French&nbsp;police&nbsp;used&nbsp;water&nbsp;cannon&nbsp;on 'yellow vest'&nbsp;protesters&nbsp;in&nbsp;Paris&nbsp;on Saturday (March 16), as people rallied for the 18th round of demonstrations in the capital against high living costs.

What started out last November as an outcry against President Emmanuel Macron's plan to hike fuel taxes - part of his bid to push a cleaner energy model - has morphed into a broader, leaderless movement decrying the government as out of touch with the hardships faced by some households and low-income workers.

French police used water cannon on 'yellow vest' protesters in Paris on Saturday (March 16), as people rallied for the 18th round of demonstrations in the capital against high living costs.

French police used water cannon on 'yellow vest' protesters in Paris on Saturday (March 16), as people rallied for the 18th round of demonstrations in the capital against high living costs. What started out last November as an outcry against President Emmanuel Macron's plan to hike fuel taxes - part of his bid to push a cleaner energy model - has morphed into a broader, leaderless movement decrying the government as out of touch with the hardships faced by some households and low-income workers.

French police use water cannon on Paris protesters

The week that was, in pictures

The French government is set to rush tax cuts and a rise in the minimum wage through parliament in a bid to end the "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/yellow-vest-protests-slow-french-economy-piling-pressure-on-macron-182884">yellow vest</a>" protests which appear to be waning after a month of disruption.

The measures announced a week ago by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/macron-hikes-minimum-wage-to-appease-yellow-vest-protesters-183016">President Emmanuel Macron</a> will be discussed at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday and put to the National Assembly and the Senate for votes before Christmas, officials said.

But in the meantime, the protesters must dismantle their roadblocks, Interior Minister Christophe Castaner said Monday, warning that "we can't continue to paralyse the French economy.

Prime Minister Edouard Philippe has acknowledged that the concessions, worth some 10 billion euros ($11.3 billion), would mean France will breach the public deficit cap of 3% of the gross domestic product set by EU rules.

"We accept that there will be a small increase in the deficit because of more rapid tax reductions," Philippe said in an interview in the financial newspaper Les Echos on Monday.

"But we are careful with government spending, and we are taking a series of measures touching on businesses and spending worth some four billion euros. That should allow us to hold the deficit at about 3.2% for 2019," he added.&nbsp;

A planned reduction in the corporate income tax rate will be restricted next year to companies with a turnover of less than 250 million euros.

France repeatedly failed to keep its budget deficit under 3 per cent until 2017, and the deficit for next year was originally forecast to be 2.8% of GDP.

&nbsp;'We have made mistakes'&nbsp;

"We have made mistakes. We haven't listened enough to the French people," Philippe also said, speaking of the month-long grassroots "yellow vest" movement that has sparked nation-wide demonstrations, along with traffic blockades and destruction of motorway toll booths.

The Vinci motorway company, which operates some 4,400 kilometres (2,700 miles) of roads, on Monday said damage had cost it "tens of millions of euros", with at least six buildings torched, 15 toll stations destroyed, and 33 vehicles wrecked.

Arson attacks continued overnight with two more motorway toll stations set on fire in southern France, near Beziers and Manosque, officials said.

Pre-Christmas sales have also been badly hit with the National Council of Commercial Centres reporting a drop of two billion euros in the shopping, with businesses unlikely to make up the shortfall by December 25.

"We have understood the message sent by the French people: They want us to go faster when it comes to improving purchasing power and they want to be associated to the decision-making process," Philippe added.

The prime minister specifically said he would consider one of the main demands made by protesters who have called for citizen-initiated referendums, on the Swiss model.

"I don't see how we could be against the principle of it. Referenda can be a good tool in a democracy, but not on every issue or under whatever circumstances," Philippe said.

The president of the National Assembly Richard Ferrand said Sunday he was ready to see the referendum issue debated.

But "rules must be established", he told France 3 television, for example as regards voter turnout to ensure that "popular expression is not betrayed by minorities".

And one should make sure that the referendum is "appropriate" to avoid people asking for an example that "pensions be tripled" or that "this or that minister be sacked because of a wrong decision", he added.

The new measures "will be discussed on Thursday by the Assembly and on Friday by the Senate," Ferrand said while urging members of parliament not to delay these "urgent social measures" by introducing too many amendments.

They include a 100-euro increase for five million minimum wage earners, removal of a planned tax increase for a majority of pensioners, and tax-free overtime for all workers, and could be adopted by Christmas, he added.&nbsp;

The government has also announced a three-month consultation with civil society groups, mayors, businesses and the "yellow vests" to discuss other reforms.

Macron had until now styled himself as a determined pro-business reformer who would not yield to pressure from protests as his predecessors did.&nbsp;

But the protests, backed by a majority of French people, and criticism of Macron's management style has seen the president's public opinion approval rating drop to 23 per cent.

"He has lost of major part of his political capital," the left-wing Liberation newspaper said Monday under a headline reading: "The first day of the rest of his mandate".&nbsp;

The French government is set to rush tax cuts and a rise in the minimum wage through parliament in a bid to end the "yellow vest" protests which appear to be waning after a month of disruption.

