President Emmanuel Macron is always visible on the international stage as the face of European diplomacy in the war in Ukraine. But domestically, his ground is shaking. With five prime ministers in and out of the revolving door, one might think his time is up. But not so fast. France’s unique political system might ensure he completes his term in 2027 despite political and economic headwinds and social unrest. Here are his challenges — and why he might survive the storm.<h2>Emmanuel Macron’s second term descends into paralysis</h2>Macron is set to announce his sixth prime minister on Friday (Oct 10). Once seen as a centrist reformer and European leader, Macron now presides over a France beset by political gridlock, economic stagnation, and social unrest that regularly triggers protests. His approval rating has plummeted to 17 per cent, and five prime ministers have cycled through office in under three years — instability unseen since the Fourth Republic.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/france-at-a-political-crossroads-as-calls-for-macron-s-ouster-grows-1759944053069/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/france-at-a-political-crossroads-as-calls-for-macron-s-ouster-grows-1759944053069/embed</a><h2>Macron’s decision to dissolve parliament in 2024 backfired</h2>Arguably overconfident, Macron called snap elections in 2024, which resulted in a hung National Assembly. His Renaissance party holds only 166 seats, trailing the left-wing New Popular Front (193) and the far-right National Rally (142). What followed was chaos. Prime Ministers Elisabeth Borne, Gabriel Attal, Michel Barnier, François Bayrou, and Sébastien Lecornu all failed to stabilise governance — with Lecornu’s tenure ending after just 27 days. Macron attempted cross-party talks, but perceptions of his irrelevance are growing.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-france-pm-eduardo-philippe-gabriel-attal-go-against-president-macron-and-want-early-election-1759846486546">Former PM and French president's ally Eduardo Philippe wants Macron to call for early election</a><h2>On French streets, anger continues to mount</h2>French streets remain a barometer of social tension. Macron’s pension reform — raising the retirement age from 62 to 64 — sparked mass protests. Austerity plans totalling €44 billion in savings triggered strikes. The “Bloquons Tout” movement has organised blockades, while unrest in New Caledonia over voting rights reforms has highlighted deep colonial-era fractures. Once a symbol of modernisation, Macron is now seen by many as elitist and socially divisive.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-warns-un-against-letting-survival-of-the-fittest-define-world-order-a-dig-at-trump-1758674204290">Macron warns UN against letting 'survival of the fittest' define world order. A dig at Trump's 'America First' vision?</a><h2>France faces a deepening fiscal crisis</h2>French public debt reached €3.346 trillion — or 114 per cent of GDP — in the first quarter of 2025. Deficits are projected at 5 to 5.4 per cent of GDP. Macron failed to pass the 2026 budget due to the parliamentary deadlock, forcing France to operate under emergency spending rules. Markets are jittery, and the risk of credit downgrades looms.<h2>Yet, Macron is unlikely to leave office early</h2>Despite some allies calling for his resignation, Macron is expected to serve his full term thanks to France’s constitutional system. The Constitution of the Fifth Republic ensures presidential stability. Impeachment is only possible in cases of a “breach of duties,” and requires supermajorities in both parliamentary chambers and a ruling by a special court. No French president has ever been removed this way. Charles de Gaulle resigned voluntarily in 1969; others left only after losing elections.<h2>Macron could still dissolve parliament again</h2>With 18 months left until the 2027 election, Macron technically could dissolve parliament again — but he is unlikely to do so. Even as a lame-duck president, powerless domestically but constitutionally protected, he has the right to remain.In the end, Macron has become a symbol of the very dysfunction he aimed to overcome as France’s youngest president. Politically isolated, economically constrained, and socially rejected, his authority has collapsed. But the system that protects the presidency ensures he stays — not because he can govern, but because he cannot be removed.

Emmanuel Macron’s presidency faces political chaos, social unrest, economic crisis and low approval ratings. But France’s constitutional system likely ensures the president can complete his term. Here are the odds


President Emmanuel Macron is always visible on the international stage as the face of European diplomacy in the war in Ukraine. But domestically, his ground is shaking. With five prime ministers in and out of the revolving door, one might think his time is up. But not so fast. France’s unique political system might ensure he completes his term in 2027 despite political and economic headwinds and social unrest. Here are his challenges — and why he might survive the storm. Emmanuel Macron’s second term descends into paralysis Macron is set to announce his sixth prime minister on Friday (Oct 10). Once seen as a centrist reformer and European leader, Macron now presides over a France beset by political gridlock, economic stagnation, and social unrest that regularly triggers protests. His approval rating has plummeted to 17 per cent, and five prime ministers have cycled through office in under three years — instability unseen since the Fourth Republic. https://www.wionews.com/videos/france-at-a-political-crossroads-as-calls-for-macron-s-ouster-grows-1759944053069/embed Macron’s decision to dissolve parliament in 2024 backfired Arguably overconfident, Macron called snap elections in 2024, which resulted in a hung National Assembly. His Renaissance party holds only 166 seats, trailing the left-wing New Popular Front (193) and the far-right National Rally (142). What followed was chaos. Prime Ministers Elisabeth Borne, Gabriel Attal, Michel Barnier, François Bayrou, and Sébastien Lecornu all failed to stabilise governance — with Lecornu’s tenure ending after just 27 days. Macron attempted cross-party talks, but perceptions of his irrelevance are growing. Also read: Former PM and French president's ally Eduardo Philippe wants Macron to call for early election On French streets, anger continues to mount French streets remain a barometer of social tension. Macron’s pension reform — raising the retirement age from 62 to 64 — sparked mass protests. Austerity plans totalling €44 billion in savings triggered strikes. The “Bloquons Tout” movement has organised blockades, while unrest in New Caledonia over voting rights reforms has highlighted deep colonial-era fractures. Once a symbol of modernisation, Macron is now seen by many as elitist and socially divisive. Also read: Macron warns UN against letting 'survival of the fittest' define world order. A dig at Trump's 'America First' vision? France faces a deepening fiscal crisis French public debt reached €3.346 trillion — or 114 per cent of GDP — in the first quarter of 2025. Deficits are projected at 5 to 5.4 per cent of GDP. Macron failed to pass the 2026 budget due to the parliamentary deadlock, forcing France to operate under emergency spending rules. Markets are jittery, and the risk of credit downgrades looms. Yet, Macron is unlikely to leave office early Despite some allies calling for his resignation, Macron is expected to serve his full term thanks to France’s constitutional system. The Constitution of the Fifth Republic ensures presidential stability. Impeachment is only possible in cases of a “breach of duties,” and requires supermajorities in both parliamentary chambers and a ruling by a special court. No French president has ever been removed this way. Charles de Gaulle resigned voluntarily in 1969; others left only after losing elections. Macron could still dissolve parliament again With 18 months left until the 2027 election, Macron technically could dissolve parliament again — but he is unlikely to do so. Even as a lame-duck president, powerless domestically but constitutionally protected, he has the right to remain. In the end, Macron has become a symbol of the very dysfunction he aimed to overcome as France’s youngest president. Politically isolated, economically constrained, and socially rejected, his authority has collapsed. But the system that protects the presidency ensures he stays — not because he can govern, but because he cannot be removed.

Emmanuel Macron’s presidency faces political chaos, social unrest, economic crisis and low approval ratings. But France’s constitutional system likely ensures the president can complete his term. Here are the odds&nbsp;

Game over for Emmanuel Macron? President is down, but not out yet. How the French system will protect him

France's eight main trade unions called for a day of strikes on January 19 against pension reform announced by President Emmanuel Macron's government on Tuesday.

French unions call for strike against pension reform on Jan 19

French President Emmanuel Macron's administration has agreed to completely rewrite a draft plan that to curb freedom to film police officers on duty.

France: President Macron's administration agrees to rewrite police bill

The speaker of French President Emmanuel Macron’s ruling get together has mentioned the federal government is dropping a part of a controversial invoice curbing the precise to movie on-duty police – which drew big public anger – and can re-draft it.

More than 133,000 people, including 46,000 in Paris alone, demonstrated against the draft bill and in favour of free speech on Saturday.

The rallies followed the publication of video footage of a Black man being beaten up by three police officers inside his own music studio earlier this month that Macron has branded “shameful” for France.

A provision in the draft law known as article 24, a key plank in Macron’s plans to court right-wing voters by being tougher on law and order ahead of his 2022 re-election bid, had sparked outrage in the media and on the left of his own party.

“We propose a new version of article 24 and a new version will be submitted,” Christophe Castaner, head of Macron’s Republic on the Move (LaRem) party in the lower house of parliament, told a news conference.

Article 24 did not ban outright the sharing of images of the police, but made it a crime - punishable by a year in prison and a 45,000 euro ($54,000) fine - to share them with an “obvious intention to harm”.

“DOUBTS”

French journalists and even the government’s own independent ombudsman on human rights said the article was too vague and could have a chilling effect on people wanting to expose police brutality.

The footage showing the violent arrest of Michel Zecler in his studio, which prompted international criticism, made it even less tenable for Macron to press on with article 24, French officials said.

“We acknowledge that there are doubts, which some people consider that the right to inform is under threat... That is why it is necessary to clarify it,” Castaner said.

His statement came after Macron held an emergency meeting on the bill at the Elysee palace earlier on Monday with leaders of his parliamentary majority and his tough-talking interior minister, Gerald Darmanin, a former conservative.

Many of Macron’s more centre-left followers have expressed dismay at what they see as the president’s “conservative turn” in recent months.

The stated aim of the broader “general security” bill is to provide better protection for French police officers, whose unions said were under heavy strain after months of violent “yellow vest” protests.

A new version of article 24 will be submitted at a later date, officials said, although it remained unclear when, since the bill, approved last week by the lower house, has now been sent to the upper house, where the conservatives, and not Macron’s party, have a majority.

(With inputs from Reuters)

The speaker of French President Emmanuel Macron’s ruling get together has mentioned the federal government is dropping a part of a controversial invoice curbing the precise to movie on-duty police – which drew big public anger – and can re-draft it.

The speaker of French President Emmanuel Macron’s ruling get together has mentioned the federal government is dropping a part of a controversial invoice curbing the precise to movie on-duty police – which drew big public anger – and can re-draft it. More than 133,000 people, including 46,000 in Paris alone, demonstrated against the draft bill and in favour of free speech on Saturday. The rallies followed the publication of video footage of a Black man being beaten up by three police officers inside his own music studio earlier this month that Macron has branded “shameful” for France. A provision in the draft law known as article 24, a key plank in Macron’s plans to court right-wing voters by being tougher on law and order ahead of his 2022 re-election bid, had sparked outrage in the media and on the left of his own party. “We propose a new version of article 24 and a new version will be submitted,” Christophe Castaner, head of Macron’s Republic on the Move (LaRem) party in the lower house of parliament, told a news conference. Article 24 did not ban outright the sharing of images of the police, but made it a crime - punishable by a year in prison and a 45,000 euro ($54,000) fine - to share them with an “obvious intention to harm”. “DOUBTS” French journalists and even the government’s own independent ombudsman on human rights said the article was too vague and could have a chilling effect on people wanting to expose police brutality. The footage showing the violent arrest of Michel Zecler in his studio, which prompted international criticism, made it even less tenable for Macron to press on with article 24, French officials said. “We acknowledge that there are doubts, which some people consider that the right to inform is under threat... That is why it is necessary to clarify it,” Castaner said. His statement came after Macron held an emergency meeting on the bill at the Elysee palace earlier on Monday with leaders of his parliamentary majority and his tough-talking interior minister, Gerald Darmanin, a former conservative. Many of Macron’s more centre-left followers have expressed dismay at what they see as the president’s “conservative turn” in recent months. The stated aim of the broader “general security” bill is to provide better protection for French police officers, whose unions said were under heavy strain after months of violent “yellow vest” protests. A new version of article 24 will be submitted at a later date, officials said, although it remained unclear when, since the bill, approved last week by the lower house, has now been sent to the upper house, where the conservatives, and not Macron’s party, have a majority. (With inputs from Reuters)

France’s Macron govt backtracks on plan to curb filming of police officers

Alain Robert, the free climber dubbed the "French&nbsp;Spider-Man", on Monday scaled the Tour Total, a 48-storey&nbsp;skyscraper&nbsp;in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/minor-clashes-break-out-at-paris-during-protests-against-pension-reforms-272159">Paris</a>, to demonstrate&nbsp;support&nbsp;for workers striking against the government's&nbsp;pension&nbsp;reform plans.

Robert, 57, stood with both arms aloft after reaching the summit of the 187-metre (613-foot) high tower, which stands in the French capital's business district, La Defense.

<img alt="Alain Robert scales the Tour Total skyscraper in support of the anti pensions reform strikers" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b353d8f5-9cf0-4ef5-b72c-7d3a96737c3a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%284%29_15.jpg" /> 
[ Alain Robert scales the Tour Total skyscraper in support of the anti pensions reform strikers (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

He has climbed more than 100 structures, including the Golden Gate Bridge in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/san-francisco-woman-hires-plane-makes-website-and-offers-7000-reward-in-search-of-stolen-dog-269289">San Francisco</a> and the world's tallest building, the Burj al Khalifa in Dubai. This is the ninth time he has climbed the Total tower.

Robert often climbs without permission and has been arrested on numerous occasions. He climbs without a harness, using only his bare hands, a pair of climbing shoes, and a bag of powdered chalk to wipe off the sweat.

For more than a month, France has been mired in strikes and protests over President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/despite-weeks-of-protests-macron-raises-retirement-age-in-pension-reforms-legislation-273472">Emmanuel Macron's</a> push to streamline the&nbsp;pension&nbsp;system.

Alain Robert, the free climber dubbed the "French Spider-Man", on Monday scaled the Tour Total, a 48-storey skyscraper in Paris, to demonstrate support for workers striking against the government's pension reform plans.

