12-4-18

Paramedics today clashed with riot police in France as dozens of ambulances joined ongoing anti-government protests.

The vehicles blocked a bridge leading to the National Assembly in Paris on Monday. 

Lines of riot police officers stood in the rain to prevent the ambulance workers from getting too close to the building. 

Ambulance drivers were also pictured facing off with officers during a demonstration at the Place de la Concorde.

 

 

 

 

It was the latest protest action that President Emmanuel Macron's government has faced in recent weeks. 

The "yellow vest" movement is bringing together people from across the political spectrum complaining about France's economic inequalities and waning spending power. 

 

 

 

 

Mr Macron, just back from the Group of 20 summit in Argentina, held an emergency meeting Sunday on security and the government has not ruled out the possibility of imposing a state of emergency. 

On Saturday, more than 130 people were injured and 412 arrested Saturday in the French capital amid one of the nation's worst unrest in recent times. 

 

 

 

 

Police responded with tear gas and water cannons, closing down dozens of streets and subway stations to contain the riot. 

The rioting was the third straight weekend of clashes in Paris led by protesters wearing distinctive yellow traffic vests. 

 

 

 

 

The protests began last month with motorists upset over a fuel tax hike and have grown to encompass a range of complaints that Mr Macron's government doesn't care about the problems of ordinary people. Other protests in France remained peaceful. 

By Sunday, some of the most popular tourist streets in Paris were littered with torched cars and broken glass from looted shops and the Arc de Triomphe monument was tagged with graffiti. 

During the paramedic protest on Monday, some demonstrators set fire to a small pile of debris and blocked traffic. One activist held up a sign reading "The State killed me" and others chanted "Macron resign!"

According to French media reports, students also joined the protest movement by blocking dozens of high schools across France, while clashes between protesters and police officers reignited on Monday on the Indian Ocean island of Reunion, where demonstrations have been particularly violent in recent weeks.

Prime Minister Edouard Philippe and Mr Macron have been lambasted for their handling of the crisis.

Philippe will try to defuse tensions this week before more possible protests this weekend, speaking with yellow vest representatives on Tuesday. 

Members of the National Assembly will also hold talks on France's social crisis later this week. Meanwhile, trade union CGT has called for a day of protest across France on December 14.

Additional reporting by Associated Press.

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