The French government is set to rush tax cuts and a rise in the minimum wage through parliament in a bid to end the "yellow vest" protests which appear to be waning after a month of disruption. The measures announced a week ago by President Emmanuel Macron will be discussed at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday and put to the National Assembly and the Senate for votes before Christmas, officials said. But in the meantime, the protesters must dismantle their roadblocks, Interior Minister Christophe Castaner said Monday, warning that "we can't continue to paralyse the French economy. Prime Minister Edouard Philippe has acknowledged that the concessions, worth some 10 billion euros ($11.3 billion), would mean France will breach the public deficit cap of 3% of the gross domestic product set by EU rules. "We accept that there will be a small increase in the deficit because of more rapid tax reductions," Philippe said in an interview in the financial newspaper Les Echos on Monday. "But we are careful with government spending, and we are taking a series of measures touching on businesses and spending worth some four billion euros. That should allow us to hold the deficit at about 3.2% for 2019," he added. A planned reduction in the corporate income tax rate will be restricted next year to companies with a turnover of less than 250 million euros. France repeatedly failed to keep its budget deficit under 3 per cent until 2017, and the deficit for next year was originally forecast to be 2.8% of GDP. 'We have made mistakes' "We have made mistakes. We haven't listened enough to the French people," Philippe also said, speaking of the month-long grassroots "yellow vest" movement that has sparked nation-wide demonstrations, along with traffic blockades and destruction of motorway toll booths. The Vinci motorway company, which operates some 4,400 kilometres (2,700 miles) of roads, on Monday said damage had cost it "tens of millions of euros", with at least six buildings torched, 15 toll stations destroyed, and 33 vehicles wrecked. Arson attacks continued overnight with two more motorway toll stations set on fire in southern France, near Beziers and Manosque, officials said. Pre-Christmas sales have also been badly hit with the National Council of Commercial Centres reporting a drop of two billion euros in the shopping, with businesses unlikely to make up the shortfall by December 25. "We have understood the message sent by the French people: They want us to go faster when it comes to improving purchasing power and they want to be associated to the decision-making process," Philippe added. The prime minister specifically said he would consider one of the main demands made by protesters who have called for citizen-initiated referendums, on the Swiss model. "I don't see how we could be against the principle of it. Referenda can be a good tool in a democracy, but not on every issue or under whatever circumstances," Philippe said. The president of the National Assembly Richard Ferrand said Sunday he was ready to see the referendum issue debated. But "rules must be established", he told France 3 television, for example as regards voter turnout to ensure that "popular expression is not betrayed by minorities". And one should make sure that the referendum is "appropriate" to avoid people asking for an example that "pensions be tripled" or that "this or that minister be sacked because of a wrong decision", he added. The new measures "will be discussed on Thursday by the Assembly and on Friday by the Senate," Ferrand said while urging members of parliament not to delay these "urgent social measures" by introducing too many amendments. They include a 100-euro increase for five million minimum wage earners, removal of a planned tax increase for a majority of pensioners, and tax-free overtime for all workers, and could be adopted by Christmas, he added. The government has also announced a three-month consultation with civil society groups, mayors, businesses and the "yellow vests" to discuss other reforms. Macron had until now styled himself as a determined pro-business reformer who would not yield to pressure from protests as his predecessors did. But the protests, backed by a majority of French people, and criticism of Macron's management style has seen the president's public opinion approval rating drop to 23 per cent. "He has lost of major part of his political capital," the left-wing Liberation newspaper said Monday under a headline reading: "The first day of the rest of his mandate".

Paris government to rush through concessions for 'yellow vests'

A month of "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/yellow-vest-protest-french-pm-calls-for-dialogue-ensuring-measures-to-cut-rising-costs-182571">yellow vest</a>" protests have taken a further toll on the popularity of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/yellow-vest-protesters-unimpressed-by-macrons-speech-plan-to-continue-blockade-183127">French President Emmanuel Macron</a>, a new poll showed Sunday, with analysts saying he will be forced to change his style of governing.&nbsp;

Around 66,000 protesters turned out again on Saturday on the fifth round of anti-government demonstrations, which sprung up over diesel taxes last month.

The figure was about half the number of the previous weekend, suggesting momentum was waning and the most acute political crisis of Macron's 19-month presidency was coming to an end.

"It is calming down, but what remains of it all is a strong feeling of hatred towards Macron," said veteran sociologist Herve Le Bras from the School of Advanced Studies in the Social Sciences (EHESS).

A major poll by the Ifop group published in Journal du Dimanche newspaper showed Macron's approval had slipped another two points in the last month, to 23 per cent.

The proportion of people who declared themselves "very dissatisfied" by his leadership jumped by six points to 45 per cent. Many of the protesters have targeted Macron personally, calling on him to resign or targeting his background as an investment banker and alleged elitism.

A different poll by Ipsos on Wednesday last week showed that a mere 20 per cent of respondents were happy with his presidency, a fall of six points to its lowest ever level.

Le Bras said the protests had underlined the depth of dislike for Macron's personality and style of governing, which critics see as arrogant and too distant.

"Even by being more humble, it's going to be complicated," he added.

&nbsp;'Context has changed'&nbsp;

Until last week, a clear majority of French people had backed the protests, which sprung up initially over high taxes before snowballing into a wider opposition front against Macron.

In a bid to end the standoff, he announced a package of measures for low-income workers on Monday in a televised address, estimated by economists to cost up to 15 billion euros ($17 billion).

The 40-year-old also acknowledged widespread animosity towards him and came close to apologising for a series of verbal gaffes seen as dismissive of the poor or jobless.

Two polls published last Tuesday in the wake of Macron's concessions suggested the country was now broadly 50-50 on whether the protests should continue.

"It's a movement that has succeeded in forcing back what looked like a strong government," Jerome Sainte-Marie, a public opinion expert at the Pollingvox group, told AFP.

"People have confidence in themselves now, so things won't return to how they were on November 15" before the protests started, he said.

"The context in which Emmanuel Macron holds power has changed," he added.

The former investment banker had until now styled himself as a determined pro-business reformer who would not yield to pressure from protests like his predecessors.

"Macron has given an indication that he is more open to dialogue," Jean-Daniel Levy from the Harris Interactive polling group told AFP.

The government has announced a six-month consultation with civil society groups, mayors, businesses and the "yellow vests" to discuss tax and other economic reforms.

Hikes in petrol and diesel taxes, as well as tougher emissions controls on old vehicles justified on the grounds of environmental protection, were what sparked the "yellow vest" movement.&nbsp;

Macron "won't necessarily change the overall course of his reforms, rather the way he carries them out," Levy added.

Calls for calm&nbsp;

In Paris on Saturday, the more than 8,000 police on duty easily outnumbered the 2,200 protesters counted by local authorities.

