WION Disptach: Students protest in Paris against Macron's education reforms

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

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

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

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

French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Monday a 100-euro ($113) per month increase in the minimum wage from next year in a major concession to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/yellow-vest-protests-slow-french-economy-piling-pressure-on-macron-182884">"yellow vest" protesters</a> who have roiled the country.

The minimum wage was set at 1,498 euros per month pre-tax in 2018 and 1,185 euros after tax.&nbsp;

Macron also rolled back most of an unpopular increase in taxes on pensioners which was introduced by his government.

In an address to the nation, the 40-year-old former investment banker also struck a more humble tone than usual as he sought to address criticism of his style of leadership.

"I know that I have hurt some of you with my statements," he said.

He stressed, however, that the protests by mostly low-income people in small town or rural France were the result of long-term problems.

"Their distress doesn't date from yesterday. We have ended up getting used to it," he said.

"These are forty years of malaise that have come to the surface," he added.

French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Monday a 100-euro ($113) per month increase in the minimum wage from next year in a major concession to "yellow vest" protesters who have roiled the country.

French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Monday a 100-euro ($113) per month increase in the minimum wage from next year in a major concession to "yellow vest" protesters who have roiled the country. The minimum wage was set at 1,498 euros per month pre-tax in 2018 and 1,185 euros after tax. Macron also rolled back most of an unpopular increase in taxes on pensioners which was introduced by his government. In an address to the nation, the 40-year-old former investment banker also struck a more humble tone than usual as he sought to address criticism of his style of leadership. "I know that I have hurt some of you with my statements," he said. He stressed, however, that the protests by mostly low-income people in small town or rural France were the result of long-term problems. "Their distress doesn't date from yesterday. We have ended up getting used to it," he said. "These are forty years of malaise that have come to the surface," he added.

Macron hikes minimum wage after 'yellow vest' protests in France

WION Gravitas: French govt launches probe against protests

Emmanuel Macron to address France amid protests

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

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

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

'Yellow vest' protests spread to Belgium, Netherlands

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

The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre museum and scores of shops on the Champs-Elysees are set to close as <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/french-presidency-fear-major-violence-as-it-scrap-fuel-tax-hikes-report-181768">authorities warned Thursday of fresh violence</a> this weekend during protests which have ballooned into the biggest crisis of Emmanuel Macron's presidency.

The government is scrambling to stave off another Saturday of burned cars and running street battles with police by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/france-mulls-state-of-emergency-after-paris-riots-wont-change-policy-180924">"yellow vest" protesters furious </a>over rising costs of living they blame on high taxes.

An interior ministry official told AFP that authorities were bracing for "significant violence" on Saturday, based on indications that protesters on both the far right and far left are planning to converge on the capital.

Officials fear they could be joined by hooligans set on rioting and looting, as is widely thought to have been the case last weekend.

Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said 8,000 police would be deployed in Paris alongside a dozen armoured vehicles -- not used in urban areas since suburban youth riots in 2005 -- for crowd control as part of "exceptional" measures to contain the risk of violence.

He also reiterated his appeal for calm, saying in a prime-time TV interview that the government was ready to consider "any measure which would allow us to boost spending power".

Across the country, some 89,000 police will be mobilised, up from 65,000 last weekend, when the country was rocked by daylong scenes of urban unrest in Paris.

But so far the "yellow vest" movement shows no signs of losing steam, despite the government's rollback of planned fuel tax hikes for January, one of the protesters' core demands.

Shops and businesses along and near the famous Champs-Elysees were told to keep their doors closed, protect exposed windows and remove outdoor furniture, according to police notices seen by AFP.

The move is likely to cost thousands of euros in lost revenue as tourists and locals stay clear for a second holiday weekend in a row.

Both the Garnier and Bastille opera houses have cancelled performances on Saturday and the doors of major museums will be shut.

Six Ligue 1 football games, one involving Paris Saint-Germain, scheduled for Saturday have been postponed.

Student protests

The "yellow vest" protests began on November 17 in opposition to rising fuel taxes, but they have since expanded into a broad challenge to Macron's pro-business agenda and style of governing.

The protesters, mainly from small-town and rural France, have broad public support, with an opinion poll this week showing 72 per cent backed the demonstrations despite last weekend's violence.

The movement has spurred other protests, in particular students demanding an end to testing overhauls and stricter university entrance requirements.

