France: Fresh protesters follow Yellow Vests' lead

By Yusuf Ozcan</p> <p>PARIS (AA) – A new group of French protesters including retirees and high school students are following the Yellow Vests’ lead in demanding wage increases at the urging of some trade unions.</p> <p>Four trade unions — the CGT, FSU, Solidaires, and FO — called for nationwide protests for better wages, more public services, and more social protection. </p> <p>In the capital Paris on Friday some protesters gathered at the Republic Square and walked to Nation Square chanting against French President Emmanuel Macron and his government's policies.</p> <p>Nearly 15,000 French protesters, including high school students, took part in the protests across France.</p> <p>Philippe Martinez, secretary general of the left-wing CGT, told reporters that their protests had the same aim as the Yellow Vests and urged that they join forces.</p> <p>Speaking at a press conference after a European Council summit in Brussels on Friday, Macron called for &quot;calm and order&quot; ahead of another weekend of protests.</p> <p>“I don’t think our democracy can accept the occupation of the public domain and elements of violence,” Macron said.</p> <p>Macron said he had heard the protesters’ demands but added: “Our country needs calm. It needs order. It needs to function normally again.&quot;</p> <p>Macron also dismissed calls for his resignation.</p> <p>Since Nov. 17, thousands of protesters wearing bright yellow vests — dubbed the Yellow Vests — have been gathering in major French cities, including Paris, to protest fuel tax hikes — later cancelled — and the deteriorating economic situation.</p> <p>The demonstrators, who generally live in rural areas due to high rents in the cities, have called on Macron to cut fuel taxes and ease their economic difficulties.</p> <p>According to a recent survey, 84 percent of the French people — mostly from the middle-income group — support the protests.</p> <p>Fuel prices in France have risen more than 20 percent this year.</p> <p>The Yellow Vest protests started in France but spilled over to other European countries including Belgium and the Netherlands.

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