Woman's death casts shadow over France's fuel protests

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Europe

00:57

A protester was accidentally killed on Saturday as tens of thousands of people blocked roads across France in a "yellow vest" movement against rising fuel prices.

Around 283,000 people were estimated to have taken part in more than 2,000 protests at roundabouts and on major highways and thoroughfares across France, with 227 people injured – seven seriously – and 52 detained, said French Interior Minister Christopher Castaner.

In the eastern Savoie region, a 63-year-old woman was killed when a mother trying to take her daughter to see a doctor panicked after protesters surrounded their car, and suddenly accelerated into the crowd. The driver, who police said was in a state of shock, was taken in for questioning.

A growing protest group known as the "yellow vests" blocked roads and brought traffic to a standstill in Paris, France, November 17, 2018. /VCG Photo

Injuries were reported in other areas as some drivers confronted protesters or tried to force their way through blockades.

Some highways, including the A63 which links France to Spain, were totally blocked.

"This is what we were worried about by having unorganized demonstrations by people who aren't necessarily used to such things," Castaner said.

In Paris, protesters approaching the Elysee Palace, President Emmanuel Macron's official residence, were driven back by tear gas.

CRS riot police disperse protesters with tear gas as they try to demonstrate near French presidential residence Elysee Palace in Paris, France, November 17, 2018. /VCG Photo

The "yellow vests" movement, named for the high-visibility jackets worn by supporters, erupted on social media in October with calls for blockades of roads and highways.

The protesters say they are being squeezed by years of fuel tax increases that have driven prices to levels not seen since the early 2000s.

It's reported that the price of diesel, the most commonly used fuel in French cars, has risen by around 23 percent over the past 12 months to an average of 1.51 euros (1.72 US dollars) per liter, its highest point since the early 2000s.

Macron government raised its hydrocarbon tax this year by 7.6 cents per liter on diesel and 3.9 cents on petrol, as part of a campaign for cleaner cars and fuel.

People wearing yellow vests protest against higher fuel prices in Paris, France, November 17, 2018. /VCG Photo

"We're showing that the French do not support their government's policies," said Franck Deroo, a 47-year-old electrician at a blockade on a highway near the Belgian border in Neuville-en-Ferrain, northern France.

An Elabe poll last week found that 73 percent of respondents backed the movement.

Protesters say the president is neglecting the lower and middle classes, pointing to tax cuts he has pushed through for high earners and companies.

Yellow vests, a symbol of a French drivers' protest against higher fuel prices, are seen on statues on a fountain, Place de la Concorde, Paris, France, November 17, 2018. /VCG Photo

The government last week announced a series of measures to try and quell the anger over fuel prices, including energy subsidies and higher bonuses towards cleaner vehicles.

In a TV interview this week, Macron admitted he had "not succeeded in reconciling the French with their leaders" and that "we have probably not given them enough consideration."

But he said he would not rescind increases on fuel tax, which is set to rise again in January.

"We want to work, but not for nothing," said Joffrey Gouillet, 27, a protester in Pont-de-Beauvoisin.

Source(s): AFP