French President Emmanuel Macron has promised to lift the minimum wage in France, following weeks of violent protests led by the “gilet jaunes” (yellow vest) demonstrators.
Among the measures Macron announced in a bid to appease the protestors is a rise of €100 (£90) a month in the minimum wage, and “a scrap on taxes and social contributions for overtime hours worked”, The Local says.
A planned tax on pensions under €2,000 a month is also likely to be cancelled, and employers “who can” will be encouraged to give workers a tax-free bonus at the end of the year, The Guardian reports.
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Appearing in a pre-taped televised address to the nation, the French president apologised to the demonstrators over his apparent lack of empathy for their demands, while still condemning the violence that has overtaken French streets for the past four weeks.
“I may have given you the impression that this was not my concern, that I had other priorities. I take my share of responsibility. I know I have hurt some of you with my words,” he said.
“No anger justifies attacking a police officer, a gendarme, or damaging a shop or public building. When violence is unleashed, freedom ends,” Macron added.