Iran Press/Europe: French police clashed with 'Yellow Vest' protesters in Paris, firing tear gas and arresting scores of people as tens of thousands of police were mobilized to maintain order, Bloomberg reported.
The Paris police headquarters said authorities detained 227 people carried out more than 20,500 spot checks, France24 reported.
A total of 60,000 officers were deployed across France for the latest 'gilets jaunes' (Yellow Vest) protests.
Protesters turned their anger toward French billionaires who have vowed to rebuild the iconic Notre Dame cathedral but have done little to help the poor.
Some protesters were frustrated that the international support for the damaged cathedral was eclipsing their demands.
“Millions for Notre-Dame, what about for us, the poor?” read a sign worn by a demonstrator.
“Everything for Notre-Dame, nothing for Les Misérables,” read another,
“Humans first, €1 billion for the gilets jaunes,” read one banner.
Police fired tear gas and stun grenades amid tensions at a march of several thousand people from France's Finance Ministry toward the Place de la République plaza in eastern Paris.
French police clashed with 'Yellow Vest' protesters in Paris
Officials warn that violence could flare up with protesters angry that nearly €1 billion was pledged to restore the Notre Dame cathedral while their demands remain unsatisfied.
The demonstrations originally began over fuel price increases and high cost of living, but spiralled into a broader movement against Macron and his economic policies, which protesters say favour the wealthy and big business at the expense of ordinary workers.
In March, angry protesters ravaged much of the Champs-Élysées during the previous Ultimatum.
The movement represents one of the worst crisis to hit French President Emmanuel Macron's term of office since he came to power in 2017.
French people largely support the protest movement.103/211/209
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Yellow vest protesters urge regions to join rallies in Paris
Police deploy tear gas against 'Yellow Vests' in southern France
