Protests in France; Over 1700 Arrested

French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe has called for a new round of negotiations with the leaders of the protesters known as the "Yellow Vests"; the number of those arrested during violent protests has exceeded 1700. Mr. Philippe stated in a televised announcement on December 8 that "dialogue has begun and must continue." He also promised to address concerns and protests regarding the high cost of living. The Prime Minister mentioned that "the President [Emmanuel Macron] will speak and propose measures that will be included in the dialogue [with the protesters]." This is the latest response from a senior French government official to ongoing protests that have left dozens injured and hundreds detained in recent hours. According to reports, Mr. Macron is expected to announce a "significant issue" regarding recent tensions next week. The marches and protests began several weeks ago, initially in response 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 include issues such as tax reductions, wage increases, cheaper energy, better pensions, and even the resignation of Emmanuel Macron. These protests are ongoing in Paris and other cities in France and have occasionally turned violent. On Saturday, nearly 125,000 protesters, referred to as the "Yellow Vests," took to the streets; in response, police resorted to tear gas and even fired rubber bullets. Reports of looting, burning cars, and other acts of violence have also emerged. Police state that 1385 people have been arrested. After a group of protesters caused damage to the Arc de Triomphe (a famous landmark in the Charles de Gaulle Square in Paris), the government closed the Louvre Museum, the Eiffel Tower, and several other tourist attractions to prevent potential damage. On Saturday, police also used tear gas to prevent protesters from advancing towards the presidential palace. Emmanuel Macron announced last week that he would cancel the fuel price increase, which was the catalyst for the protests, yet the protests have continued. In this context, extensive security measures have been implemented in France to counter unrest during Saturday's demonstrations. Tear gas was thrown at the Yellow Vests in central Paris, and protests continue in France, with 55 people injured. Trump stated: "The French are shouting that they want Trump." There is a severe government crackdown and the risk of protests going underground. What doctors and eyewitnesses recount about the injured in the protests reveals a troubling situation.