President François Hollande admitted on Wednesday that 2014 had been a difficult year for France, but said government reforms would help boost the country’s sluggish economy during an annual New Year’s speech, reports FRANCE 24.
Speaking on live television, the president said the French had “every reason to feel confident” about the future and should “reject the status quo”.
“France is not about nostalgia, it is about hopefulness”, Hollande said in a nine minute speech centred largely on the economy. “France can transform itself. I know that you are ready,” he added later.
Hollande, who has struggled this year with a very slow economy and steadily rising unemployment figures, delivered the annual address from his ornate office in the Elysée presidential palace.
He said reforms championed by prime minister Manuel Valls and economy minister Emmanuel Macron, both of whom were promoted to their key cabinet posts this year, would succeed in spurring growth and creating jobs if given a chance by business and union leaders.
He said the measures, some of which go into effect on January 1, would give businesses the flexibility they have asked for, but would also protect workers.