There is a general ill feeling in France that nothing changes ! Farmers repeatedly block roads and unemployment keeps rising just like the cost of living. Yet there always seems to be a reason why nothing can change.
For example....
Farmers complain they are squeezed by supermarkets who buy their products at ever decreasing prices. To survive some Farmers depend on financial aid from the State.
Trade Unions stubbornly oppose all attempts to simplify the 35 hour working week rules, the introduction of work on Sundays and to postpone the age of retirement despite increasing longevity. This frustrates Employers because their companies are strangled by rising social costs, which make them less competitive on International and even National markets !
To cure this stale mate situation, President Hollande has appointed Emmanuel Macron as Minister of the Economy. His main objective is to introduce the necessary Legislation, but even Hollande baulks when this could lead to longer working weeks !
Finally, there are repeated strikes by traditional taxi drivers who want covert "cowboy" drivers, using computer technology to steal customers, to be outlawed ! No solution has been proposed. Originally, traditional taxi drivers had to qualify and pay for their official license and the attached rights !
These examples of moans and groans in France justifiably beg the question : "Who rules in France" ?
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