There were 168 arrests by early evening, far fewer than the 1,000 or so of last Saturday.&nbsp;

Tear gas was occasionally fired, but only a fraction compared with the weekends of December 8 or December 1 when graffiti was daubed on the Arc de Triomphe in scenes that shocked France.

Richard Ferrand, the head of the National Assembly, welcomed the "necessary" weakening of "yellow vest" rallies on Saturday, adding that "there had been a massive response to their demands".&nbsp;

Interior Minister Christophe Castaner also called on protesters to halt their blockades across the country which have seen traffic and businesses disrupted.

"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."&nbsp;

He said eight people had died since the start of the movement.

Around 69,000 security forces were mobilised across France on Saturday, down from 89,000 the weekend before when 2,000 people were detained.

A month of "yellow vest" protests have taken a further toll on the popularity of French President Emmanuel Macron, a new poll showed Sunday, with analysts saying he will be forced to change his style of governing.

A month of "yellow vest" protests have taken a further toll on the popularity of French President Emmanuel Macron, a new poll showed Sunday, with analysts saying he will be forced to change his style of governing. Around 66,000 protesters turned out again on Saturday on the fifth round of anti-government demonstrations, which sprung up over diesel taxes last month. The figure was about half the number of the previous weekend, suggesting momentum was waning and the most acute political crisis of Macron's 19-month presidency was coming to an end. "It is calming down, but what remains of it all is a strong feeling of hatred towards Macron," said veteran sociologist Herve Le Bras from the School of Advanced Studies in the Social Sciences (EHESS). A major poll by the Ifop group published in Journal du Dimanche newspaper showed Macron's approval had slipped another two points in the last month, to 23 per cent. The proportion of people who declared themselves "very dissatisfied" by his leadership jumped by six points to 45 per cent. Many of the protesters have targeted Macron personally, calling on him to resign or targeting his background as an investment banker and alleged elitism. A different poll by Ipsos on Wednesday last week showed that a mere 20 per cent of respondents were happy with his presidency, a fall of six points to its lowest ever level. Le Bras said the protests had underlined the depth of dislike for Macron's personality and style of governing, which critics see as arrogant and too distant. "Even by being more humble, it's going to be complicated," he added. 'Context has changed' Until last week, a clear majority of French people had backed the protests, which sprung up initially over high taxes before snowballing into a wider opposition front against Macron. In a bid to end the standoff, he announced a package of measures for low-income workers on Monday in a televised address, estimated by economists to cost up to 15 billion euros ($17 billion). The 40-year-old also acknowledged widespread animosity towards him and came close to apologising for a series of verbal gaffes seen as dismissive of the poor or jobless. Two polls published last Tuesday in the wake of Macron's concessions suggested the country was now broadly 50-50 on whether the protests should continue. "It's a movement that has succeeded in forcing back what looked like a strong government," Jerome Sainte-Marie, a public opinion expert at the Pollingvox group, told AFP. "People have confidence in themselves now, so things won't return to how they were on November 15" before the protests started, he said. "The context in which Emmanuel Macron holds power has changed," he added. The former investment banker had until now styled himself as a determined pro-business reformer who would not yield to pressure from protests like his predecessors. "Macron has given an indication that he is more open to dialogue," Jean-Daniel Levy from the Harris Interactive polling group told AFP. The government has announced a six-month consultation with civil society groups, mayors, businesses and the "yellow vests" to discuss tax and other economic reforms. Hikes in petrol and diesel taxes, as well as tougher emissions controls on old vehicles justified on the grounds of environmental protection, were what sparked the "yellow vest" movement. Macron "won't necessarily change the overall course of his reforms, rather the way he carries them out," Levy added. Calls for calm In Paris on Saturday, the more than 8,000 police on duty easily outnumbered the 2,200 protesters counted by local authorities. There were 168 arrests by early evening, far fewer than the 1,000 or so of last Saturday. Tear gas was occasionally fired, but only a fraction compared with the weekends of December 8 or December 1 when graffiti was daubed on the Arc de Triomphe in scenes that shocked France. Richard Ferrand, the head of the National Assembly, welcomed the "necessary" weakening of "yellow vest" rallies on Saturday, adding that "there had been a massive response to their demands". Interior Minister Christophe Castaner also called on protesters to halt their blockades across the country which have seen traffic and businesses disrupted. "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." He said eight people had died since the start of the movement. Around 69,000 security forces were mobilised across France on Saturday, down from 89,000 the weekend before when 2,000 people were detained.

Macron's ratings fall further after month of protests

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/yellow-vest-protests-slow-french-economy-piling-pressure-on-macron-182884">'Yellow&nbsp;vest'</a> protesters in northern France said they were not convinced by measures announced by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/all-eyes-on-macron-as-yellow-vest-protests-continue-to-hit-france-182694">French President Emmanuel Macron</a> in a television address on Monday&nbsp;meant to ease a crisis that has gripped the nation.

The protesters in Gaillon, northwest of Paris, have been stopping traffic at a strategic roundabout for the past 26 days.

Eight of them gathered in a living room on Monday evening to watch Macron's recorded speech.

Macron announced wage rises for the poorest workers and tax cuts for pensioners in further concessions meant to defuse weeks of often violent protests that have challenged his authority.

In measures that are likely to cost billions to state coffers, Macron said people on the minimum wage would see their salaries rise by 100 euros ($113.76) a month in 2019 without extra costs to employers.

Pensioners earning less than 2,000 euros per month will see this year's increase in social security taxes scrapped, Macron said, going back on a measure that had particularly hurt his popularity with older voters.

'Yellow vest' protesters in northern France said they were not convinced by measures announced by French President Emmanuel Macron in a television address on Monday meant to ease a crisis that has gripped the nation.

