Iran Press/Europe: Emmanuel Macron has lashed out at demonstrators who clashed with police in Paris during the latest protests sparked by rising fuel prices.
Macron condemned protesters who brought central Paris to a halt Saturday amid claims that the far right had infiltrated the march, which turned violent, Iran press reported.
French President tweeted, "Shame to those who voluntarily assaulted citizens and reporters. Shame on those who tried to intimidate our elected."
The demonstrations included protesters lighting fires and police using tear gas and water cannons to disperse them. One-hundred thirty people were arrested Saturday in protests across France, with 42 detained in Paris.
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Two dead, 500 injured, as protesters return to street in France
At least two people have died and over 500 others have been injured in France, since protests began against the planned tax hikes on diesel fuel and gasoline in the country.
The protests in France began in Reunion Island, against the government decision to hike tax on diesel and gasoline, which will come into effect on January 1.
The protests came to the attention of US President Donald Trump on Sunday, who renewed his complaints about what he said was mistreatment of the US by Europe.
The French Interior Ministry reported that more than 287,000 people attended the so-called "yellow vest" protest on last Saturday, while French Interior Minister Christophe Castaner said that at least 500 people had been injured across in France during the demonstrations.
The past ten months have seen a 23-percent increase in the price of diesel in France, where the price of petrol has soared by 15 percent within the same period.
As of January 1, 2019, prices for petrol and diesel in France are expected to grow by 2.9 euro cents and 6.5 euro cents, respectively.
In addition to fuel price hikes, protesters are angered by the impact rising living costs are having of pensions and salaries. A study by the French Observatory of Economic Conditions found that annual disposable incomes in France have fell by 440 Euros between 2008 and 2016.
The so-called "Yellow vest" movement – named after the yellow high-visibility vests motorists are required to carry in their cars – was sparked by rising diesel prices, which many blame on taxes implemented in recent years as part of France’s anti-pollution
Hundreds of thousands of protesters blocked roads across France last weekend. According to this report, Protests against rising fuels prices are set to take place in the heart of Paris on Saturday, with the yellow vests, or gilets jaunes movement to descend on the Champs de Mars, at the foot of the Eiffel Tower.
Thousands of people blocked roads across France
French president threatened "severe" action against protesters who according to him, "breach the peace, endanger motorists' lives or intimidate drivers or police." 101/202
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Protest in France over soaring fuel prices leaves one dead
