France is famous for revolution but is now seeing unrest it has not seen for decades. It is being hit by violent nationwide protests. Hundreds of thousands of people are taking to the streets, causing chaos to business, transport and the economy. The Yellow Vests Movement is leading the protests. Its protestors wear high-visibility jackets. The protestors were angry about rising fuel prices, the high cost of living, and tax reforms that are unfair for workers.
France's President declared "a state of social and economic emergency". The violence has caused over a billion dollars in damages. Paris has seen the worst of the protests. The President will cancel his planned fuel-price rise and lower tax for the poor. He called for the chaos to end and for calm to return. He said: "No anger justifies attacking a police officer...or damaging a shop or public building. When violence is unleashed, freedom ends."