Alain Robert, the free climber dubbed the "French Spider-Man", on Monday scaled the Tour Total, a 48-storey skyscraper in Paris, to demonstrate support for workers striking against the government's pension reform plans. Robert, 57, stood with both arms aloft after reaching the summit of the 187-metre (613-foot) high tower, which stands in the French capital's business district, La Defense. [ Alain Robert scales the Tour Total skyscraper in support of the anti pensions reform strikers (Courtesy: Reuters) ] He has climbed more than 100 structures, including the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and the world's tallest building, the Burj al Khalifa in Dubai. This is the ninth time he has climbed the Total tower. Robert often climbs without permission and has been arrested on numerous occasions. He climbs without a harness, using only his bare hands, a pair of climbing shoes, and a bag of powdered chalk to wipe off the sweat. For more than a month, France has been mired in strikes and protests over President Emmanuel Macron's push to streamline the pension system.

French 'spider-man' Alain Robert scales Paris skyscraper in support of pension strikes

The French government and a key trade union on Sunday exchanged bitter accusations over who was to blame for France's over three-week <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-continues-to-be-on-the-boil-over-proposed-pension-reforms-270795">transport strike against pension reforms</a>, as the stalemate showed little sign of relenting.

Deputy Transport Minister Jean-Baptiste Djebbari accused the hardline CGT union of a "systematic opposition to any reform" while the union's chief Philippe Martinez charged the government with strewing "chaos" in the conflict.

The strike -- now longer than the notorious 22-day strike of winter 1995 -- has now lasted 25 days and is on course to surpass the longest transport strike in France which lasted for 28 days in 1986 and early 1987.

Aside from two driverless lines, the Paris metro was again almost completely shut down on Sunday while only a fraction of high-speed TGV trains were running.

The government and unions are only due to hold their next talks on January 7, two days ahead of a new day of mass demonstrations against the reform which is championed by President Emmanuel Macron.

In an interview with the Journal de Dimanche newspaper, Djebbari angrily accused the CGT of "attitudes of intimidation, harassment and even aggression" against railway workers who had opted not to down tools.

He accused the CGT of showing a "systematic opposition to any reform, of blocking and sometimes intimidation".

"The CGT wants to make its mark through media stunts. But the French are not going to be duped by the extreme-left politicisation of this movement," he added.

'Like Thatcher'

But in an interview with the same newspaper, Martinez accused the government of trying to ensure the conflict deteriorated further.

"Emmanuel Macron presents himself as a man of a new world but he is imitating Margaret Thatcher," he said, referring to the late British prime minister who sought to break the power of the unions in 1980s standoffs.

"There is real anger. Of course, not being paid for 24 days is tough. But the conflict is the result of two-and-a-half years of suffering," Martinez added.

He said he was awaiting concessions from Macron in a New Year's address Tuesday evening as well as recognition that "most people are not happy and that he (the president) was wrong".

The French president, elected in 2017 on pledges to reform France, has remained virtually silent on the standoff, save for a call for a Christmas truce that went unheeded and a vow not to take a presidential pension.

This will intensify attention on December 31 address, with all eyes on whether Macron offers steps to defuse the conflict or indicates he is ready for a long, grinding standoff.

The unions are demanding that the government drops a plan to merge 42 existing pension schemes into a single, points-based system.

The overhaul would see workers in certain sectors -- including the railways -- lose early retirement benefits. The government says the pension overhaul is needed to create a fairer system.

But workers object to the inclusion of a so-called pivot age of 64 until which people would have to work to earn a full pension -- two years beyond the official retirement age.

The French government and a key trade union on Sunday exchanged bitter accusations over who was to blame for France's over three-week transport strike against pension reforms, as the stalemate showed little sign of relenting.

The French government and a key trade union on Sunday exchanged bitter accusations over who was to blame for France's over three-week transport strike against pension reforms, as the stalemate showed little sign of relenting. Deputy Transport Minister Jean-Baptiste Djebbari accused the hardline CGT union of a "systematic opposition to any reform" while the union's chief Philippe Martinez charged the government with strewing "chaos" in the conflict. The strike -- now longer than the notorious 22-day strike of winter 1995 -- has now lasted 25 days and is on course to surpass the longest transport strike in France which lasted for 28 days in 1986 and early 1987. Aside from two driverless lines, the Paris metro was again almost completely shut down on Sunday while only a fraction of high-speed TGV trains were running. The government and unions are only due to hold their next talks on January 7, two days ahead of a new day of mass demonstrations against the reform which is championed by President Emmanuel Macron. In an interview with the Journal de Dimanche newspaper, Djebbari angrily accused the CGT of "attitudes of intimidation, harassment and even aggression" against railway workers who had opted not to down tools. He accused the CGT of showing a "systematic opposition to any reform, of blocking and sometimes intimidation". "The CGT wants to make its mark through media stunts. But the French are not going to be duped by the extreme-left politicisation of this movement," he added. 'Like Thatcher' But in an interview with the same newspaper, Martinez accused the government of trying to ensure the conflict deteriorated further. "Emmanuel Macron presents himself as a man of a new world but he is imitating Margaret Thatcher," he said, referring to the late British prime minister who sought to break the power of the unions in 1980s standoffs. "There is real anger. Of course, not being paid for 24 days is tough. But the conflict is the result of two-and-a-half years of suffering," Martinez added. He said he was awaiting concessions from Macron in a New Year's address Tuesday evening as well as recognition that "most people are not happy and that he (the president) was wrong". The French president, elected in 2017 on pledges to reform France, has remained virtually silent on the standoff, save for a call for a Christmas truce that went unheeded and a vow not to take a presidential pension. This will intensify attention on December 31 address, with all eyes on whether Macron offers steps to defuse the conflict or indicates he is ready for a long, grinding standoff. The unions are demanding that the government drops a plan to merge 42 existing pension schemes into a single, points-based system. The overhaul would see workers in certain sectors -- including the railways -- lose early retirement benefits. The government says the pension overhaul is needed to create a fairer system. But workers object to the inclusion of a so-called pivot age of 64 until which people would have to work to earn a full pension -- two years beyond the official retirement age.

French government, unions exchange barbs in strike deadlock

A production shutdown started on Sunday at PetroIneos' 210,000-barrels-per-day <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-steadies-after-saudi-pledges-to-restore-output-lost-in-attacks-250369">Lavera</a> oil refinery in southern France after CGT union workers voted to stop output as part of protests over pension reform, a union official said.

Emmanuel Lepine, secretary-general of the CGT's oil branch, told sources on Sunday evening that CGT union workers at other refineries in France will vote on Monday whether to halt production at their plants.

The CGT's oil branch had warned on Friday it could step up strike action by stopping production, depending on the outcome of worker votes.

"We gave an ultimatum to the government, it didn't listen, so we're doing exactly what we promised," Lepine said.

"What we are demanding is the withdrawal of the reform."

The hardline <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-cgt-union-threatens-more-protests-over-pensions-plan-268467">CGT union</a> has been at the forefront of a two-week-old industrial action against a planned government reform of France's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-strikes-government-stays-firm-on-pension-reforms-as-mass-protests-to-continue-268724">pension system</a>.

The protests against the reform plan, which would scrap special regimes for sectors like the railways and make people work to 64 to draw a full pension, have crippled train services in the run-up to the Christmas holiday season.

Protests in the oil sector have already disrupted supplies of refined products to petrol stations in some parts of France but production has so far continued at refineries.

CGT workers at three refineries run by Total - Grand Puits, La Mede and Feyzin - would vote on Monday on whether to halt output there, Lepine said.

A production shutdown started on Sunday at PetroIneos' 210,000-barrels-per-day Lavera oil refinery in southern France after CGT union workers voted to stop output as part of protests over pension reform, a union official said.

A production shutdown started on Sunday at PetroIneos' 210,000-barrels-per-day Lavera oil refinery in southern France after CGT union workers voted to stop output as part of protests over pension reform, a union official said. Emmanuel Lepine, secretary-general of the CGT's oil branch, told sources on Sunday evening that CGT union workers at other refineries in France will vote on Monday whether to halt production at their plants. The CGT's oil branch had warned on Friday it could step up strike action by stopping production, depending on the outcome of worker votes. "We gave an ultimatum to the government, it didn't listen, so we're doing exactly what we promised," Lepine said. "What we are demanding is the withdrawal of the reform." The hardline CGT union has been at the forefront of a two-week-old industrial action against a planned government reform of France's pension system. The protests against the reform plan, which would scrap special regimes for sectors like the railways and make people work to 64 to draw a full pension, have crippled train services in the run-up to the Christmas holiday season. Protests in the oil sector have already disrupted supplies of refined products to petrol stations in some parts of France but production has so far continued at refineries. CGT workers at three refineries run by Total - Grand Puits, La Mede and Feyzin - would vote on Monday on whether to halt output there, Lepine said.

French workers vote to halt output at Lavera refinery over pension reform

The French government stood firm on the pension reforms as a fresh round of <a href="People march in Marseille during protests over a government pensions overhaul.">demonstrations to take place across the country</a> on Tuesday.

"This reform... is going to be defended," news agency AFP quoted a government spokeswoman Sibeth Ndiaye as saying on late Monday.

Tens of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/frances-sanofi-to-buy-biotech-firm-synthorx-for-25-billion-267197"> thousands of protestors</a> are expected to hit the street today to protest against latest pension reforms in which the retirement age was changed to 64. Currently, the retirement age is set at 62.

Meanwhile, French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe is scheduled to hold fresh talks with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-cgt-union-threatens-more-protests-over-pensions-plan-268467">French trade union leader</a>s on Wednesday, but a solution to the impasse appears out of reach for now.

Since December, 5 French trade unions have been France has been holding crippling strikes against plans for a single pensions system, which would do away with 42 separate schemes that offer early retirement and other benefits mainly to public-sector workers.

Commuters in Paris are the most affected by these strikes as transport services are the have been the most affected. Millions of commuters are facing daily misery due to the strikes and with holidays coming, travel plans are also at risks.

According to a local report, just one in four high-speed TGV trains is running on Tuesday.

Over 800,000 people turned out across France for the first mass demos on December 5, though the number had fallen to 340,000 according to the interior ministry on December 10.

Police are on high alert after some protesters vandalised storefronts and set fire to vehicles during the previous marches.

Half the metro lines in Paris were closed, though traffic jams were close to average as many people worked from home or just took the day off.

(With inputs from agencies)

The French government stood firm on the pension reforms as a fresh round of demonstrations to take place across the country on Tuesday. "This reform... is going to be defended," news agency AFP quoted a government spokeswoman Sibeth Ndiaye as saying on late Monday.

The French government stood firm on the pension reforms as a fresh round of demonstrations to take place across the country on Tuesday. "This reform... is going to be defended," news agency AFP quoted a government spokeswoman Sibeth Ndiaye as saying on late Monday. Tens of thousands of protestors are expected to hit the street today to protest against latest pension reforms in which the retirement age was changed to 64. Currently, the retirement age is set at 62. Meanwhile, French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe is scheduled to hold fresh talks with French trade union leaders on Wednesday, but a solution to the impasse appears out of reach for now. Since December, 5 French trade unions have been France has been holding crippling strikes against plans for a single pensions system, which would do away with 42 separate schemes that offer early retirement and other benefits mainly to public-sector workers. Commuters in Paris are the most affected by these strikes as transport services are the have been the most affected. Millions of commuters are facing daily misery due to the strikes and with holidays coming, travel plans are also at risks. According to a local report, just one in four high-speed TGV trains is running on Tuesday. Over 800,000 people turned out across France for the first mass demos on December 5, though the number had fallen to 340,000 according to the interior ministry on December 10. Police are on high alert after some protesters vandalised storefronts and set fire to vehicles during the previous marches. Half the metro lines in Paris were closed, though traffic jams were close to average as many people worked from home or just took the day off. (With inputs from agencies)

France strikes: Government stays firm on pension reforms as mass protests continue

France reeled under a crippling public transport strike for a 10th day Saturday aimed at forcing the government to scrap a pension revamp, as fears grew of travel mayhem during Christmas.

Train traffic was severely disrupted with only one out four TGV high speed long-distance trains and three of 10 regional trains running across the country.

But Paris and its environs remained the worst hit. Nine metro lines in the capital remained closed and there were skeletal transport services between the city and its suburbs.

Only 60 percent of the city's bus services were running.

Strikers have warned of similar disruptions on Sunday and Monday and national rail operator SNCF and the RATP Paris transport network confirmed service would be very limited with just one in four TGVs running.

On Saturday, SNCF managing director &nbsp;Rachel Picard, told Le Parisien daily that "half of the passengers" would have trains to visit family for Christmas" but did not elaborate.

Unions are hoping for a repeat of 1995, when they forced a rightwing government to back down on pension reform after three weeks of metro and rail strikes just before Christmas.

The prospect of a protracted standoff has businesses fearing big losses during the crucial year-end festivities, and travellers worried that their holiday plans will fall through.

On Friday, Prime Minister Edouard Philippe asked SNCF chief Jean-Pierre Farandou to draw up a list of exactly which trains would be running during the festive season.

Philippe told the Parisien daily in an interview for its Sunday edition that the French would not accept being "deprived" of festive transport options.

"I can well see that everyone is worried as they see Christmas near. Christmas is an important time.

"Everybody must take their responsibilities. I do not think the French would accept people depriving them of this moment," Philippe warned.

But unions said they would not give in -- and that the government would have to.

"If the government wants the conflict to end before the holidays, they have all of next week to take the wise decision and scrap the point-based pension plan," Laurent Blum, the general secretary of the hard-line CGT-Cheminots, the main SNCF union, told AFP.

Historic reform'

The reform would do away with 42 separate regimes, some of which offer early retirement and other benefits to public sector workers such as train drivers, dockers and even Paris Opera employees.

