Paris protests: Emmanuel Macron to make MAJOR announcement after DAY OF RAGE

The clashes, which have resulted in thousands of arrests, including more than 1,700 on Saturday, spring from the ‘yellow vests’ movement, which originally started as a protest against the government’s proposed fuel tax rises. Mr Macron offered protestors a concession last week when he agreed to scrap the rise in the eco-tax aimed at reducing carbon emissions. But the unrest in Paris continued into its fourth weekend, spilling out into other cities across France, as anti-government protesters called for a complete reform of the tax system and a rise in the minimum wage. 

His spokesman said today: “The President of the Republic will of course make important announcements.

“However, not all the problems of the ‘yellow vest’ protesters will be solved by waving a magic wand.”

In a separate interview on BFM Television, his spokesman said the president will make a live speech to the nation at the start of the week.

He said: “When you see this level of protest, it is clear that we need a change of method, but that does not mean we will not also make fundamental announcements.”

His comments came after another day of violence and looting in Paris, which forced shops and key tourist sites including the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre to close.

Projectiles were hurled at riot police, cars were torched and restaurants and shops were vandalised. More than 1,000 people were arrested. 

Mr Macron has come under fire for failing to appear in public for more than a week while outbursts of public anger towards his government escalate. 

During his last major address to the nation on Tuesday, November 27, he said the protesters whom he referred to as “thugs” would not force him to change his policies. 

But last week he backtracked on his plans for fuel hikes set to be introduced in January, in what was the first major U-turn since entering office. 

Mr Macron has seen his presidency shaken by the violence which have resulted in the deaths of three people and hundreds of injuries.