Macron calls for meeting with rioters to end nationwide rallies over hike in diesel tax

Embattled French President Emmanuel Macron has called for a meeting with political leaders and demonstrators to end the nationwide protests over hike in diesel tax.

Reports say Macron has delegated his Prime Minister to lead a crisis meeting after rioters turned central Paris into a battle zone.

Read also: RISING FUEL TAX: French security forces fire tear gas, water cannons to disperse angry protesters

The French presidency said in a statement that Macron also asked his interior minister to prepare security forces for future protests but no discussion on imposing a state of emergency has been taken yet.

Two days ago, French police arrested no less than 207 protesters on the Champs Elysees avenue in Paris who were demonstrating over the increase in diesel tax.

Reports say police fired tear gas, stun grenades and water cannon to disperse “yellow-vest” protesters trying to breach security cordons in the capital.

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