Iran Press/ Europe: The protests in France began from Saturday in Reunion Island, against the government decision to hike tax on diesel and gasoline, which will come into effect on January 1.
The Reunion protests were part of large-scale demonstrations over the rise in fuel prices which erupted on the French Indian Ocean island of La Reunion last Saturday, Associated Press reported.
Unrest has also erupted on the French Indian Ocean island of La Reunion
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 last weekend
French President "Emmanuel Macron" on Wednesday night defended government efforts to boost the economy, threatened "severe" action against protesters who according to him, "breach the peace, endanger motorists' lives or intimidate drivers or police."
Emmanuel Macron’s centrist government has refused to back down from the fuel tax hike
On Wednesday, at least 16 police officers were reportedly injured in clashes with "yellow vests" protesters.
Macron also has announced the deployment of troops to "Reunion" to resolve what he described as a "complicated situation" in the French overseas territory. 101/207
Read More:
Protest in France over soaring fuel prices leaves one dead