Nearly 280 high schools were disrupted, 45 of which were blocked, in protests across France on Thursday, with more than 700 students detained by police, an interior ministry source told AFP.&nbsp;

Dozens of people wearing face masks threw Molotov cocktails, torched rubbish bins and clashed with police outside schools in several cities.

"We're the ones who are going to eventually have to pay higher fuel prices," said Ines, one of around 150 high school students demonstrating in the southern Paris suburb of Cachan.

Farmers have also called for demonstrations every day next week, while two truck driver unions plan an indefinite sympathy strike from Sunday night.

Meanwhile, yellow-vest blockades at fuel depots have caused shortages in Brittany, Normandy, and southeast regions of France.

'Brink of insurrection'

Political leaders from across the spectrum have appealed for calm, after four people died in accidents during protests and hundreds have been injured.

On Thursday a yellow-vest representative, Benjamin Cauchy, called on Macron to meet a delegation of protesters Friday to help defuse a situation that he said had brought the country "to the brink of insurrection and civil war".

"We're asking him to meet us to negotiate on spending power, which is what underpins all this anger," Cauchy told AFP.

Macron, whose approval ratings are down to just 23 per cent, will speak about the issue "early next week", Richard Ferrand, a senior MP from the president's party, said late Thursday.

The French leader, who has not commented publicly since Saturday on the deepest crisis of his presidency so far, did not want to "pour oil on the fire" ahead of Saturday's protest, Ferrand told AFP.

Members of Macron's government have signalled they are ready to make further concessions.

But Macron's office said he would stick to his decision to cut a "fortune tax" on high-earners, which the former investment banker abolished last year.

Restoring the wealth tax has become a core demand of the "yellow vests," alongside the fuel tax rollback and an increase in the minimum wage.

The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre museum and scores of shops on the Champs-Elysees are set to close as authorities warned Thursday of fresh violence this weekend during protests which have ballooned into the biggest crisis of Emmanuel Macron's presidency.

The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre museum and scores of shops on the Champs-Elysees are set to close as authorities warned Thursday of fresh violence this weekend during protests which have ballooned into the biggest crisis of Emmanuel Macron's presidency. The government is scrambling to stave off another Saturday of burned cars and running street battles with police by "yellow vest" protesters furious over rising costs of living they blame on high taxes. An interior ministry official told AFP that authorities were bracing for "significant violence" on Saturday, based on indications that protesters on both the far right and far left are planning to converge on the capital. Officials fear they could be joined by hooligans set on rioting and looting, as is widely thought to have been the case last weekend. Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said 8,000 police would be deployed in Paris alongside a dozen armoured vehicles -- not used in urban areas since suburban youth riots in 2005 -- for crowd control as part of "exceptional" measures to contain the risk of violence. He also reiterated his appeal for calm, saying in a prime-time TV interview that the government was ready to consider "any measure which would allow us to boost spending power". Across the country, some 89,000 police will be mobilised, up from 65,000 last weekend, when the country was rocked by daylong scenes of urban unrest in Paris. But so far the "yellow vest" movement shows no signs of losing steam, despite the government's rollback of planned fuel tax hikes for January, one of the protesters' core demands. Shops and businesses along and near the famous Champs-Elysees were told to keep their doors closed, protect exposed windows and remove outdoor furniture, according to police notices seen by AFP. The move is likely to cost thousands of euros in lost revenue as tourists and locals stay clear for a second holiday weekend in a row. Both the Garnier and Bastille opera houses have cancelled performances on Saturday and the doors of major museums will be shut. Six Ligue 1 football games, one involving Paris Saint-Germain, scheduled for Saturday have been postponed. Student protests The "yellow vest" protests began on November 17 in opposition to rising fuel taxes, but they have since expanded into a broad challenge to Macron's pro-business agenda and style of governing. The protesters, mainly from small-town and rural France, have broad public support, with an opinion poll this week showing 72 per cent backed the demonstrations despite last weekend's violence. The movement has spurred other protests, in particular students demanding an end to testing overhauls and stricter university entrance requirements. Nearly 280 high schools were disrupted, 45 of which were blocked, in protests across France on Thursday, with more than 700 students detained by police, an interior ministry source told AFP. Dozens of people wearing face masks threw Molotov cocktails, torched rubbish bins and clashed with police outside schools in several cities. "We're the ones who are going to eventually have to pay higher fuel prices," said Ines, one of around 150 high school students demonstrating in the southern Paris suburb of Cachan. Farmers have also called for demonstrations every day next week, while two truck driver unions plan an indefinite sympathy strike from Sunday night. Meanwhile, yellow-vest blockades at fuel depots have caused shortages in Brittany, Normandy, and southeast regions of France. 'Brink of insurrection' Political leaders from across the spectrum have appealed for calm, after four people died in accidents during protests and hundreds have been injured. On Thursday a yellow-vest representative, Benjamin Cauchy, called on Macron to meet a delegation of protesters Friday to help defuse a situation that he said had brought the country "to the brink of insurrection and civil war". "We're asking him to meet us to negotiate on spending power, which is what underpins all this anger," Cauchy told AFP. Macron, whose approval ratings are down to just 23 per cent, will speak about the issue "early next week", Richard Ferrand, a senior MP from the president's party, said late Thursday. The French leader, who has not commented publicly since Saturday on the deepest crisis of his presidency so far, did not want to "pour oil on the fire" ahead of Saturday's protest, Ferrand told AFP. Members of Macron's government have signalled they are ready to make further concessions. But Macron's office said he would stick to his decision to cut a "fortune tax" on high-earners, which the former investment banker abolished last year. Restoring the wealth tax has become a core demand of the "yellow vests," alongside the fuel tax rollback and an increase in the minimum wage.

