Will Macron's Promises End Yellow Vests Protests? | Al Jazeera English

President Emmanuel Macron responds to months of riots by vowing to 'transform France'. They are the results of the so-called 'great debate'. After months of hearing complaints from the length of and breadth of France, Emmanuel Macron has told TV viewers that he has listened to the cries for change.

He's responded to the biggest challenge to his presidency by offering some concessions to the Yellow Vest protesters. They've brought Paris - and other cities - to a standstill every Saturday for months demanding cuts to the cost of living.

Macron is proposing lower taxes for some, pensions reform, stopping the closure of schools and hospitals - and making it easier to hold a referendum on vital issues. There are other proposals too. But are they enough to stop the riots and revolt against his ideas for the future of France?

Presenter: Adrian Finighan | Guests: Renaud Girard - Chief Foreign Correspondent, Le Figaro newspaper; Charles Lichfield - European Affairs Analyst, Eurasia Group of consultants; Jacques Reland - Head of European Research, Global Policy Institute

Billionaires Face 'Yellow Vest' Scorn over Notre-Dame Pledges

THE TELEGRAPH: Billionaire French tycoons faced a mounting backlash on Wednesday over tax breaks on their huge donations to restore Notre-Dame, as Yellow Vest protestors said the hundreds of millions of euros should be spent on tackling France's social problems.

The contributions to the cathedral's renovation approached €900 million (£780m) on Wednesday as the owners of Chanel and Dior stepped forward with donations along with Disney and the technology giant Apple.

However, the outpouring of cash has angered supporters of France's Yellow Vest movement, which noted that President Emmanuel Macron's "rich friends" stood to receive major tax breaks linked to donations in support of the public good and restoring national treasures.

They also pointed out that the sudden willingness of wealthy businesses to turn out their pockets showed that money was available to boost the French government's coffers. » | James Rothwell and Henry Samuel | Thursday, April 18, 2019

THE TELEGRAPH: Macron plans to shut elite school for future leaders » | Henry Samuel in Paris | Wednesday, April 17, 2019

Fractured France: “There Will Be a Civil War” - BBC News

Yellow vest protestors have caused havoc on the streets on France for the past 15 weeks, driven by anger over fuel taxes, the cost of living, and a political system they detest. Now, President Macron has promised to listen to people’s frustrations and make changes.

But does he have what it takes to see off the protesters, or is France heading for a civil war? The Nine’s Europe Correspondent Jean Mackenzie has taken a road trip across the country to find out.

Reported by Jean Mackenzie; Produced by Sara Monetta

France's Yellow Rebellion – A Movement against Macron | DW Documentary

Who are the "yellow vests” that have plunged France into crisis? Hundreds of thousands have been demonstrating to demand lower taxes and higher pensions.

What began as a spontaneous protest against high gasoline prices swiftly evolved into a mass movement that has caused a major crisis in France. The "yellow vests” have become synonymous with the widespread anger at the reform policies of President Emmanuel Macron - and constitute his greatest challenge since he took office. The protesters accuse Macron of being a representative of the rich while ignoring the plight of ordinary citizens. The wave of demonstrations was triggered by Jacline Mouraud and her video tirade on social media. Her subsequent fame has enabled her to continue criticizing politicians on TV talk shows. The "yellow vest” demonstrations have been organized almost exclusively online and without the involvement of opposition parties or unions.

The protesters have a range of demands, from lower taxes to high pensions and a greater say in the running of the country. They feel neglected by the Paris elite, who they see as showing no interest in their economic duress and fears of social decline.

Will Macron Bow to the Demands of 'Yellow Vest' Protesters? l Inside Story

French fuel tax protesters again vent their anger against President Emmanuel Macron.

Emmanuel Macron was elected last year on presidential pledges to create more jobs and improve lives. But for many French people, his economic reforms are a disaster. Critics accuse him of being a president for the rich - while hurting the poor.

One of his reforms is causing particular outrage - fuel tax. So-called 'Yellow Vest' protesters in Paris blocked roads for a second successive Saturday to tell Macron they've had enough. And his environmentally-friendly tax on diesel aimed at cutting pollution has to go - and so does he.

So, will he change his controversial policies?

Presenter: Adrian Finighan | Guests: Anne Giudicelli - Founder of Terrorisc Consultancy; Jacques Reland - Senior Research Fellow, Global Policy Institute London; Renaud Girard - Chief Foreign Correspondent, Le Figaro daily newspaper