Iran Press/Europe: According to Ruptly, protesters threw stones, bottles, and firecrackers at the police, who responded with tear gas. At least 23 people were reportedly detained.
The Yellow Vests protests emerged last November over fuel tax hikes, later escalating into urban protesting across the country.
The latest round of demonstrations takes place several days after the French government delivered a report on France’s Great National Debate.
The French government revealed on Monday that “huge exasperation” over the level of taxation was a primary concern of the three-month grand debate after unveiling the findings of two million contributions.
Protesters wearing yellow vests attend a demonstration at the financial district of La Defense in Paris, France, April 6, 2019. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier/File Photo
Altogether between 5,000 and 6,000 protesters had gathered on the Allee Jean Jaures, a wide avenue in the city center, and on nearby side streets.
Activist groups had said on social media networks that Toulouse would be the focus for the 22nd round of demonstrations, prompting city mayor Jean-Claude Moudenc to express concern ahead of Saturday’s protests.
The interior minister estimated a total of 31,000 protesters demonstrated across France, 7,000 more than on the previous Saturday but fewer than the several hundred thousand who took to the street during the first weeks of demonstrations.
The protests continue to put pressure on Macron, who has vowed to announce a series of measures aimed at easing discontent. 103/211