Eiffel Tower, other monuments to close as fears of riot mount

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

There is a rumour going around (on social media of course) that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/french-police-clash-with-yellow-vest-protesters-in-paris-169-arrested-180785">the Yellow Vest protesters in France</a> have been clamouring for Trump as their leader — a rumour that Trump himself might have begun to believe.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, Trump retweeted conservative commentator Charlie Kick who said the protesters in France had been chanting "We want Trump".&nbsp;

The theory — that the protesters had been asking for Trump — was quickly debunked, with news organisations saying they had heard nothing of the sort on the ground.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
There are riots in socialist France because of radical leftist fuel taxes 
 
Media barely mentioning this 
 
America is booming, Europe is burning 
 
They want to cover up the middle class rebellion against cultural Marxism 
 
“We want Trump” being chanted through the streets of Paris
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) <a href="https://twitter.com/charliekirk11/status/1069811169010089984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

CNN added that the video doing the rounds along with the rumour appears to have been shot in London. "The police in the video are English, an English flag is visible during the start of the video, and the blue, double-decker bus in the shot appears to be operated by a company that does sightseeing tours of London," CNN said. &nbsp;

Charlie Kick had tweeted: "There are riots in socialist France because of radical leftist fuel taxes Media barely mentioning this America is booming, Europe is burning They want to cover up the middle class rebellion against cultural Marxism 'We want Trump' being chanted through the streets of Paris"&nbsp;

Kick's tweet was then retweeted by Trump.&nbsp;

France's "Yellow Vest" protests broke out two weeks ago over a fuel tax hike. At least two people have died in the protests and over 600 have been injured.&nbsp;

The French government finally announced on Tuesday that it was rolling back the hike.&nbsp;

There is a rumour going around (on social media of course) that the Yellow Vest protesters in France have been clamouring for Trump as their leader — a rumour that Trump himself might have begun to believe.

There is a rumour going around (on social media of course) that the Yellow Vest protesters in France have been clamouring for Trump as their leader — a rumour that Trump himself might have begun to believe. On Wednesday, Trump retweeted conservative commentator Charlie Kick who said the protesters in France had been chanting "We want Trump". The theory — that the protesters had been asking for Trump — was quickly debunked, with news organisations saying they had heard nothing of the sort on the ground. There are riots in socialist France because of radical leftist fuel taxes Media barely mentioning this America is booming, Europe is burning They want to cover up the middle class rebellion against cultural Marxism “We want Trump” being chanted through the streets of Paris — Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) December 4, 2018 × CNN added that the video doing the rounds along with the rumour appears to have been shot in London. "The police in the video are English, an English flag is visible during the start of the video, and the blue, double-decker bus in the shot appears to be operated by a company that does sightseeing tours of London," CNN said. Charlie Kick had tweeted: "There are riots in socialist France because of radical leftist fuel taxes Media barely mentioning this America is booming, Europe is burning They want to cover up the middle class rebellion against cultural Marxism 'We want Trump' being chanted through the streets of Paris" Kick's tweet was then retweeted by Trump. France's "Yellow Vest" protests broke out two weeks ago over a fuel tax hike. At least two people have died in the protests and over 600 have been injured. The French government finally announced on Tuesday that it was rolling back the hike.

