Nickname: capitalist

Review: What happens in France shows that France is more and more becoming a Communist country. It is emphasizing the gap between capitalist countries such as the U.S. and Communist countries such as Russia and now France.

Date reviewed: Apr 11, 2006 2:26 PM

Nickname: French_in_the_USA

Review: My country is going to hit the wall soon. The sooner it realizes it the better it will be for the next worker generations. Until then they have a job as striker or policeman! Wake up France!

Date reviewed: Apr 1, 2006 6:21 AM

Nickname: johnie

Review: This law will make it easier for employers to let go of employees who might not be doing their jobs properly, or at a time when the business is not doing well financially etc. It will also make it easier for young people to be hired, and will put more money in their pockets and give them some confidence in themselves. It may also generate spending power, which in turn helps the economy, and could lower unemployment. But this law won't work alone; a lot of other reform is needed. Not least in the French national psyche.

Date reviewed: Mar 31, 2006 11:35 AM

Nickname: johnie

Review: In relation to what Roberto was saying about most foreigners being misguided, and that France lives in the 21st century: Yes, you are correct, but only with their old 20th century rules and regs. Coming from another democracy (Ireland) I also agree that you need a counterpower to keep the balance. However, from what I have seen here, the counterpower represents the majority and that counterpower is the one that wants to keep the old system and old ways and not embrace change. Everybody here does what they're told but takes to the streets when they get a whiff of change. It was admired for a long time by foreigners but now it's just plain ridiculous. Sometimes in a democracy and in a country where the economy is going down the pan you just have to accept things that may not be popular.

Date reviewed: Mar 31, 2006 11:30 AM

Nickname: Johnie

Review: France needs to stop living in the past. All people want here is to work their 35hr week and no more. They moan and groan about their economy & the price of things but are not willing to change anything. Their once envied social model is an old concept now and badly needs updating. Also everything here is paper work, I won't be at all surprised if one day I'm ask to fill out a form to use a public toilet. A serious injection of capitalism is what's wanted here, and element of risk. But too many French people prefer to play it safe, get their cozy job for life, and retire early if possible. Those days are gone for most countries. The protestors talk about holding onto job stability, but where is the stability? In some areas over 20% of them are jobless. The national way of thinking needs to be changed. There is a world outside your garden, don't be afraid, go and explore.......

Date reviewed: Mar 31, 2006 11:16 AM

Nickname: Roberto

Review: Most foreigners are tragically misguided. France lives in the 21st Century. The fact is now no democracy can be healthy if there isn't a counterpower. I have been living abroad for 11 years and I can see the strengths and weaknesses of the French society. Everyone concurs there is a malaise in France. I think there is a malaise in all western nations. Religion is a matter quite serious. Do I need to remind you of the very recent Mahomet Cartoon issue? The CPE is good, in essence. However the Prime Minister's attitude is outrageous. How would you feel if somebody told you that a law has been voted without your consent and from now on because of the age group you belong to. Your employer can hire you and fire you with no explanations whatsoever. Do you realized how difficult it is going to be to get a mortgage, to plan a future, you have postponed for two years. We are not all equal emotionally, some people can cope with this, others can't. Roberto

Date reviewed: Mar 29, 2006 12:57 PM

Nickname: Gordon

Review: The french are rightfully mistrustful of attempts to increase corporate control of their society. Labor laws create the rules by which companies "play" and leave people time and dignity to live lives, raise kids, take care of aging parents, etc. Fully counting US unemployment and under-employment would be a sobering comparison. Ask any recent US college grad about their job opportunities and the most likely answer you'll hear is: "Starbucks, until I find something permanent..."

Date reviewed: Mar 23, 2006 2:47 AM

Nickname: Rocky

Review: Its about time France entered into the real world. There no longer are jobs for life. If more people were self employed they would realise you need to work for a living and not rely on the system to back you up all the time.So come on France.Join the 21st Century and stop teaching your children 'If you want something,strike'.

Date reviewed: Mar 22, 2006 2:08 PM

Nickname: Patrick

Review: I run a small business on the outskirts of Lisbon, Portugal and similar hire and fire laws apply. It is almost impossible to fire someone, no matter what the discression of the employee. The aim of every employee is to pass the 2 week probatinary period. Then, comes 3 contracts of 'x' months, during which period the employer has the discression to terminate an employee. After the the 3 contract terms are complete the employee becomes PERMANENT & virtually impossible to terminate. In this country an employee works for 11 months & recieves 14 months salary. Of course, many of these labor laws were constructed in the past when much of the employment was provided by the State. Our politicians are all employees of the state and it is in their interest to maintain the stastus quo. Is there any wonder there is high unemployment in many of our socialist leaning countries with their draconian labor laws. It is a wonder Europe works at all.

Date reviewed: Mar 22, 2006 9:55 AM