And a lot of young Gauls would like to keep it that way. From the BBC:
Large crowds took part in peaceful rallies in Paris, Rennes, Marseilles, Grenoble and Nantes. Air traffic and transport in 35 cities experienced some disturbances.
The government wants to let firms offer job contracts to people under 26 which would make it easier for them to be fired at short notice.
Speaking in parliament, Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin defended the plan, saying that France must be brave and take steps to keep moving forward in a changing world. "For 20 years now, insecurity has been the daily reality for many young people in our country. I refuse to do nothing," he said. Critics warn that the new legislation, which currently only applies to small firms, could be misused by larger employers and make it even harder for young people to find a permanent job.
Villepin is of course correct, and let us hope he sticks to his pistolets. French labor law is a good example of socialist policies which perpetuate privilege among those who have jobs while harming those who want to get jobs. If its almost impossible to fire someone, you hire only people you are comfortable with. Its easy to get a job in France if you are not Arab or Black, and have a dad who is already part of the network. Otherwise, well, there is always burning cars to occupy your time. You will notice that the complexion of the protesters in the photo is monochrome.
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