Watch: WION Dispatch, 4th December, 2018

French PM Edouard Philippe to announce fuel tax suspension

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

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

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

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

WION Gravitas: Anti-govt protests grip Paris

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

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

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

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

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

Cars burn at "yellow vest" protest in Paris

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

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

News brief: Big stories of the day

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

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

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

'State of insurrection' as rioters run amok in Paris

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

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

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

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

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/americas/over-20000-indians-have-sought-political-asylum-in-us-in-past-4-years-180686">Over 20,000 Indians have sought political asylum in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/americas/over-20000-indians-have-sought-political-asylum-in-us-in-past-4-years-180686">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/americas/over-20000-indians-have-sought-political-asylum-in-us-in-past-4-years-180686"> in past 4 years</a>

More than 20,000 Indian nationals, mostly men, have sought asylum in the US since 2014, according to the latest figures.&nbsp;

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Myanmar's civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who is facing international criticism over her country's crackdown on Rohingya Muslims, called Saturday for "a culture of peace" to end conflict between communities.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/tributes-for-former-us-president-george-hw-bush-180693">Tributes pour in for former US president George HW Bush</a>

Former US president &nbsp;George HW Bush, who led US as Cold War ended but failed to get a second term, died on November 30 at the age of 94 on Saturday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/france-fuel-protest-riot-police-fire-tear-gas-at-yellow-vest-protestors-60-detained-180695">France fuel protest: Riot police fire tear gas at 'yellow vest' protestors, 122 detained</a>

Police fired tear gas, stun grenades and water cannon in battles with "yellow vest" protesters around the Champs Elysees in Paris on Saturday, marking the third weekend of demonstrations across France against high living costs.

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Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas are now officially married. The couple exchanged vows in a Christian ceremony at the Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur on Saturday. The ceremony was officiated by Nick’s father.

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Over 20,000 Indians have sought political asylum in US in past 4 years More than 20,000 Indian nationals, mostly men, have sought asylum in the US since 2014, according to the latest figures.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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