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President Wants to Intervene in Labor Conflict

French President Jacques Chirac is trying to intervene in the youth labor issues that are plaguing France as of late. Mr. Chirac, according to news reports, wants ministers to start immediate talks on a controversial new labor law intended to curb youth unemployment. The First Labor Contract, or CPE, would enable employers to easily hire young workers (under the age of 26) and fire them without giving a reason beforehand.

The law was the iniative of Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin, who hoped to cut down on unemployment and spur growth. But opponents, fearing a change to France`s vaunted labor protections, have launched a series of protests which have seen cars burned in incidents reminiscent of the riots of last fall which hit France hard.

Interior Minister Nicolas Sarkozy blames the violence on a group of delinquents from the far left and far right, but said the vast majority had demonstrated peacefully. However, in various incidents more than 50 police officers have been injured in the protests against the initiative.