'Yellow Vest' back in France, tensions raised in Paris

Tensions were high at several places in Paris on Saturday afternoon as "Yellow Vest" resumed nation-wide action to mark the anniversary of their movement.

At Place d'Italie in the 13th arrondissement, where hundreds of demonstrators gathered, barricade gates, street vending booths were broken, garbage cans and scooters were set on fire. Police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse violent protesters.

At several spots near the Peripheral road, the situation turned tense as protesters blocked roads and clashed with police.

On avenue Champs-Elysees and surrounding areas, where had been the worst scenes of mayhem last year, the situation was calm. Fully-armoured police forces were heavily present to prevent radical acts.

Paris police prefecture announced 41 arrests and 1,497 preventive controls, reported Franceinfo, a French domestic rolling news channel.

Outside Paris, 118 demonstrations have been launched with some 2,500 participants, according to French media.

On social networks where the movement was born, "act 53" — the 53rd weekend of action, promises some 270 actions over the weekend across the country in a bid to show that they can still win support.

Attendace of demonstrations sharply diminished in past months from the height of the movement which began on Nov. 17 last year.