time, the government has vowed to crack down on troublemakers within the "yellow vest" movement following repeat scenes of rioting and arson.

But the revolt has shown no signs of dying down.

An estimated 84,000 people took part in Saturday's protests, which were significantly less violent than the previous week.

French President Emmanuel Macron faced a battle Monday to convince sceptical French of his latest move to quell "yellow vest" anger as he kickstarted a two-month national debate on his policies.

French President Emmanuel Macron faced a battle Monday to convince sceptical French of his latest move to quell "yellow vest" anger as he kickstarted a two-month national debate on his policies. Struggling to end the biggest crisis of his presidency, Macron on Sunday set out over 30 questions to be debated in towns and villages across the country from January 15 to March 15. "We won't agree on everything, that's normal, that's democracy. But at least we'll show we are a people who are not afraid to talk, exchange and debate," he wrote in his "letter to the French". The missive followed a ninth consecutive Saturday of nationwide "yellow vest" rallies which saw an uptick in turnout but less violence than previous demonstrations. Macron hopes that returning to more participative democracy -- a key feature of his 2017 grassroots election campaign -- will satisfy protester demands for a greater say in the running of the country. "I intend to transform anger into solutions," he wrote, promising "a new contract for the nation". 'Extremely grumpy' In the ranks of the "yellow vests" reactions were mixed, with some welcoming the prospect of dialogue but many calling it a government smoke-screen. "A debate means discussing everything. When you say we're going to debate, but not about that, that, that and that... that's called 'shut up and listen to me'," Maxime Nicolle, one of the movement's most prominent figures, said in a YouTube video. The leftwing Liberation daily said Monday the debate was an attempt by Macron "to save the three years he has left" as president, but warned that national mood is "extremely grumpy". In an Odoxa-Dentsu poll published last week, 32 per cent of respondents said they would take part in the debate but 70 per cent said they did not believe it would lead to significant change. The task of organising the public forums has fallen to local government minister Sebastien Lecornu and junior environment minister Emmanuelle Wargon, government sources told AFP. But it remains unclear who will host and coordinate the discussions at the local level. Three association of French mayors and local officials said in a statement Monday that they could act as "facilitators" but not organisers. "People always turn to mayors when there are problems but we can't be held responsible," Michel Vergnier, mayor of the central French town of Gueret, told AFP. Macron will get the ball rolling Tuesday by attending a debate at Bourgtheroulde, in Normandy, northwest of Paris. Taxes, environment The questions to be debated include: "Which taxes do you think should be lowered first?", "Should some public services that are out of date or too expensive be eliminated?" and "Should we use more referendums?" While Macron assured there were "no forbidden questions", he has ruled out discussions on bringing back the death penalty, banning abortion or ending the right to seek asylum. He also said he would not revisit steps taken "to encourage investment and make work pay more" -- seen as a slapdown of the "yellow vest" demand to reinstate the fortune tax on high earners he partly repealed last year. The hard-left France Unbowed party, which has been vocal in support of the "yellow vests", accused 41-year-old Macron of pre-determining the outcome of the talks. "The people may debate, but Jupiter decides," tweeted France Unbowed MP Eric Coquerel, referring to Macron mockingly by his nickname, the king of the gods in Roman times. Less violence The debate is the third prong of Macron's strategy for ending the "yellow vest" protests, which erupted in November over high fuel taxes before morphing into a widely supported revolt over inequality. Macron has already opened the state's purse strings, scrapping fuel tax hikes as part of a 10-billion-euro ($11.5-billion) package of wage increases and tax relief for low earners. At the same time, the government has vowed to crack down on troublemakers within the "yellow vest" movement following repeat scenes of rioting and arson. But the revolt has shown no signs of dying down. An estimated 84,000 people took part in Saturday's protests, which were significantly less violent than the previous week.

Scepticism in France as Macron launches 'great national debate'

The week that was, in pictures

Hundreds of demonstrators wearing yellow vests took to the streets of London on Saturday, in the largest protest yet in Britain copying the "yellow vest" protests rocking France.

Protesters opposed to the government's austerity programme and demanding a general election marched through the centre of the capital before rallying in Trafalgar Square.

They included two French activists involved in the demonstrations sweeping France since mid-November who were invited by the organisers of the British event.

"We are here in support," said Erick Simon, 61, one of the duo.

"I think that the yellow vest movement in France is the same as the one that is growing in England... people are fed up with poverty, injustice and social and financial injustice."

The French protests began in mid-November over a proposed increase in fuel duties, and soon turned violent.&nbsp;

The leaderless movement appeared to be petering out at the end of 2018 but has since regained momentum, with weekly clashes seen in Paris and other French cities.

Britain has seen several small protests by Brexit supporters wearing yellow vests since November, but other activists have been slow to adopt the symbolic attire and movement.

'The UK is falling apart'

Saturday's event, organised by the left-wing "People's Assembly" group, saw mainstream opposition lawmakers join forces with several unions and other organisations focused on causes ranging from refugees to racism.

Addressing the crowd in Trafalgar Square, Labour's shadow finance minister John McDonnell said eight years of austerity under the ruling Conservatives was "tearing apart the very social fabric" of Britain.

