France’s Prime Minister Edouard Philippe met with students in Bonn and businessmen in Cologne during a visit to Germany, where he addressed a range of issues – from the “yellow vests” protests that have rocked France to battling eurosceptic parties in the European Parliament elections in May.
The “yellow vests” demonstrations have been marred by violence that has led to shopping districts and tourist hotspots having to close down on some weekends.
French companies have this week revealed some 60 million euros ($69 million) of lost business from the protests.
Philippe was invited by North-Rhine Westphalia premier Armin Laschet to explain the reforms implemented in France in the last 18 months.