Tag: YELLOW VEST

‘Yellow vest’ injuries spark legal challenge to French police

by Clare BYRNE Agence France Presse PARIS, France (AFP) — A rights group and a major trade union went to France’s top administrative court Wednesday seeking a ban on riot police using rubber bullets, blamed for injuring dozens of “yellow vest” protesters. Activists have denounced the police for their use of the projectiles during two months of anti-government protests, which have repeatedly ended in rioting. A government spokesman told the court that police had opened […]

10,000 ‘red scarf’ protesters march against ‘yellow vest’ violence

by Marc PRÉEL and Katy LEE Agence France Presse PARIS, France (AFP) — More than 10,000 people wearing red scarves marched through Paris on Sunday in protest at “yellow vest” violence during the anti-government demos that have drawn tens of thousands of people to the streets over the past 11 weeks. Since mid-November President Emmanuel Macron has offered concessions and debates seeking to quell the weekly rallies that often end in violent clashes with police […]

Skepticism in France as Macron launches ‘great national debate’

by Clare BYRNE Agence France Presse PARIS, France (AFP) — French President Emmanuel Macron faced a battle Monday to convince skeptical 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 […]

French women reclaim ‘yellow vest’ protests with peaceful demo

PARIS, France (AFP) — Hundreds of women on Sunday marched in Paris to reclaim France’s “yellow vest” movement from violent activists, a day after protesters smashed their way into a government ministry. The women, wearing yellow vests, turned out after 50,000 people returned to the streets of France on Saturday amid violent clashes with police. Some of the women waved yellow balloons and pushed prams. Protests were also held in other French cities. “All the […]

Macron calls for order after ‘yellow vest’ attack on police

by Clare BYRNE Agence France Presse PARIS, France (AFP) — French President Emmanuel Macron called for “order” on Sunday after a sixth weekend of “yellow vest” anti-government protests that saw dwindling participation and a violent attack on police in Paris. Speaking during a visit to the Saharan state of Chad where he was visiting French troops serving in a counter-terrorism force, Macron said: “There must be order now, calm and harmony. Our country needs it.” […]

Macron unveils new measures in bid to end ‘yellow vest’ revolt

PARIS, France (AFP) — Embattled French President Emmanuel Macron Monday announced a series of financial measures seeking to defuse the “yellow vest” revolt that has triggered violent protests in cities across the country. In a 15-minute televised speech from the Elysee Palace, a somber-looking president told the nation, “I accept my share of responsibility” for the crisis. The former investment banker struck a more humble tone than usual as he sought to address criticism of his […]

Over 1,700 arrested in latest ‘yellow vest’ protests in France

PARIS, France (AFP) — More than 1,700 people were arrested across France during the latest “yellow vest” protests as demonstrators clashing with riot police caused more damage in Paris than a week ago, officials said on Sunday. Clashes broke out in the French capital and other several cities, including Marseille, Bordeaux, Lyon and Toulouse, during a fourth weekend of nationwide protests against rising living costs and President Emmanuel Macron in general. The embattled president — whose […]

Nearly 300 detained as Paris braces for ‘yellow vest’ protests

  by Katy Lee Agence France Presse PARIS, France (AFP) — Paris police detained nearly 300 people Saturday ahead of fresh anti-government “yellow vest” protests which authorities fear could turn violent for a third weekend in a row. Clad in their luminous road safety jackets, dozens of demonstrators — who accuse President Emmanuel Macron of only looking out for the rich — gathered at dawn on the Champs-Elysees, the scene last Saturday of the worst […]

Paris shops, monuments to close as fears of protest violence mount

The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre museum and scores of shops on the Champs-Elysees are set to close as authorities warned Thursday of fresh violence this weekend during protests which have ballooned into the biggest crisis of Emmanuel Macron’s presidency. The government is scrambling to stave off another Saturday of burned cars and running street battles with police by “yellow vest” protesters furious over rising costs of living they blame on high taxes. An interior ministry […]