By Garret Martin

Mostly peaceful demonstrations in Paris on December 15 showed that recent concessions by President Emmanuel Macron have quieted – but not satisfied – the outraged French protesters whose weekend marches have gripped and unsettled the country.

France’s “yellow jacket” movement began in November with local protests against a planned tax on fuel, mostly in poorer, rural parts of the country. The gas hike is part of Macron’s climate plan to promote electric and hybrid vehicles.

Those small demonstrations quickly morphed into an angry, leaderless, nationwide protest movement demanding higher wages, a repeal of the fuel tax and even Macron’s resignation. France’s government seemed stunned by the fury and power of the Yellow Vests.

After images of police using tear gas and tanks against protesters in Paris hit newspapers worldwide, French authorities on December 4 suspended the tax. Six days later, Macron gave a contrite speech announcing he would raise the minimum wage and cancel a tax increase on low-income retirees.

France takes centre stage

If Macron cannot assuage protesters’ demands, the consequences will be felt well beyond France’s borders. As a scholar who studies France’s role within the European Union, I believe France’s crisis could infect politics across the entire continent.

That’s because Macron’s centrist victory in the May 2017 French presidential election over the far-right Marine Le Pen was widely hailed as a rebuke to the surge of right-wing nationalist leaders who are deeply skeptical of the European Union.

Since then, France’s 40-year-old president has consistently presented himself as a defender of the European Union against conservative populists like Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban or Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini.

In a much-cited Sept. 2017 speech at the Sorbonne University, Macron outlined an ambitious plan to reinvigorate the European Union with greater cooperation around defense and finance. Support for the bloc has suffered in recent years from far-right nationalist arguments against its policy of open borders and economic interdependence.

Only regional integration could dispel the threat of nationalism and protectionism, Macron said.

He echoed that warning more recently, in commemorating the 100th anniversary of World War I’s armistice, saying that the rising tide of populism in Europe recalled the 1920s, when fascism arose to threaten democracy across the continent.

Macron’s promising start

But if Macron is to safeguard Europe, he must first lead France. This once prosperous, powerful nation has for decades has stagnated economically, diminishing its standing on the world stage.

Macron came to power after a meteoric political rise. Though he has never before held elected office, the French president has grand ambitions for his country.

During the campaign, Macron promised no less than a “revolution,” pledging to reinvigorate France’s moribund economy, reform its entrenched bureaucracy and restore its global status.

His young La République en Marche party secured a large majority in the French parliament, allowing him to quickly push through some major policy initiatives. Within a year, Macron had signed legislation giving greater hiring flexibility in the labour market and overhauling France’s national railway company.

France’s powerful labour unions angrily protested against the measures. But unlike past presidents, Macron was popular enough to withstand their substantial pressure.

Remarkably, French public opinion was with the president – not with the workers.

Trouble at home

That has now changed. Eighteen months after taking office, Macron no longer looks like the golden boy who might actually reform old France.

Even before the yellow vest movement erupted, his popularity had been steadily declining. Macron’s approval rating, which stood at 64 per cent right after his election, has fallen to just 25 per cent.

His government lost the middle class after passing tax policies perceived to favour the wealthy. More broadly, Macron’s rather technical, almost academic governing style seems ill-suited to his bold vision of re-inventing politics.

And he has at times showed an arrogant, even condescending attitude toward constituents. In September, for example, he rubbed French people the wrong way by telling an unemployed gardener that he could find a job “just by crossing the road.”

Learning from past presidents

The yellow vest movement thus poses a fundamental test for Macron at a difficult time.

Modern French history shows the political risk of backing down to street protests. Worker outrage coupled with low popularity have stymied the ambitions of past French presidents.

Jacques Chirac abandoned his welfare reforms in 1995 when rail workers mounted sustained strikes. Nicolas Sarkozy diluted his plans to raise the pension age in 2010 for the same reason.

Those flip-flops cemented the perception that France was incapable of meaningful reforms and hobbled both presidents.

That, in turn, reduced France’s prestige on the international stage. A president embattled at home simply cannot credibly pressure other countries to change.

Europe in the crosshairs

Macron’s vision for greater European integration already faced major obstacles before the yellow vest riots undermined his leadership.

He has struggled to convince Germany to overhaul the eurozone, the European Union’s 19-member monetary union.

To stave off future economic crises like Greece’s near collapse a few years back, Macron wants greater economic integration – a eurozone with its own significant budget, finance minister and bailout possibilities.

But Chancellor Angela Merkel remains wary of any proposal that risks having German taxpayers subsidize less solvent eurozone nations, as demonstrated in a compromise agreement passed in mid-December. It gives Macron the dedicated eurozone budget he fought for – but it’s much smaller than hoped and won’t include bailout possibility.

Meanwhile, populists on both sides of the Atlantic have delighted in Macron’s domestic woes.

“Macron is not a problem for me – Macron is a problem for French people,” joked Italy’s Mario Salvini recently.

Donald Trump, for his part, has said that the yellow vest protests show why the global climate change movement is “fatally flawed.”

At home, too, Macron’s inability to address the grievances of the yellow vest protesters could create even more fertile conditions for populism to thrive.

Macron won office by presenting himself as an alternative to France’s discredited political establishment. Now, the disenchanted French have set their sights on him.

(Garret Martin is Professorial Lecturer, American University School of International Service) 
 
(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/shockwaves-from-french-yellow-vest-protests-felt-across-europe-108578">original article)</a>

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

By Garret Martin Mostly peaceful demonstrations in Paris on December 15 showed that recent concessions by President Emmanuel Macron have quieted – but not satisfied – the outraged French protesters whose weekend marches have gripped and unsettled the country.

By Garret Martin Mostly peaceful demonstrations in Paris on December 15 showed that recent concessions by President Emmanuel Macron have quieted – but not satisfied – the outraged French protesters whose weekend marches have gripped and unsettled the country. France’s “yellow jacket” movement began in November with local protests against a planned tax on fuel, mostly in poorer, rural parts of the country. The gas hike is part of Macron’s climate plan to promote electric and hybrid vehicles. Those small demonstrations quickly morphed into an angry, leaderless, nationwide protest movement demanding higher wages, a repeal of the fuel tax and even Macron’s resignation. France’s government seemed stunned by the fury and power of the Yellow Vests. After images of police using tear gas and tanks against protesters in Paris hit newspapers worldwide, French authorities on December 4 suspended the tax. Six days later, Macron gave a contrite speech announcing he would raise the minimum wage and cancel a tax increase on low-income retirees. France takes centre stage If Macron cannot assuage protesters’ demands, the consequences will be felt well beyond France’s borders. As a scholar who studies France’s role within the European Union, I believe France’s crisis could infect politics across the entire continent. That’s because Macron’s centrist victory in the May 2017 French presidential election over the far-right Marine Le Pen was widely hailed as a rebuke to the surge of right-wing nationalist leaders who are deeply skeptical of the European Union. Since then, France’s 40-year-old president has consistently presented himself as a defender of the European Union against conservative populists like Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban or Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini. In a much-cited Sept. 2017 speech at the Sorbonne University, Macron outlined an ambitious plan to reinvigorate the European Union with greater cooperation around defense and finance. Support for the bloc has suffered in recent years from far-right nationalist arguments against its policy of open borders and economic interdependence. Only regional integration could dispel the threat of nationalism and protectionism, Macron said. He echoed that warning more recently, in commemorating the 100th anniversary of World War I’s armistice, saying that the rising tide of populism in Europe recalled the 1920s, when fascism arose to threaten democracy across the continent. Macron’s promising start But if Macron is to safeguard Europe, he must first lead France. This once prosperous, powerful nation has for decades has stagnated economically, diminishing its standing on the world stage. Macron came to power after a meteoric political rise. Though he has never before held elected office, the French president has grand ambitions for his country. During the campaign, Macron promised no less than a “revolution,” pledging to reinvigorate France’s moribund economy, reform its entrenched bureaucracy and restore its global status. His young La République en Marche party secured a large majority in the French parliament, allowing him to quickly push through some major policy initiatives. Within a year, Macron had signed legislation giving greater hiring flexibility in the labour market and overhauling France’s national railway company. France’s powerful labour unions angrily protested against the measures. But unlike past presidents, Macron was popular enough to withstand their substantial pressure. Remarkably, French public opinion was with the president – not with the workers. Trouble at home That has now changed. Eighteen months after taking office, Macron no longer looks like the golden boy who might actually reform old France. Even before the yellow vest movement erupted, his popularity had been steadily declining. Macron’s approval rating, which stood at 64 per cent right after his election, has fallen to just 25 per cent. His government lost the middle class after passing tax policies perceived to favour the wealthy. More broadly, Macron’s rather technical, almost academic governing style seems ill-suited to his bold vision of re-inventing politics. And he has at times showed an arrogant, even condescending attitude toward constituents. In September, for example, he rubbed French people the wrong way by telling an unemployed gardener that he could find a job “just by crossing the road.” Learning from past presidents The yellow vest movement thus poses a fundamental test for Macron at a difficult time. Modern French history shows the political risk of backing down to street protests. Worker outrage coupled with low popularity have stymied the ambitions of past French presidents. Jacques Chirac abandoned his welfare reforms in 1995 when rail workers mounted sustained strikes. Nicolas Sarkozy diluted his plans to raise the pension age in 2010 for the same reason. Those flip-flops cemented the perception that France was incapable of meaningful reforms and hobbled both presidents. That, in turn, reduced France’s prestige on the international stage. A president embattled at home simply cannot credibly pressure other countries to change. Europe in the crosshairs Macron’s vision for greater European integration already faced major obstacles before the yellow vest riots undermined his leadership. He has struggled to convince Germany to overhaul the eurozone, the European Union’s 19-member monetary union. To stave off future economic crises like Greece’s near collapse a few years back, Macron wants greater economic integration – a eurozone with its own significant budget, finance minister and bailout possibilities. But Chancellor Angela Merkel remains wary of any proposal that risks having German taxpayers subsidize less solvent eurozone nations, as demonstrated in a compromise agreement passed in mid-December. It gives Macron the dedicated eurozone budget he fought for – but it’s much smaller than hoped and won’t include bailout possibility. Meanwhile, populists on both sides of the Atlantic have delighted in Macron’s domestic woes. “Macron is not a problem for me – Macron is a problem for French people,” joked Italy’s Mario Salvini recently. Donald Trump, for his part, has said that the yellow vest protests show why the global climate change movement is “fatally flawed.” At home, too, Macron’s inability to address the grievances of the yellow vest protesters could create even more fertile conditions for populism to thrive. Macron won office by presenting himself as an alternative to France’s discredited political establishment. Now, the disenchanted French have set their sights on him. (Garret Martin is Professorial Lecturer, American University School of International Service) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Shockwaves from French ‘yellow vest’ protests felt across Europe

