Embracing economic reform, slowly

Yves Thréard

Le Figaro

It’s strike season in France, and the complainers are out in force, said Yves Thréard in Paris’ Le Figaro. Demonstrators have again taken to the streets to protest pension reforms. Half the country’s trains are at a standstill, fishermen have blockaded northern ports, and the whole country is grumbling about the cost of living. As usual, everyone blames the government for all their ills, and President Sarkozy is getting the brunt of it. Yet under the surface there are definite signs of change. Labor laws have been loosened, and although Sarkozy has disappointed some by not scrapping the 35-hour workweek, many people are taking advantage of new tax breaks to work longer hours. As a result, economic growth this year has been better than predicted and unemployment has declined “spectacularly.” Polls now show that six in 10 people support the reforms. Even this year’s strikes were tame compared with past efforts. The French are still in “a big sulk,” but in their hearts they understand that they need to change their old ideas, even if it hurts.

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