The strike organisers have announced a massive protest for Tuesday when tens of thousands are expected to take to the streets again.&nbsp;

Meanwhile teachers, who have been mobilised since the start of the protest, on Friday gained guarantees from the government of salary reviews which would cost the state 10 billion euros. The details were not revealed.

Policemen meanwhile ended their protest on Friday after managing to get assurances that their early retirement scheme would be maintained, owing to the "dangerous" nature of their job.

Both Paris operas, the Garnier and the Bastille, cancelled Friday performances, and more through the weekend.

President Emmanuel Macron's government insists the changes will make for a fairer system and help erase pension system deficits forecast to reach as much as 17 billion euros ($19 billion) by 2025.

The average French person retires at just over 60, years earlier than most in Europe or other rich OECD countries.

Prime Minister Philippe has held talks with union leaders and more negotiations are scheduled over the coming week.

Philippe on Friday struck a combative note, saying he "has absolutely no fear of implementing this reform".

Macron, who has maintained a studied silence since the protests began, told reporters in Brussels on Friday that it was a "historic reform", while expressing solidarity with those affected by the fallout.

France reeled under a crippling public transport strike for a 10th day Saturday aimed at forcing the government to scrap a pension revamp, as fears grew of travel mayhem during Christmas.

France reeled under a crippling public transport strike for a 10th day Saturday aimed at forcing the government to scrap a pension revamp, as fears grew of travel mayhem during Christmas. Train traffic was severely disrupted with only one out four TGV high speed long-distance trains and three of 10 regional trains running across the country. But Paris and its environs remained the worst hit. Nine metro lines in the capital remained closed and there were skeletal transport services between the city and its suburbs. Only 60 percent of the city's bus services were running. Strikers have warned of similar disruptions on Sunday and Monday and national rail operator SNCF and the RATP Paris transport network confirmed service would be very limited with just one in four TGVs running. On Saturday, SNCF managing director Rachel Picard, told Le Parisien daily that "half of the passengers" would have trains to visit family for Christmas" but did not elaborate. Unions are hoping for a repeat of 1995, when they forced a rightwing government to back down on pension reform after three weeks of metro and rail strikes just before Christmas. The prospect of a protracted standoff has businesses fearing big losses during the crucial year-end festivities, and travellers worried that their holiday plans will fall through. On Friday, Prime Minister Edouard Philippe asked SNCF chief Jean-Pierre Farandou to draw up a list of exactly which trains would be running during the festive season. Philippe told the Parisien daily in an interview for its Sunday edition that the French would not accept being "deprived" of festive transport options. "I can well see that everyone is worried as they see Christmas near. Christmas is an important time. "Everybody must take their responsibilities. I do not think the French would accept people depriving them of this moment," Philippe warned. But unions said they would not give in -- and that the government would have to. "If the government wants the conflict to end before the holidays, they have all of next week to take the wise decision and scrap the point-based pension plan," Laurent Blum, the general secretary of the hard-line CGT-Cheminots, the main SNCF union, told AFP. Historic reform' The reform would do away with 42 separate regimes, some of which offer early retirement and other benefits to public sector workers such as train drivers, dockers and even Paris Opera employees. The strike organisers have announced a massive protest for Tuesday when tens of thousands are expected to take to the streets again. Meanwhile teachers, who have been mobilised since the start of the protest, on Friday gained guarantees from the government of salary reviews which would cost the state 10 billion euros. The details were not revealed. Policemen meanwhile ended their protest on Friday after managing to get assurances that their early retirement scheme would be maintained, owing to the "dangerous" nature of their job. Both Paris operas, the Garnier and the Bastille, cancelled Friday performances, and more through the weekend. President Emmanuel Macron's government insists the changes will make for a fairer system and help erase pension system deficits forecast to reach as much as 17 billion euros ($19 billion) by 2025. The average French person retires at just over 60, years earlier than most in Europe or other rich OECD countries. Prime Minister Philippe has held talks with union leaders and more negotiations are scheduled over the coming week. Philippe on Friday struck a combative note, saying he "has absolutely no fear of implementing this reform". Macron, who has maintained a studied silence since the protests began, told reporters in Brussels on Friday that it was a "historic reform", while expressing solidarity with those affected by the fallout.

Christmas mayhem feared as French transport strike continues

Angered over President Emmanuel Macron's pension reforms, French unions on Friday called for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-strike-against-macron-reforms-enters-day-two-266522">strikes and mass protests</a> next week on Tuesday. This comes after thousands took to the street on Thursday protesting Macron-proposed retirement overhaul.

"Everybody in the street on Tuesday, December 10, for a new day... of strikes, actions and protests," Catherine Perret, a senior member of the CGT union, France's biggest public-sector union, told reporters after a meeting of four unions.

Unions' strikes and protest spilled into the second day on Friday, derailing public transport and affecting hundreds on travelers.&nbsp;

The protesters are determined not to stay put unless Macron backs down on the controversial pension overhauls.

Unions argue that Macron's "universal" pension system would eliminate dozens of separate plans for public workers and will force millions of people, in both public and private sectors, to work well beyond the legal retirement age of 62, news agency AFP reported.&nbsp;

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In France, the minimum pension age is 62 which is also the lowest among developed countries across the globe. However, there exist over forty "special regimes" for railway workers, lawyers, opera employees and others that offer benefits like earlier retirements.

Macron-led government acknowledges that that a single pension system will have people work longer but will also be fairer to all, ensuring financial viability.

The recent strike by the unions was enough to throw the country into a state of chaos. As reported by AFP, rail operator SNCF said 90 per cent of high-speed TGV trains were again cancelled, and several airlines dropped flights including Air France, EasyJet and Ryanair.

Nine of the capital's 16 metro lines were shut and most others severely disrupted, sparking some 350 kilometres (220 miles) of traffic jams in the Paris region, well above the usual 200 km, the traffic website Sytadin reported.

A whopping 800,000 demonstrators took to the streets across the country on Thursday, the interior ministry estimated .

France, earlier this year, saw protests from teachers, hospital workers, police and firefighters as well as the "yellow vest" movement. The French have been demanding improved living standards.

(With inputs from AFP)&nbsp;

Angered over President Emmanuel Macron's pension reforms, French unions on Friday called for strikes and mass protests next week on Tuesday. This comes after thousands took to the street on Thursday protesting Macron-proposed retirement overhaul.

Angered over President Emmanuel Macron's pension reforms, French unions on Friday called for strikes and mass protests next week on Tuesday. This comes after thousands took to the street on Thursday protesting Macron-proposed retirement overhaul. "Everybody in the street on Tuesday, December 10, for a new day... of strikes, actions and protests," Catherine Perret, a senior member of the CGT union, France's biggest public-sector union, told reporters after a meeting of four unions. Unions' strikes and protest spilled into the second day on Friday, derailing public transport and affecting hundreds on travelers. The protesters are determined not to stay put unless Macron backs down on the controversial pension overhauls. Unions argue that Macron's "universal" pension system would eliminate dozens of separate plans for public workers and will force millions of people, in both public and private sectors, to work well beyond the legal retirement age of 62, news agency AFP reported. × In France, the minimum pension age is 62 which is also the lowest among developed countries across the globe. However, there exist over forty "special regimes" for railway workers, lawyers, opera employees and others that offer benefits like earlier retirements. Macron-led government acknowledges that that a single pension system will have people work longer but will also be fairer to all, ensuring financial viability. The recent strike by the unions was enough to throw the country into a state of chaos. As reported by AFP, rail operator SNCF said 90 per cent of high-speed TGV trains were again cancelled, and several airlines dropped flights including Air France, EasyJet and Ryanair. Nine of the capital's 16 metro lines were shut and most others severely disrupted, sparking some 350 kilometres (220 miles) of traffic jams in the Paris region, well above the usual 200 km, the traffic website Sytadin reported. A whopping 800,000 demonstrators took to the streets across the country on Thursday, the interior ministry estimated . France, earlier this year, saw protests from teachers, hospital workers, police and firefighters as well as the "yellow vest" movement. The French have been demanding improved living standards. (With inputs from AFP)

France: Unions call for new protests, strikes on Tuesday over pension reforms 

Hundreds of French farmers angered by international trade deals and government policy drove tractors along the main highways into Paris on Wednesday, blocking commuter traffic and adding to the social unrest facing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-commissions-president-elect-faces-final-vote-264765">President Emmanuel Macron</a>.

On the A1 autoroute, an artery that links the capital to the north of France and its ports, one group temporarily blocked three lanes of traffic.

"No rural France without farmers. Let us get on with our jobs," one farmer wrote on his tractor.

Another in a convoy flanked by police motorcyclists took aim at the president: "Macron, answer us! Save farmers."

Farmers unions said their members would converge on Avenue Foch, a wide boulevard flanked by some of Paris' most luxurious properties near the Arc de Triomphe in central Paris.

The two main farm unions are staging the protest and demanding a meeting with President Emmanuel Macron to express grievances over policies they say hurt French agriculture, such as the phasing out of the weedkiller glyphosate.

"We want to warn everyone that if there are no more farmers in France it has a knock-on effect on the French economy," 29-year-old farmer Alix Heurtaut told Reuters ahead of the protest.

Macron, 41, faces growing discontent against his social and economic reform agenda across French society.

His government last week announced emergency financing in a failed attempt to head off further hospital strikes and has been locked in negotiations with unions this week over pension reform ahead of nationwide transport strikes on December&nbsp;5th.

Resentment among farmers has been growing at what they call "agri-bashing", or criticism of agriculture over issues ranging from pesticide use to animal welfare.

Attacks on livestock farms and butcher's shops by vegan activists have caused particular outrage. Longstanding tensions with environmental associations have meanwhile deepened amid debates about banning glyphosate and restricting pesticide use near residential areas.

Farmers widely blame Macron for rushing to ban glyphosate by 2021, going beyond the current European Union policy, although the government has promised exemptions for farms that have no viable alternative.

Macron has also been under pressure from farmers over EU trade deals with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-raonic-withdraws-from-canadas-davis-cup-team-261552">Canada</a> and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-boris-johnson-very-worried-about-trade-tensions-tariff-hikes-245371">Mercosur bloc</a> of South American countries, which farming groups say will usher in imports of cheaper agricultural goods produced to lower standards.

A food law passed by Macron's government, which aimed to give farmers a fairer share of profits, has failed to dispel discontent over modest revenues.

France is the largest agricultural producer in the EU and the biggest beneficiary of subsidies under the EU's Common Agricultural Policy.

Farm unions are gearing up for negotiations over the next EU budget, which could see agricultural spending trimmed due to Britain's planned exit from the bloc.

Hundreds of French farmers angered by international trade deals and government policy drove tractors along the main highways into Paris on Wednesday, blocking commuter traffic and adding to the social unrest facing President Emmanuel Macron.

Hundreds of French farmers angered by international trade deals and government policy drove tractors along the main highways into Paris on Wednesday, blocking commuter traffic and adding to the social unrest facing President Emmanuel Macron. On the A1 autoroute, an artery that links the capital to the north of France and its ports, one group temporarily blocked three lanes of traffic. "No rural France without farmers. Let us get on with our jobs," one farmer wrote on his tractor. Another in a convoy flanked by police motorcyclists took aim at the president: "Macron, answer us! Save farmers." Farmers unions said their members would converge on Avenue Foch, a wide boulevard flanked by some of Paris' most luxurious properties near the Arc de Triomphe in central Paris. The two main farm unions are staging the protest and demanding a meeting with President Emmanuel Macron to express grievances over policies they say hurt French agriculture, such as the phasing out of the weedkiller glyphosate. "We want to warn everyone that if there are no more farmers in France it has a knock-on effect on the French economy," 29-year-old farmer Alix Heurtaut told Reuters ahead of the protest. Macron, 41, faces growing discontent against his social and economic reform agenda across French society. His government last week announced emergency financing in a failed attempt to head off further hospital strikes and has been locked in negotiations with unions this week over pension reform ahead of nationwide transport strikes on December 5th. Resentment among farmers has been growing at what they call "agri-bashing", or criticism of agriculture over issues ranging from pesticide use to animal welfare. Attacks on livestock farms and butcher's shops by vegan activists have caused particular outrage. Longstanding tensions with environmental associations have meanwhile deepened amid debates about banning glyphosate and restricting pesticide use near residential areas. Farmers widely blame Macron for rushing to ban glyphosate by 2021, going beyond the current European Union policy, although the government has promised exemptions for farms that have no viable alternative. Macron has also been under pressure from farmers over EU trade deals with Canada and the Mercosur bloc of South American countries, which farming groups say will usher in imports of cheaper agricultural goods produced to lower standards. A food law passed by Macron's government, which aimed to give farmers a fairer share of profits, has failed to dispel discontent over modest revenues. France is the largest agricultural producer in the EU and the biggest beneficiary of subsidies under the EU's Common Agricultural Policy. Farm unions are gearing up for negotiations over the next EU budget, which could see agricultural spending trimmed due to Britain's planned exit from the bloc.

French farmers clog highways to protest at 'agri-bashing'

French police fired tear gas to disperse protesters who threw projectiles and set bins on fire in Paris, Lyon and Bordeaux on Saturday, as the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/french-yellow-vests-marching-for-everyone-protester-says-as-support-falls-197822">14th straight weekend of "yellow vest" protests</a> took a violent turn in the afternoon.

In Rouen in the north, four people were injured after a driver tried to force his way through a crowd of protesters, authorities said.

Demonstrators gathered peacefully earlier in the day at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, a flashpoint of clashes with the police in the early days of the protests, before marching towards the Eiffel Tower.

Later in the afternoon, police and hooded protesters clashed at the Esplanade des Invalides in central Paris where the march was expected to end, forcing some into adjoining streets where some skirmishes were reported.

In Bordeaux and Lyon, police also fired tear gas and charged, to disperse projectile-throwing demonstrators after bins were set on fire and properties destroyed.