Groups of defiant <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/33500-yellow-vest-protesters-in-france-ministry-184343">"yellow vest" demonstrators faced off with tens of thousands of police around France</a> on Saturday, but the protest movement appeared to have lost momentum on a fifth and decisive weekend.

President <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/yellow-vest-protesters-unimpressed-by-macrons-speech-plan-to-continue-blockade-183127">Emmanuel Macron</a>, facing the biggest crisis of his presidency, announced a series of concessions on Monday to defuse the explosive "yellow vest" crisis, which swelled up from rural and small-town France last month.

The package of tax and minimum wage measures for low-income workers, coupled with bitter winter weather this weekend, appeared to have helped bring calm to the country after more than a month of clashes and disruption.

France was also hit by a fresh deadly terror attack on Tuesday night when a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/french-police-releases-photo-of-suspected-gunman-behind-strasbourg-christmas-market-attack-183576">gunman opened fire at a Christmas market in Strasbourg</a>, leading the government to urge people to stay at home to spare the stretched security forces.

Interior Minister Christophe Castaner announced Saturday evening that eight people had now died in incidents linked to the demonstrations, and called on protesters to halt their blockades across the country.

"Everyone's safety has to become the rule again," he said in a tweet.

"Dialogue now needs to unite all those who want to transform France."

Richard Ferrand, the head of the National Assembly, welcomed the "necessary" weakening of the rallies, adding that "there had been a massive response to their demands".&nbsp;

An estimated 66,000 people took to the streets across France, according to figures from the interior ministry at 6:00 pm (1700 GMT), half the level of a week ago.&nbsp;

"It's a bit of a failure because the state is stopping us from being able to demonstrate properly," Marie, a 35-year-old domestic helper, told AFP in Paris after travelling from her home south of the capital.&nbsp;

Another protester in the southeastern city of Lyon, Francis Nicolas, 49, told AFP: "It's a bit disappointing. We expected there to be more people, but the movement won't end."

In Paris, the more than 8,000 police on duty easily outnumbered the 2,200 protesters who were counted on the streets of the capital by local authorities in the early afternoon.

There had been 168 arrests by 6:00 pm (1700 GMT), far down on the roughly 1,000 of last Saturday.&nbsp;

Tear gas was occasionally fired, but a fraction of the amount was used compared with the weekends of December 8 or December 1 when graffiti was daubed on the Arc de Triomphe in scenes that shocked France.

Minor clashes were reported in southwestern Bordeaux where teargas was used and projectiles thrown. It was a similar picture in Toulouse, Nantes, Besancon, Nancy, Saint-Etienne and Lyon.

Protesters snarled traffic on motorways in the south of the country and on the A16 near the port of Calais in the north.

Public opinion

Until this week, a clear majority of French people had backed the protests, which sprung up initially over high taxes before snowballing into a wider opposition to Macron's pro-business agenda and style of governing.

But two polls published on Tuesday -- in the wake of Macron's concessions -- suggested the country was now broadly 50-50 on whether the protests should continue.

In a bid to end the standoff, a visibly contrite Macron announced a package of measures on Monday in a televised address, estimated by economists to cost up to 15 billion euros ($17 billion).

The 40-year-old former investment banker acknowledged widespread animosity towards him and came close to apologising for a series of verbal gaffes seen as dismissive of the poor or jobless.

He cancelled planned fuel tax hikes for 2019, offered a rise in the minimum wage of 100 euros a month next year, as well as tax relief for many pensioners and tax-free overtime.

Some senior figures in the "yellow vest" movement -- which has no official leaders and dozens of separate demands -- had urged protesters to continue to press home their advantage.

"It's really the time to keep going," one of them, Eric Drouet, said in a video posted on Facebook. "What Macron did on Monday, was a call to carry on because he has started to give ground, which is unusual for him."

'More direct democracy'

Many protesters appeared to have switched their focus from the core issue of the protests so far -- taxes and spending power -- to other demands such as the greater use of referendums to decide government policy.

"Last time, we were here for taxes," a 28-year-old "yellow vest" called Jeremy told AFP as he arrived on the Champs-Elysees in the freezing cold on Saturday morning.&nbsp;

"This is for the institutions: we want more direct democracy," he said, adding that people needed to "shout to make themselves heard".

More than 1,400 people have been injured since the protests began on November 17.&nbsp;

Around 69,000 security forces were mobilised across France, down from 89,000 last Saturday when 2,000 people were detained.

On Thursday, government spokesman Benjamin Griveaux had called on protesters to stay at home on what is normally a busy shopping weekend ahead of Christmas.

He was speaking in the wake of the attack on Tuesday in the eastern city of Strasbourg, which left four dead and 12 wounded.

Groups of defiant "yellow vest" demonstrators faced off with tens of thousands of police around France on Saturday, but the protest movement appeared to have lost momentum on a fifth and decisive weekend.

