MOSCOW (Sputnik) – The reform, aimed to make the country's labor relations more flexible, would allow the companies to fire employees with less difficulty. According to media reports, the French government will present the draft bill on March 24.
"I never did and I will not blackmail to resign. Narcissism, egotism and whims — I leave that to others," Valls told French Le Journal Du Dimanche newspaper, commenting on rumors that he was ready to put at stake his position as the prime minister to pass the bill.
Many French employers are reluctant to hire permanent workers, as it takes considerable time and money to lay them off. The government believes the reform would allow France to become more competitive and address unemployment.
The initiative has already faced criticism from trade unions, students and several politicians from the ruling Socialist party.