"We need a general election now to bring about the fairer, more equal society we all want to live in," he said.

Retired teacher Stephen Hamer, 59, clad in a yellow vest, said the London protest would likely have occurred without the movement in France, but it had "helped things along".

"I think we need a change in government very urgently," he added. "The UK is falling apart -- nothing works anymore."

Delia Hazrati, a health worker in her 50s who had travelled from Kent in southeast England in a yellow vest, told AFP the left in Britain needed to "reclaim" the movement there.&nbsp;

"It's a movement against austerity laws -- that's what it's about," she added, noting right-wingers had been "opportunistic" in adopting it.

A separate demonstration by dozens of Brexit supporters wearing yellow vests also took place in central London on Saturday.

At the outset, police arrested one of the organisers on suspicion of a public order offence.

It reportedly related to a controversial incident outside parliament on Monday, when a group harangued pro-EU figures, including chanting "Nazi" at prominent Remain supporting MP Anna Soubry during live TV interviews.

Ahead of Saturday's protests Nick Lowles, CEO of the anti-racism group "Hope Not Hate" accused Britain's far-right of "attempting to copy the French 'yellow vests' protests in order to stir up trouble and harass, threaten and attack their political opponents."

Hundreds of demonstrators wearing yellow vests took to the streets of London on Saturday, in the largest protest yet in Britain copying the "yellow vest" protests rocking France.

Hundreds of demonstrators wearing yellow vests took to the streets of London on Saturday, in the largest protest yet in Britain copying the "yellow vest" protests rocking France. Protesters opposed to the government's austerity programme and demanding a general election marched through the centre of the capital before rallying in Trafalgar Square. They included two French activists involved in the demonstrations sweeping France since mid-November who were invited by the organisers of the British event. "We are here in support," said Erick Simon, 61, one of the duo. "I think that the yellow vest movement in France is the same as the one that is growing in England... people are fed up with poverty, injustice and social and financial injustice." The French protests began in mid-November over a proposed increase in fuel duties, and soon turned violent. The leaderless movement appeared to be petering out at the end of 2018 but has since regained momentum, with weekly clashes seen in Paris and other French cities. Britain has seen several small protests by Brexit supporters wearing yellow vests since November, but other activists have been slow to adopt the symbolic attire and movement. 'The UK is falling apart' Saturday's event, organised by the left-wing "People's Assembly" group, saw mainstream opposition lawmakers join forces with several unions and other organisations focused on causes ranging from refugees to racism. Addressing the crowd in Trafalgar Square, Labour's shadow finance minister John McDonnell said eight years of austerity under the ruling Conservatives was "tearing apart the very social fabric" of Britain. "We need a general election now to bring about the fairer, more equal society we all want to live in," he said. Retired teacher Stephen Hamer, 59, clad in a yellow vest, said the London protest would likely have occurred without the movement in France, but it had "helped things along". "I think we need a change in government very urgently," he added. "The UK is falling apart -- nothing works anymore." Delia Hazrati, a health worker in her 50s who had travelled from Kent in southeast England in a yellow vest, told AFP the left in Britain needed to "reclaim" the movement there. "It's a movement against austerity laws -- that's what it's about," she added, noting right-wingers had been "opportunistic" in adopting it. A separate demonstration by dozens of Brexit supporters wearing yellow vests also took place in central London on Saturday. At the outset, police arrested one of the organisers on suspicion of a public order offence. It reportedly related to a controversial incident outside parliament on Monday, when a group harangued pro-EU figures, including chanting "Nazi" at prominent Remain supporting MP Anna Soubry during live TV interviews. Ahead of Saturday's protests Nick Lowles, CEO of the anti-racism group "Hope Not Hate" accused Britain's far-right of "attempting to copy the French 'yellow vests' protests in order to stir up trouble and harass, threaten and attack their political opponents."

Hundreds of 'yellow vest' protesters rally in central London

Protesters skirmished with police in Paris and other cities Saturday as thousands turned out for new rallies against French President Emmanuel Macron, with dozens arrested as officials vowed a crackdown on the violence that has marred the demonstrations since November.

The "yellow vest" marches began calmly amid a heavy police deployment of some 80,000 officers nationwide, with protesters singing the "Marseillaise" national anthem and holding signs including "Insecurity is not a job".

But scores of protesters later clashed with riot police after arriving at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, prompting volleys of tear gas and water cannon as security forces prevented them from reaching the Champs-Elysees.

Nearly 60 people had been arrested in the capital, police said, alongside dozens more elsewhere including the central city of Bourges, the site of another major rally.

The interior ministry said there were 32,000 protesters nationwide as of 2:00 pm (1300 GMT), including 8,000 in Paris. That was above the 26,000 counted at the same time last week.

Many of the central districts of the capital were on lockdown for the ninth straight Saturday of protests, which have picked up steam after a holiday lull.

Dozens of banks, jewellery stores and other shops were boarded up on the Champs-Elysees and elsewhere across the city, which have taken a heavy toll on businesses.

"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.

'Macron resign!'

A few hundred protesters also clashed with police in the historic centre of Bourges, where nearly 5,000 people gathered as organisers sought to draw more participants from areas far from Paris.