Groups of defiant "yellow vest" demonstrators faced off with tens of thousands of police around France on Saturday, but the protest movement appeared to have lost momentum on a fifth and decisive weekend. President Emmanuel Macron, facing the biggest crisis of his presidency, announced a series of concessions on Monday to defuse the explosive "yellow vest" crisis, which swelled up from rural and small-town France last month. The package of tax and minimum wage measures for low-income workers, coupled with bitter winter weather this weekend, appeared to have helped bring calm to the country after more than a month of clashes and disruption. France was also hit by a fresh deadly terror attack on Tuesday night when a gunman opened fire at a Christmas market in Strasbourg, leading the government to urge people to stay at home to spare the stretched security forces. Interior Minister Christophe Castaner announced Saturday evening that eight people had now died in incidents linked to the demonstrations, and called on protesters to halt their blockades across the country. "Everyone's safety has to become the rule again," he said in a tweet. "Dialogue now needs to unite all those who want to transform France." Richard Ferrand, the head of the National Assembly, welcomed the "necessary" weakening of the rallies, adding that "there had been a massive response to their demands". An estimated 66,000 people took to the streets across France, according to figures from the interior ministry at 6:00 pm (1700 GMT), half the level of a week ago. "It's a bit of a failure because the state is stopping us from being able to demonstrate properly," Marie, a 35-year-old domestic helper, told AFP in Paris after travelling from her home south of the capital. Another protester in the southeastern city of Lyon, Francis Nicolas, 49, told AFP: "It's a bit disappointing. We expected there to be more people, but the movement won't end." In Paris, the more than 8,000 police on duty easily outnumbered the 2,200 protesters who were counted on the streets of the capital by local authorities in the early afternoon. There had been 168 arrests by 6:00 pm (1700 GMT), far down on the roughly 1,000 of last Saturday. Tear gas was occasionally fired, but a fraction of the amount was used compared with the weekends of December 8 or December 1 when graffiti was daubed on the Arc de Triomphe in scenes that shocked France. Minor clashes were reported in southwestern Bordeaux where teargas was used and projectiles thrown. It was a similar picture in Toulouse, Nantes, Besancon, Nancy, Saint-Etienne and Lyon. Protesters snarled traffic on motorways in the south of the country and on the A16 near the port of Calais in the north. Public opinion Until this week, a clear majority of French people had backed the protests, which sprung up initially over high taxes before snowballing into a wider opposition to Macron's pro-business agenda and style of governing. But two polls published on Tuesday -- in the wake of Macron's concessions -- suggested the country was now broadly 50-50 on whether the protests should continue. In a bid to end the standoff, a visibly contrite Macron announced a package of measures on Monday in a televised address, estimated by economists to cost up to 15 billion euros ($17 billion). The 40-year-old former investment banker acknowledged widespread animosity towards him and came close to apologising for a series of verbal gaffes seen as dismissive of the poor or jobless. He cancelled planned fuel tax hikes for 2019, offered a rise in the minimum wage of 100 euros a month next year, as well as tax relief for many pensioners and tax-free overtime. Some senior figures in the "yellow vest" movement -- which has no official leaders and dozens of separate demands -- had urged protesters to continue to press home their advantage. "It's really the time to keep going," one of them, Eric Drouet, said in a video posted on Facebook. "What Macron did on Monday, was a call to carry on because he has started to give ground, which is unusual for him." 'More direct democracy' Many protesters appeared to have switched their focus from the core issue of the protests so far -- taxes and spending power -- to other demands such as the greater use of referendums to decide government policy. "Last time, we were here for taxes," a 28-year-old "yellow vest" called Jeremy told AFP as he arrived on the Champs-Elysees in the freezing cold on Saturday morning. "This is for the institutions: we want more direct democracy," he said, adding that people needed to "shout to make themselves heard". More than 1,400 people have been injured since the protests began on November 17. Around 69,000 security forces were mobilised across France, down from 89,000 last Saturday when 2,000 people were detained. On Thursday, government spokesman Benjamin Griveaux had called on protesters to stay at home on what is normally a busy shopping weekend ahead of Christmas. He was speaking in the wake of the attack on Tuesday in the eastern city of Strasbourg, which left four dead and 12 wounded.

France's 'yellow vest' protests lose momentum on decisive weekend

Thousands of France's "yellow vest" demonstrators were expected to take to the streets again on Saturday, a month after the start of their protest movement which has plunged President Emmanuel Macron's government into its biggest crisis.

The number of protesters who turn out could determine the fate of the movement, five days after Macron announced a series of tax and wage concessions in a bid to end the unrest.

The last three Saturdays have been marked by violent demonstrations, with barricades being set on fire on the Champs-Elysees.

Until now, however, the nation-wide grassroots movement has been backed by a majority of French people, but two polls published on Tuesday -- in the wake of Macron's concessions -- found the country was now split broadly 50-50 on whether protests should continue.

Demonstrations started on November 17 in opposition to hikes in fuel taxes, but have since snowballed into a broader opposition to Macron's pro-business agenda and style of government.

Images of road blocks, massive traffic jams and mobs rioting on the streets of Paris have dented France's image, as well as Macron's hopes of forcing through more business-friendly reforms.

Many of the movement's figureheads, along with leaders of the far-left Unbowed France party, have urged protesters to turn out, particularly in Paris, to pressure the government into making further concessions.

Need for calm

Others have suggested that the mostly small town and rural protesters should show resolve by rallying in the regions rather than heading for the capital where large numbers of security forces are being deployed in the expectation of violence fomented by many far-right and far-left agitators.

France "needs calm, order and to go back to its normal functioning," Macron said Friday. But he refrained from directly calling for protesters to stay at home.

Speaking in the wake of a terrorist attack Tuesday in the eastern city of Strasbourg, which left four dead and 12 wounded, Interior minister Christophe Castaner criticised "yellow vests" who clashed with police in southern France Thursday night at a time when hundreds of security forces were involved in tracking the fugitive killer who was later shot dead.&nbsp;

"I find it inadmissable that today we are applauding our police and then tomorrow some people think it's ok to go and throw stones at them," Castaner said Friday morning, referring to how people in Strasbourg clapped to thank the police after news of the suspect's death.

In a bid to end the protests, Macron has cancelled the planned fuel tax hikes and offered a rise in the minimum wage, tax relief for pensioners and tax-free overtime for workers in 2019.

The total package has been estimated by economists to cost up to 15 billion euros ($17 billion), which is expected to be financed mostly by government borrowing.

But some protesters think they should capitalise on the concessions.

"What Macron did on Monday, was a call to carry on because he has started to give ground, which is unusual for him," a senior figure in the "yellow vest" movement, Eric Drouet, said in a video posted on Facebook.

Around 8,000 police will be on duty in Paris on Saturday, the same number as last weekend, backed up by 14 armoured vehicles, water cannon and horses.

Around 90,000 security forces were mobilised last Saturday across France and 2,000 people detained, around half of them in Paris.

Six people have died in the protests -- most as a result of traffic-related accidents -- and hundreds have been injured.

Thousands of France's "yellow vest" demonstrators were expected to take to the streets again on Saturday, a month after the start of their protest movement which has plunged President Emmanuel Macron's government into its biggest crisis.

Thousands of France's "yellow vest" demonstrators were expected to take to the streets again on Saturday, a month after the start of their protest movement which has plunged President Emmanuel Macron's government into its biggest crisis. The number of protesters who turn out could determine the fate of the movement, five days after Macron announced a series of tax and wage concessions in a bid to end the unrest. The last three Saturdays have been marked by violent demonstrations, with barricades being set on fire on the Champs-Elysees. Until now, however, the nation-wide grassroots movement has been backed by a majority of French people, but two polls published on Tuesday -- in the wake of Macron's concessions -- found the country was now split broadly 50-50 on whether protests should continue. Demonstrations started on November 17 in opposition to hikes in fuel taxes, but have since snowballed into a broader opposition to Macron's pro-business agenda and style of government. Images of road blocks, massive traffic jams and mobs rioting on the streets of Paris have dented France's image, as well as Macron's hopes of forcing through more business-friendly reforms. Many of the movement's figureheads, along with leaders of the far-left Unbowed France party, have urged protesters to turn out, particularly in Paris, to pressure the government into making further concessions. Need for calm Others have suggested that the mostly small town and rural protesters should show resolve by rallying in the regions rather than heading for the capital where large numbers of security forces are being deployed in the expectation of violence fomented by many far-right and far-left agitators. France "needs calm, order and to go back to its normal functioning," Macron said Friday. But he refrained from directly calling for protesters to stay at home. Speaking in the wake of a terrorist attack Tuesday in the eastern city of Strasbourg, which left four dead and 12 wounded, Interior minister Christophe Castaner criticised "yellow vests" who clashed with police in southern France Thursday night at a time when hundreds of security forces were involved in tracking the fugitive killer who was later shot dead. "I find it inadmissable that today we are applauding our police and then tomorrow some people think it's ok to go and throw stones at them," Castaner said Friday morning, referring to how people in Strasbourg clapped to thank the police after news of the suspect's death. In a bid to end the protests, Macron has cancelled the planned fuel tax hikes and offered a rise in the minimum wage, tax relief for pensioners and tax-free overtime for workers in 2019. The total package has been estimated by economists to cost up to 15 billion euros ($17 billion), which is expected to be financed mostly by government borrowing. But some protesters think they should capitalise on the concessions. "What Macron did on Monday, was a call to carry on because he has started to give ground, which is unusual for him," a senior figure in the "yellow vest" movement, Eric Drouet, said in a video posted on Facebook. Around 8,000 police will be on duty in Paris on Saturday, the same number as last weekend, backed up by 14 armoured vehicles, water cannon and horses. Around 90,000 security forces were mobilised last Saturday across France and 2,000 people detained, around half of them in Paris. Six people have died in the protests -- most as a result of traffic-related accidents -- and hundreds have been injured.

France set for more 'yellow vest' protests despite Macron concessions

Groups of defiant "yellow vest" demonstrators faced off with tens of thousands of police around France on Saturday, but their numbers appeared lower on a fifth and decisive weekend for the anti-government movement.

