French Unrest

There are hundreds of thousands of Frenchmen in the streets, protesting a government proposal to give employers expanded rights to dismiss younger employees. Workers under 26 would have a two-year trial period where they could be dismissed without a reason. France has some of the world's most elaborate worker protections; fired employees must be given three months notice and up to three years severance pay.

Students and labor unions have amassed in the streets, clashing with riot police in 'low-level' violence; i.e. rock-throwing. The French authorities have been surprisingly constraint. While issuing standing orders, French Interior Minister Nicolas Sarkozy said, "My first instruction is that you protect the demonstrators, especially the youngest ones. The second instruction is to arrest as many thugs, that means delinquents, as you can."

One commentator said, "It's spring and the French love taking to the streets. They are practically professional at protesting." Regardless, France has seen an unusual amount of civil strife. France erupted in protests this past winter after a Muslim boy was killed, exposing a social rift on racial integration.

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