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The movement of yellow vests began last year as a peaceful response to rising gas prices, but quickly evolved into a broader rebellion against the government's tough economic policies. The far-left MP Alexis Corbière warned that many of the conditions underlying the social crisis that had been raging in France for several months had not disappeared. "All the conditions that pushed yellow jackets down the street still exist," Corbiere told Franceinfo, referring to the sometimes violent protests against President Emmanuel Macron and his economic reform program that rocked France. .
"There is still a sense of social injustice, as well as a feeling of social depression," he said, before accusing the Macron government of "giving with one hand what it has already taken away from 'other".
Mr. Corbière added: "The government slashed social benefits, including housing benefits, to reduce the deficit; but also refused to reinstate the wealth tax. "
Macron's decision to remove the ISF, a symbol of social justice, earned him the nickname "president of the rich," a label he was unable to reject.
The street rebellion dressed in a yellow vest – because of the safety vests that all French motorists must wear – erupted in November following the expected rise in the tax on gasoline, but it's not the same. is quickly transformed into a broader reaction against inequalities and a political elite widely perceived as distant and distant with ordinary citizens.
The protracted crisis forced the 41-year-old centrist to make heavy political concessions and put an end to his ambitious reform agenda.
At the height of the December unrest, Mr Macron abolished the fuel tax and pledged to pay 10 billion euros to increase benefits for the poorest workers and pensioners.
A few months later, in April, he promised a new round of tax cuts worth around 5 billion euros against the resurgence of violence.
But he opposed the protesters in June, saying it was time to revive his reform agenda with what he called an "Act II."
His prime minister, Edouard Philippe, said the government would encourage the French to stay longer at work and reaffirmed the president's determination to simplify the country's complex and unfair pension system.
Regarding unemployment benefits, Mr Philippe said that benefits would be reduced for high-paid workers who lose their jobs and that he would put an end to a controversial regime allowing former employees to receive monthly benefits in excess of their old salary. .
Retirement and unemployment benefit systems are extremely sensitive issues that can revive popular anger, even though protests against the yellow vest have all fizzled.
Out of more than 300,000 people in each of the first weeks, the participation rate is now low.
Macron, a former minister of the economy, took power two years ago with the promise of creating jobs and cleaning up politics, erasing traditional traditional parties to the right and left.
Despite the many setbacks its administration has faced, unemployment has now reached its lowest level in 10 years, investments have reached their highest level in 12 years and purchasing power is increasing.
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