Signs said "Macron resign!" and "France is angry," while police said 18 people had been detained.

In the well-heeled racehorsing town of Chantilly just north of Paris, 1,000 or so protesters marched through the centre before descending on the hippodrome where they delayed the start of a race, local media said.

Sporadic skirmishes were also reported in the southern town of Nimes involving some 1,000 protesters.&nbsp;

The demonstrations 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 had warned of bigger and more violent protests than last week when demonstrators rammed a forklift truck through the main doors of a government ministry in Paris.&nbsp;

"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 demonstrators pointed to social media footage 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 yellow vest movement, which began as protests over high fuel taxes, has snowballed into a wholesale rejection of Macron and his policies, which are seen as 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."

Protesters skirmished with police in Paris and other cities Saturday as thousands turned out for new rallies against French President Emmanuel Macron, with dozens arrested as officials vowed a crackdown on the violence that has marred the demonstrations since November.

Protesters skirmished with police in Paris and other cities Saturday as thousands turned out for new rallies against French President Emmanuel Macron, with dozens arrested as officials vowed a crackdown on the violence that has marred the demonstrations since November. The "yellow vest" marches began calmly amid a heavy police deployment of some 80,000 officers nationwide, with protesters singing the "Marseillaise" national anthem and holding signs including "Insecurity is not a job". But scores of protesters later clashed with riot police after arriving at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, prompting volleys of tear gas and water cannon as security forces prevented them from reaching the Champs-Elysees. Nearly 60 people had been arrested in the capital, police said, alongside dozens more elsewhere including the central city of Bourges, the site of another major rally. The interior ministry said there were 32,000 protesters nationwide as of 2:00 pm (1300 GMT), including 8,000 in Paris. That was above the 26,000 counted at the same time last week. Many of the central districts of the capital were on lockdown for the ninth straight Saturday of protests, which have picked up steam after a holiday lull. Dozens of banks, jewellery stores and other shops were boarded up on the Champs-Elysees and elsewhere across the city, which have taken a heavy toll on businesses. "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. 'Macron resign!' A few hundred protesters also clashed with police in the historic centre of Bourges, where nearly 5,000 people gathered as organisers sought to draw more participants from areas far from Paris. Signs said "Macron resign!" and "France is angry," while police said 18 people had been detained. In the well-heeled racehorsing town of Chantilly just north of Paris, 1,000 or so protesters marched through the centre before descending on the hippodrome where they delayed the start of a race, local media said. Sporadic skirmishes were also reported in the southern town of Nimes involving some 1,000 protesters. The demonstrations 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 had warned of bigger and more violent protests than last week when demonstrators rammed a forklift truck through the main doors of a government ministry in Paris. "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 demonstrators pointed to social media footage 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 yellow vest movement, which began as protests over high fuel taxes, has snowballed into a wholesale rejection of Macron and his policies, which are seen as 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."

Clashes erupt as France's 'yellow vests' stage fresh protests

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

France mulls new law to tackle against 'yellow vest' protests

Watch: WION Gravitas, 7th January, 2019

Cash donations for French "yellow vest" boxer spark condemnation

France to crackdown on violent 'yellow vest' protesters

French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe on <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/clashes-erupt-in-paris-as-yellow-vests-protest-at-unrepentant-macron-188487">Monday announced plans to ban</a> participation in unauthorised demonstrations as the government scrambles to try to end weeks of violent "yellow vest" protests.&nbsp;

Seven weeks into rebellion marked by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/french-yellow-vests-rail-against-unrepentant-macron-tear-gas-in-paris-188451">weekly clashes in Paris and</a> other French cities, Philippe said the government would introduce a "new law punishing those who do not respect the requirement to declare (protests), those who take part in unauthorised demonstrations and those who arrive at demonstrations wearing face masks."

He also announced plans to ban known "troublemakers" from taking part in demonstrations, in the same way known football hooligans have been banned from stadiums in the past.

In future, Philippe said, the onus would be on "the troublemakers, and not taxpayers, to pay for the damage caused" to businesses and property during the protests which began peacefully in mid-November over taxes but quickly became more radical.

Many of the "yellow vest" demonstrators are demanding that centrist President Emmanuel Macron resign, a demand dismissed as undemocratic by the government.

On Saturday, a group of protesters used a construction vehicle to smash open the doors of the building housing the ministry of government spokesman Benjamin Griveaux.

In other scenes that caused shock a former professional boxer was caught on camera beating up police officers.&nbsp;

"Those who question our institutions will not have the last word," Philippe said, announcing plans to deploy 80,000 security force members nationwide for the next round of demonstrations.

The images of renewed violence and destruction in Paris on Saturday underscored the difficulty of containing a leaderless movement that appeared to be petering out at the end of 2018 but has since gained new momentum.

Around 50,000 "yellow vest" protesters took to the streets again on Saturday to denounce Macron's policies, call for his resignation or demand more of a say in national law-making.

The police at times appeared defenceless, with former heavyweight fighter Christophe Dettinger, 37, filmed landing blows on officers guarding a bridge leading to the National Assembly.

Dettinger, known in the ring as "The Gypsy From Massy", a town near Paris, turned himself into police in the capital on Monday morning.

