Macron caves in over fuel tax rises

FRENCH president Emmanuel Macron surrendered to the ‘Yellow Vest’ protesters yesterday by postponing fuel tax rises.

Mr Macron’s government climbed down on imposing green surcharges on petrol and diesel as he attempted to prevent more rioting across his country.

The humiliating U-turn – announced by prime minister Edouard Philippe after emergency talks at the Elysee Palace – will see the government suffer a duty shortfall of nearly £2billion next year. ‘No tax is worth putting in danger the unity of the nation,’ said Mr Philippe in a TV address, as he confirmed that all surcharges due to come in on January 1 had been suspended for six months.

Two other fuel price rises were suspended for the same period, along with rises in gas and electricity prices. ‘ We must succeed collectively,’ said Mr Philippe. ‘For three weeks we’ve seen a deep anger that comes from afar.’

The revenue shortfall will be covered by cuts in public spending, sources said.

Yellow Vest protesters, who have reduced Paris and other cities to warzones over two weekends, said their protests would continue as they campaign for more tax reductions. ‘It’s a first step, but we don’t want crumbs,’ said Benjamin Cauchy, a spokesman for the movement. ‘ Demonstrations will continue as we fight for further demands.’

The violence, which led to 400 arrests in Paris, is considered the worst since the spring of 1968, when president Charles de Gaulle’s government feared a revolution.