Don't interfere in our domestic politics: France tells US President
Paris, Dec 9 (IBNS): France on Sunday asked Donald Trump not to interfere in French politics after the US President tweeted about the protests rocking the European country, AFP reported.
Speaking to LCI television, French minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said: "We do not take domestic American politics into account and we want that to be reciprocated... I say this to Donald Trump and the French president says it too: leave our nation be."
"The Paris Agreement isn’t working out so well for Paris. Protests and riots all over France. People do not want to pay large sums of money, much to third world countries (that are questionably run), in order to maybe protect the environment. Chanting “We Want Trump!” Love France," Trump tweeted on Saturday.
"Very sad day & night in Paris. Maybe it’s time to end the ridiculous and extremely expensive Paris Agreement and return money back to the people in the form of lower taxes? The U.S. was way ahead of the curve on that and the only major country where emissions went down last year!" he said in a second tweet.
The anti-government demonstration in Paris turned violent as police fired tear gas on protesters on Saturday, media reports said.
The clashes erupted after up to 8,000 demonstrators gathered in the city centre. More than 500 people have been taken into custody, reported BBC.
Police told BBC that 30 people have been injured in the capital, including three police officers.
The demonstration in Paris is known as "yellow vest" movement.
However, ministers have said that it has been hijacked by "ultra-violent" protesters.
Some 8,000 police and 12 armoured vehicles were deployed in the capital city to prevent violence.
Violence hit Paris last week as well when hundreds of people were arrested and scores were injured, reports said.
The protesters engaged in this incident are known as "gilets jaunes", meaning yellow vests, often referred in English as the "yellow jackets". The protesters have been seen wearing high-visibility clothing on the street. The clothing is carried in every vehicle, following French law. The first nationwide protest took place on Nov 17.
The Macron government had earlier refused to yield. Last week, the President said, "I understand the demands of these citizens, but I won't give in to those who want destruction and disorder."
No identifiable leader could be seen leading the protest, which has gained momentum through social media.
Anti-government protests had engulfed France since President Emmanuel Macron hiked fuel tax as part of steps to fight climate change.
Keeping in mind the protests in the city, several iconic building in Paris, including the Eiffel Tower remained closed on Saturday.
The French administration has blinked in the face of the Yellow Jacket protests with France Prime Minister Edouard Philippe on Tuesday declaring a roll back of the fuel tax hike that had resulted in violent protests across the country, latest reports said.
According to the BBC, the suspension in the tax hike will be in place for six months. Philippe said the people's anger must be heard and the measures would only be implemented after debate with the affected people.
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