'Yellow vest' protesters in northern France said they were not convinced by measures announced by French President Emmanuel Macron in a television address on Monday meant to ease a crisis that has gripped the nation. The protesters in Gaillon, northwest of Paris, have been stopping traffic at a strategic roundabout for the past 26 days. Eight of them gathered in a living room on Monday evening to watch Macron's recorded speech. Macron announced wage rises for the poorest workers and tax cuts for pensioners in further concessions meant to defuse weeks of often violent protests that have challenged his authority. In measures that are likely to cost billions to state coffers, Macron said people on the minimum wage would see their salaries rise by 100 euros ($113.76) a month in 2019 without extra costs to employers. Pensioners earning less than 2,000 euros per month will see this year's increase in social security taxes scrapped, Macron said, going back on a measure that had particularly hurt his popularity with older voters.

Video: 'Yellow vest' protesters not convinced by Macron's speech, plan to continue protest

The anti-government protests convulsing France will slow growth to close to a standstill in the final quarter, the central bank said on Monday, complicating President Emmanuel Macron's task of finding concessions to placate the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/over-1700-arrested-in-latest-yellow-vest-protests-in-france-182642">"yellow vest"</a>&nbsp;movement.

The Bank of France on Monday forecast the euro zone's number two economy would eke out growth of only 0.2 per cent in the quarter from the previous three months, down from 0.4 per cent in a previous estimate.

Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire declined to give an estimate for 2018 growth but forecast the nationwide tumult would trim 0.1 per cent of a point off of national output. His deputy projected growth would round out "closer to 1.5 per cent".

The slow-down will be worrisome for Macron, who faces huge pressure on the streets to make further cuts to taxes and social security costs to bolster household spending power while keeping France's budget deficit below a European Union cap.

The slowdown is a "reality for our businessmen, entrepreneurs, it's the reality for those whose shops were vandalised, looted, in the most violent way," Le Maire told RTL. "And it's a reality too for our foreign investors."

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/france-fuel-protest-riot-police-fire-tear-gas-at-yellow-vest-protestors-60-detained-180695">Police used tear gas</a>, water cannon and horses to charge protesters hurling projectiles, torching cars and ransacking some shops, though they encountered less violence than the previous Saturday when the capital encountered its worst violence since the 1968 student uprising.

In a sign of the perceived heightened risk of holding French debt, French government bond yields rose on Monday, pushing the French/German 10-year bond spread to its widest since May, at around 46 basis points in early trade.

On the Paris bourse, airport operator ADP fell 1.0 per cent, while retailers Carrefour, Casino and FNAC Darty shed between 1-1.6 per cent. Hotels company Accor initially traded down 0.7 per cent before paring losses.

Macron emerges into open

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/frances-macron-to-make-important-announcements-in-coming-week-spokesman-182665">Macron</a>&nbsp;will meet union leaders and employers' groups on Monday before he addresses the nation in the evening.

The president has drawn criticism for his silence in public over the violence in Paris opponents accuse him of turning the Elysee Palace into a bunker. Ministers hope his address will placate the yellow vests, whose revolt poses the most formidable challenge to his 18-month administration to date.

"Our country is deeply divided, between those who see that globalisation has benefited them and others who can't make ends meet, who say ... globalisation is not an opportunity but a threat," Le Maire told RTL.

"It is the president's role to unify the country."

The protests were born out of a backlash against the squeeze on the household budgets of the hard-pressed middle class and blue-collar workers. But the movement has developed into a broader anti-Macron rebellion.

Mindful of France's deficit and not wanting to flout EU rules, Macron will have limited room to meet the yellow vests demands for a higher minimum wage, lower taxes, cheaper energy, and better retirement provisions.

The government's latest estimates are for a budget deficit of 2.8 per cent in 2019, just below the EU's 3 per cent cap - a target Macron has cast as critical to meet to cement his reformist credentials.

Le Maire reiterated his desire to accelerate tax cuts but suggested he was not in favour of reinstating a tax on wealth known as the 'ISF' &nbsp;that Macron narrowed when he came into office, and which earned him the tag "president of the rich".

"Does the ISF help reduce poverty, reduce our debts, reduce public spending? No. If you want to hunt for money, go knocking on the doors of digital tech companies," Le Maire said.

"It is time they paid a fair level of tax," he said.

The anti-government protests convulsing France will slow growth to close to a standstill in the final quarter, the central bank said on Monday, complicating President Emmanuel Macron's task of finding concessions to placate the "yellow vest" movement.

The anti-government protests convulsing France will slow growth to close to a standstill in the final quarter, the central bank said on Monday, complicating President Emmanuel Macron's task of finding concessions to placate the "yellow vest" movement. The Bank of France on Monday forecast the euro zone's number two economy would eke out growth of only 0.2 per cent in the quarter from the previous three months, down from 0.4 per cent in a previous estimate. Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire declined to give an estimate for 2018 growth but forecast the nationwide tumult would trim 0.1 per cent of a point off of national output. His deputy projected growth would round out "closer to 1.5 per cent". The slow-down will be worrisome for Macron, who faces huge pressure on the streets to make further cuts to taxes and social security costs to bolster household spending power while keeping France's budget deficit below a European Union cap. The slowdown is a "reality for our businessmen, entrepreneurs, it's the reality for those whose shops were vandalised, looted, in the most violent way," Le Maire told RTL. "And it's a reality too for our foreign investors." Police used tear gas, water cannon and horses to charge protesters hurling projectiles, torching cars and ransacking some shops, though they encountered less violence than the previous Saturday when the capital encountered its worst violence since the 1968 student uprising. In a sign of the perceived heightened risk of holding French debt, French government bond yields rose on Monday, pushing the French/German 10-year bond spread to its widest since May, at around 46 basis points in early trade. On the Paris bourse, airport operator ADP fell 1.0 per cent, while retailers Carrefour, Casino and FNAC Darty shed between 1-1.6 per cent. Hotels company Accor initially traded down 0.7 per cent before paring losses. Macron emerges into open Macron will meet union leaders and employers' groups on Monday before he addresses the nation in the evening. The president has drawn criticism for his silence in public over the violence in Paris opponents accuse him of turning the Elysee Palace into a bunker. Ministers hope his address will placate the yellow vests, whose revolt poses the most formidable challenge to his 18-month administration to date. "Our country is deeply divided, between those who see that globalisation has benefited them and others who can't make ends meet, who say ... globalisation is not an opportunity but a threat," Le Maire told RTL. "It is the president's role to unify the country." The protests were born out of a backlash against the squeeze on the household budgets of the hard-pressed middle class and blue-collar workers. But the movement has developed into a broader anti-Macron rebellion. Mindful of France's deficit and not wanting to flout EU rules, Macron will have limited room to meet the yellow vests demands for a higher minimum wage, lower taxes, cheaper energy, and better retirement provisions. The government's latest estimates are for a budget deficit of 2.8 per cent in 2019, just below the EU's 3 per cent cap - a target Macron has cast as critical to meet to cement his reformist credentials. Le Maire reiterated his desire to accelerate tax cuts but suggested he was not in favour of reinstating a tax on wealth known as the 'ISF' that Macron narrowed when he came into office, and which earned him the tag "president of the rich". "Does the ISF help reduce poverty, reduce our debts, reduce public spending? No. If you want to hunt for money, go knocking on the doors of digital tech companies," Le Maire said. "It is time they paid a fair level of tax," he said.

