Protests across France 🇫🇷 against labour reforms

Thousands of people took to the streets across France to protest against President Emmanuel Macron's plans to make the country's laws more flexible.

A day of strikes and demonstrations was launched by France's biggest trade union, the CGT, on Tuesday opposing Macron's reforms, which are intended to tackle high unemployment by loosening the rules that govern how businesses hire and fire staff.

"What is going to be a surprise is when he ends up giving ground," far-left leader Jean-Luc Melenchon told reporters as he joined a protest in the southern port of Marseille.

Compensation for unfair dismissal would also be capped, a move that has particularly angered unions, along with steps to make it easier for foreign-based companies to lay off staff in struggling French operations.

Recent polls show that only around 40 percent of French voters are satisfied with Macron's performance, with analysts putting the disappointment down to a combination of gaffes and poor communication.

UCJ, UNILORIN.