France Link

France labour dispute: Hollande 'won't back down' over protests

Speaking from G7 summit in Japan, French president insisted the changes that have sparked protests, strikes and blockades are 'good reforms'.

La rédaction de Mediapart

This article is freely available.

French president François Hollande insists he will not back down over labour market reforms as trade unions threaten to escalate their protests, reports the BBC.

Many oil depots and refineries remain under union blockade. Shortages have caused long queues at petrol stations.

"I will stay the course because I think these are good reforms," Mr Hollande said. However, prime minister Manuel Valls has signalled that the reform package could be modified.

Thursday saw many protest rallies.

"Continue and step up the actions," eight unions said in a joint call after the day of action.

On Thursday, 77 protesters were arrested and 15 police officers injured in clashes, though the union demonstrations were mainly peaceful.

The BBC's Hugh Schofield in Paris says fuel supplies are now reaching petrol stations, but the unions are in no mood to ease off the protests.

The wave of opposition is a major challenge for the socialist government, which does not want to alienate many of its natural voters.

The French TF1 news network says police have started dismantling protesters' roadblocks at the Donges oil depot in western France.

Read more of this report from the BBC.