'Yellow Vest' protests will slow growth to close to standstill: French central bank

Here is a timeline of the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/french-police-clash-with-yellow-vest-protesters-in-paris-169-arrested-180785"> "yellow vest" movement</a> in France, from the first online rumblings against a fuel tax hike to nationwide protests that led to the worst Paris riots in decades.

A new day of high-risk demonstrations is planned on Saturday. So far four people have died and hundreds have been injured during the protests.

Viral video&nbsp;

A video posted on Facebook on October 18 quickly goes viral. It shows a woman, Jacline Mouraud, addressing<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/france-fuel-protest-president-emmanuel-macron-to-address-next-week-on-yellow-vest-movement-182168"> French President Emmanuel Macron </a>"Monsieur Macron", she says from her living room.&nbsp;

In it she lists the grievances of drivers in the face of the fuel price hike.

A petition to bring down the price of fuel is posted online.

&nbsp;Mass protests&nbsp;

Saturday, November 17 is the first day of road blockades across France with nearly 290,000 demonstrators wearing the fluorescent yellow vests motorists are required to carry in their cars.

The protests are spontaneous, and not organised by political parties or unions.&nbsp;

The next day Prime Minister Edouard Philippe says the government will not back down.

Violence breaks out in the French Indian Ocean island of La Reunion, led mainly by armed youths.

&nbsp;Second Saturday&nbsp;

The next protests take place the following Saturday, November 24. Thousands of demonstrators clash with police on the Champs-Elysees in Paris.

More than 106,000 demonstrators are recorded across France, including 8,000 in Paris. Revised official numbers count 166,000.

Aborted meeting&nbsp;

On November 27 Macron offers minor concessions, saying he would propose a mechanism to adjust the tax increases and calls for a three-month national consultation.&nbsp;

Unimpressed, the "yellow vests" call for a new protest on December 1 on the Champs-Elysees.

On November 29 Philippe meets a "yellow vest" protester. A day later two accept his invitation, but one walks out.

Chaos in Paris&nbsp;

The third day of protests takes place on Saturday, December 1 with widespread violence erupting particularly in Paris around the Arc de Triomphe and several upscale neighbourhoods.&nbsp;

The government says some 136,000 people protested across the country.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Crisis meetings&nbsp;

On his return from the G20 summit in Argentina, Macron immediately calls a crisis meeting at the Elysee Palace on December 2.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/france-pm-philippe-confirms-fuel-tax-suspensions-calls-for-calm-181453">Philippe</a> meets with political party leaders on December 3. "Yellow vests" representatives announce they will not go to a meeting with Philippe planned the following day&nbsp;later cancelled as some say they have received death threats.&nbsp;

Blockages of roads, shopping centres and fuel depots continue.

Seizing on the momentum from the protests, students start demonstrating over education reforms, disrupting dozens of high schools every day from December 3.

Six-month suspension&nbsp;

On December 4 the government retreats.&nbsp;

The prime minister says planned tax increases on petrol and diesel on January 1 will be<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/macron-makes-u-turn-on-fuel-tax-increases-in-face-of-yellow-vest-protests-181577"> suspended for six months</a> and hikes in regulated electricity and gas prices will be frozen during the winter.

The "yellow vests" reject the moves as insufficient and press ahead with plans for the fourth day of protests on Saturday, December 8.

The government fears the new protests could lead to a new explosion of violence, anticipating participation by the far left and far right.

2019 tax hikes scrapped&nbsp;

On December 5 Macron announces that all planned fuel tax hikes for 2019 will be scrapped.

However, he rules out re-imposing a "fortune tax" on high-earners.

Farmers say they are planning to hold demonstrations next week, to support their own demands.

High risk demonstration&nbsp;

For the fourth day of protests on Saturday, 89,000 security force members will be deployed, including 8,000 in Paris. Armoured vehicles will also be mobilised in the capital.

The government, as well as most opposition parties and unions, have called for calm.

On the eve of a demonstration, "yellow vest" representatives advise against demonstrating in Paris where museums, monuments, big shops and many metro stations will be closed.

Here is a timeline of the "yellow vest" movement in France, from the first online rumblings against a fuel tax hike to nationwide protests that led to the worst Paris riots in decades.

