Yoan Valat, Pool, AFP | French President Emmanuel Macron meets with representatives of trade unions, employers' organisations and local elected officials at the Élysée Palace in Paris, December 10, 2018.

President Emmanuel Macron is addressing the French nation as he seeks to engage with the Yellow Vest protesters who have grabbed international attention after taking to the streets of Paris for four successive weekends.

Advertising Read more

Before his speech at 8pm Paris time (7pm GMT), Macron on Monday morning met with trade unions, employers’ organisations and local elected officials as well as the head of both chambers of the French parliament, as he tries to formulate a response to the movement that emerged from an angry Facebook post to take France by storm.

On Sunday, workers in Paris and other French cities swept up broken glass and towed away burnt-out cars while the government warned of slower economic growth and the judiciary said it would come down hard on looting and attacks on police.

On Saturday, protesters, for the fourth weekend in a row, threw stones, torched cars and vandalised shops and restaurants in a protest against Macron’s economic policies.

Click on the video player above to watch Macron's speech live.

Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morning Subscribe