Violent protests in Paris against tax hikes

Nearly 100 people, including 16 police officers, have been injured and more than 200 others have been arrested following a violent protest in downtown Paris on Saturday, officials said.

French police used tear gas, and water pumps to disperse protesters gathered in front of Arch of Triumfi in Paris on Saturday.

Protesters responded by throwing stones at police officers who withdrew.

Several hundred protesters sat down to sing France's national anthem and called for President Macro's resignation.

Until Saturday afternoon, police said at least 224 people had been arrested in Paris. At least 80 people were injured, including riot police, authorities said.

Protests began on November 17th due to growing dissatisfaction with fuel taxes and high cost of living, as well as the leadership of French President Emmanuel Macron.

Macron has defended the decision to increase the fuel tax as necessary to reduce France's dependence on fossil fuels and promised to create new plans to make the energy price transition easier.