A demonstrator wearing a yellow vests reading "Macron, Santa Claus for the rich, ennemy of the French people" takes part to a demonstration called by the CGT (General Working Confederation) union, Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019 in Paris. Workers, public servants, and retired people were invited to march during a strike called by the CGT (General Working Confederation) union. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)
February 05, 2019 - 9:07 AM
PARIS - France's yellow vest protest movement has joined ranks with a major union in a day of nationwide protests over taxes and buying power, a first for both.
There were brief scuffles and police fired several rounds of tear gas at Tuesday's Paris demonstration, clearing troublemakers from the elegant Place de la Concorde, which borders the U.S. Embassy.
Tear gas was also used in Lille and elsewhere. However, tension was minimal compared with the weekly protests held since November by the yellow vest movement to demand fiscal and social justice in a major challenge to President Emmanuel Macron.
The Communist-backed CGT union marched from Paris City Hall to the Place de la Concorde side-by-side with protesters from the yellow vest movement, which takes its name from the safety vests they wear that are required in all cars.
News from © The Associated Press, 2019