Police fired tear gas at "yellow vest" demonstrators in Paris on Saturday but the turnout for round seven of the popular protests that have rocked France appeared low.&nbsp;

Several hundred people wearing the symbolic hi-visibility vests had gathered near the offices of France Televisions and the BFM TV channel in the centre of the capital shouting "Fake news" and calling for the resignation of President Emmanuel Macron.

Protesters spilled on to tram lines and lobbed projectiles at police who replied with tear gas grenades and detained several people.

Tear gas was also fired in Nantes, western France, and protests were expected in Lyon, Bordeaux and Toulouse.

In the southern city of Marseille, police said 900 protesters turned out, amid cries of "Macron out".

The official turnout numbers have plunged with the passing weeks. The government recorded 38,600 demonstrators on December 22 compared to 282,000 for the first major demonstrations on November 17.

But leading figures within the movement that has flourished outside of trade union and political groups, say the low numbers are due to the holiday season and January will bring a resurgence of the street protests.

The focus of the protests has morphed from anger over fuel taxes to a broad rebuke of Macron, accused by critics of neglecting the rising costs of living for many in rural and small-town France.

"We want to get our purchasing power back and have a say in the decisions," said Priscillia Ludosky, who launched the yellow vest petition against fuel price hikes.

Government tax concessions to boost disposable income among the low paid "are not enough", Ludosky said in Marseille.

The movement has increasingly targeted Macron and 40 "yellow vests" on Thursday tried to storm the medieval fort of Bregancon that serves as his official summer retreat on the Mediterranean before being turned back by police.

Die-hard yellow vest supporters believe the movement will live on in 2019 and plans are underway for New Year's Eve protests.

Nearly 8,000 people are listed on Facebook as intending to attend, insisting it will be "festive and non-violent".

Paris officials said preparations would continue for a fireworks display and sound and light show on the Champs-Elysee, the epicentre of repeated violent action against the government, with the Arc de Triomphe ransacked on December 1.

Tens of thousands of tourists and locals traditionally ring in the new year on the wide shopping boulevard, which rises to the Arc monument.

Protesters spilled on to tram lines and lobbed projectiles at police who replied with tear gas grenades and detained several people.

Police fired tear gas at "yellow vest" demonstrators in Paris on Saturday but the turnout for round seven of the popular protests that have rocked France appeared low. Several hundred people wearing the symbolic hi-visibility vests had gathered near the offices of France Televisions and the BFM TV channel in the centre of the capital shouting "Fake news" and calling for the resignation of President Emmanuel Macron. Protesters spilled on to tram lines and lobbed projectiles at police who replied with tear gas grenades and detained several people. Tear gas was also fired in Nantes, western France, and protests were expected in Lyon, Bordeaux and Toulouse. In the southern city of Marseille, police said 900 protesters turned out, amid cries of "Macron out". The official turnout numbers have plunged with the passing weeks. The government recorded 38,600 demonstrators on December 22 compared to 282,000 for the first major demonstrations on November 17. But leading figures within the movement that has flourished outside of trade union and political groups, say the low numbers are due to the holiday season and January will bring a resurgence of the street protests. The focus of the protests has morphed from anger over fuel taxes to a broad rebuke of Macron, accused by critics of neglecting the rising costs of living for many in rural and small-town France. "We want to get our purchasing power back and have a say in the decisions," said Priscillia Ludosky, who launched the yellow vest petition against fuel price hikes. Government tax concessions to boost disposable income among the low paid "are not enough", Ludosky said in Marseille. The movement has increasingly targeted Macron and 40 "yellow vests" on Thursday tried to storm the medieval fort of Bregancon that serves as his official summer retreat on the Mediterranean before being turned back by police. Die-hard yellow vest supporters believe the movement will live on in 2019 and plans are underway for New Year's Eve protests. Nearly 8,000 people are listed on Facebook as intending to attend, insisting it will be "festive and non-violent". Paris officials said preparations would continue for a fireworks display and sound and light show on the Champs-Elysee, the epicentre of repeated violent action against the government, with the Arc de Triomphe ransacked on December 1. Tens of thousands of tourists and locals traditionally ring in the new year on the wide shopping boulevard, which rises to the Arc monument.

