What is driving the nationwide protests in France?

Demonstrators clash with riot police at the Arc de Triomphe during a protest of Yellow vests (Gilets jaunes) against rising oil prices and living costs on December 1, 2018 in Paris. -AFP

The Yellow Vests protests in France against increases in fuel prices and living costs actually began on Nov 17, before the violence in Paris on Saturday (Dec 1).

The protests take their name from the yellow reflective jackets all motorists in France must carry in their vehicles.