PARIS - The French government is preparing
to suspend fuel tax increases, a government source said on
Tuesday, following violent protests against the measures.
Prime Minister Edouard Philippe was due to announce the
suspension later on Tuesday, the source added, in what would
mark President Emmanuel Macron's first significant U-turn on a
major policy since taking power in 2017.
The so-called "yellow vests" protests, which started on Nov.
17, were focused on denouncing a squeeze on household spending
brought about by Macron's taxes on diesel, which he says are
necessary to combat climate change and protect the environment.
However, they have since evolved into a bigger, general
anti-Macron uprising, with many criticising the president for
pursuing policies they claim favour the richest members of
French society.
Protests in Paris on Saturday turned particularly violent,
with the Arc de Triomphe defaced and avenues off the capital's
Champs Elysees suffering damage.
The demonstrations have been given the "yellow vest" tag due
to the fluorescent jackets kept in all vehicles in France, and
the protests are estimated to have cost millions to the economy.