In a video posted on YouTube on Sunday he described himself as an "ordinary citizen" acting out of anger with what he called the repressive tactics of the police.

"I am a yellow vest. I have the anger of the people in me," he said.

Images of a policeman beating several protesters in the southern city of Toulon on Saturday were also widely condemned.

The police officer -- a commander who was granted France's highest award, the Legion d'Honneur, on January 1 -- was referred to investigators after appearing to punch one protester in the face several times.

While the number of protesters has dwindled since December, the determination of a smaller but increasingly radical core of "yellow vest" protesters poses a dilemma for the government.

French police signalled a stricter approach last week when they arrested one of the leaders of the "yellow vests", truck driver Eric Drouet, for failing to notify authorities about a demonstration.

The move led to criticism from political leaders on the far right and radical left, who have encouraged demonstrators to continue taking to the streets.

Budget Minister Gerald Darmanin on Monday sought to distinguish genuine protesters, who want lower taxes and more help for low-income families, from those "who are in the business of ultra-violence".

"Faced with ultra-violence, we need to be ultra-severe. It needs to end," he told RTL radio.

French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe on Monday announced plans to ban participation in unauthorised demonstrations as the government scrambles to try to end weeks of violent "yellow vest" protests.

French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe on Monday announced plans to ban participation in unauthorised demonstrations as the government scrambles to try to end weeks of violent "yellow vest" protests. Seven weeks into rebellion marked by weekly clashes in Paris and other French cities, Philippe said the government would introduce a "new law punishing those who do not respect the requirement to declare (protests), those who take part in unauthorised demonstrations and those who arrive at demonstrations wearing face masks." He also announced plans to ban known "troublemakers" from taking part in demonstrations, in the same way known football hooligans have been banned from stadiums in the past. In future, Philippe said, the onus would be on "the troublemakers, and not taxpayers, to pay for the damage caused" to businesses and property during the protests which began peacefully in mid-November over taxes but quickly became more radical. Many of the "yellow vest" demonstrators are demanding that centrist President Emmanuel Macron resign, a demand dismissed as undemocratic by the government. On Saturday, a group of protesters used a construction vehicle to smash open the doors of the building housing the ministry of government spokesman Benjamin Griveaux. In other scenes that caused shock a former professional boxer was caught on camera beating up police officers. "Those who question our institutions will not have the last word," Philippe said, announcing plans to deploy 80,000 security force members nationwide for the next round of demonstrations. The images of renewed violence and destruction in Paris on Saturday underscored the difficulty of containing a leaderless movement that appeared to be petering out at the end of 2018 but has since gained new momentum. Around 50,000 "yellow vest" protesters took to the streets again on Saturday to denounce Macron's policies, call for his resignation or demand more of a say in national law-making. The police at times appeared defenceless, with former heavyweight fighter Christophe Dettinger, 37, filmed landing blows on officers guarding a bridge leading to the National Assembly. Dettinger, known in the ring as "The Gypsy From Massy", a town near Paris, turned himself into police in the capital on Monday morning. In a video posted on YouTube on Sunday he described himself as an "ordinary citizen" acting out of anger with what he called the repressive tactics of the police. "I am a yellow vest. I have the anger of the people in me," he said. Images of a policeman beating several protesters in the southern city of Toulon on Saturday were also widely condemned. The police officer -- a commander who was granted France's highest award, the Legion d'Honneur, on January 1 -- was referred to investigators after appearing to punch one protester in the face several times. While the number of protesters has dwindled since December, the determination of a smaller but increasingly radical core of "yellow vest" protesters poses a dilemma for the government. French police signalled a stricter approach last week when they arrested one of the leaders of the "yellow vests", truck driver Eric Drouet, for failing to notify authorities about a demonstration. The move led to criticism from political leaders on the far right and radical left, who have encouraged demonstrators to continue taking to the streets. Budget Minister Gerald Darmanin on Monday sought to distinguish genuine protesters, who want lower taxes and more help for low-income families, from those "who are in the business of ultra-violence". "Faced with ultra-violence, we need to be ultra-severe. It needs to end," he told RTL radio.

France to introduce new law to curb unauthorised demonstrations: PM Edouard Philippe

Watch: WION Your Story, 7th January 2019

Watch: WION Dispatch, 7th January 2019

Women reclaim 'yellow vest' protests in Paris

Rioters in Paris torched motorbikes and set barricades ablaze on the upmarket Boulevard Saint Germain on Saturday, as protests against high living costs and the perceived indifference of President Emmanuel Macron turned violent on the fringes.

The latest "yellow vest" marches began peacefully but degenerated in the afternoon as protesters threw missiles at riot police blocking bridges over the Seine.

Officers fired tear gas to prevent protesters crossing the river and reaching the National Assembly. One riverboat restaurant was set ablaze and a policeman was wounded when he was hit by a bicycle hurled from a street above the river bank.

Two months after they started blocking roads, occupying highway tollbooths and staging sometimes-violent street protests in Paris, the yellow vests wanted to inject new momentum into a movement that weakened over the holidays.

