Watch: French President Emmanuel Macron's desperate appeal to Paris protesters

  • 11/12/2018

French President Emmanuel Macron has made a desperate appeal to protesters demanding changes to economic policy.

In a televised address, Mr Macron offered an apology and pay rises, but it looks like his appeal won't get the people off the streets.

The yellow vest protesters - known in French as the 'gilets jaunes' - have been squaring off against riot police for four weeks now, who responded with stun grenades, tear gas, rubber bullets and water cannon.

Under deepening pressure to defuse the fury, Mr Macron has taken his share of the responsibility, telling the French public, "I may have given the impression that I did not care about you, that I had other priorities."

"I also know I have hurt some of you with my words."

He promised new measures to take place immediately, including raising the minimum wage to NZ$167 a month - that's roughly NZ$17 an hour. He's also called for tax cuts for retirees, and asked companies to give tax-free year-end bonuses.

But watching the speech from a roadside camp, yellow vest protesters seemed unimpressed.

"I think we're going to be here until Christmas," a 23-year-old told CBS News. 

"He's taking us for idiots - it is garbage - he's got to go."

There is no set list of demands from the protesters - it's largely a working class revolt and a distrust of the man they call the 'President of the Rich'.

Newshub.