Fuel tax hikes halted to calm protests

Recent violence in France reveals social fracture

PARIS - The French government on Tuesday announced the suspension of fuel tax increases for six months, in a bid to quell fierce protests which have ballooned into the deepest crisis of Emmanuel Macron's presidency.

"No tax merits putting the unity of the nation in danger," French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said, adding that the anger on the streets" originates from a profound injustice: of not being able to live with dignity from one's work".