<img alt="France" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2e690013-1140-409f-a28d-a8618469fdce" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/2_0.JPG" />

Macron's government, shaken by the unrest, had this week hardened its stance, branding the protesters seeking to overthrow the government.

Driving the unrest is anger, particularly among low-paid workers, over a squeeze on household incomes, and a belief that Macron is deaf to citizens' needs as he enacts reforms seen as favouring the wealthy.

"They have no right to leave us in the shit like this," said protester Francois Cordier. "We're fed up with having to pay out the whole time, we've had enough of this slavery, we should be able to live on our salaries."

Government spokesman Benjamin Griveaux escaped from his office through a back door after a small number of protesters broke into the compound and smashed up vehicles.

<img alt="France" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0c1c7f2f-ce2f-4a3f-8810-78314c6d6563" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/1_1.JPG" />

Interior Minister Christophe Castaner said about 50,000 people had protested in cities nationwide, including Bordeaux, Toulouse, Rouen and Marseille.

The turnout was higher than last week but a small fraction of the numbers seen in the first weeks of the protests.

"POWER TO THE PEOPLE"

As darkness fell, officers dispersed scores of yellow vests gathered on Paris's Avenue des Champs-Elysees. Television images showed hooded youths setting a car alight on a side street, but there was no repeat of the scenes in November when shops were looted, banks vandalised and the Arc de Triomphe was defaced.

Authorities have blamed the worst of the violence in recent weeks on anarchists, anti-capitalists and extreme groups on the fringes of the yellow vest movement.

The protests come 18 months into Macron's tenure and his drive to reshape the economy and have already forced him into concessions.

<img alt="France " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="447483d5-0fcb-4138-8954-73098a1f4f7b" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/4_0.jpg" />

Last month, Macron promised tax cuts for pensioners, wage rises for the poorest workers and the scrapping of planned fuel tax increases, at a cost to the Treasury of 10 billion euros ($11 billion).

It was the first big U-turn for a president elected 18 months earlier on a platform to break with traditional French politics and liberalise the heavily regulated economy.

In a New Year's Eve address, Macron vowed to press on with his reform agenda, saying: "We can't work less, earn more, cut taxes and increase spending."

Faced with record low popularity ratings, Macron is expected soon to set out his plans for the coming months. These include a nationwide debate on ecological, fiscal and institutional questions, the results of which he says will feed into policy.

Rioters in Paris torched motorbikes and set barricades ablaze on the upmarket Boulevard Saint Germain on Saturday, as protests against high living costs and the perceived indifference of President Emmanuel Macron turned violent on the fringes.

Rioters in Paris torched motorbikes and set barricades ablaze on the upmarket Boulevard Saint Germain on Saturday, as protests against high living costs and the perceived indifference of President Emmanuel Macron turned violent on the fringes. The latest "yellow vest" marches began peacefully but degenerated in the afternoon as protesters threw missiles at riot police blocking bridges over the Seine. Officers fired tear gas to prevent protesters crossing the river and reaching the National Assembly. One riverboat restaurant was set ablaze and a policeman was wounded when he was hit by a bicycle hurled from a street above the river bank. Two months after they started blocking roads, occupying highway tollbooths and staging sometimes-violent street protests in Paris, the yellow vests wanted to inject new momentum into a movement that weakened over the holidays. Macron's government, shaken by the unrest, had this week hardened its stance, branding the protesters seeking to overthrow the government. Driving the unrest is anger, particularly among low-paid workers, over a squeeze on household incomes, and a belief that Macron is deaf to citizens' needs as he enacts reforms seen as favouring the wealthy. "They have no right to leave us in the shit like this," said protester Francois Cordier. "We're fed up with having to pay out the whole time, we've had enough of this slavery, we should be able to live on our salaries." Government spokesman Benjamin Griveaux escaped from his office through a back door after a small number of protesters broke into the compound and smashed up vehicles. Interior Minister Christophe Castaner said about 50,000 people had protested in cities nationwide, including Bordeaux, Toulouse, Rouen and Marseille. The turnout was higher than last week but a small fraction of the numbers seen in the first weeks of the protests. "POWER TO THE PEOPLE" As darkness fell, officers dispersed scores of yellow vests gathered on Paris's Avenue des Champs-Elysees. Television images showed hooded youths setting a car alight on a side street, but there was no repeat of the scenes in November when shops were looted, banks vandalised and the Arc de Triomphe was defaced. Authorities have blamed the worst of the violence in recent weeks on anarchists, anti-capitalists and extreme groups on the fringes of the yellow vest movement. The protests come 18 months into Macron's tenure and his drive to reshape the economy and have already forced him into concessions. Last month, Macron promised tax cuts for pensioners, wage rises for the poorest workers and the scrapping of planned fuel tax increases, at a cost to the Treasury of 10 billion euros ($11 billion). It was the first big U-turn for a president elected 18 months earlier on a platform to break with traditional French politics and liberalise the heavily regulated economy. In a New Year's Eve address, Macron vowed to press on with his reform agenda, saying: "We can't work less, earn more, cut taxes and increase spending." Faced with record low popularity ratings, Macron is expected soon to set out his plans for the coming months. These include a nationwide debate on ecological, fiscal and institutional questions, the results of which he says will feed into policy.