Protesters tried to block a depot operated by online retail giant Amazon and some threw stones at police in Toulouse in the south, BFM Television reported.

A poll this week showed dwindling support for the "yellow vests" demonstrations, named for motorists` high-visibility jackets, which began in November over fuel taxes and morphed into a more general revolt against politicians and a government they see as out of touch.

More than half of those surveyed said they wanted the occasionally violent protests to end. 
But some at Saturday`s protests said they were part of a humanist movement aimed at improving the lives of everyone in the country.

"I can understand that some people have had enough, but we`re not doing this just for us," said Madeleine, a 33-year old unemployed protester. "It`s a very humanist movement and we`re doing this for everyone. So if right now they`re fed up, then too bad for them."

There has been infighting between leaders of the grassroots movement, although some have outlined plans to extend the weekly protests to Sunday.

The number of protesters have fallen from highs of over 300,000 nationwide in November to over 51,000 last week, according to government estimates.

French interior ministry said around 41,500 protesters took part in demonstrations across the country, compared with 51,400 including 4,000 in the capital, compared with 5,000 in Paris last week.

French police fired tear gas to disperse protesters who threw projectiles and set bins on fire in Paris, Lyon and Bordeaux on Saturday, as the 14th straight weekend of "yellow vest" protests took a violent turn in the afternoon.

French police fired tear gas to disperse protesters who threw projectiles and set bins on fire in Paris, Lyon and Bordeaux on Saturday, as the 14th straight weekend of "yellow vest" protests took a violent turn in the afternoon. In Rouen in the north, four people were injured after a driver tried to force his way through a crowd of protesters, authorities said. Demonstrators gathered peacefully earlier in the day at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, a flashpoint of clashes with the police in the early days of the protests, before marching towards the Eiffel Tower. Later in the afternoon, police and hooded protesters clashed at the Esplanade des Invalides in central Paris where the march was expected to end, forcing some into adjoining streets where some skirmishes were reported. In Bordeaux and Lyon, police also fired tear gas and charged, to disperse projectile-throwing demonstrators after bins were set on fire and properties destroyed. Protesters tried to block a depot operated by online retail giant Amazon and some threw stones at police in Toulouse in the south, BFM Television reported. A poll this week showed dwindling support for the "yellow vests" demonstrations, named for motorists` high-visibility jackets, which began in November over fuel taxes and morphed into a more general revolt against politicians and a government they see as out of touch. More than half of those surveyed said they wanted the occasionally violent protests to end. But some at Saturday`s protests said they were part of a humanist movement aimed at improving the lives of everyone in the country. "I can understand that some people have had enough, but we`re not doing this just for us," said Madeleine, a 33-year old unemployed protester. "It`s a very humanist movement and we`re doing this for everyone. So if right now they`re fed up, then too bad for them." There has been infighting between leaders of the grassroots movement, although some have outlined plans to extend the weekly protests to Sunday. The number of protesters have fallen from highs of over 300,000 nationwide in November to over 51,000 last week, according to government estimates. French interior ministry said around 41,500 protesters took part in demonstrations across the country, compared with 51,400 including 4,000 in the capital, compared with 5,000 in Paris last week.

French police fire tear gas as latest 'yellow vest' protests turn violent

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/yellow-vests-storm-french-ministry-as-protests-turn-violent-188552">'Yellow Vests' storm French ministry as protests turn violent</a>

"Yellow vest" protesters returned in force to the streets of France this weekend, clashing with police in several cities and smashing their way into a government ministry in Paris with the help of a forklift truck.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-should-not-attack-kurds-after-us-pulls-out-of-syria-bolton-188546">Turkey should not attack Kurds after </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-should-not-attack-kurds-after-us-pulls-out-of-syria-bolton-188546">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-should-not-attack-kurds-after-us-pulls-out-of-syria-bolton-188546"> pulls out of Syria: Bolton</a>

White House national security adviser John Bolton added a new condition on Sunday to the US withdrawal from Syria, saying Turkey must agree to protect the United States' Kurdish allies.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-welcomes-abu-dhabi-prince-sheikh-mohamed-bin-zayed-drives-him-to-pm-house-188542">Imran Khan picks up Abu Dhabi crown prince at </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-welcomes-abu-dhabi-prince-sheikh-mohamed-bin-zayed-drives-him-to-pm-house-188542">airport</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-welcomes-abu-dhabi-prince-sheikh-mohamed-bin-zayed-drives-him-to-pm-house-188542">, drives </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-welcomes-abu-dhabi-prince-sheikh-mohamed-bin-zayed-drives-him-to-pm-house-188542">car</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-welcomes-abu-dhabi-prince-sheikh-mohamed-bin-zayed-drives-him-to-pm-house-188542"> himself to PM House</a>

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan received Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the Islamabad airport on Sunday and then drove him himself to the PM House.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/30-killed-in-gold-mine-collapse-in-afghanistan-officials-188538">30 killed in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/30-killed-in-gold-mine-collapse-in-afghanistan-officials-188538">gold</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/30-killed-in-gold-mine-collapse-in-afghanistan-officials-188538"> mine collapse in Afghanistan: Officials</a>

At least 30 people were killed when a gold mine collapsed in northeastern Afghanistan on Sunday, officials said, in the latest tragedy to strike the war-torn country.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/malaysias-king-steps-down-palace-statement-188554">Malaysia's king steps down: Palace statement</a>

Malaysia's King Muhammad V resigned on Sunday, the first time a monarch has stepped down from the throne before completing their five-year tenure.

&nbsp;

'Yellow Vests' storm French ministry as protests turn violent "Yellow vest" protesters returned in force to the streets of France this weekend, clashing with police in several cities and smashing their way into a government ministry in Paris with the help of a forklift truck.

'Yellow Vests' storm French ministry as protests turn violent "Yellow vest" protesters returned in force to the streets of France this weekend, clashing with police in several cities and smashing their way into a government ministry in Paris with the help of a forklift truck. Turkey should not attack Kurds after US pulls out of Syria: Bolton White House national security adviser John Bolton added a new condition on Sunday to the US withdrawal from Syria, saying Turkey must agree to protect the United States' Kurdish allies. Imran Khan picks up Abu Dhabi crown prince at airport, drives car himself to PM House Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan received Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the Islamabad airport on Sunday and then drove him himself to the PM House. 30 killed in gold mine collapse in Afghanistan: Officials At least 30 people were killed when a gold mine collapsed in northeastern Afghanistan on Sunday, officials said, in the latest tragedy to strike the war-torn country. Malaysia's king steps down: Palace statement Malaysia's King Muhammad V resigned on Sunday, the first time a monarch has stepped down from the throne before completing their five-year tenure.

News brief: Big stories of the day

French yellow vest protesters marched through Paris and other cities on Saturday in protest against high living costs and the perceived indifference of President Emmanuel Macron, whose government this week hardened its stance against them.

The street protests began peacefully in the French capital but degenerated later in the afternoon as protesters hurled missiles at riot police barricading bridges over the Seine river and torched garbage bins on the glitzy Boulevard Saint Germain.

Officers fired tear gas to prevent hundreds of demonstrators crossing the river and reaching the National Assembly. One riverboat restaurant was set ablaze and a policeman wounded when he was struck by a bicycle hurled from a street above the riverbank.

Driving the unrest is anger among workers and the lower-middle class over the squeeze on household incomes and a belief that Macron is deaf to citizens' needs as he enacts reforms seen as favouring the wealthy.

French yellow vest protesters marched through Paris and other cities on Saturday in protest against high living costs and the perceived indifference of President Emmanuel Macron, whose government this week hardened its stance against them.

French yellow vest protesters marched through Paris and other cities on Saturday in protest against high living costs and the perceived indifference of President Emmanuel Macron, whose government this week hardened its stance against them. The street protests began peacefully in the French capital but degenerated later in the afternoon as protesters hurled missiles at riot police barricading bridges over the Seine river and torched garbage bins on the glitzy Boulevard Saint Germain. Officers fired tear gas to prevent hundreds of demonstrators crossing the river and reaching the National Assembly. One riverboat restaurant was set ablaze and a policeman wounded when he was struck by a bicycle hurled from a street above the riverbank. Driving the unrest is anger among workers and the lower-middle class over the squeeze on household incomes and a belief that Macron is deaf to citizens' needs as he enacts reforms seen as favouring the wealthy.

French 'yellow vests' rail against unrepentant Macron, tear gas in Paris

*By:&nbsp;Sophie Hunter

By displaying a tin ear to the concerns of the gilets jaunes protests, President Emmanuel Macron remains fatefully out of touch.

A new revolution is on its way in the country that invented the guillotine. A new emperor, more at home at the gilded palaces of Rothschild and the winding corridors of power, is now asking his people to eat cake when they often can’t afford a simple baguette.&nbsp;

French President Emmanuel Macron is woefully out of touch and his people have taken again to the streets as a result. Across France, a tired police force of 89,000 will be facing mobs on December 15, a fifth consecutive weekend of protests. A top police chief has declared that this level of violence is unprecedented. On December 5, mobs burned down a famous law firm, two high schools and several cars in Paris. They looted shops in the historic Place Vendôme and Rue de Rivoli.

The “gilets jaunes,” as the protesters have come to be known because of their high-visibility yellow vests, were joined by high school students, road transport unionists and farmers.&nbsp;

On December 3, 200 high schools shut down after students rallied to protest against the latest education reforms. Road transport unions, the General Confederation of Labor (CGT) and the Workers’ Force (FO) union syndicates have called for a general strike. These mass protests are testing the mettle of a feckless government.

The gilets jaunes and other protesters have united out of disgust for Macron’s arrogance. Some hold the view that he suffers from pervers narcissique. In simple English, Macron could best be described as a smooth-talking narcissistic pervert.&nbsp;

When abroad, the French president conveys an image of a liberal and progressive leader who is holding back the mighty tide of populist nationalism, saving France and Europe from disaster in the process. At home, this image does not quite wash. For too many, he represents France’s out-of-touch, elite, business school-trained political upper class that can no longer hear or empathise with the people’s concerns.

Macron came to power in 2017 claiming to be an outsider. His La République En Marche! movement was supposed to liberate France from the shackles of party politics. Literally meaning “the republic on the move,” the party has now fizzled out to give way to a revolution on the march. The protests have led to a climate of fear in the country.&nbsp;

Even though the government has caved in and withdrawn fuel tax hikes that sparked the protests, popular unrest continues. This plays into the hands of Marine Le Pen’s renamed far-right National Rally party, which now has a much better shot at the Élysée.

The clash of the classes

Once the gilets jaunes movement started, testimonies of thousands of people have been pouring out on social media. One of these has gone viral. Paul is a 40-year-old delivery driver who lives in the north of France. He earns the minimum salary of €1,184 ($1,337) a month. He has three children and a wife, who doesn’t work.&nbsp;

They live hand-to-mouth, with no money left after food, utility bills and rent. He is not poor enough to get full state benefits and not rich enough to lead anything but a hardscrabble life. The €600 per month that Paul gets in social benefits is barely enough for his family to get by.&nbsp;

Paul’s family may not be living in heartrending poverty seen in the developing world, but this sort of dilution of living standards goes against France’s ideals.

Macron’s reforms seem to be hitting people like Paul the hardest. Some of the ills of the Anglo-Saxon system have infected France too. The recently disgraced Carlos Ghosn, the chief executive of the leading French car manufacturer Renault, was earning 1,200 times more than the lowest-paid worker at the company and remains in his job despite charges of financial misconduct.&nbsp;

It comes as no surprise that gilets jaunes are looting, pillaging, plundering and burning shops selling luxury items and cars. Muriel Pénicaud, the minister of labor, has admitted that jobs simply do not pay enough for lower classes to make ends meet. She is planning to reverse this problem by decreasing the cost of social contributions and increasing the minimum wage.

France’s convoluted laws and infamous red tape do not help. On December 5, bakers in Normandy went to court for selling bread seven days a week. French law imposes one day off per week for all businesses, facing a €3,000 penalty if they don’t comply. The bakers argued that if they respected the law, they would have to fire two of their employees and close their shop. In light of such trying economic circumstances, restrictive laws have to go. They were once drafted with good intentions but now pave the way to a Kafkaesque hell.

Parisians from the posh 8th and 16th districts have called upon the army to protect their elegant Haussmann mansions. They accuse gilets jaunes of being a disorganised mob engaged in social terrorism. So far, the government has been unable to protect the wealthy neighborhoods, sparking fear among France’s elite. At heart is a clash over a vision for France. The richer sections of society want to make France more like the US and the UK. For them, the Rothschild banker is the perfect president trimming down a bloated French state à la Margaret Thatcher.

For others, this is the wrong way forward. They want to reinstate higher taxes for the super wealthy, if not the wealthy. Marielle de Sarnez challenged Macron in parliament, declaring that it is time to rewrite the social and civic contract in favor of the struggling masses. It is important to remember that this discontent with the government is not new. Both Nicolas Sarkozy and François Hollande were failed one-term presidents who fell prey to popular disillusionment. Macron rose to power exploiting that sentiment.

Ironically, he was the one who extended working hours in 2015 as minister of the economy. Emmanuel Valls, then-prime minister, relied on Article 49.3 of the French Constitution to pass the law without a vote. Macron’s new reforms aimed at attracting capital back to France to “unlock economic growth” are old wine in a new bottle that elites have been trying to sell for years. Those not so privileged are pushing back against this very phenomenon by the proverbial French method of taking to the barricades.

End of project Macron

Emmanuel Macron was always overrated by the media, particularly in Britain and America. He won 24&nbsp;per cent of the vote in the first round of elections in 2017, with Le Pen coming second with 21.3 per cent. In the second round, the French rallied behind Macron as they did behind Jacques Chirac in 2002. On both occasions, they wanted to keep the far right from coming to power, but at the last election, Marine Le Pen did much better than her father, former National Front leader Jean-Marie Le Pen. Her party gained 50&nbsp;per cent more votes than it did in 2002.

