Yellow vests movement

The Yellow Vests movement, or gilets jaunes, was a populist protest movement that began in France in autumn 2018, initially in reaction to rising fuel taxes and the cost of living. It took its name from the high-visibility vests that French motorists must carry in their cars. Protesters, who came especially from smaller towns and rural areas, blocked roundabouts and held demonstrations every Saturday, some of which turned violent, with damage on the Champs-Elysees in Paris and clashes with the police. The movement had no formal leaders. President Emmanuel Macron cancelled the fuel tax increase, announced measures to raise incomes and held a national debate, but protests continued into 2019.

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