There is an assumption here that a fuel tax will help the French govt reduce emissions that contribute to climate change. I have to ask how?



The extra money will go to the govt, there is no guarantee that it will be used for research on methods to reduce carbon emissions or subsidies to sequester carbon.



The gilets jaunes obviously do not believe that a new fuel tax will do anything to combat climate change. It's just another tax on lower income people.



If money is needed to create a French network of EV charging stations, if subsidies are needed to bring the cost of EV vehicles down to the point where they are affordable to the majority - then let the French state run a budget deficit sufficient to pay for what is needed.



For that matter let all of the EU countries run deficits sufficient to be able to upgrade infrastructure to reduce carbon emissions.



The 3% EU budget rule, the thrust towards the schwarze null, this is the problem. If the Euro cannot survive without austerity then the Euro should go.



People should come first. The battle against climate change should take priority over the worship of the Euro.