By displaying a tin ear to the concerns of the gilets jaunes, Macron may have signed his political death warrant. The president treated the movement as another strike, which are common in France, but failed to realise that this time the mood was more sombre. In contrast to Sarkozy, who faced 100 days of thugocracy in the outskirts of Paris in 2005, the gilets jaunes marched down the Champs Élysées and seized the Arc de Triomphe — the monument to modern France.&nbsp;

This is a national protest of les sans-culottes who are asking for dignity, equity and social recognition they have lost in a system dominated by the top 1 per cent. The gilets jaunes are not typical French rioters. They are ordinary citizens pushed against a wall who have been crushed by every president since Chirac.

Macron has two ticking time bombs on his hands: social unrest because of growing inequality and economic transition due to environmental concerns. Nicolas Hulot, the former minister for ecology, tried unsuccessfully to address both these problems. He took the view that the government must reconcile “the end of the world with the end of the month.” That is what Macron promised to do, but so far Project Macron has failed completely and irrevocably.

To understand Project Macron, one has to study modern France. La grande nation prides itself as the home of liberty, equality and fraternity. Sadly, the reality differs from this ideal. In comparison to the United States, education is almost free. However, as Atul Singh wrote in Fair Observer last year, the top “positions are monopolised almost entirely by énarques [graduates of the National School of Administration] and graduates of other grande écoles, the top French schools.”&nbsp;

He points out how between 1987 and 1996, only 5.5 per cent of énarques “hailed from working-class backgrounds” in contrast with graduates of Canada’s top schools where the number was 25-30 per cent. As per Singh, “elite French schools perpetuate ‘a tiny caste-like aristocracy of wealth and brains’ that would make inbred Brahmins proud.” Success in France is only available to a few lucky ones who manage to get into the driving seat. Consequently, they make the system serve them, and not vice versa.

Today, France offers little social mobility. It suffers from archaic elitism that is not only unjust but also thwarts innovation. The French educational system does not teach or reward critical thinking. Instead, it teaches students to mold themselves into the system and become cogs in an economy of privilege. Outsiders have little room to breathe. As a result, the French are immigrating in large numbers even to former British colonies such as Singapore and Hong Kong.

France has a two-tier system of higher education. Public universities comprise the first, obliged to admit everyone with a high-school diploma but offering a low standard of education. The prestigious grandes écoles form the second tier. Created in the Napoleonic age, they were supposed to foster a meritocratic elite to run the French state. Out went l’ancien régime with its inherited privilege, in came the Napoleonic men of merit.

Over time, these elite schools have ossified and created an incestuous elite of their own. They judge merit through examinations that might be rigorous but reward conformity. More importantly, alumni of the grandes écoles have a stranglehold on French politics, business, finance and diplomacy. Those who attend elite schools are guaranteed top jobs for their lifetime. Over 80 per cent of top executives in France’s 40 biggest companies — including Emmanuel Macron — come from just three of these schools. That might explain his inability to relate to modern-day sans-culottes who form the bedrock of the gilets jaunes movement.

Surviving in the desert

The gilets jaunes are protesting because they are fed up with the elite that Macron belongs to. They no longer want to be bossed about by the énarques and want ladders to the top echelons of French society. Macron does not understand their concerns. His knee-jerk response is to throw cash at the problem.&nbsp;

Despite concessions to increase the minimum wage by €100, cancel taxes on extra working hours as well as the latest tax imposed on low-income pensioners, the gilets jaunes are hungry for more meaningful changes within governmental institutions and structures to allow their voices to be heard. Macron has failed to address the two main issues gilets jaunes care about: more social mobility and a sustainable minimum living wage.

There is an inherent link, historically, between anti-fiscal protests and the withdrawal of public services, according to the historian Mathilde Larrère. For people living in the countryside and the outskirts of large cities, it is a daily battle to find doctors, hospitals, centers for public services such as social security or taxes, nurseries and post offices.&nbsp;

Without a doubt, the increase in the fuel tax hit a sensitive nerve. According to a recent report, 11,300 municipalities lack doctors and other medical services. They have been labeled “medical deserts.” So under the underlying anti-fiscal protests, the gilets jaunes express anger toward the disparity between what they pay in taxes and what they perceive in terms of public services — which is not much.

What is also at stake is people’s participation in the making of political decisions. For the first time, protesters voice the thorny issue that challenges directly institutions. Condemning a political class that is not representatives of its people, gilets jaunes firmly demand the creation of a référendum d’initiative citoyenne — a referendum based on the people’s initiatives.&nbsp;

Already in place in certain European countries and very popular in Switzerland, this system allows parliament to review a project of law if a certain amount of signatures is reached. In addition, the gilets jaunes also demand the power to revoke a political representative or change the constitution based on a citizen-led referendum.

The debate between representative or direct democracy already opposed Montesquieu and Rousseau in the late 18th century. The gilets jaunes’ frustration echoes what Rousseau wrote regarding the social contract, namely that citizens become the slaves of parliamentarians once elected.&nbsp;

The demands of today’s protesters echo those made during the French Revolution and should be listened to, because they deal with the essence democracy and citizens’ rights. When the future of the gilets jaunes movement is uncertain after the terrorist attack in Strasbourg on December 11, one would hope that politicians have listened and will act accordingly. Otherwise people will flock back in the streets.

The rallying cry Tous à la Bastille! — everyone to the Bastille — that has swept social media evokes 1789, the year the royal prison fell to a revolutionary mob. The gilets jaunes are harking back to those days of resurrection. Hopefully, this time posh Parisians will not remain as out of touch as the French royalty of yore.

*Sophie Hunter is a French law graduate from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, with a previous background in international politics, management and Russian language.

(This article was originally published on <a href="https://www.fairobserver.com/">Fair Observer</a>. Read the <a href="https://www.fairobserver.com/region/europe/gilets-jaunes-yellow-vests-protests-france-emmanuel-macron-news-16251/">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

*By: Sophie Hunter By displaying a tin ear to the concerns of the gilets jaunes protests, President Emmanuel Macron remains fatefully out of touch. A new revolution is on its way in the country that invented the guillotine.

*By: Sophie Hunter By displaying a tin ear to the concerns of the gilets jaunes protests, President Emmanuel Macron remains fatefully out of touch. A new revolution is on its way in the country that invented the guillotine. A new emperor, more at home at the gilded palaces of Rothschild and the winding corridors of power, is now asking his people to eat cake when they often can’t afford a simple baguette. French President Emmanuel Macron is woefully out of touch and his people have taken again to the streets as a result. Across France, a tired police force of 89,000 will be facing mobs on December 15, a fifth consecutive weekend of protests. A top police chief has declared that this level of violence is unprecedented. On December 5, mobs burned down a famous law firm, two high schools and several cars in Paris. They looted shops in the historic Place Vendôme and Rue de Rivoli. The “gilets jaunes,” as the protesters have come to be known because of their high-visibility yellow vests, were joined by high school students, road transport unionists and farmers. On December 3, 200 high schools shut down after students rallied to protest against the latest education reforms. Road transport unions, the General Confederation of Labor (CGT) and the Workers’ Force (FO) union syndicates have called for a general strike. These mass protests are testing the mettle of a feckless government. The gilets jaunes and other protesters have united out of disgust for Macron’s arrogance. Some hold the view that he suffers from pervers narcissique. In simple English, Macron could best be described as a smooth-talking narcissistic pervert. When abroad, the French president conveys an image of a liberal and progressive leader who is holding back the mighty tide of populist nationalism, saving France and Europe from disaster in the process. At home, this image does not quite wash. For too many, he represents France’s out-of-touch, elite, business school-trained political upper class that can no longer hear or empathise with the people’s concerns. Macron came to power in 2017 claiming to be an outsider. His La République En Marche! movement was supposed to liberate France from the shackles of party politics. Literally meaning “the republic on the move,” the party has now fizzled out to give way to a revolution on the march. The protests have led to a climate of fear in the country. Even though the government has caved in and withdrawn fuel tax hikes that sparked the protests, popular unrest continues. This plays into the hands of Marine Le Pen’s renamed far-right National Rally party, which now has a much better shot at the Élysée. The clash of the classes Once the gilets jaunes movement started, testimonies of thousands of people have been pouring out on social media. One of these has gone viral. Paul is a 40-year-old delivery driver who lives in the north of France. He earns the minimum salary of €1,184 ($1,337) a month. He has three children and a wife, who doesn’t work. They live hand-to-mouth, with no money left after food, utility bills and rent. He is not poor enough to get full state benefits and not rich enough to lead anything but a hardscrabble life. The €600 per month that Paul gets in social benefits is barely enough for his family to get by. Paul’s family may not be living in heartrending poverty seen in the developing world, but this sort of dilution of living standards goes against France’s ideals. Macron’s reforms seem to be hitting people like Paul the hardest. Some of the ills of the Anglo-Saxon system have infected France too. The recently disgraced Carlos Ghosn, the chief executive of the leading French car manufacturer Renault, was earning 1,200 times more than the lowest-paid worker at the company and remains in his job despite charges of financial misconduct. It comes as no surprise that gilets jaunes are looting, pillaging, plundering and burning shops selling luxury items and cars. Muriel Pénicaud, the minister of labor, has admitted that jobs simply do not pay enough for lower classes to make ends meet. She is planning to reverse this problem by decreasing the cost of social contributions and increasing the minimum wage. France’s convoluted laws and infamous red tape do not help. On December 5, bakers in Normandy went to court for selling bread seven days a week. French law imposes one day off per week for all businesses, facing a €3,000 penalty if they don’t comply. The bakers argued that if they respected the law, they would have to fire two of their employees and close their shop. In light of such trying economic circumstances, restrictive laws have to go. They were once drafted with good intentions but now pave the way to a Kafkaesque hell. Parisians from the posh 8th and 16th districts have called upon the army to protect their elegant Haussmann mansions. They accuse gilets jaunes of being a disorganised mob engaged in social terrorism. So far, the government has been unable to protect the wealthy neighborhoods, sparking fear among France’s elite. At heart is a clash over a vision for France. The richer sections of society want to make France more like the US and the UK. For them, the Rothschild banker is the perfect president trimming down a bloated French state à la Margaret Thatcher. For others, this is the wrong way forward. They want to reinstate higher taxes for the super wealthy, if not the wealthy. Marielle de Sarnez challenged Macron in parliament, declaring that it is time to rewrite the social and civic contract in favor of the struggling masses. It is important to remember that this discontent with the government is not new. Both Nicolas Sarkozy and François Hollande were failed one-term presidents who fell prey to popular disillusionment. Macron rose to power exploiting that sentiment. Ironically, he was the one who extended working hours in 2015 as minister of the economy. Emmanuel Valls, then-prime minister, relied on Article 49.3 of the French Constitution to pass the law without a vote. Macron’s new reforms aimed at attracting capital back to France to “unlock economic growth” are old wine in a new bottle that elites have been trying to sell for years. Those not so privileged are pushing back against this very phenomenon by the proverbial French method of taking to the barricades. End of project Macron Emmanuel Macron was always overrated by the media, particularly in Britain and America. He won 24 per cent of the vote in the first round of elections in 2017, with Le Pen coming second with 21.3 per cent. In the second round, the French rallied behind Macron as they did behind Jacques Chirac in 2002. On both occasions, they wanted to keep the far right from coming to power, but at the last election, Marine Le Pen did much better than her father, former National Front leader Jean-Marie Le Pen. Her party gained 50 per cent more votes than it did in 2002. By displaying a tin ear to the concerns of the gilets jaunes, Macron may have signed his political death warrant. The president treated the movement as another strike, which are common in France, but failed to realise that this time the mood was more sombre. In contrast to Sarkozy, who faced 100 days of thugocracy in the outskirts of Paris in 2005, the gilets jaunes marched down the Champs Élysées and seized the Arc de Triomphe — the monument to modern France. This is a national protest of les sans-culottes who are asking for dignity, equity and social recognition they have lost in a system dominated by the top 1 per cent. The gilets jaunes are not typical French rioters. They are ordinary citizens pushed against a wall who have been crushed by every president since Chirac. Macron has two ticking time bombs on his hands: social unrest because of growing inequality and economic transition due to environmental concerns. Nicolas Hulot, the former minister for ecology, tried unsuccessfully to address both these problems. He took the view that the government must reconcile “the end of the world with the end of the month.” That is what Macron promised to do, but so far Project Macron has failed completely and irrevocably. To understand Project Macron, one has to study modern France. La grande nation prides itself as the home of liberty, equality and fraternity. Sadly, the reality differs from this ideal. In comparison to the United States, education is almost free. However, as Atul Singh wrote in Fair Observer last year, the top “positions are monopolised almost entirely by énarques [graduates of the National School of Administration] and graduates of other grande écoles, the top French schools.” He points out how between 1987 and 1996, only 5.5 per cent of énarques “hailed from working-class backgrounds” in contrast with graduates of Canada’s top schools where the number was 25-30 per cent. As per Singh, “elite French schools perpetuate ‘a tiny caste-like aristocracy of wealth and brains’ that would make inbred Brahmins proud.” Success in France is only available to a few lucky ones who manage to get into the driving seat. Consequently, they make the system serve them, and not vice versa. Today, France offers little social mobility. It suffers from archaic elitism that is not only unjust but also thwarts innovation. The French educational system does not teach or reward critical thinking. Instead, it teaches students to mold themselves into the system and become cogs in an economy of privilege. Outsiders have little room to breathe. As a result, the French are immigrating in large numbers even to former British colonies such as Singapore and Hong Kong. France has a two-tier system of higher education. Public universities comprise the first, obliged to admit everyone with a high-school diploma but offering a low standard of education. The prestigious grandes écoles form the second tier. Created in the Napoleonic age, they were supposed to foster a meritocratic elite to run the French state. Out went l’ancien régime with its inherited privilege, in came the Napoleonic men of merit. Over time, these elite schools have ossified and created an incestuous elite of their own. They judge merit through examinations that might be rigorous but reward conformity. More importantly, alumni of the grandes écoles have a stranglehold on French politics, business, finance and diplomacy. Those who attend elite schools are guaranteed top jobs for their lifetime. Over 80 per cent of top executives in France’s 40 biggest companies — including Emmanuel Macron — come from just three of these schools. That might explain his inability to relate to modern-day sans-culottes who form the bedrock of the gilets jaunes movement. Surviving in the desert The gilets jaunes are protesting because they are fed up with the elite that Macron belongs to. They no longer want to be bossed about by the énarques and want ladders to the top echelons of French society. Macron does not understand their concerns. His knee-jerk response is to throw cash at the problem. Despite concessions to increase the minimum wage by €100, cancel taxes on extra working hours as well as the latest tax imposed on low-income pensioners, the gilets jaunes are hungry for more meaningful changes within governmental institutions and structures to allow their voices to be heard. Macron has failed to address the two main issues gilets jaunes care about: more social mobility and a sustainable minimum living wage. There is an inherent link, historically, between anti-fiscal protests and the withdrawal of public services, according to the historian Mathilde Larrère. For people living in the countryside and the outskirts of large cities, it is a daily battle to find doctors, hospitals, centers for public services such as social security or taxes, nurseries and post offices. Without a doubt, the increase in the fuel tax hit a sensitive nerve. According to a recent report, 11,300 municipalities lack doctors and other medical services. They have been labeled “medical deserts.” So under the underlying anti-fiscal protests, the gilets jaunes express anger toward the disparity between what they pay in taxes and what they perceive in terms of public services — which is not much. What is also at stake is people’s participation in the making of political decisions. For the first time, protesters voice the thorny issue that challenges directly institutions. Condemning a political class that is not representatives of its people, gilets jaunes firmly demand the creation of a référendum d’initiative citoyenne — a referendum based on the people’s initiatives. Already in place in certain European countries and very popular in Switzerland, this system allows parliament to review a project of law if a certain amount of signatures is reached. In addition, the gilets jaunes also demand the power to revoke a political representative or change the constitution based on a citizen-led referendum. The debate between representative or direct democracy already opposed Montesquieu and Rousseau in the late 18th century. The gilets jaunes’ frustration echoes what Rousseau wrote regarding the social contract, namely that citizens become the slaves of parliamentarians once elected. The demands of today’s protesters echo those made during the French Revolution and should be listened to, because they deal with the essence democracy and citizens’ rights. When the future of the gilets jaunes movement is uncertain after the terrorist attack in Strasbourg on December 11, one would hope that politicians have listened and will act accordingly. Otherwise people will flock back in the streets. The rallying cry Tous à la Bastille! — everyone to the Bastille — that has swept social media evokes 1789, the year the royal prison fell to a revolutionary mob. The gilets jaunes are harking back to those days of resurrection. Hopefully, this time posh Parisians will not remain as out of touch as the French royalty of yore. *Sophie Hunter is a French law graduate from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, with a previous background in international politics, management and Russian language. (This article was originally published on Fair Observer. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The people of France want to be heard