President Emmanuel Macron, facing the biggest crisis of his presidency, announced a series of concessions on Monday to defuse the "yellow vest" explosive crisis, which swelled up from rural and small-town France last month.

He is hoping the package of tax and minimum wage measures for low-income workers, coupled with a terror attack on Tuesday night in Strasbourg and bitter winter weather, will bring calm to the country.

By lunchtime, crowds in Paris were much smaller than last Saturday and there were no reports of serious violence from regional France after a month of clashes and disruption.

Police had arrested around 60 people in the capital by 11:00 am (1000 GMT) compared with 500 at the same time last weekend, according to figures released by the local government.

"I've come to demonstrate peacefully; as soon as there's violence, I'm leaving," Monaem Zarhouni, a 43-year-old father of two, told AFP in the capital on Saturday.

"My wife's unemployed too and we live on 700 euros (800 dollars) a month. It's tough, we're always struggling," he said.

"Last time, we were here for taxes," a 28-year-old "yellow vest" called Jeremy told AFP as he arrived on the Champs-Elysees in the freezing cold.&nbsp;

"This is for the institutions: we want more direct democracy," he said, adding that people needed to "shout to make themselves heard".

Throughout the morning, riot police played a game of cat-and-mouse with groups of hundreds of protesters moving around the centre of Paris, much of which has been cordoned off from traffic.

There were isolated incidents of tear gas being fired, but a fraction of the amount used on the weekends of December 8 or December 1 when graffiti was daubed on the Arc de Triomphe in scenes that shocked France.

Outside Paris, groups of "yellow vests" continued to occupy roundabouts to slow down traffic, and there were jams on the A6, A7, A61 and A64 motorways in southern France.

Authorities reported the seventh death linked to the demonstrations in a fatal road accident Friday evening near the France-Belgium border caused by a blockade.

More than 1,400 people have been injured since the protests began on November 17.&nbsp;

Public opinion

Until this week, a clear majority of French people had backed the protests, which sprung up initially over tax hikes on transport fuel before snowballing into wider opposition to Macron's pro-business agenda and style of governing.

But two polls published on Tuesday -- in the wake of Macron's concessions -- suggested the country was now split broadly 50-50 on whether the protests should continue.

"We expect slightly fewer people (in the streets) but individuals who are slightly more determined," junior interior minister Laurent Nunez said late Friday.&nbsp;

Around 8,000 police were on duty in Paris on Saturday, the same number as last weekend, backed up by 14 armoured vehicles, water cannons and horses, which are used for crowd control.

Around 69,000 security forces were mobilised across France, down from 89,000 last Saturday when 2,000 people were detained.

"That people demonstrate, no problem, but the vandalism is appalling," Maria, who manages the Le Vin Coeur restaurant near the Arc de Triomphe in Paris told AFP on Saturday morning.

Like thousands of other business and restaurant owners across the capital, she was apprehensive and ready to pull down her shutters and close at the first whiff of teargas.

France "needs calm, order and to go back to its normal functioning," Macron said Friday.

Need for calm

On Thursday, government spokesman Benjamin Griveaux called on protesters to stay at home on what is normally a busy shopping weekend ahead of Christmas.

"It would be better if everyone could go about their business calmly on Saturday, before the year-end celebrations with their families, instead of demonstrating and putting our security forces to work once again," he said.

He was speaking in the wake of an attack Tuesday in the eastern city of Strasbourg, which left four dead and 12 wounded.

In a bid to end the protests, Macron announced a package of measures on Monday estimated by economists to cost up to 15 billion euros ($17 billion).

He cancelled planned fuel tax hikes, offered a rise in the minimum wage, tax relief for pensioners and tax-free overtime for workers in 2019.

Groups of defiant "yellow vest" demonstrators faced off with tens of thousands of police around France on Saturday, but their numbers appeared lower on a fifth and decisive weekend for the anti-government movement.

Groups of defiant "yellow vest" demonstrators faced off with tens of thousands of police around France on Saturday, but their numbers appeared lower on a fifth and decisive weekend for the anti-government movement. President Emmanuel Macron, facing the biggest crisis of his presidency, announced a series of concessions on Monday to defuse the "yellow vest" explosive crisis, which swelled up from rural and small-town France last month. He is hoping the package of tax and minimum wage measures for low-income workers, coupled with a terror attack on Tuesday night in Strasbourg and bitter winter weather, will bring calm to the country. By lunchtime, crowds in Paris were much smaller than last Saturday and there were no reports of serious violence from regional France after a month of clashes and disruption. Police had arrested around 60 people in the capital by 11:00 am (1000 GMT) compared with 500 at the same time last weekend, according to figures released by the local government. "I've come to demonstrate peacefully; as soon as there's violence, I'm leaving," Monaem Zarhouni, a 43-year-old father of two, told AFP in the capital on Saturday. "My wife's unemployed too and we live on 700 euros (800 dollars) a month. It's tough, we're always struggling," he said. "Last time, we were here for taxes," a 28-year-old "yellow vest" called Jeremy told AFP as he arrived on the Champs-Elysees in the freezing cold. "This is for the institutions: we want more direct democracy," he said, adding that people needed to "shout to make themselves heard". Throughout the morning, riot police played a game of cat-and-mouse with groups of hundreds of protesters moving around the centre of Paris, much of which has been cordoned off from traffic. There were isolated incidents of tear gas being fired, but a fraction of the amount used on the weekends of December 8 or December 1 when graffiti was daubed on the Arc de Triomphe in scenes that shocked France. Outside Paris, groups of "yellow vests" continued to occupy roundabouts to slow down traffic, and there were jams on the A6, A7, A61 and A64 motorways in southern France. Authorities reported the seventh death linked to the demonstrations in a fatal road accident Friday evening near the France-Belgium border caused by a blockade. More than 1,400 people have been injured since the protests began on November 17. Public opinion Until this week, a clear majority of French people had backed the protests, which sprung up initially over tax hikes on transport fuel before snowballing into wider opposition to Macron's pro-business agenda and style of governing. But two polls published on Tuesday -- in the wake of Macron's concessions -- suggested the country was now split broadly 50-50 on whether the protests should continue. "We expect slightly fewer people (in the streets) but individuals who are slightly more determined," junior interior minister Laurent Nunez said late Friday. Around 8,000 police were on duty in Paris on Saturday, the same number as last weekend, backed up by 14 armoured vehicles, water cannons and horses, which are used for crowd control. Around 69,000 security forces were mobilised across France, down from 89,000 last Saturday when 2,000 people were detained. "That people demonstrate, no problem, but the vandalism is appalling," Maria, who manages the Le Vin Coeur restaurant near the Arc de Triomphe in Paris told AFP on Saturday morning. Like thousands of other business and restaurant owners across the capital, she was apprehensive and ready to pull down her shutters and close at the first whiff of teargas. France "needs calm, order and to go back to its normal functioning," Macron said Friday. Need for calm On Thursday, government spokesman Benjamin Griveaux called on protesters to stay at home on what is normally a busy shopping weekend ahead of Christmas. "It would be better if everyone could go about their business calmly on Saturday, before the year-end celebrations with their families, instead of demonstrating and putting our security forces to work once again," he said. He was speaking in the wake of an attack Tuesday in the eastern city of Strasbourg, which left four dead and 12 wounded. In a bid to end the protests, Macron announced a package of measures on Monday estimated by economists to cost up to 15 billion euros ($17 billion). He cancelled planned fuel tax hikes, offered a rise in the minimum wage, tax relief for pensioners and tax-free overtime for workers in 2019.

France's 'yellow vest' protests decline on decisive weekend

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

Businesses in Paris battened down the hatches on Friday and streets were cleared of material that could be used as weapons amid fears of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/french-presidency-fear-major-violence-as-it-scrap-fuel-tax-hikes-report-181768">further violence </a>during a fourth round of "yellow vest" protests.

The French capital experienced its <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/france-mulls-state-of-emergency-after-paris-riots-wont-change-policy-180924">worst riots in decades </a>last weekend, in scenes that shook the country and plunged President Emmanuel Macron's government into its deepest crisis so far.

Prime Minister Edouard Philippe on Friday evening met a delegation of self-described "moderate" yellow vests who have urged people not to descend on Paris on Saturday.

After the meeting, a movement spokesman, Christophe Chalencon, said the premier had "listened to us and promised to take our demands to the president".

"Now we await Mr Macron. I hope he will speak to the people of France as a father, with love and respect and that he will take strong decisions," he said.

Interior Minister Christophe Castaner has vowed "zero tolerance" towards those aiming to wreak further destruction and mayhem, after dozens of vehicles were torched, shops looted and the Arc de Triomphe war memorial was sacked last Saturday.

