French yellow vest protests in Paris avoid last week’s riots
PARIS — Scattered yellow vest protesters clashed with French police firing tear gas Saturday after a peaceful march through Paris, but tougher security measures and protest bans in high-risk neighbourhoods prevented the kind of rioting that devastated the capital a week ago.
The 4-month-old movement drew bigger crowds Saturday than in recent weeks, despite heavy security and even though last weekend’s violence dented overall support for the cause. The protesters want more help for struggling French workers and retirees and say President Emmanuel Macron favours the elite.
Thousands of demonstrators marched peacefully through Paris – their 19th straight weekend of protests – ending up at the Sacre-Coeur Cathedral overlooking the city from the historic Montmartre neighbourhood.
Protesters sprayed yellow flares and unfurled a neon banner from atop the cathedral’s white dome. In a relaxed mood, demonstrators and tourists alike took selfies as the march wound down.