Macron's Debate Put To Test As 'yellow Vests' Stage 10th Protest

Macron's debate put to test as 'yellow vests' stage 10th protest

Paris, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Jan, 2019 ) :France's "yellow vests" took to the streets on Saturday for a 10th straight weekend of anti-government protests, despite attempts by President Emmanuel Macron to channel their anger into a series of town hall debates.

In Paris, several thousand people, many waving placards calling for Macron to resign or condemning police violence, marched peacefully through the Left Bank in freezing temperatures.

"Parisians, rise up!" they chanted, urging residents of the capital to join the movement which has been led by rural and small-town France.

At the end of the march, clashes broke out around the Invalides war museum, with police using tear gas and water cannon to disperse hooded protesters who threw paving stones and bottles.

Demonstrations were also held in other major cities, with clashes reported in the western city of Rennes and eastern city of Lyon.

The interior ministry estimated the number of protesters at 27,000 by the early afternoon -- down from 32,0000 at the same time a week ago -- with 7,000 in the capital.

Turnout was being closely watched for signs of possible fatigue in the movement as it enters its third month and Macron's "great national debate" gains momentum.

Some 80,000 police were deployed to keep the peace.