People attend a CGT labour union demonstration to protest against the French government’s reforms in Paris, France, December 14, 2018. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes
December 14, 2018
BRUSSELS (Reuters) – President Emmanuel Macron called for a return to calm in France after nearly a month of protests by the ‘yellow vest’ movement against his government’s policies which have hit growth and caused widespread disruption.
“France needs calm, order and a return to normal,” Macron said, speaking a news conference after a meeting of European Union leaders in Brussels.
The ‘yellow vest’ movement started on Nov. 17 with protests at junctions and roundabouts against fuel tax increases, but quickly became a wider mobilisation against Macron’s economic policies. Three successive weekends of protests in Paris have lead to vandalism and violent clashes with security forces.
(Reporting by Michel Rose; Writing by Luke Baker)
