Paris on lockdown as security forces brace up for new wave of anti-Macron protests

Thousands of French security forces are already on the streets of Paris as they brace up for a fresh wave of anti-Macron protests following a hike in diesel tax.

Reports say the city of Paris is on lockdown with riot police prepared to meet renewed rioting by “yellow vest” protesters in the capital and other cities in a fourth weekend of confrontation over living costs.

According to reports, protesters, using social media, have billed the weekend as “Act IV” in a dramatic challenge to President Emmanuel Macron and his policies.

Read also: RISING FUEL TAX: French security forces fire tear gas, water cannons to disperse angry protesters

Only yesterday, French authorities moved to close the Eifel Tower and the Louvre following the recent wave of violent protests over the increase in diesel tax.

Reports say other tourism landmarks in Paris will also be closed as authorities have ordered the drafting of about 89,000 police across the country.

Of these, about 8,000 were deployed in Paris to avoid a repeat of last Saturday’s mayhem when rioters torched cars and looted shops off the famed Champs Elysees boulevard, and defaced the Arc de Triomphe with graffiti directed at Macron.

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