French PM seeks ‘unity’ as ‘yellow vest’ demonstrator arrests cross 1,700

Paris: French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe on Sunday vowed to “restore national unity” after violence during the weekend forced police to use tear gas and rubber bullets against the “yellow vest” demonstrators, who protested against fuel tax rises and high living costs, leading to over 1,700 arrests. However, the violence on Saturday that was the fourth one was not on the same level as the week earlier, the BBC reported.

Discussions with peaceful protesters “must continue”, Philippe said, adding “No tax should jeopardize our national unity. We must now rebuild that national unity through dialogue, through work, and by coming together.” He said President Emmanuel Macron, who many protesters felt should stand down, would soon “put forward measures to foster dialogue”.

Castaner, who warned that the number of arrests increased due to the violence in Paris and some other cities added that 118 demonstrators were known to have been injured along with 17 police officials. With a view to prevention, and following the December 1 vandalism, most businesses in the threatened areas remained closed, starting with the big department stores. Also shut were the monuments and museums of Paris like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. In addition, from the early hours, 36 subway stations remained closed. Other disturbances took place around the country, including Bordeaux, Toulouse, Marseilles, Lyon and Nantes.

Many still demand the resignation of Macron as they continue to demand an increase in social spending on pensions and education, slashing taxes, improving infrastructure, curtailing immigration and ending the privatization of public services, among many other issues. The yellow vests are so-called because they have taken to the streets wearing the high-visibility yellow clothing that is required to be carried in every vehicle by French law. (IANS)

Also read: Emmanuel Macron Slams Protesters After Violence Breaks Out in France