French President Emmanuel Macron officially “abandoned” his proposed “fuel tax” Wednesday; with government officials confirming the leader rescinded the tariff after widespread protests.
His Prime Minister told reporters the “tax is now abandoned,” adding the administration is “ready for dialogue” to avoid future violence surrounding the policy.
Macron’s popularity ratings hit new lows after the “yellow vest” protests began to gather speed. The young centrist leader has been pummeled by a wave of popular discontent over his now-abandoned eco-tax, which quickly evolved into a broader rebuke of his distant leadership style and tough policies.
New reports today suggest left-wing parties within the French parliament have agreed to discuss a no-confidence vote against Mr. Macron’s government. The French Communist Party and the Socialist Party are leading the rebellion.
It was just last month when Macron stood at the Arc de Triomphe and rebuked President Trump’s “America First” policy at a ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I.
But just three weeks later protesters stormed the same monument in Paris in a violent riot that saw it defaced with slogans calling for Macron’s resignation and leaving the statue of Marianne, the symbol of France’s revolution, with its face smashed in.
Trump proudly trumpets “America First,” while the French president essentially said he’s more interested in signaling his country’s moral values than advancing the interests of his citizens.
As of today Macron’s approval rating stands at about 23%, while Trump’s is double that at about 46%.
