PARIS: Hopes among France's "yellow vest" protest movement for a mass September comeback failed to materialise Saturday as only hundreds demonstrated in the capital Paris, with some clashing with police.
Around 1,000 people gathered for two marches in Paris, with police firing tear gas grenades into a group that set off from Place du Wagram in the city's northwest after they left their planned route.
An AFP journalist saw at least one car and rubbish bins set on fire and street furniture toppled by participants.
Tens of thousands rallied in 2018-19 under the yellow vests' banner against President Emmanuel Macron's perceived prioritisation of business and the rich over struggling ordinary families.
A second march starting from central Place de la Bourse saw protesters brandish signs with modest demands like "being able to fill your fridge properly".
Elsewhere in France, several hundred yellow vests gathered in southwestern city Toulouse in defiance of a ban authorities said had been imposed over coronavirus infection risks.
In central Paris, hundreds of police officers were deployed at the Champs-Elysees avenue where authorities banned demonstrations.
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