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Sunday 24 February 2019 - 07:04

France: Arrests, tear gas mark 15th weekly Yellow Vest protest

Story Code : 779778
Protesters stand amid smoke tear gas during an anti-government demonstration called by the "Yellow Vest" movement in Paris on February 23, 2019. "Yellow Vest" protesters take to the streets for the 15th consecutive Saturday. (AFP)
Protesters stand amid smoke tear gas during an anti-government demonstration called by the "Yellow Vest" movement in Paris on February 23, 2019. "Yellow Vest" protesters take to the streets for the 15th consecutive Saturday. (AFP)

Clashes unfolded as protesters arrived at the Eiffel Tower where at least one person was arrested by the police.

This marks the 15th week of demonstration against French President Emmanuel Macron's economic policies. According to France's Interior Ministry, a total of 41,500 people took part in protests throughout the country on the past Saturday, a clear decrease on the 282,000 peak during the beginning of the movement.

Organizers of the marches, however, state that the number of participants is considerably higher.

Macron has condemned a group of protesters for recent anti-Semitic abuse against prominent philosopher Alain Finkielkraut.
Prosecutors have opened an investigation into the case.
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