France’s 35-hour week should not be put ‘on pedestal’, says Macron

French Economy minister Emmanuel Macron said on 20 November 2014 that the 35-hour work week introduced in France by a Socialist government in 2000 had given off a "negative signal" and should not be sacrosanct.

EurActiv considered these statements to have breached a major left-wing taboo in France. Despite persistent unemployment above 10% and weak growth, no member of President François Hollande's government had yet publicly criticised one of the shortest legal working weeks in the world.

Reacting to the statement, the Socialist Party's secretary-general Jean-Francois Cambadelis rejected any change to the working hours.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: French debate on 35-hour week misses point http://www.europeansources.info/record/french-debate-on-35-hour-week-misses-point/

ESO: Background information: Hollande hints he may not seek re-election if unemployment keeps rising http://www.europeansources.info/record/read-my-lips-no-new-taxes-says-hollande-hollande-hints-he-may-not-seek-re-election-if-unemployment-keeps-rising/

EurActiv, 24.11.14: French Socialist chief says 'non' to 35-hour week review http://www.euractiv.com/sections/social-europe-jobs/french-socialist-chief-says-non-35-hour-week-review-310241

BBC News, 24.11.14: French come out fighting for their economic reputation http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-30104086

The New York Times, 02.12.14: In France, New Review of 35-Hour Workweek ww.nytimes.com/2014/11/27/business/international/france-has-second-thoughts-on-its-35-hour-workweek.html

France24, 30.09.15: Sarkozy says French firms should decide on 35-hour week http://www.france24.com/en/20150930-sarkozy-french-firms-decide-35-hour-week-socialists-economy

The Local.fr, 28.08.15: Minister: 35-hour week not working in France http://www.thelocal.fr/20150828/french-minister-takes-aim-at-35-hour-working-week

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