Paris police fire tear gas on 'yellow vest' protests anniversary

One year since the anti-government protests began, France's 'yellow vest' demonstrators were back on the streets of Paris on Saturday (November 16).

Paris police fired teargas as clashes broke out near the Porte de Champerret as protesters were preparing to march across town.

Police also intervened to prevent a few hundred demonstrators from occupying the Paris ring road.

(SOUNDBITE) (French) YELLOW VEST PROTESTER, BADIA BENJELLOUN, SAYING: "We have obtained almost nothing in a year so clearly now we're going to change tactics.

Clearly.'' There was a heavy police presence on the Champs Elysees, with a number of luxury stores and metro stations closed.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) SWEDISH TOURIST, MARIE POLANDER, SAYING: "I just don't like when so many police officers gather in one place.

It just gives me a sign that something bad is coming up.

So, I guess I am just scared that something will happen, I don't know what, but when many people gather in one place it is just the perfect time for something bad to happen." The protests first began following fuel price hikes and the high cost of living but spiralled into a broader movement against President Emmanuel Macron and his drive for economic reforms.