"These past three weeks have seen the birth of a monster that has escaped its creators," Castaner told a news conference. "It's time now for dialogue."

Castaner said he expected "only a few thousand people" after the 8,000 counted in Paris last weekend, "but among them are ultraviolent individuals".

Keep a low profile

Shops around the famous Champs-Elysees boulevard -- epicentre of last week's battle -- were busy boarding up their windows and emptying them of merchandise on Friday.

Much of the city will effectively be on lockdown.

The operators of landmarks like the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/paris-shops-monuments-to-close-as-fears-of-protest-violence-mount-182042">Eiffel Tower and the Louvre</a> and Orsay museums said they would be closed, along with operas, theatres, libraries and major department stores.

Foreign governments are watching developments closely.

The US embassy issued a warning to Americans in Paris to "keep a low profile and avoid crowds", while Belgium, Portugal and the Czech Republic advised citizens planning to visit Paris over the weekend to postpone their visit. &nbsp;

Macron this week gave in to some of the protesters' demands for measures to help the poor and struggling middle classes, including scrapping a planned increase in fuel taxes and freezing electricity and gas prices in 2019.

But the "yellow vests", many of whom who have become increasingly radicalised, are holding out for more.

Bullet in the mail

Calls on social media for protesters to attack the police or march on the presidential palace have especially rattled the authorities.

In warning of impending violence, an MP for Macron's party, Benoit Potterie, received a bullet in the mail on Friday with the words: "Next time it will be between your eyes".

Philippe said that 8,000 police would be mobilised in Paris out of 89,000 nationwide, and that a dozen armoured vehicles would be deployed -- a first in the capital.

The police were already facing accusations Friday of being heavy-handed.

A video showed officers in riot gear barking orders at dozens of high-school pupils kneeling on the ground with their hands behind their heads following a demonstration in Mantes-la-Jolie near Paris.

The "yellow vests", named after the high-visibility safety jackets worn by demonstrators, began blocking roads, fuel depots and shopping centres around France on November 17 over soaring fuel prices this year.

Since then the movement has snowballed into a wider revolt against Macron's economic policies and his top-down approach to power.

Protests at dozens of schools over stricter university entrance requirements, and a call by farmers for demonstrations next week, have added to a sense of a government under siege.

And the hardline CGT union, hoping to capitalise on the movement, has called for rail and Metro strikes next Friday to demand immediate wage and pension increases.

'Not the people'

The protesters accuse the centrist president of favouring the rich and city-dwellers over those trying to make ends meet in car-dependent rural and small-town France.

Many are calling on him to resign.

But Castaner estimated Friday that just 10,000 people were taking part nationwide.

"10,000 is not the people, it's not France," he argued, despite polls showing the protesters enjoying strong public support.

Macron's "cardinal sin", in the eyes of the protesters, was slashing wealth taxes shortly after taking office.

The 40-year-old former investment banker, dubbed "the president of the rich" by critics, has so far ruled out re-imposing the "fortune tax" on high-earners, arguing it is necessary to boost investment and create jobs.

But his climbdown on fuel taxes -- intended to help France transition to a greener economy -- marks a major departure for a leader who had prided himself on not giving into street protests.

Macron himself has not commented publicly on the crisis since his return from the G20 summit in Argentina a week ago.

On Friday he met gendarmes in the eastern Paris suburb of Nogent-sur-Marne ahead of the Saturday demonstrations. He is expected to address the protests in a speech early next week.

Businesses in Paris battened down the hatches on Friday and streets were cleared of material that could be used as weapons amid fears of further violence during a fourth round of "yellow vest" protests.

Businesses in Paris battened down the hatches on Friday and streets were cleared of material that could be used as weapons amid fears of further violence during a fourth round of "yellow vest" protests. The French capital experienced its worst riots in decades last weekend, in scenes that shook the country and plunged President Emmanuel Macron's government into its deepest crisis so far. Prime Minister Edouard Philippe on Friday evening met a delegation of self-described "moderate" yellow vests who have urged people not to descend on Paris on Saturday. After the meeting, a movement spokesman, Christophe Chalencon, said the premier had "listened to us and promised to take our demands to the president". "Now we await Mr Macron. I hope he will speak to the people of France as a father, with love and respect and that he will take strong decisions," he said. Interior Minister Christophe Castaner has vowed "zero tolerance" towards those aiming to wreak further destruction and mayhem, after dozens of vehicles were torched, shops looted and the Arc de Triomphe war memorial was sacked last Saturday. "These past three weeks have seen the birth of a monster that has escaped its creators," Castaner told a news conference. "It's time now for dialogue." Castaner said he expected "only a few thousand people" after the 8,000 counted in Paris last weekend, "but among them are ultraviolent individuals". Keep a low profile Shops around the famous Champs-Elysees boulevard -- epicentre of last week's battle -- were busy boarding up their windows and emptying them of merchandise on Friday. Much of the city will effectively be on lockdown. The operators of landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre and Orsay museums said they would be closed, along with operas, theatres, libraries and major department stores. Foreign governments are watching developments closely. The US embassy issued a warning to Americans in Paris to "keep a low profile and avoid crowds", while Belgium, Portugal and the Czech Republic advised citizens planning to visit Paris over the weekend to postpone their visit. Macron this week gave in to some of the protesters' demands for measures to help the poor and struggling middle classes, including scrapping a planned increase in fuel taxes and freezing electricity and gas prices in 2019. But the "yellow vests", many of whom who have become increasingly radicalised, are holding out for more. Bullet in the mail Calls on social media for protesters to attack the police or march on the presidential palace have especially rattled the authorities. In warning of impending violence, an MP for Macron's party, Benoit Potterie, received a bullet in the mail on Friday with the words: "Next time it will be between your eyes". Philippe said that 8,000 police would be mobilised in Paris out of 89,000 nationwide, and that a dozen armoured vehicles would be deployed -- a first in the capital. The police were already facing accusations Friday of being heavy-handed. A video showed officers in riot gear barking orders at dozens of high-school pupils kneeling on the ground with their hands behind their heads following a demonstration in Mantes-la-Jolie near Paris. The "yellow vests", named after the high-visibility safety jackets worn by demonstrators, began blocking roads, fuel depots and shopping centres around France on November 17 over soaring fuel prices this year. Since then the movement has snowballed into a wider revolt against Macron's economic policies and his top-down approach to power. Protests at dozens of schools over stricter university entrance requirements, and a call by farmers for demonstrations next week, have added to a sense of a government under siege. And the hardline CGT union, hoping to capitalise on the movement, has called for rail and Metro strikes next Friday to demand immediate wage and pension increases. 'Not the people' The protesters accuse the centrist president of favouring the rich and city-dwellers over those trying to make ends meet in car-dependent rural and small-town France. Many are calling on him to resign. But Castaner estimated Friday that just 10,000 people were taking part nationwide. "10,000 is not the people, it's not France," he argued, despite polls showing the protesters enjoying strong public support. Macron's "cardinal sin", in the eyes of the protesters, was slashing wealth taxes shortly after taking office. The 40-year-old former investment banker, dubbed "the president of the rich" by critics, has so far ruled out re-imposing the "fortune tax" on high-earners, arguing it is necessary to boost investment and create jobs. But his climbdown on fuel taxes -- intended to help France transition to a greener economy -- marks a major departure for a leader who had prided himself on not giving into street protests. Macron himself has not commented publicly on the crisis since his return from the G20 summit in Argentina a week ago. On Friday he met gendarmes in the eastern Paris suburb of Nogent-sur-Marne ahead of the Saturday demonstrations. He is expected to address the protests in a speech early next week.

Paris braces for further violence in new 'yellow vest' protests

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/france-yellow-vest-protests-timeline-of-unrest-182371">Paris riot police</a>&nbsp;clashed on Saturday near the famous Champs-Elysees boulevard with "Yellow Vest" protesters who are staging another weekend of demonstrations against French President Emmanuel Macron.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/france-fuel-protest-riot-police-fire-tear-gas-at-yellow-vest-protestors-60-detained-180695">Police fired tear gas</a> in a bid to push back hundreds of protesters gathered around the shopping boulevard and the Arc de Triomphe monument, AFP journalists reported.

Police estimated that around 1,500 protesters had gathered in the area.

Paris Police had earlier detained nearly 300 people ahead of the&nbsp;protests.

Clad in their luminous road safety jackets, dozens of demonstrators who accuse <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/france-fuel-protest-president-emmanuel-macron-to-address-next-week-on-yellow-vest-movement-182168">President Emmanuel Macron</a>&nbsp;of only looking out for the rich gathered at dawn on the Champs-Elysees, the scene last Saturday of the worst rioting in Paris for decades.

