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France delays tax hike amid protests

PARIS — The French government, after Paris’ worst rioting in decades, delayed an increase in energy taxes Tuesday — but it was seen as “too little, too late” by many protesters whose anger seems increasingly focused on embattled President Emmanuel Macron. 

Demonstrators blocked several fuel depots and, on a highway near the southern city of Aubagne, commandeered a toll booth to let motorists pass for free near a sign reading “Macron dictator.”

The protests began Nov. 17 with motorists upset over the fuel tax increase, but have grown to encompass complaints about the stagnant economy, social injustice and France’ tax system, one of the highest in Europe. Some now call for leaders to resign.

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