France protests: What do the 'yellow vests' want?

World
Europe

01:03

As there seems to be no sign that the three-week long chaos in France is coming to an end, we need to start to understand what the "gilets jaunes" want. What has made the "yellow vests" so angry about the French government?

It's not only about fuel prices: What they want is a better life. A recent manifesto contains a list of demands that includes an increase of salaries, pensions, social security payments, the minimum wage and also the implementation of a maximum wage. They also want President Emmanuel Macron to step down.

What makes them so angry about this young, once-favored president?

Protesters are surrounded by tear gas during the "yellow vests" demonstration on the Champs Elysees in Paris, France, December 8, 2018. /VCG Photo

In the 2017 presidential election, French voters were tired of career politicians. They wanted a different kind of leader, someone who could understand their long-rooted social and economic concerns and deliver real, practical solutions.

Macron stood out by working hard to differentiate himself from the establishment in Paris and framed himself as the representative of a "new world order" throughout his election campaign.

However, it should also be noted that many voted for Macron as he was up against the National Front's Marine Le Pen, a far-right candidate with strong anti-immigrant policies.

But now, protesters say the president has failed to connect with the people, understand their concerns and steer France away from the neoliberal policies destroying many Western economies. His pro-business agenda is hurting the poorest and helping the rich get even richer. Macron has now been labeled as "President of the Rich" by many.

French police take position during the demonstration of the "yellow vests" on Friedland Avenue in Paris, France, December 8, 2018. /VCG Photo

These ongoing, massive displays of public anger lay bare the social ills, anti-elite sentiment, growing inequality and thirst for social justice in France.

According to statistics, France's economic growth rate in this year's second and third quarters were 0.2 and 0.4 percent respectively, lower than expected. And this harsh economic environment is making people more vulnerable in the face of growing unemployment, poverty and social inequality.