‘Yellow vest’ protests

The ‘yellow vest’ protests that have spread throughout France since November 17, turned violent in Paris over the weekend. Angry anti-government protesters wearing yellow safety vests - gilets jaunes - smashed windows and set fire to vehicles and a museum. The Arc de Triomphe was tagged with graffiti and a sculpture of Marianne - a symbol of the French republic - was defaced. Initially triggered by rising fuel prices related to a green tax imposed last month, the unrest is the worst in the French capital since riots in 1968. While politicians held emergency meetings, the protests gained momentum on Monday as paramedics and students joined the rallies.