The French government is preparing to suspend fuel tax increases in the wake of violent protests against the measures, according to Reuters news agency and local media.
A government source told Reuters that Prime Minister Edouard Philippe was due to announce the suspension later on Tuesday.
Daily newspaper Le Monde, also citing government sources, said the suspension will last “several months” and will be accompanied by other measures aimed at appeasing the so-called “yellow vest” protesters.
The move marks President Emmanuel Macron’s first significant U-turn on a major policy since taking office in 2017.
The “yellow vests” protests, which started on November 17, were focused on denouncing a squeeze on household spending brought about by Macron’s taxes on diesel, which he says are necessary to combat climate change and protect the environment.
However, they have since evolved into a bigger, general anti-Macron uprising, with many criticising the president for pursuing policies they claim favour the richest members of French society.
Protests in Paris on Saturday turned particularly violent, with the famed Arc de Triomphe defaced and avenues off the capital’s Champs Elysees suffering damage.
The demonstrations have been given the “yellow vest” tag due to the fluorescent jackets kept in all vehicles in France, and the protests are estimated to have cost millions to the economy.