"We had to come to Paris to be heard," said protester Herve Benoit, arriving with three friends from the Dordogne in western France.

He called on the government to boost people's spending power and increase taxes on the wealthiest.

By 8.40 am (0740 GMT) police had already detained, 278 people.

Some 8,000 police were deployed, carrying out checks on people arriving at train stations and at protest hotspots such as the Champs-Elysees and Bastille monument.

A source close to the operation told AFP that at least 34 people were arrested for carrying masks, hammers, slingshots and rocks that could be used to attack police.

Shops, museums, the Eiffel Tower and many metro stations were closed as much of the city-centre went on effective lockdown.&nbsp;

Top-flight football matches and concerts were cancelled.

Last weekend's violence, which saw some 200 cars torched and the Arc de Triomphe vandalised, shook France and plunged Macron's government into its deepest crisis so far.

Interior Minister Christophe Castaner said he expected "only a few thousand people" to descend on Paris after the 8,000 protesters counted last weekend, "but among them are ultraviolent individuals".

"These past three weeks have produced a monster that its creators no longer control," Castaner said, vowing "zero tolerance" towards those aiming to wreak further destruction.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/france-pm-philippe-confirms-fuel-tax-suspensions-calls-for-calm-181453">Prime Minister Edouard Philippe</a> on Friday evening met a delegation of self-described "moderate" yellow vests who have urged people not to join the protests.

After the meeting, a spokesman from the movement, Christophe Chalencon, said Philippe had "listened to us and promised to take our demands to the president".

"Now we await Mr Macron. I hope he will speak to the people of France as a father, with love and respect and that he will take strong decisions," he said.

Philippe said some 89,000 police were being mobilised nationwide, with a dozen armoured vehicles deployed in Paris for the first time in decades.

Shops around the Champs-Elysees boulevard boarded up their windows and emptied them of merchandise on Friday, while the Louvre, Musee d'Orsay and other museums were shut.

Department stores were also staying closed due to the risk of looting on what would normally be a busy shopping weekend in the run-up to Christmas.

Foreign governments are watching developments closely in one of the world's most visited cities.

The US embassy issued a warning to Americans in Paris to "keep a low profile and avoid crowds", while Belgium, Portugal and the Czech Republic advised citizens planning to visit Paris over the weekend to postpone their visit.

In a warning of impending violence, an MP for Macron's party, Benoit Potterie, received a bullet in the post on Friday with the words: "Next time it will be between your eyes."&nbsp;

Calls on social media for protesters to attack the police or march on the presidential palace have especially rattled the authorities.

Macron this week gave in to some of the protesters' demands for measures to help the poor and struggling middle classes, including scrapping a planned increase in fuel taxes and freezing electricity and gas prices in 2019.

But the "yellow vests", some of whom who have become increasingly radicalised, are holding out for more. Many are calling on Macron to resign.

The protesters began blocking roads, fuel depots and shopping centres around France on November 17 over soaring petrol prices that have hit people in the provinces who get around by car.

Since then the movement has snowballed into a wider revolt against former investment banker Macron.

Protests at dozens of schools over university reforms and a call by farmers for demonstrations next week have added to a sense of general revolt.

The hardline CGT union, hoping to capitalise on the movement, has called for rail and metro strikes next Friday to demand immediate wage and pension increases.

Macron's decision early in his presidency to slash taxes on France's wealthiest is particularly unpopular with the protesters.

Arguing that such a move was necessary in order to boost investment and create jobs, he has so far ruled out re-imposing the "fortune tax".

But the policy, along with hikes on pensioners' taxes, cuts in housing allowances and a string of comments deemed insensitive to ordinary workers, has led critics to label him a "president of the rich".

Macron had previously vowed to stay the course in his bid to shake up the French economy and not be swayed by mass protests that have forced previous presidents to back down.

His U-turn on higher fuel taxes which were intended to help France transition to a greener economy marks a major departure.

Paris riot police clashed on Saturday near the famous Champs-Elysees boulevard with "Yellow Vest" protesters who are staging another weekend of demonstrations against French President Emmanuel Macron.

Paris riot police clashed on Saturday near the famous Champs-Elysees boulevard with "Yellow Vest" protesters who are staging another weekend of demonstrations against French President Emmanuel Macron. Police fired tear gas in a bid to push back hundreds of protesters gathered around the shopping boulevard and the Arc de Triomphe monument, AFP journalists reported. Police estimated that around 1,500 protesters had gathered in the area. Paris Police had earlier detained nearly 300 people ahead of the protests. Clad in their luminous road safety jackets, dozens of demonstrators who accuse President Emmanuel Macron of only looking out for the rich gathered at dawn on the Champs-Elysees, the scene last Saturday of the worst rioting in Paris for decades. "We had to come to Paris to be heard," said protester Herve Benoit, arriving with three friends from the Dordogne in western France. He called on the government to boost people's spending power and increase taxes on the wealthiest. By 8.40 am (0740 GMT) police had already detained, 278 people. Some 8,000 police were deployed, carrying out checks on people arriving at train stations and at protest hotspots such as the Champs-Elysees and Bastille monument. A source close to the operation told AFP that at least 34 people were arrested for carrying masks, hammers, slingshots and rocks that could be used to attack police. Shops, museums, the Eiffel Tower and many metro stations were closed as much of the city-centre went on effective lockdown. Top-flight football matches and concerts were cancelled. Last weekend's violence, which saw some 200 cars torched and the Arc de Triomphe vandalised, shook France and plunged Macron's government into its deepest crisis so far. Interior Minister Christophe Castaner said he expected "only a few thousand people" to descend on Paris after the 8,000 protesters counted last weekend, "but among them are ultraviolent individuals". "These past three weeks have produced a monster that its creators no longer control," Castaner said, vowing "zero tolerance" towards those aiming to wreak further destruction. Prime Minister Edouard Philippe on Friday evening met a delegation of self-described "moderate" yellow vests who have urged people not to join the protests. After the meeting, a spokesman from the movement, Christophe Chalencon, said Philippe had "listened to us and promised to take our demands to the president". "Now we await Mr Macron. I hope he will speak to the people of France as a father, with love and respect and that he will take strong decisions," he said. Philippe said some 89,000 police were being mobilised nationwide, with a dozen armoured vehicles deployed in Paris for the first time in decades. Shops around the Champs-Elysees boulevard boarded up their windows and emptied them of merchandise on Friday, while the Louvre, Musee d'Orsay and other museums were shut. Department stores were also staying closed due to the risk of looting on what would normally be a busy shopping weekend in the run-up to Christmas. Foreign governments are watching developments closely in one of the world's most visited cities. The US embassy issued a warning to Americans in Paris to "keep a low profile and avoid crowds", while Belgium, Portugal and the Czech Republic advised citizens planning to visit Paris over the weekend to postpone their visit. In a warning of impending violence, an MP for Macron's party, Benoit Potterie, received a bullet in the post on Friday with the words: "Next time it will be between your eyes." Calls on social media for protesters to attack the police or march on the presidential palace have especially rattled the authorities. Macron this week gave in to some of the protesters' demands for measures to help the poor and struggling middle classes, including scrapping a planned increase in fuel taxes and freezing electricity and gas prices in 2019. But the "yellow vests", some of whom who have become increasingly radicalised, are holding out for more. Many are calling on Macron to resign. The protesters began blocking roads, fuel depots and shopping centres around France on November 17 over soaring petrol prices that have hit people in the provinces who get around by car. Since then the movement has snowballed into a wider revolt against former investment banker Macron. Protests at dozens of schools over university reforms and a call by farmers for demonstrations next week have added to a sense of general revolt. The hardline CGT union, hoping to capitalise on the movement, has called for rail and metro strikes next Friday to demand immediate wage and pension increases. Macron's decision early in his presidency to slash taxes on France's wealthiest is particularly unpopular with the protesters. Arguing that such a move was necessary in order to boost investment and create jobs, he has so far ruled out re-imposing the "fortune tax". But the policy, along with hikes on pensioners' taxes, cuts in housing allowances and a string of comments deemed insensitive to ordinary workers, has led critics to label him a "president of the rich". Macron had previously vowed to stay the course in his bid to shake up the French economy and not be swayed by mass protests that have forced previous presidents to back down. His U-turn on higher fuel taxes which were intended to help France transition to a greener economy marks a major departure.

Yellow Vest protesters clash again with police in Paris

French President Emmanuel Macron will address France on the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/paris-shops-monuments-to-close-as-fears-of-protest-violence-mount-182042"> "yellow vest" movement </a>early next week as the country braces for another wave of violent protests on Saturday over the cost of living.