Paris protesters chanting 'We want Trump' is fake news but he retweets it

Watch: WION Dispatch, 4th December, 2018

French PM Edouard Philippe to announce fuel tax suspension

French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe is to announce on Tuesday a suspension of fuel tax increases planned for January 1 in a move <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/french-police-clash-with-yellow-vest-protesters-in-paris-169-arrested-180785">to end violent "yellow vest" protests against the measure</a>, government sources said Tuesday.

The suspension will be accompanied by other measures aimed at calming two weeks of nationwide demonstrations by the protesters, the sources said.

The demonstrations, which degenerated into street clashes and vandalism in Paris over the weekend, erupted last month over the fuel taxes which are financing France's anti-pollution efforts.

Originally spurred by the soaring cost of fuel this year, they quickly ballooned into a wider revolt over President Emmanuel Macron, accused of pursuing policies which hit low-income households particularly hard.

Halting the fuel tax increase was one of the main demands listed by "yellow vest" leaders, alongside a higher minimum wage and the return of a wealth tax on high-earners abolished last year.

Macron made the decision to suspend the 2019 fuel tax hikes late Monday, the sources said, after his government spent the day meeting with leaders from all of France's political parties.

Many were pressing the president to assuage the anger after the running urban battles seen in the capital on Saturday, when dozens of cars were burned and shops attacked and looted.

Philippe will announce the fuel tax suspension later Tuesday after meeting with lawmakers in his Republic on the Move party.

But the prime minister's office confirmed that Philippe would not meet with a delegation of the "yellow vests" for "security reasons", after several said they had received threats by protesters contesting their claim to represent the grassroots movement.

French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe is to announce on Tuesday a suspension of fuel tax increases planned for January 1 in a move to end violent "yellow vest" protests against the measure, government sources said Tuesday.

French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe is to announce on Tuesday a suspension of fuel tax increases planned for January 1 in a move to end violent "yellow vest" protests against the measure, government sources said Tuesday. The suspension will be accompanied by other measures aimed at calming two weeks of nationwide demonstrations by the protesters, the sources said. The demonstrations, which degenerated into street clashes and vandalism in Paris over the weekend, erupted last month over the fuel taxes which are financing France's anti-pollution efforts. Originally spurred by the soaring cost of fuel this year, they quickly ballooned into a wider revolt over President Emmanuel Macron, accused of pursuing policies which hit low-income households particularly hard. Halting the fuel tax increase was one of the main demands listed by "yellow vest" leaders, alongside a higher minimum wage and the return of a wealth tax on high-earners abolished last year. Macron made the decision to suspend the 2019 fuel tax hikes late Monday, the sources said, after his government spent the day meeting with leaders from all of France's political parties. Many were pressing the president to assuage the anger after the running urban battles seen in the capital on Saturday, when dozens of cars were burned and shops attacked and looted. Philippe will announce the fuel tax suspension later Tuesday after meeting with lawmakers in his Republic on the Move party. But the prime minister's office confirmed that Philippe would not meet with a delegation of the "yellow vests" for "security reasons", after several said they had received threats by protesters contesting their claim to represent the grassroots movement.

France PM to announce suspension of fuel tax hikes: Government sources

WION Gravitas: Anti-govt protests grip Paris

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

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning 2nd December, 2018

Cars burn at "yellow vest" protest in Paris

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/french-president-macron-begins-crisis-talks-with-ministers-a-day-after-yellow-jacket-protest-turned-violent-180962">French President Macron begins crisis talks with ministers a day after 'Yellow Jacket' protest turned violent&nbsp;</a>

French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday convened a cabinet meeting for crisis talks a day after Paris saw its worst unrest in a decade on Saturday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-can-seek-indias-help-if-it-feels-it-cannot-handle-terrorism-alone-rajnath-singh-180941">Pakistan can seek India’s help if it feels it cannot handle terrorism alone: Rajnath Singh</a>