Here is a timeline of the "yellow vest" movement in France, from the first online rumblings against a fuel tax hike to nationwide protests that led to the worst Paris riots in decades. A new day of high-risk demonstrations is planned on Saturday. So far four people have died and hundreds have been injured during the protests. Viral video A video posted on Facebook on October 18 quickly goes viral. It shows a woman, Jacline Mouraud, addressing French President Emmanuel Macron "Monsieur Macron", she says from her living room. In it she lists the grievances of drivers in the face of the fuel price hike. A petition to bring down the price of fuel is posted online. Mass protests Saturday, November 17 is the first day of road blockades across France with nearly 290,000 demonstrators wearing the fluorescent yellow vests motorists are required to carry in their cars. The protests are spontaneous, and not organised by political parties or unions. The next day Prime Minister Edouard Philippe says the government will not back down. Violence breaks out in the French Indian Ocean island of La Reunion, led mainly by armed youths. Second Saturday The next protests take place the following Saturday, November 24. Thousands of demonstrators clash with police on the Champs-Elysees in Paris. More than 106,000 demonstrators are recorded across France, including 8,000 in Paris. Revised official numbers count 166,000. Aborted meeting On November 27 Macron offers minor concessions, saying he would propose a mechanism to adjust the tax increases and calls for a three-month national consultation. Unimpressed, the "yellow vests" call for a new protest on December 1 on the Champs-Elysees. On November 29 Philippe meets a "yellow vest" protester. A day later two accept his invitation, but one walks out. Chaos in Paris The third day of protests takes place on Saturday, December 1 with widespread violence erupting particularly in Paris around the Arc de Triomphe and several upscale neighbourhoods. The government says some 136,000 people protested across the country. Crisis meetings On his return from the G20 summit in Argentina, Macron immediately calls a crisis meeting at the Elysee Palace on December 2. Philippe meets with political party leaders on December 3. "Yellow vests" representatives announce they will not go to a meeting with Philippe planned the following day later cancelled as some say they have received death threats. Blockages of roads, shopping centres and fuel depots continue. Seizing on the momentum from the protests, students start demonstrating over education reforms, disrupting dozens of high schools every day from December 3. Six-month suspension On December 4 the government retreats. The prime minister says planned tax increases on petrol and diesel on January 1 will be suspended for six months and hikes in regulated electricity and gas prices will be frozen during the winter. The "yellow vests" reject the moves as insufficient and press ahead with plans for the fourth day of protests on Saturday, December 8. The government fears the new protests could lead to a new explosion of violence, anticipating participation by the far left and far right. 2019 tax hikes scrapped On December 5 Macron announces that all planned fuel tax hikes for 2019 will be scrapped. However, he rules out re-imposing a "fortune tax" on high-earners. Farmers say they are planning to hold demonstrations next week, to support their own demands. High risk demonstration For the fourth day of protests on Saturday, 89,000 security force members will be deployed, including 8,000 in Paris. Armoured vehicles will also be mobilised in the capital. The government, as well as most opposition parties and unions, have called for calm. On the eve of a demonstration, "yellow vest" representatives advise against demonstrating in Paris where museums, monuments, big shops and many metro stations will be closed.

France 'yellow vest' protests: Timeline of unrest

Paris police detained nearly 300 people Saturday ahead of fresh anti-government<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/france-yellow-vest-protests-timeline-of-unrest-182371"> "yellow vest" protests </a>which authorities fear could turn violent for the third weekend in a row.

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>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 police detained nearly 300 people Saturday ahead of fresh anti-government "yellow vest" protests which authorities fear could turn violent for the third weekend in a row.

Paris police detained nearly 300 people Saturday ahead of fresh anti-government "yellow vest" protests which authorities fear could turn violent for the third weekend in a row. 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.

Nearly 300 detained as Paris braces for 'yellow vest' protests

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

'State of insurrection' as rioters run amok in Paris

Police fired tear gas, stun grenades and water cannon in battles with "yellow vest" protesters around the Champs Elysees in Paris on Saturday, marking the third weekend of demonstrations across France against high living costs.

Police said 122 people had been arrested amid concerns that violent far-right and far-left groups were infiltrating the "yellow vests" movement, a spontaneous grassroots rebellion over the struggle of many in France to make ends meet.

For more than two weeks, the "gilets jaunes" (yellow vests) have blocked roads in protests across France, posing one of the largest and most sustained challenges Emmanuel Macron has faced in his 18-month-old presidency.

In Paris, masked and hooded protesters picked up and hurled crowd barriers and other projectiles in running battles with police around the world famous Champs Elysees boulevard.

Six policemen and 14 protesters have been injured, Paris police said.

"We are attached to dialogue, but also the respect for the law," Edouard Philippe told reporters. "I am shocked by the attacks on the symbols of France."

Several hundred yellow vests sat down around the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier under the Arc de Triomphe at the top of the avenue, singing La Marseillaise, France's national anthem, and chanting, "Macron Resign!"

On the facade of the towering 19th-century arch, protesters scrawled in big black letters: "The yellow vests will triumph."

After several hours of skirmishes in the morning, police had appeared to clear the area around the Arc, but rioters and peaceful protesters subsequently returned. Clashes in adjacent streets also broke out where barricades were put up, car windows were smashed and at least two vehicles set alight.

Along the Champs Elysees, peaceful demonstrators held up a slogan reading, "Macron, stop treating us like idiots!"

Macron won't&nbsp;be bounced by 'thugs'

Macron said on Tuesday he understood the anger felt by voters outside France's big cities over the squeeze that fuel prices have put on households, but insisted he would not be bounced into changing policy by "thugs".

Police unions said across France there were some 31,000 protesters and 582 road blockages.

A week ago thousands of protesters, who have no leader and have largely organised themselves online, converged on Paris for the first time, turning the Champs Elysees into a battle zone as they clashed with police firing tear gas and water cannon.

"What message do the yellow vests want to pass today? That we set France on fire, or find solutions? I find this (violence) absurd," Jacline Mouraud, a prominent activist within the yellow vests movement, told BFM television.

But a retired yellow-vest protester said: "The government is not listening. Revolution cannot happen without violence."

The outburst of anger is strongest on the outskirts of smaller provincial towns and villages, and underlines the gap between metropolitan elites and working-class voters that has boosted anti-establishment politics across the Western world.

The immediate trigger for the protest wave was Macron's decision to raise tax on diesel fuel in a move to encourage the driving of less-polluting cars.

The yellow vests take their name from the high-visibility jackets all motorists in France must carry in their vehicles.

Ahead of Saturday's protests, workmen erected metal barriers and plywood boards on the glass-fronted facades of restaurants and boutiques lining the Champs Elysees, which was closed to traffic with pedestrians funnelled through checkpoints.

