France has deployed soldiers to Reunion in a bid to stem violence on the Indian Ocean island after protests over fuel prices descended into riots and looting.
Demonstrations in the remote French territory entered a sixth day on Thursday as nationwide opposition to the government’s decision to raise petrol duties continues to rage on.
Schools on the island remained closed for a third consecutive day, with roadblocks constructed by protesters preventing teachers, children and food supplies from reaching them, a statement from the regional administration said.
Discontent over fuel prices has simmered across France for almost a week, with widespread hostility towards tax hikes the government hoped would aid efforts to reduce fossil fuel usage.
However, on Reunion, an island popular with tourists, the protests have unleashed broader anger over poverty, which is much more commonplace than on the mainland.
French president Emmanuel Macron has defended government efforts to boost the economy on Reunion as ordered troops into the area. He called the violence “unacceptable”.
The French military refused to provide details on the deployments.
Local officials said 123 people have been arrested on Reunion since the weekend, while some 30 police officers were injured during clashes with protesters.
Across France, the petrol price protests have left two people dead and hundreds injured.
They are led by drivers who dub themselves the “yellow jackets”, a reference to the neon vests all motorists are required to carry in their cars in case of car trouble.
A new wave of protests is planned for sites around the country over the weekend.
After tensions around an unauthorised protest attempt in Paris last week, the Interior Ministry agreed to allow a gathering on the Champ de Mars, the field stretching out beneath the Eiffel Tower.
Police are under orders to remove drivers blocking sites critical to the French economy such as oil depots and railway stations.
Taxes on diesel fuel have been raised by 7 euro cents (6p) and are scheduled to keep climbing in the coming years, France’s transport minister Elisabeth Borne has said.
The tax on gasoline is to increase 4 euro cents. Gasoline currently costs around 1.64 euro (£1.45) a litre in Paris, slightly more than the cost of diesel.
Additional reporting by AP