French civil workers to join protests

A day after President <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/macron-hikes-minimum-wage-to-appease-yellow-vest-protesters-183016">Emmanuel Macron announced measures to help quell a mass revolt </a>over living standards, "yellow vest" protesters picketing outside a shopping centre in central France on Tuesday pledged to stay put.

The two dozen or so demonstrators gathered near the entrance in St Etienne said they would only stop once the government had taken "real" measures to reduce inequalities.

"France's motto is 'liberty, equality, fraternity'. Fraternity we've found through our movement, but where is equality? There isn't any equality of opportunity in this country," a 36-year-old social worker, who gave her name as Nadine, told AFP.

"The real issue is wealth distribution," said a student called Jerome and who -- like many of his fellow protesters -- would have liked to hear Macron renege on his decision, taken a year ago, to scrap a top-up tax on the wealthy.

It's much the same story at the entrance to the A8 motorway in La Barque, near Aix-en-Provence in southern France, where "yellow vests" who have occupied the toll booths letting traffic drive past for free.

"I'm pleased with what we've achieved. After three weeks we've forced him to cave in," said Arnaud Ansermier, a construction worker, speaking of Macron's tax concessions.

"We've pushed the door open, but it's not enough," he said.

"I'm prepared to spend Christmas and New Year here, we can get what we want," he added. 
What he really wants, he said, is a better standard of living. With two children, he earns "2,000 euros ($2,290) and a bit" and finds it hard to make ends meet.

'Trying to trick us'

Etienne Royer, a 34-year-old part-time driver, has just turned up to join around a dozen "yellow vests" gathered around an open fire next to a wall of floor-board pallets thrown up to protect them from an icy wind.

"Before, I just watched all this on the television," he said, adding that he decided to join the protest last weekend.

"It's important not to let the movement run out of steam because Macron is really trying to trick us," he added.

"Closing the toll booths is one of our better weapons. Just holding up traffic quickly annoys people. And we must keep people on our side," he added.

According to police, there were 1,900 "yellow vest" protesters blockading some 40 sites across France on Tuesday morning.

Support for the "yellow vest" protesters has nevertheless dropped sharply following Macron's concessions, though the country remains largely split, two opinion polls showed Tuesday.

One poll, carried out by Opinionway, said 54 per cent of those surveyed wanted the protests to stop, while 45 per cent still backed the rallies.

Another, carried out Odoxa, showed nearly reverse figures, with 46 per cent wanting protests to stop and 54 per cent wanting them to continue.

Both polls also revealed a major shift in public opinion overall as more than two out of three people had previously supported the grassroots movement, which sprang up on November 17 in opposition to fuel taxes but snowballed into broad opposition to Macron's pro-business agenda.

A day after President Emmanuel Macron announced measures to help quell a mass revolt over living standards, "yellow vest" protesters picketing outside a shopping centre in central France on Tuesday pledged to stay put.

A day after President Emmanuel Macron announced measures to help quell a mass revolt over living standards, "yellow vest" protesters picketing outside a shopping centre in central France on Tuesday pledged to stay put. The two dozen or so demonstrators gathered near the entrance in St Etienne said they would only stop once the government had taken "real" measures to reduce inequalities. "France's motto is 'liberty, equality, fraternity'. Fraternity we've found through our movement, but where is equality? There isn't any equality of opportunity in this country," a 36-year-old social worker, who gave her name as Nadine, told AFP. "The real issue is wealth distribution," said a student called Jerome and who -- like many of his fellow protesters -- would have liked to hear Macron renege on his decision, taken a year ago, to scrap a top-up tax on the wealthy. It's much the same story at the entrance to the A8 motorway in La Barque, near Aix-en-Provence in southern France, where "yellow vests" who have occupied the toll booths letting traffic drive past for free. "I'm pleased with what we've achieved. After three weeks we've forced him to cave in," said Arnaud Ansermier, a construction worker, speaking of Macron's tax concessions. "We've pushed the door open, but it's not enough," he said. "I'm prepared to spend Christmas and New Year here, we can get what we want," he added. What he really wants, he said, is a better standard of living. With two children, he earns "2,000 euros ($2,290) and a bit" and finds it hard to make ends meet. 'Trying to trick us' Etienne Royer, a 34-year-old part-time driver, has just turned up to join around a dozen "yellow vests" gathered around an open fire next to a wall of floor-board pallets thrown up to protect them from an icy wind. "Before, I just watched all this on the television," he said, adding that he decided to join the protest last weekend. "It's important not to let the movement run out of steam because Macron is really trying to trick us," he added. "Closing the toll booths is one of our better weapons. Just holding up traffic quickly annoys people. And we must keep people on our side," he added. According to police, there were 1,900 "yellow vest" protesters blockading some 40 sites across France on Tuesday morning. Support for the "yellow vest" protesters has nevertheless dropped sharply following Macron's concessions, though the country remains largely split, two opinion polls showed Tuesday. One poll, carried out by Opinionway, said 54 per cent of those surveyed wanted the protests to stop, while 45 per cent still backed the rallies. Another, carried out Odoxa, showed nearly reverse figures, with 46 per cent wanting protests to stop and 54 per cent wanting them to continue. Both polls also revealed a major shift in public opinion overall as more than two out of three people had previously supported the grassroots movement, which sprang up on November 17 in opposition to fuel taxes but snowballed into broad opposition to Macron's pro-business agenda.

'We can get what we want,' French protesters vow

Italy's Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini said on Sunday President <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/all-eyes-on-macron-as-yellow-vest-protests-continue-to-hit-france-182694">Emmanuel Macron was to blame for the "yellow vest" protests that have rattled France</a> and urged Brussels to take heed of what was happening.

Salvini, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/italy-dy-pm-stages-mass-rally-promises-italians-first-policies-182581">head of the rightist League</a>, has clashed repeatedly with Macron in the past over immigration policy and has leapt on the anti-government demonstrations rocking Paris as proof the French president has lost his political touch.

"History will probably show that if (Macron) had focused more on the French and less on Salvini and Italy, he would have a few less problems today," Salvini, flush from the success of a mass rally in Rome on Saturday, told Rai 3 TV.

"Macron reduced taxes for the very well-off and increased them for those less well off," he added, saying the Italian government had no intention of following this example.

France's "yellow vest" protests have taken aim at Macron's liberal economic reforms, and have forced the French government to cancel a planned rise in taxes on petrol and diesel.

Salvini said the Italian government was taking a very different path to Paris and defended its big-spending 2019 budget, which has fallen foul of the European Commission.

"Do people in Italy want scenes like we seen in Paris? ... No. I want to prevent this. I want to help businesses, families and also the 5 million poor people (here). A country with 5 million poor people can't move ahead," he said.

The Italian budget promises to lower the retirement age and introduce income support. The European Commission has rejected the package, saying it will not cut Italy's large public debt as the rules require, and has warned it could discipline Rome unless changes are made.

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte is looking to negotiate a compromise, but Salvini gave no indication on Sunday that the government was willing to make substantial alterations to its budget plans.

"Seeing what is going on in Paris, I refuse to believe that Brussels, for the sake of a few decimal places, will impose sanctions, inspectors and commissars. We are Italy. We have shown ourselves to be a serious country," he said.

The budget forecasts a deficit of 2.4 percent of gross domestic product next year from 1.8 percent this year, and the commission has called for this target to be cut.

Salvini said the initial calculations were being reviewed to see if the budget could be introduced with a deficit of "2.4, 2.5 or 2.3".

Italian business leaders have also expressed concern over the budget, saying it doesn't do enough to help growth or encourage investment.

Looking to win over the industrialists, Salvini met representatives of 14 professional lobby groups on Sunday to hear their complaints and recommendations.

"For the first time in six months, this government is listening to us and we have entered a dialogue," said Vincenzo Boccia, head of the employers' group Confindustria. "Now however we expect to see results, facts."

Italy's Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini said on Sunday President Emmanuel Macron was to blame for the "yellow vest" protests that have rattled France and urged Brussels to take heed of what was happening.

Italy's Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini said on Sunday President Emmanuel Macron was to blame for the "yellow vest" protests that have rattled France and urged Brussels to take heed of what was happening. Salvini, head of the rightist League, has clashed repeatedly with Macron in the past over immigration policy and has leapt on the anti-government demonstrations rocking Paris as proof the French president has lost his political touch. "History will probably show that if (Macron) had focused more on the French and less on Salvini and Italy, he would have a few less problems today," Salvini, flush from the success of a mass rally in Rome on Saturday, told Rai 3 TV. "Macron reduced taxes for the very well-off and increased them for those less well off," he added, saying the Italian government had no intention of following this example. France's "yellow vest" protests have taken aim at Macron's liberal economic reforms, and have forced the French government to cancel a planned rise in taxes on petrol and diesel. Salvini said the Italian government was taking a very different path to Paris and defended its big-spending 2019 budget, which has fallen foul of the European Commission. "Do people in Italy want scenes like we seen in Paris? ... No. I want to prevent this. I want to help businesses, families and also the 5 million poor people (here). A country with 5 million poor people can't move ahead," he said. The Italian budget promises to lower the retirement age and introduce income support. The European Commission has rejected the package, saying it will not cut Italy's large public debt as the rules require, and has warned it could discipline Rome unless changes are made. Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte is looking to negotiate a compromise, but Salvini gave no indication on Sunday that the government was willing to make substantial alterations to its budget plans. "Seeing what is going on in Paris, I refuse to believe that Brussels, for the sake of a few decimal places, will impose sanctions, inspectors and commissars. We are Italy. We have shown ourselves to be a serious country," he said. The budget forecasts a deficit of 2.4 percent of gross domestic product next year from 1.8 percent this year, and the commission has called for this target to be cut. Salvini said the initial calculations were being reviewed to see if the budget could be introduced with a deficit of "2.4, 2.5 or 2.3". Italian business leaders have also expressed concern over the budget, saying it doesn't do enough to help growth or encourage investment. Looking to win over the industrialists, Salvini met representatives of 14 professional lobby groups on Sunday to hear their complaints and recommendations. "For the first time in six months, this government is listening to us and we have entered a dialogue," said Vincenzo Boccia, head of the employers' group Confindustria. "Now however we expect to see results, facts."

Macron to blame for French protests: Italy Deputy PM Matteo Salvini

With France reeling under violent <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/yellow-vest-protest-french-pm-calls-for-dialogue-ensuring-measures-to-cut-rising-costs-182571">'yellow vest'&nbsp;protests</a> due to the hike in fuel taxes and deteriorating economic situation, demonstrations have spread like wildfire and entered Belgium and the Netherlands.