Police teargas 'yellow vest' protesters in Paris

The "yellow vest" anti-government protests that have rocked France will be held on Saturday and New Year's Eve, and continue into 2019, several sources in the movement said Thursday.&nbsp;

"The yellow vests are still mobilised," said Laetitia Dewalle, one spokeswoman of the protest movement which does not have a traditional leadership structure.

Several of the movement's representatives said a seventh straight Saturday of protests will take place across the country this weekend.

Yellow-vest representative Benjamin Cauchy said protesters would be out on New Year's Eve as well, "to show that the mobilisation will not end in the new year".&nbsp;

Cauchy also warned that if the concessions made so far by President Emmanuel Macron did not add up, "we will end up with a large-scale mobilisation in late January".

Earlier on Thursday, Paris city officials said that New Year's Eve celebrations on the Champs-Elysees will go ahead despite the protest plans on the famed avenue.

Tens of thousands of tourists and locals traditionally ring in the new year on the wide shopping boulevard, which ends with the Arc de Triomphe monument.

The Champs-Elysees has since last month been the epicentre of repeated violent protests against Macron's government, with the Arc de Triomphe ransacked on December 1.

While the numbers turning out at protests across the country have dwindled dramatically, several thousand people are listed on Facebook as planning to attend what it calls a "festive and non-violent event" on New Year's Eve.

Paris officials said they would continue as planned with preparations for a fireworks display and sound and light show on the Champs-Elysees under the theme "fraternity".

The avenue is a regular gathering point for national celebrations such as Bastille Day, the Tour de France and France's victory this summer in the football World Cup.

But on recent Saturdays it has been the scene of violent clashes between riot police and "yellow vest" protesters who accuse Macron of favouring the rich with his policies.

The movement sprang up online in October and spiralled into the worst crisis of Macron's presidency, with tens of thousands blocking roads and protesting across France.

Macron sought to defuse the crisis in mid-December by announcing a 10 billion euro ($11.4 billion) package of measures to help pensioners and low-paid workers.

Since then the "yellow vests" have been split between moderates willing to engage in dialogue with the government and others intent on remaining at the barricades.

Priscillia Ludosky, who launched an online petition against rising fuel taxes in May that is credited with a major role in sparking the movement, said the measures announced by Macron were "insufficient and without any real desire to improve the living standard of the French".`

The "yellow vest" anti-government protests that have rocked France will be held on Saturday and New Year's Eve, and continue into 2019, several sources in the movement said Thursday.

The "yellow vest" anti-government protests that have rocked France will be held on Saturday and New Year's Eve, and continue into 2019, several sources in the movement said Thursday. "The yellow vests are still mobilised," said Laetitia Dewalle, one spokeswoman of the protest movement which does not have a traditional leadership structure. Several of the movement's representatives said a seventh straight Saturday of protests will take place across the country this weekend. Yellow-vest representative Benjamin Cauchy said protesters would be out on New Year's Eve as well, "to show that the mobilisation will not end in the new year". Cauchy also warned that if the concessions made so far by President Emmanuel Macron did not add up, "we will end up with a large-scale mobilisation in late January". Earlier on Thursday, Paris city officials said that New Year's Eve celebrations on the Champs-Elysees will go ahead despite the protest plans on the famed avenue. Tens of thousands of tourists and locals traditionally ring in the new year on the wide shopping boulevard, which ends with the Arc de Triomphe monument. The Champs-Elysees has since last month been the epicentre of repeated violent protests against Macron's government, with the Arc de Triomphe ransacked on December 1. While the numbers turning out at protests across the country have dwindled dramatically, several thousand people are listed on Facebook as planning to attend what it calls a "festive and non-violent event" on New Year's Eve. Paris officials said they would continue as planned with preparations for a fireworks display and sound and light show on the Champs-Elysees under the theme "fraternity". The avenue is a regular gathering point for national celebrations such as Bastille Day, the Tour de France and France's victory this summer in the football World Cup. But on recent Saturdays it has been the scene of violent clashes between riot police and "yellow vest" protesters who accuse Macron of favouring the rich with his policies. The movement sprang up online in October and spiralled into the worst crisis of Macron's presidency, with tens of thousands blocking roads and protesting across France. Macron sought to defuse the crisis in mid-December by announcing a 10 billion euro ($11.4 billion) package of measures to help pensioners and low-paid workers. Since then the "yellow vests" have been split between moderates willing to engage in dialogue with the government and others intent on remaining at the barricades. Priscillia Ludosky, who launched an online petition against rising fuel taxes in May that is credited with a major role in sparking the movement, said the measures announced by Macron were "insufficient and without any real desire to improve the living standard of the French".`

