RESPONSES OF FRENCH SOCIAL LAW TO THE ECONOMIC CRISIS

In France, the government has addressed the issue of the public deficit. However, it continues to say it wants to fulfill the electoral promises of candidate Hollande. For the time being, the measures taken pertain to a way of return to social treatment of unemployment, known in the past and partially abandoned by the Sarkozy government. The measures announced on protection of workers from the crisis seem to be put into standby. Generally, at present, it is difficult to discern one or more logics of government action. However, it is clear that, moving away from the election campaign speeches, it is a priority to support the economic recovery and competitiveness. With regard to the presidency of Nicolas Sarkozy, the only change seems to stem from the method. The new government calls for the pursuit of economic competitiveness through social dialogue. One wonders if there is here a real manipulation of the social partners, and in particular of certain unions, which can only make a left-wing government. Instead, it is clear that the current government is in line with the previous dynamic of activation and reduction of social expenditures. The essential idea is that social dialogue should help improve economic competitiveness.