Macron's popularity hits new low amid French protests: Poll
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The first "yellow vest" demonstrations were held on November 17 to contest fuel-tax rises, and have since evolved into a broader protest movement.
French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Edouard Philippe's approval ratings hit new lows as the "yellow vest" protests gathered pace, according to an Ifop-Fiducial poll for Paris Match and Sud Radio published on Tuesday.
Macron's approval rating fell to 23 per cent in the poll conducted late last week, down six points on the previous month. Philippe's rating fell 10 points to 26 per cent.
The president's score matches the low charted by his predecessor Francois Hollande in late 2013, according to Paris Match. Hollande was then considered to be the least popular leader in modern French history.
The first "yellow vest" demonstrations were held on November 17 to contest fuel-tax rises, and have since evolved into a broader protest movement and anti-Macron uprising.
Protests in Paris on December 1 turned particularly violent, with the Arc de Triomphe defaced and avenues off Paris's Champs Elysees suffering mass vandalism.
A government source said on Tuesday that the French government is preparing to suspend fuel tax increases in the wake of violent protests against the measures.
The source added that Prime Minister Edouard Philippe was due to announce the suspension later on Tuesday.