Macron blinks as protests force tax freeze

In addition to concerns about its potential impact on French finances, the tax retreat raises questions about a set of reforms the French president has planned for next year

Ambulance drivers burn tyres as they protest against their working conditions in Paris. Pic: Getty

Emmanuel Macron blinked.The French president, who has prided himself on sticking to his guns even as his popularity levels tumbled, has reversed course and suspended a planned fuel tax hike that had sent as many as 300,000 protesters into the streets for three weeks, with vivid images of the violent clashes in the heart of Paris making their rounds worldwide.

In addition to concerns about its potential impact on French finances, the retreat ...