Clashes erupt in Paris as 'yellow vests' protest at unrepentant Macron

France's "yellow vest" protesters were back on the streets again Saturday as a government spokesman denounced those still protesting as hard-liners who wanted only to bring down the government.

Around a thousand protesters gathered on the Champs-Elysees in central Paris, where around 15 police wagons were also deployed, an AFP journalist said.

Some paused outside the headquarters of Agence France-Presse (AFP) in central Paris to hurl anti-media insults.

Police fired tear gas in the capital after protesters threw projectiles at police and AFP journalists saw minor scuffles near the River Seine as up to 4,000 joined the fray in the city by the afternoon, according to police.

Some protesters set bins ablaze and material damage included several burned out motorcycles strewn across streets.

"I am here to defend the right of my children to work that enables them to eat. My daughter earns 800 euros ($911) a month. She works 25 hours a week in a baker's. For her, it's about surviving," said one protester, 58-year-old Ghislaine.

Several other cities across France also saw small marches -- including up to 2,000 in Rouen northwest of Paris, where at least two arrests were made and one protester was hurt by a projectile after demonstrators set fire to a barricade.

Scaled down protests

The scale and intensity of the protests has shrivelled in recent weeks, however, and authorities put Saturday's nationwide turnout at around 12,000, compared with 282,000 for the initial rally on November 17.

Public anger has on occasion been directed at the media, seen by some as too close to the government. Several journalists have been assaulted since the protests called by the grass-roots movement started in November.

Last Saturday saw scuffles in Paris between some demonstrators denouncing media "collaborators" and police outside the headquarters of broadcasters BFMTV and France Televisions.

Police made four arrests Friday evening in the northeastern city of Nancy after some 50 demonstrators tried to block the entrance of newspaper L'Est Republicain.

On Friday, government spokesman Benjamin Griveaux denounced those still protesting as "agitators who want insurrection and, basically, to overthrow the government".

The midweek Paris arrest of Eric Drouet, one the movement's spokesman, sparked anger among his supporters. Drouet already faces trial for carrying a weapon at a previous demonstration.

Wider revolt against Macron

The latest opinion poll, published on Thursday by Odoxa Dentsu, indicated 55 percent public support for the "yellow vest" protests.

The government has deployed police around France to deal with the protests, backed up by specialist response units, sources told AFP.

The "yellow vest" demonstrations -- named after the high-visibility jackets worn by the protesters -- began in rural France over increased fuel taxes.

The movement ballooned into a wider revolt against President Emmanuel Macron's pro-market policies and governing style.&nbsp;

Macron initially refused to make any concessions, but in mid-December, after weeks of violence, he scrapped the planned fuel tax rises and promised extra cash for minimum wage earners and tax cuts for pensioners.

The protests have caused the biggest political crisis of his 20-month presidency.

Much smaller copycat "yellow vest" protests took place in neighbouring Belgium on Saturday.

Demonstrations in Liege, Namur and the capital Brussels brought little more than a hundred people onto Belgian streets in total.

There were no reports of trouble. 
&nbsp;

France's "yellow vest" protesters were back on the streets again Saturday as a government spokesman denounced those still protesting as hard-liners who wanted only to bring down the government.

France's "yellow vest" protesters were back on the streets again Saturday as a government spokesman denounced those still protesting as hard-liners who wanted only to bring down the government. Around a thousand protesters gathered on the Champs-Elysees in central Paris, where around 15 police wagons were also deployed, an AFP journalist said. Some paused outside the headquarters of Agence France-Presse (AFP) in central Paris to hurl anti-media insults. Police fired tear gas in the capital after protesters threw projectiles at police and AFP journalists saw minor scuffles near the River Seine as up to 4,000 joined the fray in the city by the afternoon, according to police. Some protesters set bins ablaze and material damage included several burned out motorcycles strewn across streets. "I am here to defend the right of my children to work that enables them to eat. My daughter earns 800 euros ($911) a month. She works 25 hours a week in a baker's. For her, it's about surviving," said one protester, 58-year-old Ghislaine. Several other cities across France also saw small marches -- including up to 2,000 in Rouen northwest of Paris, where at least two arrests were made and one protester was hurt by a projectile after demonstrators set fire to a barricade. Scaled down protests The scale and intensity of the protests has shrivelled in recent weeks, however, and authorities put Saturday's nationwide turnout at around 12,000, compared with 282,000 for the initial rally on November 17. Public anger has on occasion been directed at the media, seen by some as too close to the government. Several journalists have been assaulted since the protests called by the grass-roots movement started in November. Last Saturday saw scuffles in Paris between some demonstrators denouncing media "collaborators" and police outside the headquarters of broadcasters BFMTV and France Televisions. Police made four arrests Friday evening in the northeastern city of Nancy after some 50 demonstrators tried to block the entrance of newspaper L'Est Republicain. On Friday, government spokesman Benjamin Griveaux denounced those still protesting as "agitators who want insurrection and, basically, to overthrow the government". The midweek Paris arrest of Eric Drouet, one the movement's spokesman, sparked anger among his supporters. Drouet already faces trial for carrying a weapon at a previous demonstration. Wider revolt against Macron The latest opinion poll, published on Thursday by Odoxa Dentsu, indicated 55 percent public support for the "yellow vest" protests. The government has deployed police around France to deal with the protests, backed up by specialist response units, sources told AFP. The "yellow vest" demonstrations -- named after the high-visibility jackets worn by the protesters -- began in rural France over increased fuel taxes. The movement ballooned into a wider revolt against President Emmanuel Macron's pro-market policies and governing style. Macron initially refused to make any concessions, but in mid-December, after weeks of violence, he scrapped the planned fuel tax rises and promised extra cash for minimum wage earners and tax cuts for pensioners. The protests have caused the biggest political crisis of his 20-month presidency. Much smaller copycat "yellow vest" protests took place in neighbouring Belgium on Saturday. Demonstrations in Liege, Namur and the capital Brussels brought little more than a hundred people onto Belgian streets in total. There were no reports of trouble.

