Sarkozy puts pensions before more important reforms

A general public transport strike has hit France this October 18th. Trade Unions are protesting against the government's intended reform of the 'special regime' pension scheme that certain State employees benefit from. Sylvain Besson considers that the real question lies elsewhere. "The message given by the unions who called for the strike is more wide-reaching: although elected by 53% of the French, Nicolas Sarkozy will not be able to apply his programme without resistance. You can even bet that resistance will arise in all the sectors concerned by his reforms. By placing the abolition of special regimes before other, more important measures (new workers' rights, the reduction of fees taken out of salaries and company taxes ...), the French president is taking a considerable risk. He is neither willing nor able to change his mind, because that would give an impression of weakness that would compromise his future plans."

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