Home Minister Rajnath Singh said Pakistan could seek India’s help if it cannot handle the fight against terrorism alone.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-agree-to-trade-war-ceasefire-more-talks-180930">US, China agree to trade war ceasefire, talks to continue</a>

US President Donald Trump and China's Xi Jinping agreed Saturday to suspend any new tariffs in the escalating trade war between the world's two largest economies, even if huge existing duties will remain in place.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/top-us-naval-commander-found-dead-in-middle-east-no-foul-play-suspected-180935">Top US naval commander found dead in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/top-us-naval-commander-found-dead-in-middle-east-no-foul-play-suspected-180935">middle</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/top-us-naval-commander-found-dead-in-middle-east-no-foul-play-suspected-180935"> east, no foul play suspected</a>

The admiral leading US Navy operations in the Middle East was found dead Saturday in Bahrain, the military branch said, adding that no foul play was suspected in the case.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/israel-police-recommend-indicting-netanyahu-in-third-graft-probe-180921">Israel police recommend indicting Netanyahu in third graft probe</a>

Israeli police on Sunday recommended indicting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara for bribery and other offences, the third such recommendation against the premier in recent months.

&nbsp;

French President Macron begins crisis talks with ministers a day after 'Yellow Jacket' protest turned violent French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday convened a cabinet meeting for crisis talks a day after Paris saw its worst unrest in a decade on Saturday.

French President Macron begins crisis talks with ministers a day after 'Yellow Jacket' protest turned violent French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday convened a cabinet meeting for crisis talks a day after Paris saw its worst unrest in a decade on Saturday. Pakistan can seek India’s help if it feels it cannot handle terrorism alone: Rajnath Singh Home Minister Rajnath Singh said Pakistan could seek India’s help if it cannot handle the fight against terrorism alone. US, China agree to trade war ceasefire, talks to continue US President Donald Trump and China's Xi Jinping agreed Saturday to suspend any new tariffs in the escalating trade war between the world's two largest economies, even if huge existing duties will remain in place. Top US naval commander found dead in middle east, no foul play suspected The admiral leading US Navy operations in the Middle East was found dead Saturday in Bahrain, the military branch said, adding that no foul play was suspected in the case. Israel police recommend indicting Netanyahu in third graft probe Israeli police on Sunday recommended indicting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara for bribery and other offences, the third such recommendation against the premier in recent months.

News brief: Big stories of the day

A motorist died overnight after colliding with traffic which had built up due to a "yellow vest" anti-government protest in southern France, a local prosecutor said Sunday.

The accident happened in Arles after "a van collided into a heavy truck at full force before being hit by another vehicle," Tarascon prosecutor Patrick Desjardins told AFP, adding that the accident was "directly related" to a roadblock by protesters which caused a 10km traffic jam.

Masked, black-clad groups ran amok across central Paris , torching dozens of cars and buildings, looting shops, smashing windows and fighting police in the worst unrest the capital has seen since 1968, posing the most formidable challenge President Emmanuel Macron has faced in his 18-month-old presidency.

Macron rushed to the Arc de Triomphe on Sunday after one of France's most revered monuments was vandalised by rioters.

Under heavy security, the French leader spoke with police and firefighters on one of the avenues near the Champs Elysees boulevard, with some bystanders cheering but more jeering him, including yellow-jacketed protesters chanting, "Macron, resign!"

Later in the day, Macron and key ministers will meet to consider <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/france-mulls-state-of-emergency-after-paris-riots-wont-change-policy-180924">declaring an emergency</a> to prevent a recurrence of the riots.

The government is open to dialogue but will not change course, spokesman Benjamin Griveaux said.

A popular revolt over fuel tax hikes and high living costs erupted suddenly on November 17 and has spread quickly via social media. Protesters have blocked roads across France and impeded access to shopping malls, factories and some fuel depots.

The protests began as a backlash against Macron's fuel tax hikes, but have mined a vein of deep dissatisfaction felt towards his liberal economic reforms, which many voters feel favour the wealthy and big business.

Macron says higher diesel taxes are needed to fight climate change by spurring motorists to drive cleaner cars.

Authorities were caught off guard by Saturday's escalation in violence overshadowing the spontaneous protest movement, dubbed the "yellow vests" because many participants are wearing the fluorescent safety jackets kept in all cars in France.

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A motorist died overnight after colliding with traffic which had built up due to a "yellow vest" anti-government protest in southern France, a local prosecutor said Sunday.

