Stores looted during 18th week of 'Yellow-Vest' protests in Paris

A large group of masked protestors on Saturday looted and vandalised shops and restaurants located along the Champs-Elysees avenue in Paris, as the 'Yellow-Vests' protests entered the 18th consecutive week.

ChannelNews Asia reported that protestors pelted stones at police while defending the Arc de Triomphe War Memorial during the anti-government demonstrations that have been continuing since November 17 last year.

More than policemen had put barricades but resorted to firing tear gas and water cannons to disperse the protesters.

The anti-government protests had previously forced President Emmanuel Macron to scrap the proposed hike in fuel prices.

The government introduced a string of initiatives, including increasing the minimum wage by 100 euros a month, as part of 'economic and social emergency plan' unveiled in December last year.

However, the protesters have continued their agitations regardless, demanding 20 per cent hike in minimum wages, equal pay for men and women, tax reform, development of public services and just environmental reforms.

Last week, about 28,000 people participated in demonstrations nationwide, local authorities said.

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