Unfortunately, the CINL here is not protecting users. Nobody wants those annoying Cookie reminders. I believe this is just a form of taxation that they are not able to get in another way.
Yes, it's about user protection because it was unclear that a popup was gathering consent to be tracked, and impossible to refuse to give it.
What more proof do you need that this is for users? Do you think the French government has to beg for its budget from private companies?