A motorist died overnight after colliding with traffic which had built up due to a "yellow vest" anti-government protest in southern France, a local prosecutor said Sunday. The accident happened in Arles after "a van collided into a heavy truck at full force before being hit by another vehicle," Tarascon prosecutor Patrick Desjardins told AFP, adding that the accident was "directly related" to a roadblock by protesters which caused a 10km traffic jam. Masked, black-clad groups ran amok across central Paris , torching dozens of cars and buildings, looting shops, smashing windows and fighting police in the worst unrest the capital has seen since 1968, posing the most formidable challenge President Emmanuel Macron has faced in his 18-month-old presidency. Macron rushed to the Arc de Triomphe on Sunday after one of France's most revered monuments was vandalised by rioters. Under heavy security, the French leader spoke with police and firefighters on one of the avenues near the Champs Elysees boulevard, with some bystanders cheering but more jeering him, including yellow-jacketed protesters chanting, "Macron, resign!" Later in the day, Macron and key ministers will meet to consider declaring an emergency to prevent a recurrence of the riots. The government is open to dialogue but will not change course, spokesman Benjamin Griveaux said. A popular revolt over fuel tax hikes and high living costs erupted suddenly on November 17 and has spread quickly via social media. Protesters have blocked roads across France and impeded access to shopping malls, factories and some fuel depots. The protests began as a backlash against Macron's fuel tax hikes, but have mined a vein of deep dissatisfaction felt towards his liberal economic reforms, which many voters feel favour the wealthy and big business. Macron says higher diesel taxes are needed to fight climate change by spurring motorists to drive cleaner cars. Authorities were caught off guard by Saturday's escalation in violence overshadowing the spontaneous protest movement, dubbed the "yellow vests" because many participants are wearing the fluorescent safety jackets kept in all cars in France.

One dead after accident at 'yellow vest' roadblock in France

'State of insurrection' as rioters run amok in Paris

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Saturday that the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/french-police-clash-with-yellow-vest-protesters-in-paris-169-arrested-180785">wave of violence and vandalism in Paris</a>&nbsp;on Saturday could not be justified in any way and had nothing to do with a peaceful expression of legitimate anger.

'No cause justifies that security forces are attacked, shops pillaged, public or private buildings set on fire, pedestrians or journalists threatened or that the Arc de Triomphe is sullied,'&nbsp;Macron told a news conference in Buenos Aires, where he was attending the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-macron-to-meet-on-g20-sidelines-amidst-rafale-row-180641">G20 summit.</a>

Declining to take questions after a day of&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/france-fuel-protest-riot-police-fire-tear-gas-at-yellow-vest-protestors-60-detained-180695">rioting in Paris</a>, he said those who had carried out the violence merely sought to spread chaos. He said he would convene a meeting of senior ministers as soon as he returns to discuss how to respond.

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Saturday that the wave of violence and vandalism in Paris on Saturday could not be justified in any way and had nothing to do with a peaceful expression of legitimate anger.

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Saturday that the wave of violence and vandalism in Paris on Saturday could not be justified in any way and had nothing to do with a peaceful expression of legitimate anger. 'No cause justifies that security forces are attacked, shops pillaged, public or private buildings set on fire, pedestrians or journalists threatened or that the Arc de Triomphe is sullied,' Macron told a news conference in Buenos Aires, where he was attending the G20 summit. Declining to take questions after a day of rioting in Paris, he said those who had carried out the violence merely sought to spread chaos. He said he would convene a meeting of senior ministers as soon as he returns to discuss how to respond.

France's Macron says nothing can justify the violence in Paris

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/americas/over-20000-indians-have-sought-political-asylum-in-us-in-past-4-years-180686">Over 20,000 Indians have sought political asylum in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/americas/over-20000-indians-have-sought-political-asylum-in-us-in-past-4-years-180686">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/americas/over-20000-indians-have-sought-political-asylum-in-us-in-past-4-years-180686"> in past 4 years</a>

More than 20,000 Indian nationals, mostly men, have sought asylum in the US since 2014, according to the latest figures.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/aung-san-suu-kyi-calls-for-peace-in-speech-no-mention-of-rohingya-crisis-180684">Aung San Suu Kyi calls for peace in speech; no mention of Rohingya crisis</a>

