Macron's Response to Protests: Increase in Minimum Wage and Tax Cuts

Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, announced on Monday, December 10, in a televised message regarding the recent protests in the country, the increase of minimum wages and tax cuts for retirees. According to Reuters, Emmanuel Macron, in his first televised speech following the most intense protests of the last two weekends, called for calm to return to the country and spoke empathetically about the public's 'anger' over the cost of living in France. The French President also committed to abolishing taxes on overtime while stating that he would refrain from reintroducing taxes on the wealthy, instead opting to address tax evasion. He described the recent protests by the group known as the 'Yellow Vests' as a result of a 40-year dissatisfaction. He emphasized that no anger justifies attacks on police or looting shops. The way French police have dealt with protesters has faced widespread criticism. The 'Yellow Vests' began their gatherings four weeks ago initially in protest against rising fuel taxes, but gradually their demands expanded, with many calling for Emmanuel Macron's resignation. In his 13-minute speech broadcast from the Élysée Palace, despite announcing tax cuts and an increase in minimum wages, Macron stated that there would be no changes to the reform plans regarding unemployment benefits, pensions, and public spending for the coming year. The President said, 'We will respond to economic and social necessities with strong actions, with rapid tax cuts, while controlling costs, but no going back.' The recent protests began four weeks ago following objections to the impact of rising fuel taxes on the living costs of low-income families. It did not take long for the protesters' demands to expand to issues such as tax reductions, wage increases, cheaper energy, better pensions, and even the resignation of Emmanuel Macron. During weekend protests, Paris and several other cities in France witnessed marches and, in some cases, clashes between police and demonstrators. Last Saturday, nearly 125,000 protesters, known as the 'Yellow Vests,' took to the streets; in response, police resorted to tear gas and even fired rubber bullets. Reports of shop looting, car burning, and other violence have also emerged. Police stated that 1,385 people were arrested. After a group of protesters caused damage to the Arc de Triomphe (a famous monument in Charles de Gaulle Square in Paris), the government closed the Louvre Museum, the Eiffel Tower, and some other tourist attractions to prevent potential damage. On Saturday, police also used tear gas to prevent protesters from moving towards the presidential palace.