French 'yellow vest' protests planned for Saturday, New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve celebrations on the Champs-Elysees in Paris will go ahead despite plans for another "yellow vest" anti-government protest on the famed avenue, city officials said on Thursday.

Tens of thousands of tourists and locals traditionally ring in the new year on the wide shopping boulevard, which ends with the Arc de Triomphe monument.

The Champs-Elysees has since last month been the epicentre of repeated violent protests against President Emmanuel Macron's government, with the Arc de Triomphe ransacked on December 1.

While the numbers turning out at protests across the country have dwindled dramatically, some "yellow vests" have called online for a New Year's Eve protest on the Champs-Elysees.

On Facebook 7,400 people are listed as planning to attend what it calls a "festive and non-violent event".

Paris officials said they would continue as planned with preparations for a fireworks display and sound and light show on the Champs-Elysees under the theme "fraternity".

The avenue is a regular gathering point for national celebrations such as Bastille Day, the Tour de France and France's victory this summer in the football World Cup.

But on recent Saturdays it has been the scene of violent clashes between riot police and "yellow vest" protesters who accuse Macron of favouring the rich with his policies.

The movement sprang up online in October and spiralled into the worst crisis of Macron's presidency, with tens of thousands blocking roads and protesting across France.

Macron sought to defuse the crisis in mid-December by announcing a 10 billion euro ($11.4 billion) package of measures to help pensioners and low-paid workers.

Since then the "yellow vests" have been split between moderates willing to engage in dialogue with the government and others intent on remaining at the barricades.

Tens of thousands of tourists and locals traditionally ring in the new year on the wide shopping boulevard, which ends with the Arc de Triomphe monument.

New Year's Eve celebrations on the Champs-Elysees in Paris will go ahead despite plans for another "yellow vest" anti-government protest on the famed avenue, city officials said on Thursday. Tens of thousands of tourists and locals traditionally ring in the new year on the wide shopping boulevard, which ends with the Arc de Triomphe monument. The Champs-Elysees has since last month been the epicentre of repeated violent protests against President Emmanuel Macron's government, with the Arc de Triomphe ransacked on December 1. While the numbers turning out at protests across the country have dwindled dramatically, some "yellow vests" have called online for a New Year's Eve protest on the Champs-Elysees. On Facebook 7,400 people are listed as planning to attend what it calls a "festive and non-violent event". Paris officials said they would continue as planned with preparations for a fireworks display and sound and light show on the Champs-Elysees under the theme "fraternity". The avenue is a regular gathering point for national celebrations such as Bastille Day, the Tour de France and France's victory this summer in the football World Cup. But on recent Saturdays it has been the scene of violent clashes between riot police and "yellow vest" protesters who accuse Macron of favouring the rich with his policies. The movement sprang up online in October and spiralled into the worst crisis of Macron's presidency, with tens of thousands blocking roads and protesting across France. Macron sought to defuse the crisis in mid-December by announcing a 10 billion euro ($11.4 billion) package of measures to help pensioners and low-paid workers. Since then the "yellow vests" have been split between moderates willing to engage in dialogue with the government and others intent on remaining at the barricades.

Paris New Year's Eve bash is on despite 'yellow vest' protests

French "yellow vests" prepared for the sixth Saturday of nationwide demonstrations, but numbers on the streets are falling fast as the police clear protest camps in the run-up to the Christmas holidays.

The protesters had been split&nbsp;Friday on whether to stage another large rally in Paris, or in the nearby town of Versailles, once home to king Louis XVI who lost his head to the revolutionary guillotine.

Fearing possible unrest, authorities said they were closing the Palace of Versailles and its gardens, a top tourist venue, on Saturday.