Myanmar's civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who is facing international criticism over her country's crackdown on Rohingya Muslims, called Saturday for "a culture of peace" to end conflict between communities.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/tributes-for-former-us-president-george-hw-bush-180693">Tributes pour in for former US president George HW Bush</a>

Former US president &nbsp;George HW Bush, who led US as Cold War ended but failed to get a second term, died on November 30 at the age of 94 on Saturday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/france-fuel-protest-riot-police-fire-tear-gas-at-yellow-vest-protestors-60-detained-180695">France fuel protest: Riot police fire tear gas at 'yellow vest' protestors, 122 detained</a>

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.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/priyanka-chopra-marries-nick-jonas-in-a-christian-ceremony-180723">Priyanka Chopra marries Nick Jonas in a Christian ceremony</a>

Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas are now officially married. The couple exchanged vows in a Christian ceremony at the Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur on Saturday. The ceremony was officiated by Nick’s father.

&nbsp;

Over 20,000 Indians have sought political asylum in US in past 4 years More than 20,000 Indian nationals, mostly men, have sought asylum in the US since 2014, according to the latest figures.

Over 20,000 Indians have sought political asylum in US in past 4 years More than 20,000 Indian nationals, mostly men, have sought asylum in the US since 2014, according to the latest figures. Aung San Suu Kyi calls for peace in speech; no mention of Rohingya crisis Myanmar's civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who is facing international criticism over her country's crackdown on Rohingya Muslims, called Saturday for "a culture of peace" to end conflict between communities. Tributes pour in for former US president George HW Bush Former US president George HW Bush, who led US as Cold War ended but failed to get a second term, died on November 30 at the age of 94 on Saturday. France fuel protest: Riot police fire tear gas at 'yellow vest' protestors, 122 detained 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. Priyanka Chopra marries Nick Jonas in a Christian ceremony Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas are now officially married. The couple exchanged vows in a Christian ceremony at the Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur on Saturday. The ceremony was officiated by Nick’s father.

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

A protester was accidentally killed and more than 220 injured on Saturday as tens of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/french-protesters-block-roads-over-higher-fuel-taxes-one-dead-in-accident-177860">thousands of people blocked roads</a> across France in a "yellow vest" protest against high fuel prices, which has channelled anger at stagnant spending under President Emmanuel Macron.

Nearly 283,000 people were estimated to have taken part in more than 2,000 protests at roundabouts and on major highways and thoroughfares across the country, the Interior Ministry said.

Some 227 people were injured -- seven seriously including a police officer -- and 117 detained, with 73 then taken into police custody.

Although most of the blockades were carried out without incident, tempers flared at times as some drivers confronted the protesters or tried to force their way through.

In the eastern Savoie region a 63-year-old woman was killed when a mother trying to take her daughter to see a doctor panicked after protesters surrounded their car, and suddenly accelerated into the crowd.&nbsp;

The driver, who police said was in a state of shock, was taken in for questioning.

Among those injured were a police officer in the Mediterranean city of Grasse, one in eastern Strasbourg and two in northwestern Quimper.

"This is what we were worried about by having unorganised demonstrations by people who aren't necessarily used to such things," Interior Minister Christophe Castaner said in a statement.

'Macron resign!'

In Paris, several hundred protesters yelling "Macron resign!" and singing La Marseillaise massed on the Champs-Elysees and the Place de la Concorde, hoping to march toward the Elysee Palace, Macron's official residence.

Riot police blocked their path, but several hundreds of people managed to get around them using side streets and get close to the Elysee Palace in the afternoon before being driven back by tear gas. They later mostly dispersed without incident.&nbsp;

Officials had warned that police would intervene to ensure no roads were completely blocked.

Some demonstrators announced they intended to camp out overnight and might continue the protest into Sunday.

The "yellow vests" movement, named for the high-visibility jackets worn by supporters, erupted on social media last month with calls for blockades of roads and highways.

The protesters say they are being squeezed by years of fuel tax increases that have driven prices to levels not seen since the early 2000s.

But analysts say the movement now represents more widespread frustration against Macron, a former investment banker who has pushed through a series of reforms aimed at bolstering economic growth.

"We're showing that the French do not support their government's policies," said Franck Deroo, a 47-year-old electrician at a blockade on a highway near the Belgian border in Neuville-en-Ferrain, northern France.

