French drivers will block roads across the country on Saturday in protest over President Emmanuel Macron's policy of raising petrol and diesel taxes in order to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels. The protestors, who nicknamed themselves "yellow vests" after fluorescent vests all drivers have to carry in their cars, will target tollbooths, roundabouts and the bypass that circles Paris.
The French government responded by threatening to send police patrols against the protestors and issuing fines to all who take part in the roadblocks. Earlier this week, French Interior Minister Christophe Castaner described the protests as "irrational" and vowed to deploy police if the roadblocks prevent emergency services from reaching their targets. Meanwhile, President Macron reaffirmed his policy of raising taxes on diesel and petrol, saying that he prefers "to tax fuel to than to tax workers." The president added that transport assistance will be offered to those who have to travel more than 30 kilometers a day.
