The French President apologized to citizens, declared a “state of economic emergency” and raised the minimum wage by 100 euros

French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday evening, December 10, addressed a televised message to the people. The message is a consequence of mass protests that have been ongoing in the country since November 17. The President said that the concessions proposed earlier by the Prime Minister did not correspond to the “level of indignation” of the people and announced new measures:

• The minimum wage will be increased by 100 euros from 1 January 2019 (currently 1498 euros).

• Hours worked overtime will not be taxed and social security contributions will not be deducted from them.

• The president also asked all French enterprises to pay their employees an “end-of-the-year bonus” and promised that this money would also not be taxed and social contributions would not be counted from them.

• Finally, Macron canceled the increase in social contributions for everyone who earns less than 2,000 euros per month.

At the same time, the president announced that he would not return the ISF (“wealth tax”, its return is one of the fundamental demands of the protesters). “This tax has existed (in various forms) for almost forty years. Have we begun to live better? The president explained his position.

Before listing these measures, Macron said he was declaring a "state of emergency for the economy and public relations." In addition, the president admitted "his mistakes", suggested that he "probably could not give quick answers" to citizens' requests and apologized "to those whom he could offend with his statements."

The fact is that Macron has been accused more than once of making “disparaging remarks” about ““loafers” who are not able to earn a living.”

Recall that the protests of the "yellow jackets", provoked by rising fuel prices, began in France on November 17.

Later, the protesters began to put forward dozens of other demands, including an increase in the minimum wage and pension, a change in social and tax policies (including the return of the so-called "wealth tax" (ISF).

On December 4, French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe announced several concessions designed to "reduce social tensions" in the country. The Prime Minister announced a six-month moratorium on the growth of the "carbon tax" (which is built into the price of fuel) and on the tightening of technical measures to control cars; in addition, he promised to make sure that "gas and electricity prices will not rise this winter."

The following day, it was decided at the Elysee Palace that the moratorium on the growth of the "carbon tax" would extend throughout 2019. At the same time, President Macron ruled out the possibility of restoring the "wealth tax" (ISF).

On December 8, protests were again held in many French cities.

Across the country, 136,000 people took part in the rallies. 1723 were detained (of which 1220 were left in custody), 264 were injured.