French ‘Yellow Vests’ March Through Paris Denouncing Police Violence

By Johnny Cotton

PARIS – Thousands of "yellow vest" protesters gathered in Paris and other French cities this Saturday, marking the 12th weekend of demonstrations against the government, despite signs of improved popularity for President Emmanuel Macron in opinion polls.

The protests, named after the high-visibility jackets that French motorists are required to carry, began in mid-November in response to proposed fuel tax increases. They quickly evolved into a broader movement against the government, mobilizing tens of thousands of demonstrators across the country each weekend.

On Friday, the government warned that police would be prepared to use non-lethal weapons in response to potential violence, following authorization from France’s highest administrative court.

During the protests in Paris, demonstrators honored those injured in previous weeks and condemned the use of riot control weapons, which are banned in much of Europe. Estimates from police and independent media reported between 10,000 and 13,800 participants in the capital. Riot police deployed tear gas to disperse some protesters who were setting fires to bins and scooters, though the overall atmosphere remained more subdued compared to prior weekends. Protests were also observed in cities such as Tours, Valence, Marseille, and Bordeaux.

Since the onset of the protests, around 1,000 police officers and approximately 1,700 demonstrators have sustained injuries, according to official statistics.

Interior Minister Christophe Castaner defended the use of non-lethal weapons, acknowledging that while they can cause injury, they are necessary for police to protect themselves against assaults.

Recent polling data indicates a recovery in Macron’s approval ratings after he initiated public consultations, including town hall meetings, in an effort to address social unrest. A recent poll revealed that Macron gained 4 percentage points since December, bringing his approval rating to 35 percent.

As in prior weeks, protesters carried French flags and held signs criticizing Macron as disconnected from the public, while also advocating for citizen-led referendums. Many participants included those injured in previous violence, with some wearing eye patches marked with target symbols.

The Interior Ministry reported that 80,000 security personnel had been deployed, including 5,000 in Paris.