France 24: France’s Macron announces national consultation after ‘yellow vest’ protests
Faced with violent anti-government protests, French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday said he would not back down on controversial fuel tax hikes as he announced a blueprint for France's transition to cleaner energy.
The French president's energy roadmap comes as he is facing fractious "yellow vest" protests by citizens angry over fuel tax increases designed to finance green initiatives.
Macron acknowledged widespread anger expressed by protesters over the last 10 days, but said he would not back down on environmentally-friendly policies.
"What I've taken from these last few days is that we shouldn't change course because it is the right one and necessary," he said, adding: "The longer we wait, the worse the effects of climate change will be."
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WNU Editor: French President Emmanuel Macron has a mandate till 2022. The protestors can protest all that they want, but the French President has made it very clear that he is not going to compromise and that his policies will continue.
More News On French President Macron's Response To Nation-Wide Protests On High Fuel Taxes
Macron won't cede to 'thugs' as he confronts diesel tax anger -- Reuters
France fuel protests: Macron drives ahead amid unrest -- BBC
Macron acknowledges plight of ‘gilets jaunes’ but won't cut fuel tax -- The Guardian
Emannuel Macron: 'Yellow vest' protests won't change fuel tax -- DW
France's Macron seeks to review fuel taxes amid violent protests -- Al Jazeera
Macron Struggles to Match Intensity of Angry Protests -- Helene Fouquet and Geraldine Amiel, Bloomberg