"The President will speak early next week. I think this is what the French people want, they want answers. The President will send the message to the French that he is listening to their anger (...) and that new solutions have obviously to be found," Transport Minister Elisabeth Borne told Sud Radio on Friday morning.

Earlier, National Assembly speaker Richard Ferrand, a close Macron ally had told Reuters the president would address the French people early next week.

With protesters from the "yellow vest" movement calling on social media for "Act IV" - a fourth weekend of protest - Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said on Thursday 89,000 police nationwide would deploy to stop a repeat of last Saturday's mayhem across downtown Paris.

The protests, named after the high visibility vests French motorists have to carry in their cars, erupted in November over the squeeze on household budgets caused by fuel taxes.

Demonstrations swiftly grew into a broad and sometimes violent rebellion against the government, but without formal leaders.

Their demands are diverse and include lower taxes, higher salaries, cheaper energy costs, better retirement provisions and even Macron's resignation.

Economists fear the broad protests may derail the timid economic recovery underway in France. "The crisis destroys economic value. It destroys competitiveness and threatens to destroy jobs," Labor Minister Muriel Penicaud said Friday on BFM Business radio station.

French President Emmanuel Macron will address France on the "yellow vest" movement early next week as the country braces for another wave of violent protests on Saturday over the cost of living.

French President Emmanuel Macron will address France on the "yellow vest" movement early next week as the country braces for another wave of violent protests on Saturday over the cost of living. "The President will speak early next week. I think this is what the French people want, they want answers. The President will send the message to the French that he is listening to their anger (...) and that new solutions have obviously to be found," Transport Minister Elisabeth Borne told Sud Radio on Friday morning. Earlier, National Assembly speaker Richard Ferrand, a close Macron ally had told Reuters the president would address the French people early next week. With protesters from the "yellow vest" movement calling on social media for "Act IV" - a fourth weekend of protest - Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said on Thursday 89,000 police nationwide would deploy to stop a repeat of last Saturday's mayhem across downtown Paris. The protests, named after the high visibility vests French motorists have to carry in their cars, erupted in November over the squeeze on household budgets caused by fuel taxes. Demonstrations swiftly grew into a broad and sometimes violent rebellion against the government, but without formal leaders. Their demands are diverse and include lower taxes, higher salaries, cheaper energy costs, better retirement provisions and even Macron's resignation. Economists fear the broad protests may derail the timid economic recovery underway in France. "The crisis destroys economic value. It destroys competitiveness and threatens to destroy jobs," Labor Minister Muriel Penicaud said Friday on BFM Business radio station.

France fuel protest: President Emmanuel Macron to address next week on 'yellow vest' movement

French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe announced Tuesday new concessions to "yellow vest" protesters, including the suspension for six months of planned tax increases raising the price of fuel.

"No tax merits putting the unity of the nation in danger," Philippe said in a televised address, adding that the anger on the streets "originates from a profound injustice: of not being able to live with dignity from one's work".

He also announced that increases in the cost of gas and electricity, also set to take effect from January 1, would be suspended for three months during the winter months.

Philippe added that a tightening of the technical assessment for cars, which was set to penalise heavily polluting older vehicles, would also be suspended for six months.

The measures are an attempt to take the heat out of anti-government protests by low-income people in small-town and rural France who have blocked roads and demonstrated for more than a fortnight.

Protests in Paris on Saturday degenerated into some of the worst violence in years in the capital, which saw more than 200 vehicles torched and the Arc de Triomphe vandalised.&nbsp;

Philippe said the protesters and the government shared the same objective -- &nbsp;"that work pays" -- and acknowledged that France had some of the highest taxes in Europe.&nbsp;

"If taxes fall, public spending must fall," he said.

He repeated his earlier condemnation of the violence in Paris at the weekend and thanked France's stretched security forces.&nbsp;

"If there is another day of protests, it must be declared in advance and must take place calmly," he said.

French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe announced Tuesday new concessions to "yellow vest" protesters, including the suspension for six months of planned tax increases raising the price of fuel.

French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe announced Tuesday new concessions to "yellow vest" protesters, including the suspension for six months of planned tax increases raising the price of fuel. "No tax merits putting the unity of the nation in danger," Philippe said in a televised address, adding that the anger on the streets "originates from a profound injustice: of not being able to live with dignity from one's work". He also announced that increases in the cost of gas and electricity, also set to take effect from January 1, would be suspended for three months during the winter months. Philippe added that a tightening of the technical assessment for cars, which was set to penalise heavily polluting older vehicles, would also be suspended for six months. The measures are an attempt to take the heat out of anti-government protests by low-income people in small-town and rural France who have blocked roads and demonstrated for more than a fortnight. Protests in Paris on Saturday degenerated into some of the worst violence in years in the capital, which saw more than 200 vehicles torched and the Arc de Triomphe vandalised. Philippe said the protesters and the government shared the same objective -- "that work pays" -- and acknowledged that France had some of the highest taxes in Europe. "If taxes fall, public spending must fall," he said. He repeated his earlier condemnation of the violence in Paris at the weekend and thanked France's stretched security forces. "If there is another day of protests, it must be declared in advance and must take place calmly," he said.

France PM Philippe confirms fuel tax suspensions, calls for calm

French leader<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/french-president-macron-begins-crisis-talks-with-ministers-a-day-after-yellow-jacket-protest-turned-violent-180962"> Emmanuel Macron</a> faced growing pressure Monday to find a way out of the worst crisis of his presidency after shocking scenes of<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/gangs-of-yellow-vest-militants-set-heart-of-paris-ablaze-180834"> rioting in Paris </a>at the weekend.

As more than 100 people prepared to appear in court over the worst clashes in central Paris in decades on Saturday, Macron's government was preparing its response.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/france-fuel-protest-as-worst-unrest-hit-paris-macron-tells-pm-edouard-philippe-to-hold-talks-181016">Prime Minister Edouard Philippe</a>, who cancelled a scheduled trip to Poland, was set to meet the heads of the main political parties, many of whom sense opportunities in Macron's woes.

But the 40-year-old president appeared determined not to roll back the unpopular hikes in fuel tax which sparked the protests, or announce state handouts for poor families.

"Thinking that, as we have always done for 30 years, that you make a little symbolic gesture and then we sweep the dust under the carpet, that doesn't resolve the fundamental, structural problem," spokesman Benjamin Griveaux said on France Inter radio.

The protests erupted over fuel taxes but have since morphed into a wider wave of resistance to Macron's economic reforms, with the third round of demonstrations called for Saturday in Paris.

Macron, a 40-year-old centrist, was elected in May 2017 on a pro-business platform that promised measures to incite companies to invest to create jobs.

Immediately after coming to power, he pushed through tax cuts for entrepreneurs and high-earners -- policies that have become a lightning rod for anger among the so-called "gilets Jaunes" or "yellow vests".&nbsp;

Macron's task now is also complicated by his own desire not to yield to France's street protests, which in the past have repeatedly forced his predecessors into U-turns.&nbsp;

Jacline Mouraud, one of the protest movement's prime instigators, told AFP that scrapping the fuel tax was a "prerequisite for any discussion" with the government.

Government paralysis

After his meeting political rivals on Monday, Prime Minister Philippe is set to hold talks with representatives of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/french-police-clash-with-yellow-vest-protesters-in-paris-169-arrested-180785">"yellow vests"</a> on Tuesday.&nbsp;

He would then announce "measures" aimed at taking the heat out of the protests, his office said.

"Mr President, we need a response," demanded the front-page headline of Le Parisien newspaper on Monday.&nbsp;

"Swamped" read the headline of left-leaning Liberation newspaper which said the government seemed "paralysed by the yellow vest movement that it can't stop and that risks boiling over".

Amid criticism of policing methods on Saturday that saw dozens of cars torched and shops vandalised, the government ruled out imposing a state of emergency which had been mooted.

Deputy interior minister Laurent Nunez said that emergency measures were "one option among others," but he said it was "not on the table for now".

Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire said that solution for tackling low purchasing power for struggling families lay in reducing the tax burden in France, which is among the highest in Europe.

"We must speed up the reduction of taxes," he said. "But for that, we must speed up the decrease in public spending."&nbsp;

Business losses

Macron, a former investment banker, was booed on Sunday by onlookers while surveying the damage caused during the rioting.

The president assessed the Arc de Triomphe, the massive monument to France's war dead at the top of the Champs-Elysees avenue, where rioters scrawled graffiti and ransacked the ticketing and reception areas.

