๐ซ๐ท Emmanuel Macron
OPINION: Macron must tackle French fuel prices or risk populist oil fire in 2027

What happened
Fuel prices in France have risen above the levels that sparked the Gilets Jaunes movements, boosting the chances of a populist victory in the upcoming presidential election. The current government's response to high fuel prices is seen as inadequate and poorly understood. The government's announcement of a "golden rule" to return extra VAT earnings to motorists has been criticized for being cumbersome and inadequate.
Why it matters
The high cost of diesel and petrol is fuelling an already destructive mood towards "les รฉlites" and may lead to a populist victory in the upcoming election, which could have significant implications for France's political landscape.
Key facts
- 60% of fuel price cost goes to taxes
- Only VAT increases with fuel prices
- A claw-back tax on oil companies' profits is being discussed in other EU capitals
Topics
Publisher evidence used
Reporting attributed to thelocal.fr. WorldLeadersNews links readers to the publisher and does not present a headline-only item as a full article analysis.
Related leaders