Hundreds of protesters wearing high-visibility yellow fluorescent vests descended upon the streets of Brussels to protest against higher fuel prices, where the agitation turned violent as protesters damaged public property and clashed with security forces, Anadolu News Agency reported.

Amid the tensions, police personnel were forced to use water cannons and pepper spray in a bid to disperse the demonstrators.

Protestors gathered in Arts-Loi in Brussels and staged a massive walkout towards Schuman Roundabout, home to a number of European Union offices and towards the European Parliament, but were stopped by the security forces.

During the clashes, the agitators blocked arterial roads, threw stun grenades and damaged traffic signals and the environment.

Over 100 people have been detained by the police so far. They have demanded Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel to step down from his post.

In the cities of Amsterdam and Rotterdam in the Netherlands, protestors staged a peaceful demonstration in various parts, singing and handing flowers to the passers-by and asking them to participate in the agitation, according to local media reports.

Security has been heightened in both the countries as more protests are planned in the coming days.

Back in France, at least 200 people were arrested on Saturday, with the police resorting to firing hundreds of tear gas shells to disperse crowds during the ongoing fourth week of protests across the country against President Emmanuel Macron-led government.

A number of France's monuments, including the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris, remained closed as authorities anticipated a repeat of last week`s violence, deploying over 8,000 policemen in the French capital to maintain order.

The protests on Saturday were the fourth in a series that last week culminated into the worst rioting in France for decades. The government expects more protests in the country in the following days, owing to which, around 89,000 security personnel have been deployed across France.

The yellow vest protests, which initially began as a campaign against skyrocketing fuel prices, has expanded into a huge agitation over discontent on a wide variety of issues against the French government in recent weeks.

The demonstrations, which began on November 17, went on to become one of France's worst rioting in decades as protesters clashed with the police, looted shops and set fire to vehicles around Paris'&nbsp;Champs Elysees avenue last weekend.

Macron, who said that the hike was necessary to tackle the threat of climate change, has drawn huge criticisms from the protestors, who believe that the French President has been enacting policies in favour of the country`s richest section of society.

With France reeling under violent 'yellow vest' protests due to the hike in fuel taxes and deteriorating economic situation, demonstrations have spread like wildfire and entered Belgium and the Netherlands.

With France reeling under violent 'yellow vest' protests due to the hike in fuel taxes and deteriorating economic situation, demonstrations have spread like wildfire and entered Belgium and the Netherlands. Hundreds of protesters wearing high-visibility yellow fluorescent vests descended upon the streets of Brussels to protest against higher fuel prices, where the agitation turned violent as protesters damaged public property and clashed with security forces, Anadolu News Agency reported. Amid the tensions, police personnel were forced to use water cannons and pepper spray in a bid to disperse the demonstrators. Protestors gathered in Arts-Loi in Brussels and staged a massive walkout towards Schuman Roundabout, home to a number of European Union offices and towards the European Parliament, but were stopped by the security forces. During the clashes, the agitators blocked arterial roads, threw stun grenades and damaged traffic signals and the environment. Over 100 people have been detained by the police so far. They have demanded Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel to step down from his post. In the cities of Amsterdam and Rotterdam in the Netherlands, protestors staged a peaceful demonstration in various parts, singing and handing flowers to the passers-by and asking them to participate in the agitation, according to local media reports. Security has been heightened in both the countries as more protests are planned in the coming days. Back in France, at least 200 people were arrested on Saturday, with the police resorting to firing hundreds of tear gas shells to disperse crowds during the ongoing fourth week of protests across the country against President Emmanuel Macron-led government. A number of France's monuments, including the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris, remained closed as authorities anticipated a repeat of last week`s violence, deploying over 8,000 policemen in the French capital to maintain order. The protests on Saturday were the fourth in a series that last week culminated into the worst rioting in France for decades. The government expects more protests in the country in the following days, owing to which, around 89,000 security personnel have been deployed across France. The yellow vest protests, which initially began as a campaign against skyrocketing fuel prices, has expanded into a huge agitation over discontent on a wide variety of issues against the French government in recent weeks. The demonstrations, which began on November 17, went on to become one of France's worst rioting in decades as protesters clashed with the police, looted shops and set fire to vehicles around Paris' Champs Elysees avenue last weekend. Macron, who said that the hike was necessary to tackle the threat of climate change, has drawn huge criticisms from the protestors, who believe that the French President has been enacting policies in favour of the country`s richest section of society.

'Yellow vest' protests spread to Belgium, Netherlands

More than 1,700 people were arrested across France during the latest round of "yellow vest" protests, in which demonstrators clashed with riot police, the interior ministry said Sunday.

Clashes broke out in several cities, including Marseille, Bordeaux, Lyon and Toulouse, during the fourth weekend of nationwide protests against rising living costs and President Emmanuel Macron in general.

A total 1,220 of the 1,723 detained were ordered held in custody, the ministry said.

Police in Paris said they made 1,082 arrests on Saturday, up sharply from 412 in the previous round.

The interior ministry said some 136,000 people took part in Saturday's protests, around the same number as on December 1.

But it was Paris which again bore the brunt of the violence and destruction.

Protesters in the capital set fire to cars, burned barricades and smashed windows in pockets of violence, clad in their emblematic luminous safety jackets, as armoured vehicles rolled through the streets.

City authorities said the 'yellow vests' had caused "much more damage" than on December 1.

"The sector concerned by the incidents was much larger... With fewer barricades, there was much more dispersion, so many more places were impacted by violence," Paris deputy mayor Emmanuel Gregoire told France Inter radio.

The embattled president -- whose name rang out across the Champs-Elysees as protesters shouted "Macron, resign" -- is expected to address the demonstrations in a much-anticipated speech in the coming days.

More than 1,700 people were arrested across France during the latest round of "yellow vest" protests, in which demonstrators clashed with riot police, the interior ministry said Sunday.

More than 1,700 people were arrested across France during the latest round of "yellow vest" protests, in which demonstrators clashed with riot police, the interior ministry said Sunday. Clashes broke out in several cities, including Marseille, Bordeaux, Lyon and Toulouse, during the fourth weekend of nationwide protests against rising living costs and President Emmanuel Macron in general. A total 1,220 of the 1,723 detained were ordered held in custody, the ministry said. Police in Paris said they made 1,082 arrests on Saturday, up sharply from 412 in the previous round. The interior ministry said some 136,000 people took part in Saturday's protests, around the same number as on December 1. But it was Paris which again bore the brunt of the violence and destruction. Protesters in the capital set fire to cars, burned barricades and smashed windows in pockets of violence, clad in their emblematic luminous safety jackets, as armoured vehicles rolled through the streets. City authorities said the 'yellow vests' had caused "much more damage" than on December 1. "The sector concerned by the incidents was much larger... With fewer barricades, there was much more dispersion, so many more places were impacted by violence," Paris deputy mayor Emmanuel Gregoire told France Inter radio. The embattled president -- whose name rang out across the Champs-Elysees as protesters shouted "Macron, resign" -- is expected to address the demonstrations in a much-anticipated speech in the coming days.

Over 1,700 arrested in latest 'yellow vest' protests in France

France's prime minister on Tuesday suspended planned increases to fuel taxes for at least six months in response to weeks of sometimes violent protests, the first major U-turn by President Emmanuel Macron's administration in 18 months in office.

In announcing the decision, Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said anyone would have "to be deaf or blind" not to see or hear the roiling anger on the streets over a policy that Macron has defended as critical to combating climate change.

"The French who have donned yellow vests want taxes to drop, and work to pay. That's also what we want. If I didn't manage to explain it, if the ruling majority didn't manage to convince the French, then something must change," said Philippe.

"No tax is worth jeopardising the unity of the nation."

Along with the delay to the tax increases that were set for January, Philippe said the time would be used to discuss other measures to help the working poor and squeezed middle-class who rely on vehicles to get to work and go shopping.

Earlier officials had hinted at a possible increase to the minimum wage, but Philippe made no such commitment.

He warned citizens, however, that they could not expect better public services and lower taxes.

"If the events of recent days have shown us one thing, it's that the French want neither an increase in taxes or new taxes. If the tax-take falls then spending must fall, because we don't want to pass our debts on to our children. And those debts are already sizeable," he said.

The measures will cost around 2 billion euros ($2.3 billion), but will be offset by corresponding spending cuts, a government source said.

The so-called "yellow vest" movement, which started on Nov. 17 as a social-media protest group named for the high-visibility jackets all motorists in France carry in their cars, began with the aim of highlighting the squeeze on household spending brought about by Macron's taxes on fuel.

However, over the past three weeks the movement has evolved into a wider, broadbrush anti-Macron uprising, with many criticising the president for pursuing policies they say favour the rich and do nothing to help the poor.

Despite having no leader and sometimes unclear goals, the movement has drawn people of all ages and backgrounds and tapped into a growing malaise over Macron's leadership. Over the past two days, ambulance drivers and students have joined in and launched their own protests.

Two unions, CGT and FO, called lorry drivers to start a strike from December 9 while several Facebook pages were also urging new rounds of demonstrations for next Saturday.

After three weeks of rising frustration, there was scant indication Philippe's measures would placate the "yellow vests", who themselves are struggling to find a unified position.

"The French don't want crumbs, they want a baguette," 'yellow vest' spokesman Benjamin Cauchy told BFM, adding that the movement wanted a cancellation of the taxes.

Another one, Christophe Chalencon, was more blunt: "We're being taken for idiots," he told Reuters, using a stronger expletive.

GREEN GOALS

The timing of the tax U-turn is uncomfortable for Macron. It comes as governments meet in Poland to try to agree measures to avert the most damaging consequences of global warming, an issue Macron has made a central part of his agenda. His carbon taxes were designed to address the issue.

But the scale of the protests against his policies made it almost impossible to plough ahead.

While the "yellow vest" movement was mostly peaceful to begin with, the past two weekends have seen outpourings of violence and rioting in Paris, with extreme far-right and far-left factions joining the demos.

On Saturday, the Arc de Triomphe national monument was defaced and avenues off the Champs Elysees were damaged. Cars, buildings and some cafes were torched.

The unrest is estimated to have cost the economy millions, with large-scale disruption to retailers, wholesalers, the restaurant and hotel trades. In some areas, manufacturing has been hit in the run up to Christmas.

CHANGE FRANCE?

Macron, a 40-year-old former investment banker and economy minister, came to office in mid-2017 promising to overhaul the economy, revitalise growth and draw foreign investment by making the nation a more attractive place to do business.

In the process he earned the tag "president of the rich" for seeming to do more to court big business and ease the tax burden on the wealthy. Discontent has steadily risen among blue-collar workers and others who feel he represents an urban "elite".

For Macron, who is sharply down in the polls and struggling to regain the initiative, a further risk is how opposition parties leverage the anger and the decision to shift course.

Ahead of European Parliament elections next May, support for the far-right under Marine Le Pen and the far-left of Jean-Luc Melenchon has been rising. Macron has cast those elections as a battle between his "progressive" ideas and what he sees as their promotion of nationalist or anti-EU agendas.

Le Pen was quick to point out that the six-month postponement of the fuel-tax increases took the decision beyond the European elections.

France's prime minister on Tuesday suspended planned increases to fuel taxes for at least six months in response to weeks of sometimes violent protests, the first major U-turn by President Emmanuel Macron's administration in 18 months in office.

France's prime minister on Tuesday suspended planned increases to fuel taxes for at least six months in response to weeks of sometimes violent protests, the first major U-turn by President Emmanuel Macron's administration in 18 months in office. In announcing the decision, Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said anyone would have "to be deaf or blind" not to see or hear the roiling anger on the streets over a policy that Macron has defended as critical to combating climate change. "The French who have donned yellow vests want taxes to drop, and work to pay. That's also what we want. If I didn't manage to explain it, if the ruling majority didn't manage to convince the French, then something must change," said Philippe. "No tax is worth jeopardising the unity of the nation." Along with the delay to the tax increases that were set for January, Philippe said the time would be used to discuss other measures to help the working poor and squeezed middle-class who rely on vehicles to get to work and go shopping. Earlier officials had hinted at a possible increase to the minimum wage, but Philippe made no such commitment. He warned citizens, however, that they could not expect better public services and lower taxes. "If the events of recent days have shown us one thing, it's that the French want neither an increase in taxes or new taxes. If the tax-take falls then spending must fall, because we don't want to pass our debts on to our children. And those debts are already sizeable," he said. The measures will cost around 2 billion euros ($2.3 billion), but will be offset by corresponding spending cuts, a government source said. The so-called "yellow vest" movement, which started on Nov. 17 as a social-media protest group named for the high-visibility jackets all motorists in France carry in their cars, began with the aim of highlighting the squeeze on household spending brought about by Macron's taxes on fuel. However, over the past three weeks the movement has evolved into a wider, broadbrush anti-Macron uprising, with many criticising the president for pursuing policies they say favour the rich and do nothing to help the poor. Despite having no leader and sometimes unclear goals, the movement has drawn people of all ages and backgrounds and tapped into a growing malaise over Macron's leadership. Over the past two days, ambulance drivers and students have joined in and launched their own protests. Two unions, CGT and FO, called lorry drivers to start a strike from December 9 while several Facebook pages were also urging new rounds of demonstrations for next Saturday. After three weeks of rising frustration, there was scant indication Philippe's measures would placate the "yellow vests", who themselves are struggling to find a unified position. "The French don't want crumbs, they want a baguette," 'yellow vest' spokesman Benjamin Cauchy told BFM, adding that the movement wanted a cancellation of the taxes. Another one, Christophe Chalencon, was more blunt: "We're being taken for idiots," he told Reuters, using a stronger expletive. GREEN GOALS The timing of the tax U-turn is uncomfortable for Macron. It comes as governments meet in Poland to try to agree measures to avert the most damaging consequences of global warming, an issue Macron has made a central part of his agenda. His carbon taxes were designed to address the issue. But the scale of the protests against his policies made it almost impossible to plough ahead. While the "yellow vest" movement was mostly peaceful to begin with, the past two weekends have seen outpourings of violence and rioting in Paris, with extreme far-right and far-left factions joining the demos. On Saturday, the Arc de Triomphe national monument was defaced and avenues off the Champs Elysees were damaged. Cars, buildings and some cafes were torched. The unrest is estimated to have cost the economy millions, with large-scale disruption to retailers, wholesalers, the restaurant and hotel trades. In some areas, manufacturing has been hit in the run up to Christmas. CHANGE FRANCE? Macron, a 40-year-old former investment banker and economy minister, came to office in mid-2017 promising to overhaul the economy, revitalise growth and draw foreign investment by making the nation a more attractive place to do business. In the process he earned the tag "president of the rich" for seeming to do more to court big business and ease the tax burden on the wealthy. Discontent has steadily risen among blue-collar workers and others who feel he represents an urban "elite". For Macron, who is sharply down in the polls and struggling to regain the initiative, a further risk is how opposition parties leverage the anger and the decision to shift course. Ahead of European Parliament elections next May, support for the far-right under Marine Le Pen and the far-left of Jean-Luc Melenchon has been rising. Macron has cast those elections as a battle between his "progressive" ideas and what he sees as their promotion of nationalist or anti-EU agendas. Le Pen was quick to point out that the six-month postponement of the fuel-tax increases took the decision beyond the European elections.