A Facebook event organised by "yellow vest" leader Eric Drouet listed 1,400 people as "participants" in the Versailles demonstration with a further 8,000 people saying they were "interested".

Meanwhile shopkeepers in Paris, many of whom remained shuttered over the past two weekends to guard against looting and violence, were urged to exercise caution.

Further demonstrations were also planned in Lyon, Toulouse, Orleans and Brittany.&nbsp;

On Friday evening, the French Senate approved a raft of measures to help the working poor and pensioners, &nbsp;just hours after they had been adopted by the lower house of parliament. The measures should come into force early in 2019. &nbsp;

Earlier Friday Prime Minister Edouard Philippe visited the Haute-Vienne region of central France to discuss grievances of disgruntled rural-dwellers with local mayors.

Philippe was greeted by demonstrators shouting "Macron resign," in a reference to President Emmanuel Macron.

Elsewhere, some "gilets jaunes" sought to keep pressure on the government to further boost spending power and give citizens more of a say in lawmaking by staging sporadic protests.

In Pfastatt, eastern France, 14 demonstrators trying to block access to a factory supplying parts to PSA Peugeot Citroen, Europe's second-biggest carmaker, were arrested by police.

In the southwestern city of Toulouse, some 30 protesters held a rally lampooning Macron on his 41st birthday.

"We haven't brought him any presents because he hasn't given us any," said one protester.

The number of protesters has however fallen significantly since last week, when Macron, a pro-business centrist, gave into some of their demands.

The interior ministry estimated the numbers taking part in various protests on Thursday at under 4,000, the lowest since demonstrations began on November 17, with 282,000 taking part on the first Saturday.

The number of traffic roundabouts occupied by protesters in yellow high-visibility vests over the past five weeks has also markedly dropped.

Some 300 have been cleared by police since mid-December, with 200 still occupied, the interior ministry said Friday.

French "yellow vests" prepared for the sixth Saturday of nationwide demonstrations, but numbers on the streets are falling fast as the police clear protest camps in the run-up to the Christmas holidays.

French "yellow vests" prepared for the sixth Saturday of nationwide demonstrations, but numbers on the streets are falling fast as the police clear protest camps in the run-up to the Christmas holidays. The protesters had been split Friday on whether to stage another large rally in Paris, or in the nearby town of Versailles, once home to king Louis XVI who lost his head to the revolutionary guillotine. Fearing possible unrest, authorities said they were closing the Palace of Versailles and its gardens, a top tourist venue, on Saturday. A Facebook event organised by "yellow vest" leader Eric Drouet listed 1,400 people as "participants" in the Versailles demonstration with a further 8,000 people saying they were "interested". Meanwhile shopkeepers in Paris, many of whom remained shuttered over the past two weekends to guard against looting and violence, were urged to exercise caution. Further demonstrations were also planned in Lyon, Toulouse, Orleans and Brittany. On Friday evening, the French Senate approved a raft of measures to help the working poor and pensioners, just hours after they had been adopted by the lower house of parliament. The measures should come into force early in 2019. Earlier Friday Prime Minister Edouard Philippe visited the Haute-Vienne region of central France to discuss grievances of disgruntled rural-dwellers with local mayors. Philippe was greeted by demonstrators shouting "Macron resign," in a reference to President Emmanuel Macron. Elsewhere, some "gilets jaunes" sought to keep pressure on the government to further boost spending power and give citizens more of a say in lawmaking by staging sporadic protests. In Pfastatt, eastern France, 14 demonstrators trying to block access to a factory supplying parts to PSA Peugeot Citroen, Europe's second-biggest carmaker, were arrested by police. In the southwestern city of Toulouse, some 30 protesters held a rally lampooning Macron on his 41st birthday. "We haven't brought him any presents because he hasn't given us any," said one protester. The number of protesters has however fallen significantly since last week, when Macron, a pro-business centrist, gave into some of their demands. The interior ministry estimated the numbers taking part in various protests on Thursday at under 4,000, the lowest since demonstrations began on November 17, with 282,000 taking part on the first Saturday. The number of traffic roundabouts occupied by protesters in yellow high-visibility vests over the past five weeks has also markedly dropped. Some 300 have been cleared by police since mid-December, with 200 still occupied, the interior ministry said Friday.

