PARIS (AP) — French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe will meet with some protesters' representatives in an effort to calm the tensions over rising taxes, a first since the movement started two weeks ago.
The government's move on Friday comes amid calls for a new actions Saturday across France, including on the Champs-Elysees in Paris, where a protest last weekend degenerated into violence.
Motorists protesting against a fuel tax hike have been joined since by farmers, white-collar workers, retirees and others in the "yellow jackets" movement that now involves a broad range of demands related to the country's high cost of living.
Their list of demands include tax cuts, the creation of a citizens' assembly, state-funded subsidies to help companies increase hiring, higher pensions and a higher national minimum salary.
