French President considers declaring state of emergency due to riots
As the "yellow vest" movement spreads across the country, French President Macron is considering imposing a state of emergency to prevent the protests from getting worse.
According toReutersFrench President Emmanuel Macron considered declaring a state of emergency during a meeting with security officials on December 2, seeking a solution to nationwide protests after rioters turned central Paris into a battlefield.
Shortly after returning from the G20 summit in Argentina, Mr Macron rushed to the Arc de Triomphe, where protesters spray-painted "Macron resigns" and "Yellow vests will win".
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French President Macron and senior French officials visited the Arc de Triomphe on December 2. Photo: Reuters. |
Government spokesman Benjamin Griveaux said Macron’s administration was considering imposing a state of emergency. The French president was open to dialogue but would not back down on policy reforms, he added.
"We will not change direction. We are sure about this," he told the radio station.Europe 1Asked about imposing a state of emergency, Mr Griveaux said it was one of several options being considered.
ReutersThe protests have sent President Macron's approval ratings plunging to record lows, according to Gael Sliman, president of the Odoxa polling institute. The French president's intransigent response has led to accusations of alienating people outside France's major cities, who are worried about having to squeeze their budgets to cover family and work expenses.
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| French police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse out-of-control crowds. Photo:AP |
The “yellow vest” movement began on November 17, with thousands of protesters setting up roadblocks across France, blocking traffic to several shopping centres, fuel depots and airports. The nationwide protests were a backlash against Macron’s fuel tax hikes, which were meant to combat climate change, but have sparked deep resentment among the public.
Police said about 133 people were injured and more than 400 people were arrested in Paris on December 1. Security forces also used more than 10,000 tear gas grenades, stun grenades and water cannons to disperse the protesters. According to authorities, far-left, far-right and anarchist groups infiltrated the protesters on December 1.
