Paris protesters defy bans as clashes with police erupt during fourth week of nationwide protests

Thousands of demonstrators returned to the streets of Paris and other French cities Saturday in defiance of restrictions on several planned gatherings as tensions between protesters and police continued for a fourth consecutive weekend.

French authorities deployed approximately 70,000 security personnel across the country amid concerns that demonstrations could again escalate into violence. 

Police used tear gas and made arrests in Paris as some demonstrators threw projectiles at officers and fires burned in parts of the capital.

The latest demonstrations brought together students, labor unions and members of the Yellow Vest movement, with protesters voicing frustration over rising living costs, wages, public services and conditions in schools.

The Interior Ministry counted approximately 146,000 demonstrators nationwide, including 46,000 in Paris. Labor unions estimated participation at 250,000 nationally and 75,000 in the capital, according to Agence France-Presse. Both estimates were below the previous week's turnout.

Authorities had anticipated as many as 170,000 people could participate nationwide.