France's 'yellow vest' protesters return to streets as revolt against President Macron widens

Nearly 150,000 police are set to be on duty around France on New Year's Eve when "yellow vest" protesters have called for another round of anti-government demonstrations.

The French capital will be on high alert after repeated clashes over the last month between security forces and the protesters.

President Emmanuel Macron is set to make a televised address to the country at 8:00 pm (1900 GMT) -- at the same time as protesters have been called to gather on the Champs-Elysees avenue in Paris.&nbsp;

The "yellow vest" movement has waned dramatically in the last fortnight, but the prospect of demonstrators mixing with revellers and tourists in Paris will present a new headache for the stretched Paris police force.

"What can we expect? Disorder," Interior Minister Christophe Castaner told reporters as he visited a fire station in Paris. "What I see with the 'yellow vests' is a desire to be harmful, not to demonstrate."

The "non-violent and festive" demonstration has been organised on Facebook where nearly 9,000 people have indicated they plan to attend -- less than the 12,000 police who will be on duty in Paris.

France remains on high alert due to the threat of terrorism, with the latest attack dating to December 11 when five people were killed by a gunman at a Christmas market in Strasbourg.

New Year's Eve also sees many French youths from poverty-wracked areas of the country set fire to hundreds of cars in what has become a grim annual tradition that ties up police officers.

Macron's New Year's address is hotly awaited by political commentators who expect the 41-year-old to address the "yellow vest" protests which began in rural France in late November.

The often violent demonstrations about low living standards in provincial France capped a difficult year for the centrist leader, whose approval rating has fallen sharply.&nbsp;

Bodyguard scandal resurfaces

A new poll out on Monday showed that 31 per cent of respondents had a positive opinion of Macron, down one point in a month.

The figure was sharply higher than other polls, however, some of which show him with an approval rating in the low 20s.

Macron will deliver a speech written to show "authority and togetherness", his office said, as he looks to start 2019 on a more positive footing.

But the president faced fresh embarrassment on Monday from his disgraced ex-bodyguard who revealed that he continued to exchange messages regularly with the president even after he was forced out of his job in July over a scandal.

Alexandre Benalla caused the most damaging controversy of Macron's presidency after he was caught on video roughing up protesters at a demonstration in May while wearing a police helmet.

Last week it was revealed that, since being sacked from his job, Benalla had travelled widely on a diplomatic passport to meet foreign officials. 
&nbsp;

The French capital will be on high alert after repeated clashes over the last month between security forces and the protesters.

Nearly 150,000 police are set to be on duty around France on New Year's Eve when "yellow vest" protesters have called for another round of anti-government demonstrations. The French capital will be on high alert after repeated clashes over the last month between security forces and the protesters. President Emmanuel Macron is set to make a televised address to the country at 8:00 pm (1900 GMT) -- at the same time as protesters have been called to gather on the Champs-Elysees avenue in Paris. The "yellow vest" movement has waned dramatically in the last fortnight, but the prospect of demonstrators mixing with revellers and tourists in Paris will present a new headache for the stretched Paris police force. "What can we expect? Disorder," Interior Minister Christophe Castaner told reporters as he visited a fire station in Paris. "What I see with the 'yellow vests' is a desire to be harmful, not to demonstrate." The "non-violent and festive" demonstration has been organised on Facebook where nearly 9,000 people have indicated they plan to attend -- less than the 12,000 police who will be on duty in Paris. France remains on high alert due to the threat of terrorism, with the latest attack dating to December 11 when five people were killed by a gunman at a Christmas market in Strasbourg. New Year's Eve also sees many French youths from poverty-wracked areas of the country set fire to hundreds of cars in what has become a grim annual tradition that ties up police officers. Macron's New Year's address is hotly awaited by political commentators who expect the 41-year-old to address the "yellow vest" protests which began in rural France in late November. The often violent demonstrations about low living standards in provincial France capped a difficult year for the centrist leader, whose approval rating has fallen sharply. Bodyguard scandal resurfaces A new poll out on Monday showed that 31 per cent of respondents had a positive opinion of Macron, down one point in a month. The figure was sharply higher than other polls, however, some of which show him with an approval rating in the low 20s. Macron will deliver a speech written to show "authority and togetherness", his office said, as he looks to start 2019 on a more positive footing. But the president faced fresh embarrassment on Monday from his disgraced ex-bodyguard who revealed that he continued to exchange messages regularly with the president even after he was forced out of his job in July over a scandal. Alexandre Benalla caused the most damaging controversy of Macron's presidency after he was caught on video roughing up protesters at a demonstration in May while wearing a police helmet. Last week it was revealed that, since being sacked from his job, Benalla had travelled widely on a diplomatic passport to meet foreign officials.

