There is not a single good article in English about the French tax protests and riots occurring all around that nation. This is the journalism we must endure.

It’s not about fuel tax increases, really, as the English-speaking press reports. That’s just the spark. The real animus behind the tumult is regressive, neoliberal-style taxes levied against the French people. Being regressive, they will and are hitting average workers and wage-earners much harder than they are the rich. That is Macron and his ilk’s modus operandi. Why spend your money when you can take it from the workers?

Particularly telling is the “frais bancaires.” That means “bank fees.” Who pays bank fees? Not anyone with money. And electricity tax up 17%? Hugely regressive. “PV stationnement” is a roadworthiness certificate, kind of like inspections some states in the US have.