Macron's troubles may be cause for concern in the EU

While French President Emmanuel Macron was dining with world leaders in Argentina, most French were watching the violent protests spreading throughout France. Ostensibly sparked by a hike in diesel tax, the demonstrators were protesting against a range of issues, including higher taxes, a longer working week and reduced state benefits.

Macron narrowly won the presidential elections in 2018 beating off challenges from the extreme right and left. Together these voters constitute a majority and are essentially nationalists and anti-globalists. Macron has tried to tackle the long-standing protectionist attitudes in France and introduce more flexibility into the labor force. But his aloof attitude has not endeared him to the public, with opponents charging him with preferring pomp and glitz to mixing with ordinary workers.

The hike in diesel prices was meant to demonstrate his commitment to a green economy. Marcon is one of the world's strongest defenders of the Paris climate change agreement and is determined to show that France can lead on the implementation of commitments.