President Emmanuel Macron hikes minimum wage to appease ‘yellow vest’ protesters in France
- President addresses nation after weeks of violence
- Offers tax cuts for pensioners, wage hikes for low-paid
President Emmanuel Macron on Monday announced wage rises for the poorest workers and tax cuts for pensioners, offering concessions after weeks of often violent protests that have challenged his authority.
In his first national address following two weekends of the worst unrest in France in years, Macron sought to restore calm after accusations that his political methods and economic policies were fracturing the country.
“We want a France where one can live in dignity through one’s work and on this we have gone too slowly,” Macron said on prime time television.
“I ask the government and parliament to do what is necessary.”
The president’s address came 48 hours after protesters fought street battles with riot police in Paris, hurling missiles, torching cars and looting shops.