French President Emmanuel Macron will suspend his planned fuel tax increase — a policy that set off massive "yellow vest" street protests that resulted in the worst riots to hit Paris since 1968 — for six months, Agence France-Press reports.
The big picture: The pro-business Macron entered the presidency with the goal of reforming the French economy, hoping to implement measures like an increase to the gas tax that would stimulate long-term investment in new jobs while combating climate change. The result, as has been the case for many French presidents seeking to reform the inert nation, was fury from protesters who viewed him as out-of-touch with ordinary citizens. More than 100 people were injured and 412 arrested in Paris riots this past weekend, per the AP.
French President Emmanuel Macron has visited the graffiti-stained Arc de Triomphe, called for urgent talks and postponed a trip to Serbia after what are being called the worst riots to hit Paris since 1968. Paris' mayor says up to $4.5 million in damage was done on Saturday alone. An elderly woman in Marseille was killed after being hit by a tear gas canister at her window.
Why it matters: Sophie Pedder, the Economist's Paris bureau chief, explains that while "Macron has faced down waves of strikes and street protests since his election 18 months ago ... this one is very different."
French President Emmanuel Macron visited the Arc de Triomphe in Paris on Sunday — one day after it was covered with graffiti from protesters who are furious with the country's fuel tax hike and high living costs, AP reports.
The backdrop: This was the third weekend in a row Paris has experienced riots involving activists who wear fluorescent yellow vests, and Saturday's demonstration in the city center was one of the worst in a generation.
French President Emmanuel Macron will suspend his planned fuel tax increase — a policy that set off massive "yellow vest" street protests that resulted in the worst riots to hit Paris since 1968 — for six months, Agence France-Press reports.
The big picture: The pro-business Macron entered the presidency with the goal of reforming the French economy, hoping to implement measures like an increase to the gas tax that would stimulate long-term investment in new jobs while combatting climate change. The result, as has been the case for many French presidents seeking to reform the inert nation, was fury from protestors who viewed him as out-of-touch with ordinary citizens. More than 100 people were injured and 412 arrested in Paris riots this past weekend, per the AP.
Surveying the damage on Kleber Avenue in Paris. Photo: Chesnot/Getty Images French President Emmanuel Macron has visited the graffiti-stained Arc de Triomphe, called for urgent talks and postponed a trip to Serbia after what are being called the worst riots to hit Paris since 1968. Paris' mayor says up to $4.5 million in damage was done on Saturday alone. An elderly woman in Marseille was killed after being hit by a tear gas canister at her window.
Why it matters: Sophie Pedder, the Economist's Paris bureau chief, explains that while "Macron has faced down waves of strikes and street protests since his election 18 months ago ... this one is very different."
Poster Comment:
....(Macron's )goal of reforming the French economy, hoping to implement measures like an increase to the gas tax that would stimulate long-term investment in new jobs while combating climate change.
Step down you twit! Le Pen would make a much better leader. Increasing taxes to raise money to toss at something as stupid as climate change is just plain stupid!
