It feels like 'yellow vest' protesters are shifting the dial in France
Sky's Alistair Bunkall says he cannot see tensions easing anytime soon as France endures another week of anti-government rallies.
Sunday 13 January 2019 10:04, UK
It was predictable and the police were ready.
For a ninth weekend, Paris was locked down in anticipation of violent protests.
Massive barricades, I guess probably 10ft high, blocked off main streets in the city's upmarket shopping district.
Armoured vehicles, the like you tend to associate with the military and war zones, drove menacingly through central Paris - armed police popping out the top.
Police van after police van lined the Rive Gauche, waiting to be called in. Tourists occasionally stopped at cordons to watch, but central Paris felt quiet.
I imagine many holidaymakers are now deciding against coming to this beautiful city for the time being.
By mid-afternoon the peaceful protest of thousands had turned into a running battle between police and activists.
At times, the Arc de Triomphe was invisible behind clouds of tear gas. Flash bangs rocked the Champs Elysee and sent people running for cover. Two water cannons moved into position and took aim.
By dusk, most of the original, peaceful protesters had left but the standoff remained. It is now a weekly event.
President Emmanuel Macron has not yet done anything to weaken the protests.
On one hand, images of violent rioters helps him portray the protesters as anarchist thugs, but the reality is that the vast majority are peaceful and determined.
He has promised a "national debate" starting next week, but no one quite knows what form that will take and few seem convinced.
The protesters blame the violent scenes on heavy handed police tactics. Maybe so, but I'm sure some of those involved could also start a fight in an empty room.
The protesters haven't yet got what they want, but it does feel like they are shifting the dial. Unless Mr Macron concedes ground, I can't see the protests easing anytime soon.