Versailles closes ahead of 'yellow vest' protest as numbers fall

Fresh protests over the rising cost of bread broke out in Sudan on Friday, witnesses said, as troops deployed after two days of deadly clashes that left eight protestors dead.

A government decision to raise the price of a loaf of bread this week from one Sudanese pound to three (from about two to six US cents) sparked protests across the country on Wednesday.

In the capital's twin city Omdurman, a witness — who declined to be named — said demonstrations erupted as worshippers emerged from a mosque frequented by followers of the Al-Ansar sect, which is linked to the Umma Party, Sudan's main opposition group.

Protestors chanted "the people want the fall of the regime" and "freedom, freedom," said the witness.

"Riot police fired tear gas at the demonstrators," the witness added.

The Umma Party overnight Thursday issued a statement calling on its members to join the protest movement.

Dozens also demonstrated on Road 60, the main artery in eastern Khartoum that links the city centre to the south of the capital, another witness said.

They demanded the government's ouster, the witness said on condition of anonymity, adding that the protesters were dispersed by riot police.

Protests were reported in other cities, including in El Obeid, southwest of Khartoum, and in Rabak, south of the capital.

In Rabak, the capital of Sudan's White Nile state, protesters torched the local headquarters of President Omar al-Bashir's National Congress Party (NCP) and a government charity, witnesses told AFP.

White Nile authorities on Friday declared a state of emergency and announced a curfew until the following morning.

The protests first erupted in the eastern city of Atbara before spreading to Al-Qadarif, also in eastern Sudan, and then to the capital.

Two demonstrators were killed in Atbara and six others in Al-Qadarif, officials said on Thursday, as protesters torched NCP offices.

Government spokesman Bashar Jumaa warned that the government "will not be lenient" with those who set state buildings on fire or caused other damage to public property.

Schools ordered to close&nbsp;

The state-run SUNA news agency said the protest had initially been "peaceful", but later drifted off course.

Sudan's education ministry on Friday announced in a statement that schools across Khartoum would be closed and classes suspended "indefinitely from Sunday".

Rights group Amnesty International called on the government to stop firing on protesters and open up a probe into the deaths.

"These killings must stop," Amnesty's Deputy Director for East Africa Seif Magango said.&nbsp;

"Opening fire on unarmed protesters cannot be justified and what is clearly needed now is an independent, efficient investigation," he added.

Friday, the weekly day of rest, had started with calm returning to Khartoum, Al-Qadarif and Atbara, witnesses said.

While traffic returned to normal, police patrolled some streets in Khartoum, and soldiers deployed around petrol stations and banks in the north of the capital.

Police in patrol cars was seen carrying clubs and tear gas canisters while the troops held Kalashnikov assault rifles, the witnesses said.

An AFP reporter said lines formed outside bakeries in north Khartoum as residents waited to buy bread.

Residents in Al-Qadarif and Atbara also reported that security forces had deployed to secure government buildings and banks.

"Today the city is calm and most of the shops in the main market have reopened," Mohammed Sharif Omar said in a telephone interview from Al-Qadarif.

Fresh protests over the rising cost of bread broke out in Sudan on Friday, witnesses said, as troops deployed after two days of deadly clashes that left eight protestors dead.

