Macron calls for order after ‘yellow vest’ attack on police

Drouet, a truck driver, was to be brought before an investigating magistrate Sunday to be charged with carrying an illegal weapon in the form of a block of wood and “participating in a group formed to commit violence or destruction”. He denies the charges.

The protests have dealt a blow to the French economy, particularly the retail trade.

Junior economy minister Agnes Pannier-Runacher said French stores reported an average drop-off of 25 percent in sales compared with the same period a year earlier.

Ten people have died in incidents linked to the demonstrations, mostly in accidents at roadblocks set up by the protesters.