As "yellow vest" demonstrators staged anti-government protests for the 20th consecutive weekend this Saturday, turnout appeared to be in decline compared to last week, reports Euronews.
The French Interior Ministry counted some 33,700 protesters throughout the country, including 4,000 in Paris. Last week, the Ministry said there were 40,500 demonstrators nationwide including 5,000 in the capital. Yellow vest protesters have repeatedly challenged the figures provided by the government.
In an attempt to contain violence, authorities have banned demonstrations in certain areas including the Champs Elysées avenue in Paris, the surroundings of the National Assembly and the centre of Bordeaux. Demonstrators who brave the ban face a 135 euros fine.
"We are coming for the same reasons as on November 17 (the first day of protests). We did not get anything," said Nadine, a social worker taking part in the Paris protests this Saturday.
"It's always the same goal: social justice and the citizen's initiative referendum, especially when economic choices need to be made" added Jean-Edouard, 43, from the Paris suburb of Seine et Marne.