For now, the "yellow vests" enjoy widespread public support.

When they began, the protests caught Macron off-guard just as he was trying to counter a fall in his popularity rating to 30 per cent. His unyielding response has exposed him to charges of being out of touch with ordinary people.

Police fired tear gas, stun grenades and water cannon in battles with "yellow vest" protesters around the Champs Elysees in Paris on Saturday, marking the third weekend of demonstrations across France against high living costs.

Police fired tear gas, stun grenades and water cannon in battles with "yellow vest" protesters around the Champs Elysees in Paris on Saturday, marking the third weekend of demonstrations across France against high living costs. Police said 122 people had been arrested amid concerns that violent far-right and far-left groups were infiltrating the "yellow vests" movement, a spontaneous grassroots rebellion over the struggle of many in France to make ends meet. For more than two weeks, the "gilets jaunes" (yellow vests) have blocked roads in protests across France, posing one of the largest and most sustained challenges Emmanuel Macron has faced in his 18-month-old presidency. In Paris, masked and hooded protesters picked up and hurled crowd barriers and other projectiles in running battles with police around the world famous Champs Elysees boulevard. Six policemen and 14 protesters have been injured, Paris police said. "We are attached to dialogue, but also the respect for the law," Edouard Philippe told reporters. "I am shocked by the attacks on the symbols of France." Several hundred yellow vests sat down around the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier under the Arc de Triomphe at the top of the avenue, singing La Marseillaise, France's national anthem, and chanting, "Macron Resign!" On the facade of the towering 19th-century arch, protesters scrawled in big black letters: "The yellow vests will triumph." After several hours of skirmishes in the morning, police had appeared to clear the area around the Arc, but rioters and peaceful protesters subsequently returned. Clashes in adjacent streets also broke out where barricades were put up, car windows were smashed and at least two vehicles set alight. Along the Champs Elysees, peaceful demonstrators held up a slogan reading, "Macron, stop treating us like idiots!" Macron won't be bounced by 'thugs' Macron said on Tuesday he understood the anger felt by voters outside France's big cities over the squeeze that fuel prices have put on households, but insisted he would not be bounced into changing policy by "thugs". Police unions said across France there were some 31,000 protesters and 582 road blockages. A week ago thousands of protesters, who have no leader and have largely organised themselves online, converged on Paris for the first time, turning the Champs Elysees into a battle zone as they clashed with police firing tear gas and water cannon. "What message do the yellow vests want to pass today? That we set France on fire, or find solutions? I find this (violence) absurd," Jacline Mouraud, a prominent activist within the yellow vests movement, told BFM television. But a retired yellow-vest protester said: "The government is not listening. Revolution cannot happen without violence." The outburst of anger is strongest on the outskirts of smaller provincial towns and villages, and underlines the gap between metropolitan elites and working-class voters that has boosted anti-establishment politics across the Western world. The immediate trigger for the protest wave was Macron's decision to raise tax on diesel fuel in a move to encourage the driving of less-polluting cars. The yellow vests take their name from the high-visibility jackets all motorists in France must carry in their vehicles. Ahead of Saturday's protests, workmen erected metal barriers and plywood boards on the glass-fronted facades of restaurants and boutiques lining the Champs Elysees, which was closed to traffic with pedestrians funnelled through checkpoints. For now, the "yellow vests" enjoy widespread public support. When they began, the protests caught Macron off-guard just as he was trying to counter a fall in his popularity rating to 30 per cent. His unyielding response has exposed him to charges of being out of touch with ordinary people.

France fuel protest: Riot police fire tear gas at 'yellow vest' protestors, 122 detained

Anti-government protesters clashed with French police on the Champs-Elysees in Paris on Saturday, leaving the area cloaked in tear gas and smoke from fires on a fresh day of demonstrations against President Emmanuel Macron.

Demonstrators wearing the yellow, high-visibility vests that symbolise their movement threw projectiles at police preventing them from moving along the famed shopping avenue, which was decked out in twinkling Christmas lights.&nbsp;

They also built barricades in some spots, and tore down traffic lights and street signs, creating <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/more-than-400-hurt-in-french-fuel-price-protests-minister-178016">riotous scenes reminiscent of France's 1968 civil unrest</a>, or street insurrections in the mid-19th century immortalised in paintings and movies.

Police arrested 130 people, 42 of those in Paris, and 24 people were injured, five of them police officers including one who suffered burns to his groin, the city police department and Interior Minister Christophe Castaner said.

Elsewhere, protesters took over highway toll booths to let traffic pass for free, or held go-slow vehicle processions, underlining one of their core complaints of escalating taxes on car fuel, especially diesel.

Macron, targeted by protesters' calls that he resign, took to Twitter to thank police.

"Shame" on those who assaulted or intimidated citizens, journalists and politicians, Macron said. "There is no place for violence in the (French) Republic."

Smaller than a week ago

The violence was on a smaller scale than a week ago when the "yellow vest" movement staged its first nationwide protest.&nbsp;

"We're not here to beat up cops. We came because we want the government to hear us," said one protest spokeswoman, Laetitia Dewalle, 37, adding that the largely spontaneous movement denounced "violence by pseudo-protesters" on the fringes.

"We have just demonstrated peacefully, and we were teargassed," said Christophe, 49, who travelled from the Isere region in eastern France with his wife to protest in the capital.

The interior ministry counted 106,000 protesters across France on Saturday, with 8,000 in Paris, of whom around 5,000 were on the Champs-Elysees.

That was far less than the national tally of 282,000 in the November 17 protests.

Castaner said after the tumult died down that damage on the Champs-Elysees &nbsp;was "small".

The French government cast blame for the unruly protests on far-right politician Marine Le Pen, claiming she egged them on.

But Le Pen rejected that accusation saying she had "never called for any violence whatsoever" and in turn accused the government of "organising the tension" and seeking to make her a scapegoat.

