French will smile next year

POSITIVE EFFECT WILL BE FELT IN 12 TO 18 MONTHS, SAYS MINISTER

The positive impact of a raft of labour market reforms introduced by French President Emmanuel Macron will be felt within 12 to 18 months, Junior Economy Minister Benjamin Griveaux said during a visit to London yesterday.

Speaking the day after one of France’s three major labour unions staged demonstrations against the reform package, Griveaux said it was important to implement the plans early in Macron’s five-year term so that the benefits could be felt by the French people as soon as possible.

Asked about a slump in Macron’s popularity, Griveaux said: “If you run a country by watching your popularity rating every day, you don’t do much.”

French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said yesterday he would pay attention to demonstrations against his planned labour reforms, but pledged to push through with them.

Thousands of trade unionists marched through French cities on Tuesday to protest against Macron’s labour law reforms, although turnout appeared lower than at demonstrations in previous years.

After weeks of negotiations, the government last month set out measures, including a cap on payouts for dismissals judged unfair, and greater freedom for companies to hire and fire.

Philippe said while he was paying close attention to the protests, the election had nevertheless shown a willingness by French citizens to back the reforms.

“I am listening and I am paying attention. But let me allow myself to state that the French, when they vote, also have a right to be treated with respect. And the reform that we are putting in place, it was announced by the President at the time of the election,” he told France 2 television. –