12,000 police on duty in Paris as 'yellow vests' call protests

Police fired tear gas at "yellow vest" demonstrators in Paris on Saturday but the turnout for round seven of the popular protests that have rocked France appeared low.

Several hundred people wearing the symbolic hi-visibility vests had gathered near the offices of several state-run television stations and the BFM TV channel in the centre of the capital shouting "Fake news" and calling for the resignation of President Emmanuel Macron.

Protesters spilled onto tram lines and lobbed projectiles at police who replied with tear gas grenades and detained several people.

Several cars were also set alight outside the offices of the Le Parisien newspaper, although a fire service spokesman said it was not clear if the blaze was linked to the protests.

Tear gas was also fired in Nantes, western France, and protests were expected in Lyon, Bordeaux and Toulouse.

In the southern city of Marseille, police said around 1,000 protesters turned out, amid cries of "Macron out".

The official turnout numbers have plunged with the passing weeks, with police saying some 12,000 had joined Saturday's rally by midday. The government recorded 38,600 demonstrators on December 22 compared to 282,000 for the first major demonstrations on November 17.

But leading figures within the movement that has flourished outside of trade union and political groups, say the low numbers are due to the holiday season and January will bring a resurgence of the street protests.

The focus of the protests has morphed from anger over fuel taxes to a broad rebuke of Macron, accused by critics of neglecting the rising costs of living for many in rural and small-town France.

"We want to get our purchasing power back and have a say in the decisions," said Priscillia Ludosky, who launched the yellow vest petition against fuel price hikes.

Government tax concessions to boost disposable income among the low paid "are not enough", Ludosky said in Marseille.

The movement has increasingly targeted Macron and 40 "yellow vests" on Thursday tried to storm the medieval fort of Bregancon that serves as his official summer retreat on the Mediterranean before being turned back by police.

Die-hard yellow vest supporters believe the movement will live on in 2019 and plans are underway for New Year's Eve protests.

Nearly 8,000 people are listed on Facebook as intending to attend, insisting it will be "festive and non-violent".

Paris officials said preparations would continue for a fireworks display and sound and light show on the Champs-Elysee, the epicentre of repeated violent action against the government, with the Arc de Triomphe ransacked on December 1.

Tens of thousands of tourists and locals traditionally ring in the new year on the wide shopping boulevard, which rises to the Arc monument.&nbsp;

Police fired tear gas at "yellow vest" demonstrators in Paris on Saturday but the turnout for round seven of the popular protests that have rocked France appeared low.

Police fired tear gas at "yellow vest" demonstrators in Paris on Saturday but the turnout for round seven of the popular protests that have rocked France appeared low. Several hundred people wearing the symbolic hi-visibility vests had gathered near the offices of several state-run television stations and the BFM TV channel in the centre of the capital shouting "Fake news" and calling for the resignation of President Emmanuel Macron. Protesters spilled onto tram lines and lobbed projectiles at police who replied with tear gas grenades and detained several people. Several cars were also set alight outside the offices of the Le Parisien newspaper, although a fire service spokesman said it was not clear if the blaze was linked to the protests. Tear gas was also fired in Nantes, western France, and protests were expected in Lyon, Bordeaux and Toulouse. In the southern city of Marseille, police said around 1,000 protesters turned out, amid cries of "Macron out". The official turnout numbers have plunged with the passing weeks, with police saying some 12,000 had joined Saturday's rally by midday. The government recorded 38,600 demonstrators on December 22 compared to 282,000 for the first major demonstrations on November 17. But leading figures within the movement that has flourished outside of trade union and political groups, say the low numbers are due to the holiday season and January will bring a resurgence of the street protests. The focus of the protests has morphed from anger over fuel taxes to a broad rebuke of Macron, accused by critics of neglecting the rising costs of living for many in rural and small-town France. "We want to get our purchasing power back and have a say in the decisions," said Priscillia Ludosky, who launched the yellow vest petition against fuel price hikes. Government tax concessions to boost disposable income among the low paid "are not enough", Ludosky said in Marseille. The movement has increasingly targeted Macron and 40 "yellow vests" on Thursday tried to storm the medieval fort of Bregancon that serves as his official summer retreat on the Mediterranean before being turned back by police. Die-hard yellow vest supporters believe the movement will live on in 2019 and plans are underway for New Year's Eve protests. Nearly 8,000 people are listed on Facebook as intending to attend, insisting it will be "festive and non-violent". Paris officials said preparations would continue for a fireworks display and sound and light show on the Champs-Elysee, the epicentre of repeated violent action against the government, with the Arc de Triomphe ransacked on December 1. Tens of thousands of tourists and locals traditionally ring in the new year on the wide shopping boulevard, which rises to the Arc monument.

Police teargas 'yellow vest' protesters in Paris