He also saw the wreckage of burnt-out cars and damaged buildings from rioting at other sites but has not spoken publicly about the destruction since his return from a G20 summit in Argentina.

Paris police said 412 people were arrested on Saturday during the worst clashes for years in the capital and 363 remained in custody, according to the latest figures.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A total of 263 people were injured nationwide, including 133 in the capital, 23 of them members of the security forces.

The violence has caused deep concern in the French business community which claims it has already lost billions of euros, and representatives are set to attend a meeting at the economy ministry on Monday.

"Our worst fears have been confirmed: this is the third consecutive weekend of (protest) blockades which amounts to a major loss for the whole business community," Jacques Creyssel, representative of a federation of retail businesses, told AFP.

Three people have died in incidents linked to the anti-government protests which began on November 17.

On Saturday, the Champs-Elysees, the Louvre museum, the Opera and Place Vendome were among the ritzy areas where shop windows were smashed and dozens of cars torched by rioters.

One person was in a critical condition after protesters pulled down one of the huge iron gates of the Tuileries garden by the Louvre, crushing several people.

Nearly 190 fires were put out and six buildings were set alight, the interior ministry said.

&nbsp;

French leader Emmanuel Macron faced growing pressure Monday to find a way out of the worst crisis of his presidency after shocking scenes of rioting in Paris at the weekend.

French leader Emmanuel Macron faced growing pressure Monday to find a way out of the worst crisis of his presidency after shocking scenes of rioting in Paris at the weekend. As more than 100 people prepared to appear in court over the worst clashes in central Paris in decades on Saturday, Macron's government was preparing its response. Prime Minister Edouard Philippe, who cancelled a scheduled trip to Poland, was set to meet the heads of the main political parties, many of whom sense opportunities in Macron's woes. But the 40-year-old president appeared determined not to roll back the unpopular hikes in fuel tax which sparked the protests, or announce state handouts for poor families. "Thinking that, as we have always done for 30 years, that you make a little symbolic gesture and then we sweep the dust under the carpet, that doesn't resolve the fundamental, structural problem," spokesman Benjamin Griveaux said on France Inter radio. The protests erupted over fuel taxes but have since morphed into a wider wave of resistance to Macron's economic reforms, with the third round of demonstrations called for Saturday in Paris. Macron, a 40-year-old centrist, was elected in May 2017 on a pro-business platform that promised measures to incite companies to invest to create jobs. Immediately after coming to power, he pushed through tax cuts for entrepreneurs and high-earners -- policies that have become a lightning rod for anger among the so-called "gilets Jaunes" or "yellow vests". Macron's task now is also complicated by his own desire not to yield to France's street protests, which in the past have repeatedly forced his predecessors into U-turns. Jacline Mouraud, one of the protest movement's prime instigators, told AFP that scrapping the fuel tax was a "prerequisite for any discussion" with the government. Government paralysis After his meeting political rivals on Monday, Prime Minister Philippe is set to hold talks with representatives of the "yellow vests" on Tuesday. He would then announce "measures" aimed at taking the heat out of the protests, his office said. "Mr President, we need a response," demanded the front-page headline of Le Parisien newspaper on Monday. "Swamped" read the headline of left-leaning Liberation newspaper which said the government seemed "paralysed by the yellow vest movement that it can't stop and that risks boiling over". Amid criticism of policing methods on Saturday that saw dozens of cars torched and shops vandalised, the government ruled out imposing a state of emergency which had been mooted. Deputy interior minister Laurent Nunez said that emergency measures were "one option among others," but he said it was "not on the table for now". Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire said that solution for tackling low purchasing power for struggling families lay in reducing the tax burden in France, which is among the highest in Europe. "We must speed up the reduction of taxes," he said. "But for that, we must speed up the decrease in public spending." Business losses Macron, a former investment banker, was booed on Sunday by onlookers while surveying the damage caused during the rioting. The president assessed the Arc de Triomphe, the massive monument to France's war dead at the top of the Champs-Elysees avenue, where rioters scrawled graffiti and ransacked the ticketing and reception areas. He also saw the wreckage of burnt-out cars and damaged buildings from rioting at other sites but has not spoken publicly about the destruction since his return from a G20 summit in Argentina. Paris police said 412 people were arrested on Saturday during the worst clashes for years in the capital and 363 remained in custody, according to the latest figures. A total of 263 people were injured nationwide, including 133 in the capital, 23 of them members of the security forces. The violence has caused deep concern in the French business community which claims it has already lost billions of euros, and representatives are set to attend a meeting at the economy ministry on Monday. "Our worst fears have been confirmed: this is the third consecutive weekend of (protest) blockades which amounts to a major loss for the whole business community," Jacques Creyssel, representative of a federation of retail businesses, told AFP. Three people have died in incidents linked to the anti-government protests which began on November 17. On Saturday, the Champs-Elysees, the Louvre museum, the Opera and Place Vendome were among the ritzy areas where shop windows were smashed and dozens of cars torched by rioters. One person was in a critical condition after protesters pulled down one of the huge iron gates of the Tuileries garden by the Louvre, crushing several people. Nearly 190 fires were put out and six buildings were set alight, the interior ministry said.

France fuel protest: Macron seeks way out of crisis after Paris riots

The French government has no plans currently to impose a state of emergency over the "yellow vest" protests which caused chaos and destruction in Paris over the weekend, junior interior minister Laurent Nunez said Monday.

"It's one option among others, but for now it's not on the table," Nunez told RTL radio, after calls by several police unions for expanded powers to contain the demonstrations.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/france-fuel-protest-as-worst-unrest-hit-paris-macron-tells-pm-edouard-philippe-to-hold-talks-181016">States of emergency </a>were imposed after nationwide riots in 2005 by youths in poor suburbs, and after the jihadist attacks in Paris in November 2015.

Many of the provisions, including expanded ID checks and restrictions on public gatherings, were incorporated into a new security law pushed through by President <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/france-fuel-protest-263-people-injured-as-macron-leads-crisis-meeting-181000">Emmanuel Macron </a>when the emergency measures were lifted last year.

Some of the "yellow vest" demonstrators have already called for the third round of protests in Paris on Saturday, despite the violence over the weekend when dozens of vehicles were burned and shops vandalised.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ambulance-drivers-in-france-join-ongoing-protest-against-president-macrons-reforms-181140">Ambulance drivers in France join </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ambulance-drivers-in-france-join-ongoing-protest-against-president-macrons-reforms-181140">ongoing</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ambulance-drivers-in-france-join-ongoing-protest-against-president-macrons-reforms-181140"> protest against President Macron's reforms&nbsp;</a>

Asked about the possibility that the next protest would be banned, Nunez said: "We'd have to be capable of stopping it, because these are determined people who would come anyway."&nbsp;

He claimed that some of last Saturday's protesters "clearly intended to kill", citing the seizure of hammers and steel marbles among some of the 412 people arrested, and the near-lynching of a police officer near the Arc de Triomphe war memorial.

The government is holding crisis talks Monday with leaders of other political parties on how to respond to the grassroot protests, which erupted last month after months of simmering anger across much of the country over fuel tax increases.&nbsp;

The French government has no plans currently to impose a state of emergency over the "yellow vest" protests which caused chaos and destruction in Paris over the weekend, junior interior minister Laurent Nunez said Monday.

The French government has no plans currently to impose a state of emergency over the "yellow vest" protests which caused chaos and destruction in Paris over the weekend, junior interior minister Laurent Nunez said Monday. "It's one option among others, but for now it's not on the table," Nunez told RTL radio, after calls by several police unions for expanded powers to contain the demonstrations. States of emergency were imposed after nationwide riots in 2005 by youths in poor suburbs, and after the jihadist attacks in Paris in November 2015. Many of the provisions, including expanded ID checks and restrictions on public gatherings, were incorporated into a new security law pushed through by President Emmanuel Macron when the emergency measures were lifted last year. Some of the "yellow vest" demonstrators have already called for the third round of protests in Paris on Saturday, despite the violence over the weekend when dozens of vehicles were burned and shops vandalised. Also read: Ambulance drivers in France join ongoing protest against President Macron's reforms Asked about the possibility that the next protest would be banned, Nunez said: "We'd have to be capable of stopping it, because these are determined people who would come anyway." He claimed that some of last Saturday's protesters "clearly intended to kill", citing the seizure of hammers and steel marbles among some of the 412 people arrested, and the near-lynching of a police officer near the Arc de Triomphe war memorial. The government is holding crisis talks Monday with leaders of other political parties on how to respond to the grassroot protests, which erupted last month after months of simmering anger across much of the country over fuel tax increases.

No plans to impose state of emergency over protests: French government