Paris surrounded in ‘Yellow Vest’ labyrinth; President Emmanuel Macron to address France over the violence

Paris, December 7: The Eiffel Tower in Paris is to close on December 8 amid fears of further street violence from "yellow vest" anti-government protests. Prime Minister Edouard Philippe has announced that across France, 89,000 police officers will be on duty and armored vehicles will be deployed in the capital.

 

Police have urged shops and restaurants on Paris's Champs-Elysees to shut and some museums will also be closed. Paris saw some of the worst rioting in decades last Saturday. The government has said it is scrapping unpopular fuel tax increases in its budget - the original trigger for the protests.

French President Emmanuel Macron will address France on the “yellow vest” movement early next week as the country braces for another wave of violent protests on Saturday over the cost of living.

“The President will speak early next week. I think this is what the French people want, they want answers. The President will send the message to the French that he is listening to their anger (...) and that new solutions have obviously to be found,” Transport Minister Elisabeth Borne told Sud Radio on Friday morning.

Earlier, National Assembly speaker Richard Ferrand, a close Macron ally had told Reuters the president would address the French people early next week.