'President of the rich'

The movement enjoys much more public support than others against Macron since he swept to the presidency last year.

An Elabe poll last week found that 73 per cent of respondents backed the movement.

Protesters say he is neglecting the lower and middle classes, pointing to tax cuts for high earners and companies.

"Macron is the president of the rich and not the poor. He needs to think about the poor as well," said Andre, a 38-year-old who joined a blockade in Dole, eastern France.

The government last week announced a series of measures to try to quell the anger over fuel prices, including energy subsidies and higher bonuses towards cleaner vehicles.

In a TV interview this week Macron admitted he had "not succeeded in reconciling the French with their leaders" and that "we have probably not given them enough consideration."

But he said he would not rescind increases on fuel tax -- set to rise again in January.

"We want to work, but not for nothing," said Joffrey Gouillet, 27, a protester in Pont-de-Beauvoisin.

"The goal isn't to create havoc but to get our rights back. You can't make it to the end of the month even with two salaries."

A protester was accidentally killed and more than 220 injured on Saturday as tens of thousands of people blocked roads across France in a "yellow vest" protest against high fuel prices, which has channelled anger at stagnant spending under President Emmanuel Macron.

A protester was accidentally killed and more than 220 injured on Saturday as tens of thousands of people blocked roads across France in a "yellow vest" protest against high fuel prices, which has channelled anger at stagnant spending under President Emmanuel Macron. Nearly 283,000 people were estimated to have taken part in more than 2,000 protests at roundabouts and on major highways and thoroughfares across the country, the Interior Ministry said. Some 227 people were injured -- seven seriously including a police officer -- and 117 detained, with 73 then taken into police custody. Although most of the blockades were carried out without incident, tempers flared at times as some drivers confronted the protesters or tried to force their way through. In the eastern Savoie region a 63-year-old woman was killed when a mother trying to take her daughter to see a doctor panicked after protesters surrounded their car, and suddenly accelerated into the crowd. The driver, who police said was in a state of shock, was taken in for questioning. Among those injured were a police officer in the Mediterranean city of Grasse, one in eastern Strasbourg and two in northwestern Quimper. "This is what we were worried about by having unorganised demonstrations by people who aren't necessarily used to such things," Interior Minister Christophe Castaner said in a statement. 'Macron resign!' In Paris, several hundred protesters yelling "Macron resign!" and singing La Marseillaise massed on the Champs-Elysees and the Place de la Concorde, hoping to march toward the Elysee Palace, Macron's official residence. Riot police blocked their path, but several hundreds of people managed to get around them using side streets and get close to the Elysee Palace in the afternoon before being driven back by tear gas. They later mostly dispersed without incident. Officials had warned that police would intervene to ensure no roads were completely blocked. Some demonstrators announced they intended to camp out overnight and might continue the protest into Sunday. The "yellow vests" movement, named for the high-visibility jackets worn by supporters, erupted on social media last month with calls for blockades of roads and highways. The protesters say they are being squeezed by years of fuel tax increases that have driven prices to levels not seen since the early 2000s. But analysts say the movement now represents more widespread frustration against Macron, a former investment banker who has pushed through a series of reforms aimed at bolstering economic growth. "We're showing that the French do not support their government's policies," said Franck Deroo, a 47-year-old electrician at a blockade on a highway near the Belgian border in Neuville-en-Ferrain, northern France. 'President of the rich' The movement enjoys much more public support than others against Macron since he swept to the presidency last year. An Elabe poll last week found that 73 per cent of respondents backed the movement. Protesters say he is neglecting the lower and middle classes, pointing to tax cuts for high earners and companies. "Macron is the president of the rich and not the poor. He needs to think about the poor as well," said Andre, a 38-year-old who joined a blockade in Dole, eastern France. The government last week announced a series of measures to try to quell the anger over fuel prices, including energy subsidies and higher bonuses towards cleaner vehicles. In a TV interview this week Macron admitted he had "not succeeded in reconciling the French with their leaders" and that "we have probably not given them enough consideration." But he said he would not rescind increases on fuel tax -- set to rise again in January. "We want to work, but not for nothing," said Joffrey Gouillet, 27, a protester in Pont-de-Beauvoisin. "The goal isn't to create havoc but to get our rights back. You can't make it to the end of the month even with two salaries."

France fuel protest: One killed and hundreds injured in anti-Macron protests

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