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France's former education minister, Luc Ferry, made the comments. Mr Ferry served in Jacques Chirac’s government. He is now a philosophiser.

Speaking during an interview with Classic Radio, Mr Ferry suggested the French authorities should be permitted to fire weapons at protesters.

He said: “What I don't understand is that we don't give the means to the police to put an end to this violence.”

Mass uprisings in France have been going on since November 17, initially in defiance of rising fuel prices.

The demonstrators have been wearing yellow high-vis jackets, which all French motorists must carry with them by law.

READ MORE: Emmanuel Macron CONDEMNED over response to Yellow Vest protestors