Yellow vest protests slips into 17th week as pressure increases on Macron

Hundreds of protesters in France's yellow vest movement are on the streets for a 17th straight weekend in Paris and other cities to maintain pressure on the government to reverse policies they see as favouring the rich. The Paris march began near the Arc de Triomphe on Saturday and was to end at the Luxembourg Gardens, where the Senate is located.

Women led the group, advocating for equal rights the day after International Women's Day. Marches were also being held in numerous other cities.

The numbers of protesters on the streets has diminished over the weeks, and polls have shown support by the French fading due to violence and damage that has marked some protests and losses for shopkeepers who have closed up to protect their wares.