French president Francois Hollande says he won't back down on labor market reform
(VOVworld) - French President Francois Hollande on Tuesday said he would not withdraw the labor market reforms which have sparked two months of street protests and led to an unsuccessful attempt to bring down the government.
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France's President Francois Hollande speaks during a morning radio show on Europe 1 station on May 17, 2016 in Paris (Photo: AFP)
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In an interview with Europe 1 radio, President Holland promised tougher action against troublemakers who have infiltrated street protests, damaged property and provoked confrontations with riot police. The president said more than 1,000 people had already been arrested and that 350 police officers had been injured in the violence.
The labor market reform draft law hopes to encourage companies to employ more workers, helping reduce the current unemployment rate by 10 percent. However, many are opposed to the draft law, saying it will only benefit employers. Labor market reform is one of the top priorities for President Hollande during the rest of his term.