France backs down, will defer tax hike
But protester ire stays, spreads to other issues
PARIS — The French government caved after Paris’ worst rioting in decades and delayed an increase in energy taxes Tuesday, 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 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 Nov. 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’s 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.
Since returning from the G-20 summit in Argentina, Macron has either remained in his palace residence or else shied away from speaking publicly about the protests, which have created his biggest political crisis since he took office.
It was Prime Minister Edouard Philippe who announced a six-month delay in the fuel tax increase, which was to have begun in January. Just three weeks ago, Philippe had insisted that the government would be steadfast in the tax plans aimed at weaning French consumers off fossil fuels. He also announced a freeze in electricity and natural gas prices until May.
The government U-turn appeared to appease few of the protesters, who wear the yellow vests that France requires motorists to have in their vehicles in case of roadside emergencies.
In Marseille, students clashed with police outside a high school, one of about 100 high schools around France that were blocked or otherwise disrupted by student protests, according to the Education Ministry. Many are protesting a new university application system.