FRANCE’S “gilet jaunes” movement took to the streets for the 19th consecutive week in defiance of a government ban and the controversial decision by President Emmanuel Macron to authorise military action against protesters.

Thousands thronged the streets of Paris as they continued to demand the resignation of the increasingly unpopular Mr Macron, who has presided over a European Union-driven neoliberal austerity programme.

A police officer remained in a critical condition after suffering a cardiac arrest during protests in the French capital. 

Mr Macron faced heavy criticism after authorising the French army to protect government and official buildings, giving the green light to the military to use surveillance drones and throw indelible, invisible liquid on protesters to mark them.

Socialist Party spokesman Benoit Hamon warned the government against releasing an “arsenal of security and martial measures” while Les Républicains Senators leader Bruno Retailleau demanded that Mr Macron “reverse this disastrous decision.”

Hundreds have been injured due to police violence after a court ruled that the continued use of projectiles against protesters was justified and lawful.

Police fired tear gas to disperse crowds as they marched on Saturday to the Sacre-Coeur basilica in Montmartre demanding the resignation of the “president of the rich.”