French Prime Minister Manuel Valls has forced a controversial labour reform bill through parliament without a vote.
French Prime Minister Manuel Valls has forced a controversial labour reform bill through parliament without a vote.
Valls resorted to a measure known as the “49-3”, which allows the government to sidestep a parliamentary debate and a vote on proposed legislation, for a third time in order to transform the bill into law.
Addressing the lower house Prime Minister Manuel Valls argued that the bill was necessary to create jobs and make the economy more competitive.
The bill led to months of violent clashes between police and leftist protesters who accuse the Socialist government of trampling on democracy and dismantling hard-won worker protections.
The bill weakens union powers, makes layoffs easier and extends the working week.
France: Balance sheet of the movement against the labour law https://t.co/ozZO4nzHCK pic.twitter.com/N6IB7oKnmE
— Socialist Appeal (@socialist_app) July 20, 2016