Fresh protests over the rising cost of bread broke out in Sudan on Friday, witnesses said, as troops deployed after two days of deadly clashes that left eight protestors dead. A government decision to raise the price of a loaf of bread this week from one Sudanese pound to three (from about two to six US cents) sparked protests across the country on Wednesday. In the capital's twin city Omdurman, a witness — who declined to be named — said demonstrations erupted as worshippers emerged from a mosque frequented by followers of the Al-Ansar sect, which is linked to the Umma Party, Sudan's main opposition group. Protestors chanted "the people want the fall of the regime" and "freedom, freedom," said the witness. "Riot police fired tear gas at the demonstrators," the witness added. The Umma Party overnight Thursday issued a statement calling on its members to join the protest movement. Dozens also demonstrated on Road 60, the main artery in eastern Khartoum that links the city centre to the south of the capital, another witness said. They demanded the government's ouster, the witness said on condition of anonymity, adding that the protesters were dispersed by riot police. Protests were reported in other cities, including in El Obeid, southwest of Khartoum, and in Rabak, south of the capital. In Rabak, the capital of Sudan's White Nile state, protesters torched the local headquarters of President Omar al-Bashir's National Congress Party (NCP) and a government charity, witnesses told AFP. White Nile authorities on Friday declared a state of emergency and announced a curfew until the following morning. The protests first erupted in the eastern city of Atbara before spreading to Al-Qadarif, also in eastern Sudan, and then to the capital. Two demonstrators were killed in Atbara and six others in Al-Qadarif, officials said on Thursday, as protesters torched NCP offices. Government spokesman Bashar Jumaa warned that the government "will not be lenient" with those who set state buildings on fire or caused other damage to public property. Schools ordered to close The state-run SUNA news agency said the protest had initially been "peaceful", but later drifted off course. Sudan's education ministry on Friday announced in a statement that schools across Khartoum would be closed and classes suspended "indefinitely from Sunday". Rights group Amnesty International called on the government to stop firing on protesters and open up a probe into the deaths. "These killings must stop," Amnesty's Deputy Director for East Africa Seif Magango said. "Opening fire on unarmed protesters cannot be justified and what is clearly needed now is an independent, efficient investigation," he added. Friday, the weekly day of rest, had started with calm returning to Khartoum, Al-Qadarif and Atbara, witnesses said. While traffic returned to normal, police patrolled some streets in Khartoum, and soldiers deployed around petrol stations and banks in the north of the capital. Police in patrol cars was seen carrying clubs and tear gas canisters while the troops held Kalashnikov assault rifles, the witnesses said. An AFP reporter said lines formed outside bakeries in north Khartoum as residents waited to buy bread. Residents in Al-Qadarif and Atbara also reported that security forces had deployed to secure government buildings and banks. "Today the city is calm and most of the shops in the main market have reopened," Mohammed Sharif Omar said in a telephone interview from Al-Qadarif.

Fresh protests in Sudan after deadly bread clashes

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

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

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

Shockwaves from French ‘yellow vest’ protests felt across Europe

Watch: WION Dispatch, 18th December, 2018

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The people of France want to be heard

France: Bare-breasted women join protests

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

French civil workers to join protests

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/yellow-vest-protesters-unimpressed-by-macrons-speech-plan-to-continue-blockade-183127">'Yellow vest' protester</a> dies in France after being hit by truck&nbsp;on Thursday.

So far five people have died and hundreds have been injured during the protests.

November 17, marks the first day of road blockades across France, with nearly 290,000 demonstrators wearing the high-visibility yellow vests.

On Monday, December 10, following talks with representatives from unions and management, parliamentary and regional leaders, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/macron-hikes-minimum-wage-to-appease-yellow-vest-protesters-183016">Macron addresses the nation on television</a>.

More than 21 million watch as a sombre-looking president accepts his "share of responsibility" for the crisis and outlines a series of financial measures, including a rise in the minimum wage and tax-free overtime pay.&nbsp;

On Tuesday morning, "yellow vest" protests are still reported up in several parts of the country, while opposition leaders take to the airwaves to criticise the measures as too little, too late.

'Yellow vest' protester dies in France after being hit by truck on Thursday. So far five people have died and hundreds have been injured during the protests. November 17, marks the first day of road blockades across France, with nearly 290,000 demonstrators wearing the high-visibility yellow vests.

'Yellow vest' protester dies in France after being hit by truck on Thursday. So far five people have died and hundreds have been injured during the protests. November 17, marks the first day of road blockades across France, with nearly 290,000 demonstrators wearing the high-visibility yellow vests. On Monday, December 10, following talks with representatives from unions and management, parliamentary and regional leaders, Macron addresses the nation on television. More than 21 million watch as a sombre-looking president accepts his "share of responsibility" for the crisis and outlines a series of financial measures, including a rise in the minimum wage and tax-free overtime pay. On Tuesday morning, "yellow vest" protests are still reported up in several parts of the country, while opposition leaders take to the airwaves to criticise the measures as too little, too late.

Yellow vest protests: Death toll rises to five as another protester dies in France

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;

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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>
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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

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