PARIS glowed in orange on Saturday with bonfires lit as the yellow vest street protests continued for the 18th consecutive weekend demanding the resignation of French President Emmanuel Macron.

The day of action marked the end of the beleaguered Mr Macron’s Grand National debate which was triggered in a government bid to quell the growing movement pressing for change in France.

Thousands protested in the French capital, with similar demonstrations taking place in other cities, including Lyon, Nice and Toulouse.

It coincided with the “march of the century” over climate change and the international march against racism.

Police clashed with protesters again, with video footage appearing to show them firing projectiles in an attempt to disperse the crowds. 

Thousands have been injured in police violence since protests began in November with prominent yellow vest Jerome Rodriguez “disabled for life” after being hit in the eye by a riot police “flash ball” in January.

At least 30 arrests were made as police turned tear gas and water cannon on protesters at the Champs-Elysees.

Interior Minister Christophe Castane blasted: “Let there be no doubt: they are looking for violence and are there to sow chaos in Paris.”

Eric Drouet, seen by many as one of the movement’s leading voices, said: “Now, things are getting serious. Acte 18 is here, and Macron — you can watch out, because there will be a growth in the movement.“

Protests started in November over a rise in fuel taxes, however they soon grew into a movement opposing austerity with a lack of jobs and attacks on public services by Mr Macron’s government.

The movement won some concessions including the scrapping of the tax and a rise in the minimum wage, however protesters insist that the unpopular president must resign and call fresh elections.