Leader Of Leftist Party France Unbowed Expects 'Yellow Vest' Protests To Continue
Rukhshan Mir (@rukhshanmir) Published December 11, 2018 | 12:06 PM
Large-scale protests of the "yellow vest" movement will continue across France, leader of the leftist party France Unbowed and former presidential candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon said on Monday.
PARIS (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 11th December, 2018) Large-scale protests of the "yellow vest" movement will continue across France, leader of the leftist party France Unbowed and former presidential candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon said on Monday.
On Monday evening, French President Emmanuel Macron said in an tv address to the nation that he declared a state of economic and social emergency in the country in response to the protests. He also asked the government to introduce a number of measures aimed at resolving the social and economic crisis in the country that provoked a wave of protest actions. In particular, Macron promised to increase the minimum wage, presented a measure of support for pensioners earning less than 2,000 Euros per month, and asked the companies to pay an annual bonus to employees.
"In the face of the large-scale indignation [by French people] against the fact that some have everything and others have nothing, the president thinks that distribution of money will be enough to calm the current stormy outrage of the people ... The fifth action of the civil revolution in the country next Saturday will be a time of great mobilization of the people," Melenchon said on Twitter, commenting Macron's appeal.
He noted that the president's statements contained nothing related to the unemployed, part-time working people, pensioners, civil servants, and students.
"The people will pay for everything that Macron has announced; the rich will not pay anything," Melenchon concluded.
Benoit Hamon, another former presidential candidate and the leader of the Generation leftist political movement, in turn, has also condemned Macron's policy as benefiting the rich.
Hamon has also called on the French to continue mobilization to ensure a real transformation а the country's development model.
The yellow vest rallies, which initially opposed the increase in gasoline prices, began on November 17. They have been marked by violent clashes with police officers, who have used tear gas and rubber bullets against the protesters.
In late 2017, the French government approved the decision to raise direct tax on diesel fuel, which is the most popular type of fuel in the country. The diesel prices in France have risen by around 23 percent since the beginning of the year, while the gasoline prices have gone up by 15 percent. Prices are set to increase further in January.
Recent Stories
Call for Tobacco Tax Increase to Safeguard Child Rights and Public Health
Boeing passenger plane exits runway in Senegal injuring 11
PML-N ulema wing stresses punishment to May-9 culprits
No reprieve for perpetrators of May 9 arson attacks: PM
Punjab governor terms May 9 dark chapter in country’s history
Nadal squeezes past qualifier Bergs in Rome opener
Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, Ahad Khan Cheema chairs meeting with EDCF ..
Jinnah House attack: ATC grants bail to 7 accused
Under women empowerment plan, 1,600 lady cops recruited: IGP
All possible relief being provided to police personnel
IG Punjab provides house to family of another martyr
Commissioner Sukkur distributes gifts, flowers among thalassemia patients
More Stories From World
-
Boeing passenger plane exits runway in Senegal injuring 11
1 hour ago -
Pakistan eyes green energy, technology cooperation with China in CPEC 2nd phase
2 hours ago -
Charities warns Italy's ban on NGO planes risks lives
1 hour ago -
Israel hits Rafah despite US warning on arms transfers
1 hour ago -
Boeing plane leaves runway in Senegal injuring 11
1 hour ago -
Israel says Biden threat to stop arms 'very disappointing'
1 hour ago
-
Marquez eyes French MotoGP victory but plays down title talk
4 hours ago -
Football: French Ligue 1 table
4 hours ago -
Football: French Ligue 1 table
4 hours ago -
Spanish court shelves Shakira tax fraud case
5 hours ago -
North Africa football fans use stadium freedoms to back Palestinians
5 hours ago -
Rafah struck after Biden warning on arms transfers
5 hours ago