Macron makes U-turn on fuel-tax increases in face of 'yellow vest' protests

Police fired tear gas and used water cannon to disperse protesters in Paris who are angry over rising fuel costs and President Emmanuel Macron's economic policies, the second weekend of "yellow vest" protests that have caused disruption across France.

Several hundred protesters had converged on the Champs Elysees where they faced police sent to prevent them from reaching the nearby presidential Elysee Palace.

Some protesters sang the national anthem while others carried signs with slogans saying "Macron, resignation" and "Macron, thief".

For more than a week, protesters clad in the fluorescent yellow jackets that all motorists in France must have in their cars have blocked highways across the country with burning barricades and convoys of slow-moving trucks, obstructing access to fuel depots, shopping centres and some factories.

They are opposed to taxes Macron introduced last year on diesel and petrol which are designed to encourage people to shift to more environmentally friendly transport. Alongside the tax, the government has offered incentives to buy green or electric vehicles.

Security forces are concerned that far-left and far-right extremists may infiltrate the demonstrations, escalating the crowd-control challenges. Around 30,000 people are expected to protest in Paris alone, Denis Jacob, secretary general of police union Alternative Police, told Reuters.

"We know there are ultra-right and ultra-left infiltrators. You can also expect gangs from the suburbs and 'black-blocks'," he said, referring to a militant protest force.

Some 3,000 police officers have been drafted into work in Paris on Saturday, city hall said, with security forces having to handle a demonstration against sexual violence, a soccer match and a rugby game in the capital on the same day.

Last Saturday, when nearly 300,000 people took part in the first yellow vest demonstrations countrywide, retailers' daily revenue fell 35 per cent, according to consumer groups.

Protests spread

The unrest is a dilemma for Macron who casts himself as a champion against climate change but has been derided as out of touch with common folk and is fighting a slump in popularity.

Despite calls for calm from the government, the yellow vest protests have spread to French territories abroad, including the Indian Ocean island of Reunion, where cars were set on fire.

The unrest has left two dead and 606 injured in mainland France, the Interior Ministry said on Thursday.

While the movement, which has no leader, began as a backlash against higher fuel prices, it has tapped into broader frustration at the sense of a squeeze on household spending power under Macron's 18-month-old government.

Since coming to power, Macron has seen off trade union and street demonstrations against his changes to the labour rules, and overhauled the heavily indebted state rail operator. Foreign investors have largely cheered his pro-business administration.

But political foes have dismissed him as the "president of the rich" for ending a wealth tax, and voters appear to be growing restless, with the 40-year-old president's popularity slumped at barely 20 per cent.

Police fired tear gas and used water cannon to disperse protesters in Paris who are angry over rising fuel costs and President Emmanuel Macron's economic policies, the second weekend of "yellow vest" protests that have caused disruption across France.

Police fired tear gas and used water cannon to disperse protesters in Paris who are angry over rising fuel costs and President Emmanuel Macron's economic policies, the second weekend of "yellow vest" protests that have caused disruption across France. Several hundred protesters had converged on the Champs Elysees where they faced police sent to prevent them from reaching the nearby presidential Elysee Palace. Some protesters sang the national anthem while others carried signs with slogans saying "Macron, resignation" and "Macron, thief". For more than a week, protesters clad in the fluorescent yellow jackets that all motorists in France must have in their cars have blocked highways across the country with burning barricades and convoys of slow-moving trucks, obstructing access to fuel depots, shopping centres and some factories. They are opposed to taxes Macron introduced last year on diesel and petrol which are designed to encourage people to shift to more environmentally friendly transport. Alongside the tax, the government has offered incentives to buy green or electric vehicles. Security forces are concerned that far-left and far-right extremists may infiltrate the demonstrations, escalating the crowd-control challenges. Around 30,000 people are expected to protest in Paris alone, Denis Jacob, secretary general of police union Alternative Police, told Reuters. "We know there are ultra-right and ultra-left infiltrators. You can also expect gangs from the suburbs and 'black-blocks'," he said, referring to a militant protest force. Some 3,000 police officers have been drafted into work in Paris on Saturday, city hall said, with security forces having to handle a demonstration against sexual violence, a soccer match and a rugby game in the capital on the same day. Last Saturday, when nearly 300,000 people took part in the first yellow vest demonstrations countrywide, retailers' daily revenue fell 35 per cent, according to consumer groups. Protests spread The unrest is a dilemma for Macron who casts himself as a champion against climate change but has been derided as out of touch with common folk and is fighting a slump in popularity. Despite calls for calm from the government, the yellow vest protests have spread to French territories abroad, including the Indian Ocean island of Reunion, where cars were set on fire. The unrest has left two dead and 606 injured in mainland France, the Interior Ministry said on Thursday. While the movement, which has no leader, began as a backlash against higher fuel prices, it has tapped into broader frustration at the sense of a squeeze on household spending power under Macron's 18-month-old government. Since coming to power, Macron has seen off trade union and street demonstrations against his changes to the labour rules, and overhauled the heavily indebted state rail operator. Foreign investors have largely cheered his pro-business administration. But political foes have dismissed him as the "president of the rich" for ending a wealth tax, and voters appear to be growing restless, with the 40-year-old president's popularity slumped at barely 20 per cent.

French police fire tear gas at fuel price protesters

Fresh clashes in the "yellow vest" <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/more-than-400-hurt-in-french-fuel-price-protests-minister-178016">fuel price protests</a> across France led to more injuries on Sunday, adding to the more than 400 already reported by the government, as some demonstrators vowed to continue their action over the coming days.

Around 46,000 people took part across France in the second day of protests, police said, compared to Saturday when close to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/french-protesters-block-roads-over-higher-fuel-taxes-one-dead-in-accident-177860">300,000 people participated</a>, although there were again clashes with police -- and sometimes motorists.

Police were searching for a driver who forced a roadblock at Saint-Quentin, northeast France, leaving one protester seriously injured.

And police used tear gas to break up a gathering of about a thousand protesters near the northern city of Caen, after acts of vandalism and the burning of wooden pallets.

The protesters, nicknamed "yellow vests" for the high-visibility jackets they wear, blocked roundabouts, major highways and thoroughfares on Saturday to express anger over increased taxes on fuel and their shrinking purchasing power under<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/macrons-popularity-dips-as-french-fuel-tax-revolt-simmers-178047"> President Emmanuel Macron</a>.

French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe on Sunday evening said the government would stay the course, but acknowledged the "suffering" expressed by the protests.

"A government that always changes its stance, zigzagging through difficulties... would not lead France in the right direction," he told France 2 television.

"We heard anger but also heard suffering, the lack of prospects, the idea that the authorities for a long time did not respond to the concerns and feeling of abandonment felt by part of the population," he said.

'Idiotic behaviour'

Interior Minister Christophe Castaner earlier reported that the first day and night of protests had left one person dead and more than 400 people hurt, 14 of them seriously.

French retail group Auchan reported violent incidents at around 20 shopping centres where it operates hypermarkets.

The injured, 409 in total, included 28 police, paramilitary police or firefighters.

Castaner told RTL radio that 288,000 people had taken part in Saturday's protests at 2,034 locations countrywide. About 3,500 stayed out overnight, he added.&nbsp;

Police questioned nearly 300 protesters, and took about half of them into custody.

"Last night was restive.... There were assaults, fights, stabbings," Castaner said.

"There were fights among 'yellow vest' protesters. There was a lot of alcohol at certain venues, which led to this idiotic behaviour."&nbsp;

In the eastern Savoie region, authorities said a woman trying to get her daughter to a doctor panicked after protesters surrounded her car and banged on the roof.

She accelerated into the crowd and<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/france-fuel-protest-1-dead-over-200-injured-protesters-demand-president-macron-resignation-177926"> killed a 63-year-old woman</a>.

The driver was on Sunday charged with manslaughter before being released on conditional bail, prosecutors said.

Budget Minister Gerald Darmanin said Sunday the government was aware of unhappiness over high fuel taxes, but said it had "a duty" to transform the French economy with the aim of making it less oil-dependent.

A poll published in the Journal de Dimanche weekly said that 62 per cent of those questioned believed their purchasing power was more important than a fast transition towards renewable energy.

More to come?

In several spots across the country protesters vowed to carry on their action on Monday and beyond.

A spokesman for the movement in the western region of Morbihan said "tomorrow we will be joined by lorry drivers", while in the city of Le Mans, southwest of Paris, protesters said that farmers would help them block a major motorway, the A28 leading up to the Picardy coast.

"There are many young people among us because we can't make ends meet anymore," said Emilie, a 27-year old temporary sales manager in Cavaillon in the south of the country.&nbsp;

"We work like slaves and at some point enough is enough. We have no life, we're just surviving," she said.

Analysts say the movement has come to represent more widespread frustration against Macron, a former investment banker who has pushed through a series of reforms aimed at bolstering economic growth.

Another poll also published in the Journal du Dimanche indicated that Macron's popularity had dipped a further four points to 25 per cent.

The survey was conducted November 9-17 with 1,957 respondents.

Fresh clashes in the "yellow vest" fuel price protests across France led to more injuries on Sunday, adding to the more than 400 already reported by the government, as some demonstrators vowed to continue their action over the coming days.

Fresh clashes in the "yellow vest" fuel price protests across France led to more injuries on Sunday, adding to the more than 400 already reported by the government, as some demonstrators vowed to continue their action over the coming days. Around 46,000 people took part across France in the second day of protests, police said, compared to Saturday when close to 300,000 people participated, although there were again clashes with police -- and sometimes motorists. Police were searching for a driver who forced a roadblock at Saint-Quentin, northeast France, leaving one protester seriously injured. And police used tear gas to break up a gathering of about a thousand protesters near the northern city of Caen, after acts of vandalism and the burning of wooden pallets. The protesters, nicknamed "yellow vests" for the high-visibility jackets they wear, blocked roundabouts, major highways and thoroughfares on Saturday to express anger over increased taxes on fuel and their shrinking purchasing power under President Emmanuel Macron. French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe on Sunday evening said the government would stay the course, but acknowledged the "suffering" expressed by the protests. "A government that always changes its stance, zigzagging through difficulties... would not lead France in the right direction," he told France 2 television. "We heard anger but also heard suffering, the lack of prospects, the idea that the authorities for a long time did not respond to the concerns and feeling of abandonment felt by part of the population," he said. 'Idiotic behaviour' Interior Minister Christophe Castaner earlier reported that the first day and night of protests had left one person dead and more than 400 people hurt, 14 of them seriously. French retail group Auchan reported violent incidents at around 20 shopping centres where it operates hypermarkets. The injured, 409 in total, included 28 police, paramilitary police or firefighters. Castaner told RTL radio that 288,000 people had taken part in Saturday's protests at 2,034 locations countrywide. About 3,500 stayed out overnight, he added. Police questioned nearly 300 protesters, and took about half of them into custody. "Last night was restive.... There were assaults, fights, stabbings," Castaner said. "There were fights among 'yellow vest' protesters. There was a lot of alcohol at certain venues, which led to this idiotic behaviour." In the eastern Savoie region, authorities said a woman trying to get her daughter to a doctor panicked after protesters surrounded her car and banged on the roof. She accelerated into the crowd and killed a 63-year-old woman. The driver was on Sunday charged with manslaughter before being released on conditional bail, prosecutors said. Budget Minister Gerald Darmanin said Sunday the government was aware of unhappiness over high fuel taxes, but said it had "a duty" to transform the French economy with the aim of making it less oil-dependent. A poll published in the Journal de Dimanche weekly said that 62 per cent of those questioned believed their purchasing power was more important than a fast transition towards renewable energy. More to come? In several spots across the country protesters vowed to carry on their action on Monday and beyond. A spokesman for the movement in the western region of Morbihan said "tomorrow we will be joined by lorry drivers", while in the city of Le Mans, southwest of Paris, protesters said that farmers would help them block a major motorway, the A28 leading up to the Picardy coast. "There are many young people among us because we can't make ends meet anymore," said Emilie, a 27-year old temporary sales manager in Cavaillon in the south of the country. "We work like slaves and at some point enough is enough. We have no life, we're just surviving," she said. Analysts say the movement has come to represent more widespread frustration against Macron, a former investment banker who has pushed through a series of reforms aimed at bolstering economic growth. Another poll also published in the Journal du Dimanche indicated that Macron's popularity had dipped a further four points to 25 per cent. The survey was conducted November 9-17 with 1,957 respondents.

Fresh clashes in French 'yellow vest' fuel price protests

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