Meanwhile opposition parties on both the right and left accused the government of trying to reduce the protests to just the sporadic scenes of violence, and turning a deaf ear to the demonstrators' grievances.

Jean-Luc Melenchon, leader of the radical left France Unbowed who attended a separate march Saturday protesting violence against women, tweeted that the action on the streets was "a mass protest of the people" which signalled "the end for Castaner".

Rural frustrations

A week ago, two people died and over 750 people, including 136 police officers, were injured in sometimes violent demonstrations that have shone a light on frustrations in many rural areas and small towns of France.

The "yellow vests" hail overwhelmingly from non-urban areas of France. They feel overlooked and penalised by policies they see as being pushed through by elitist politicians in Paris.&nbsp;

Former investment banker Macron was elected on a pledge to put more money in workers' pockets. But the effects of his pro-business reforms on unemployment and purchasing power have been limited so far.

Many of the often low-income "yellow vest" protesters are particularly incensed at his decision to hike anti-pollution taxes on diesel, while scrapping a wealth tax on the rich.

"I'm not just fighting against the price of fuel. It's about tax, what we pay," protester Catherine Marguier told AFP near the village of La Gravelle in northwest France.

Meanwhile, in a separate protest in the southern city of Marseille, police fired teargas at bottle-throwing demonstrators upset by the &nbsp;"gentrification" renovation work on the town's biggest square. Around 1,200 demonstrators took part and two were arrested.

'Gap between rich and poor'

Revolts against taxes have been a feature of French public life for centuries. Citizens still pay some of the highest in Europe as a percentage of GDP, and fuel-price protests are a common modern occurrence.

Previous rounds pitting the government against drivers took place in 1995, 2000, 2004, and 2008, often when tax increases coincided with high oil prices -- as they have this year.

A poll by the Odoxa research group for Le Figaro newspaper this week found that 77 percent of respondents described it as "justified".

Anti-government protesters clashed with French police on the Champs-Elysees in Paris on Saturday, leaving the area cloaked in tear gas and smoke from fires on a fresh day of demonstrations against President Emmanuel Macron.

Anti-government protesters clashed with French police on the Champs-Elysees in Paris on Saturday, leaving the area cloaked in tear gas and smoke from fires on a fresh day of demonstrations against President Emmanuel Macron. Demonstrators wearing the yellow, high-visibility vests that symbolise their movement threw projectiles at police preventing them from moving along the famed shopping avenue, which was decked out in twinkling Christmas lights. They also built barricades in some spots, and tore down traffic lights and street signs, creating riotous scenes reminiscent of France's 1968 civil unrest, or street insurrections in the mid-19th century immortalised in paintings and movies. Police arrested 130 people, 42 of those in Paris, and 24 people were injured, five of them police officers including one who suffered burns to his groin, the city police department and Interior Minister Christophe Castaner said. Elsewhere, protesters took over highway toll booths to let traffic pass for free, or held go-slow vehicle processions, underlining one of their core complaints of escalating taxes on car fuel, especially diesel. Macron, targeted by protesters' calls that he resign, took to Twitter to thank police. "Shame" on those who assaulted or intimidated citizens, journalists and politicians, Macron said. "There is no place for violence in the (French) Republic." Smaller than a week ago The violence was on a smaller scale than a week ago when the "yellow vest" movement staged its first nationwide protest. "We're not here to beat up cops. We came because we want the government to hear us," said one protest spokeswoman, Laetitia Dewalle, 37, adding that the largely spontaneous movement denounced "violence by pseudo-protesters" on the fringes. "We have just demonstrated peacefully, and we were teargassed," said Christophe, 49, who travelled from the Isere region in eastern France with his wife to protest in the capital. The interior ministry counted 106,000 protesters across France on Saturday, with 8,000 in Paris, of whom around 5,000 were on the Champs-Elysees. That was far less than the national tally of 282,000 in the November 17 protests. Castaner said after the tumult died down that damage on the Champs-Elysees was "small". The French government cast blame for the unruly protests on far-right politician Marine Le Pen, claiming she egged them on. But Le Pen rejected that accusation saying she had "never called for any violence whatsoever" and in turn accused the government of "organising the tension" and seeking to make her a scapegoat. Meanwhile opposition parties on both the right and left accused the government of trying to reduce the protests to just the sporadic scenes of violence, and turning a deaf ear to the demonstrators' grievances. Jean-Luc Melenchon, leader of the radical left France Unbowed who attended a separate march Saturday protesting violence against women, tweeted that the action on the streets was "a mass protest of the people" which signalled "the end for Castaner". Rural frustrations A week ago, two people died and over 750 people, including 136 police officers, were injured in sometimes violent demonstrations that have shone a light on frustrations in many rural areas and small towns of France. The "yellow vests" hail overwhelmingly from non-urban areas of France. They feel overlooked and penalised by policies they see as being pushed through by elitist politicians in Paris. Former investment banker Macron was elected on a pledge to put more money in workers' pockets. But the effects of his pro-business reforms on unemployment and purchasing power have been limited so far. Many of the often low-income "yellow vest" protesters are particularly incensed at his decision to hike anti-pollution taxes on diesel, while scrapping a wealth tax on the rich. "I'm not just fighting against the price of fuel. It's about tax, what we pay," protester Catherine Marguier told AFP near the village of La Gravelle in northwest France. Meanwhile, in a separate protest in the southern city of Marseille, police fired teargas at bottle-throwing demonstrators upset by the "gentrification" renovation work on the town's biggest square. Around 1,200 demonstrators took part and two were arrested. 'Gap between rich and poor' Revolts against taxes have been a feature of French public life for centuries. Citizens still pay some of the highest in Europe as a percentage of GDP, and fuel-price protests are a common modern occurrence. Previous rounds pitting the government against drivers took place in 1995, 2000, 2004, and 2008, often when tax increases coincided with high oil prices -- as they have this year. A poll by the Odoxa research group for Le Figaro newspaper this week found that 77 percent of respondents described it as "justified".

'Shame' on you, Macron tells French fuel hike protesters