The French government has backed down on planned fuel tax hikes in a bid to draw the heat out of fierce protests that have escalated into the deepest crisis of Emmanuel Macron’s presidency. “This anger, you would have to be deaf and blind not to see it, nor hear it,” Philippe said after more than a fortnight of demonstrations by so-called “yellow vest” protesters. Mass protests have repeatedly forced French presidents into U-turns, something Macron had vowed to avoid in his quest to “transform” the French economy and state. Immediately after coming to power in 2017, Macron pushed through tax cuts for entrepreneurs and high-earners — an “original sin” for his critics. The “yellow vest” protests have blocked highways and fuel depots around the country, causing headaches for businesses and fuel shortages in some regions.

Source: Egypt Independent December 05, 2018 09:11 UTC