Emmanuel Macron's government yesterday defended a financial relief package to quell the "yellow vest" revolt over taxes and living standards, hoping to end protests which have spiralled into violence in Paris and other cities.

Over 21 million people watched a visibly contrite Macron declare a "state of economic and social emergency" in a televised address Monday, promising billions of euros in aid for the lowest earners.

It was a stark retreat for the 40-year-old former investment banker, who until now had vigorously argued his tax policies and economic reforms were the only way to prepare France for the challenges of the 21st century.

The new measures, including a 100-euro jump in the minimum wage next year, are expected to cost

up to 11 billion euros ($12.5 billion) - and are likely to put France on a collision course with Brussels.

The government had already scrapped fuel tax increases set for January - a core demand of the yellow vests - which will cost a further 4.5 billion euros.

The country's deficit is likely to exceed the EU's mandated 3.0 percent of GDP limit at least "temporarily," Richard Ferrand, the parliament president from Macron's Republic on the Move party, told RTL radio.

Having "a stable France" is the priority as the protests expose deep social divisions while taking a heavy economic toll, Ferrand said, adding: "We can't continue like this."

Even so, the measures might not mollify enough protesters to call off road blockades and weekly demonstrations in Paris which have seen fierce clashes with police and extensive burning and looting over the past two Saturdays.

Although some "yellow vests" were open to Macron's olive branches, others said they were not ready to call a halt to the protests. The "yellow vest" movement which erupted via social media in October has enjoyed broad public support, but recent surveys suggest it may be waning.

An OpinionWay poll for LCI television after Macron's speech showed 54 percent wanting the "yellow vest" protests to halt, compared with 46 percent in favour of further action.

Prime Minister Edouard Philippe was to present the fine print of Macron's proposals to lawmakers yesterday.

Amid the protests. Macron's ratings have sunk, with a recent poll showing just 23 percent approved his actions.

Some protesters were quick to dismiss Macron’s loosening of government purse strings, vowing to hold a fifth straight Saturday of protests in the capital this weekend.

"It's just window dressing for the media, some trivial measures, it almost seems like a provocation," said Thierry, a 55-year-old bicycle mechanic at a roundabout blockade in the southern town of Le Boulou.