MACRON PLEADS FOR CALM
PARIS: French President Emanuel Macron pleaded for calm as authorities prepared to deploy armoured vehicles and thousands of security forces for a possible fifth straight weekend of violent protests on the streets of Paris.
The “yellow vest” rallies, which began last month to protest at an increase in fuel taxes, has morphed into an expression of rage about the high cost of living in France.
“Our country needs calm. It needs order. It needs to function normally again,” Macron said in Brussels, where he attended an EU summit.
Mr Macron has acknowledged during public comments this week that he was partially responsible for the anger.
He has announced measures to lift workers’ spending power but so far has refused to reinstate a wealth tax that was lifted to spur investment.