The French government has decided to suspend oil tax hikes that have caused a nationwide "yellow vest" protest.

The French government, which has been steadily raising oil taxes with the aim of turning it into an eco-friendly economy and encouraging the use of renewable energies, has faced strong opposition from its citizens, resulting in the failure of its policies.

French Prime Minister Eduardo Filipovic said on Tuesday that he would halt the fuel tax for six months.

The French government has decided to postpone the fuel tax increase planned for January next year for half a year.

Before the announcement of the prime minister 's speech, rumors were raised that the minimum wage would be raised, but it was not included in the announcement.

The prime minister said more time will be needed to discuss additional measures to alleviate the burden of poor middle-class households who are commuting to their jobs with their own workers or commuting to work.

In his speech, Prime Minister Philippe clarified that the government bowed his head in a tax cut demand expressed by the so - called "yellow vest" (Gilets Jaunes) movement in France.

"If you do not want to see or hear the anger expressed this time, you will not be blind or deaf," he said. "Taxes that put the French integrity at risk are useless."

"The yellow vest citizens want tax cuts and jobs, and so is the government. If I and the ruling party can not persuade the public well, there must be a change in the future," he added.

However, he stressed that the protest should be filed in advance, and that the rally should be "calmly progressed." It means that we will not tolerate violent demonstrations.

"The recent situation shows that the French do not want to raise tax rates or create tax breaks," he said. "If the burden falls, the government spending will also decrease, and we will have to hand our huge debt to our children." I pointed out.

Though the deferred plans were suspended due to the strong demands of the citizens, the government expressed its position as very difficult.

About a month ago, in France, "yellow vest" rallies have been held throughout the country demanding nationwide reduction of fuel taxes and welfare for the common people.

On the first day, protests in the Champs-Elysees and the Arc de Triomphe of Paris were fierce, causing fire, plunder, and destruction of cultural property.

The announcement of the prime minister, the yellow vest, said the measures were inadequate and that he would continue the rally.

Benjamin Kose, a spokesperson for the 'yellow vest' movement, appeared on BFM broadcasts and said, "We do not want cake crumbs, we want bread." The government should not temporarily suspend the oil tax increase. I insisted.

The yellow vest movement will continue to hold mass rallies throughout the country on Saturday, the 8th.

(yunhap news)