"People do not want to pay large sums of money, much to third world countries (that are questionably run), in order to maybe protect the environment," he said.

The French protests, by a group referred to as the gilets jaunes for their yellow vests, began about a month ago over increases in fuel taxes and have been violent. The nationwide protesters also want a higher minimum wage and are critical of French President Emmanuel Macron's economic policies.

The higher fuel taxes in question were aimed at helping reduce pollution from vehicles by encouraging drivers to get more environmentally friendly vehicles, but critics say they disproportionately affect poor and rural drivers.