By Meletus EZE
President Emmanuel Macron is promising a 100-euro monthly rise in France’s minimum wage (about 114 dollars) that will not cost employers anything.
In a 13-minute televised speech addressing the demands of the Yellow Vests protest movement, the president said on Monday he is declaring a “social and economic state of emergency.”
Macron also announced that planned tax rises on pensions will not apply to those with incomes of less than 2,000 euros.
Employers, who can afford it should pay their workers a special end-of-year bonus that will be free of taxes and social charges, Macron said.
Protesters wearing fluorescent yellow safety tops have blocked roads around France since mid-November, initially in protest at planned rises to petrol and diesel taxes.
The demonstrations have since evolved into a broader anti-government movement, with some calling for Macron to resign.
