France Protests: President Macron backs off green fuel tax

World
Europe

02:55

Staying in Europe. France is suspending a controversial fuel tax after days of violent protests. At least four people have died, 600 were injured and hundreds were arrested in the unrest. President Emmanuel Macron had said the measures were necessary to combat climate. But for now - they are on hold. CGTN's Oliver Whitfield Miocic reports.

France's most violent protests in decades have forced the government to back down. Yellow vest demonstrators, angry at the rising cost of fuel, have taken to the streets since mid November. Now Prime Minister Edouard Philippe says he wants things to calm down.

EDOUARD PHILIPPE FRENCH PRIME MINISTER "After nearly all of the parties that I spoke with during the consultations that I held these last few days made these demands, I am suspending these tax measures for six months."

Edouard Philippe's announcement is a major u-turn, a climb-down from what President Emmanuel Macron said only last week.

EMMANUEL MACRON FRENCH PRESIDENT "I will not give in to those who seek destruction and disorder."

But something had to give after the most recent protests on Saturday. The Mayor of Paris says four and a half million dollars of damage may have been caused to city infrastructure. And more than 200 petrol stations have run out of fuel due to yellow vest blockades at oil refineries.

OLIVER WHITFIELD-MIOCIC PARIS "The French Retail Federation says shops have been heavily affected too. Sales have fallen by up to a third, all ahead of the busy Christmas shopping period.

The hotel trade union says reservations have fallen by 40% in Paris with the violence putting people off. Tourism officials deny footfall has been that badly affected, but they are worried about the future.

JEAN FRANCOIS MARTINS PARIS DEPUTY MAYOR OF TOURISM "The number of requests on 'is it safe to travel in Paris' has increased in the past few days on Google. So we are looking to publish content on our website, the City Hall, to inform people there is no specific risk and it's safe to come to Paris right now like many other days."

There are still a number of yellow vest roadblocks around France. What started off as a protest against fuel tax has morphed into anger at the general cost of living.

LOIC HENNEQUIN YELLOW VEST PROTESTER "I don't think it's sufficient, and I think the government should take a step back and put more on the table."

The yellow vest movement has no OFFICIAL leadership so it's hard to know what concessions will satisfy the diverse group of opinions. With more protests called for this weekend, the government will be waiting anxiously to see if has offered enough. Oliver Whitfield-Miocic, CGTN, PARIS.