On Scene Report: French Riots Are Not Over Yet!

by
Julio Gonzalez, M.D., J.D.
 
Earlier this week, The Federalist Pages reported that President Macrón had reneged on the implementation of a fuel tax that resulting in the worst rioting in France in over ten years.  The Paris, gilet jaunes riots, so called because of the yellow vests worn by demonstrators, are a direct result of President Emmanuel Macrón's decision to raise fuel taxes by the equivalent of 0.25¢ per gallon on gasoline that already costs the equivalent of $6.00 per gallon. Macrón's decision is openly based on his perceived need to cut down on gas consumption in order to fight off global warming.  
 
Although some have hoped that Macrón's capitulation would have resulted in a sense of calm in the street's or Paris, events suggest otherwise.  
 
An on-sceneThe Federalist Pages reporter has just witnessed further demonstrations in the streets of Paris.  On Thursday morning, a group of over 100 demonstrators were seen marching up the streets of Paris chanting for a permanent end to the fuel-tax and an end to Macrón's presidency.  
 
One Parisian said that Macrón's capitulation was hollow because it was only for six months.  Another nearby shop-owner predicted that things were likely to get violent on Saturday, recommending that people stay away from the Champs Élysées that day as that is where the violence would likely take place.  
 
Shop owners responded to Thursday's demonstrators by closing their street-side stores and locking the doors until the police arrived, a sure sign of the continued tension in the streets of Paris. 
 
Although Macrón may have blinked, one thing appears to be certain; Parisians are still not resting comfortably despite the temporary respite to the fuel tax.
 
Dr. Julio Gonzalez is an orthopaedic surgeon and lawyer living in Venice, Florida. He is the author of The Federalist Pages and serves in the Florida House of Representatives. He can be reached through www.thefederalistpages.com to arrange a lecture or book signing.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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