Emmanuel Macron caves in to French ‘yellow vest’ protesters. Too late, they want him out
- Macron became the latest world leader to suffer at home for trying to impose green taxes
- President’s first major policy U-turn may not quell weeks of protests
The French government has caved in after Paris’ worst rioting in decades and delayed an increase in energy taxes – but it was seen as “too little, too late” by many protesters whose anger seems increasingly focused on embattled President Emmanuel Macron.
Demonstrators were back in the streets Tuesday wearing their signature yellow vests. They blocked several fuel depots and, on a highway near the southern city of Aubagne, commandeered a toll booth to let motorists pass for free near a sign reading “Macron dictator”.
The protests began November 17 with motorists upset over the fuel tax increase, but have grown to encompass a range of complaints – the stagnant economy, social injustice and France’ tax system, one of the highest in Europe – and some now call for the government to resign.
Four people have been killed, officials said, and more protests are planned for this weekend.
One unifying complaint among the leaderless protesters, who come from across the political and social spectrum, has been the anger at Macron and the perceived elitism of France’s aloof ruling class.