But weeks-long unrest by left-leaning labour unions against the policies of a Socialist government is unprecedented. The European Championship football tournament began in Paris on Friday, and its successful conduct needs the help of France’s workers and security personnel. The unions that began the strike on May 17 are demanding that the government abandon a bill to reform France’s strict labour laws. François Hollande, one of the most unpopular presidents in modern France, has to jump-start reforms to spur growth before next year’s presidential elections. The government appears determined to move ahead with the reform plan despite the strike, which has already affected fuel distribution in parts of France.

Source: The Hindu June 10, 2016 19:18 UTC