French government to force through labor reform without lawmakers' vote

French Prime Minister Manuel Valls Tuesday announced government decision to impose the controversial reform of labor code without lawmakers' vote due to lack of majority and continued rebellion even in the Socialist ruling camp.

Following an emergency cabinet meeting, ministers agreed on the use of the 49-3 decree of the Constitution to force through labor code reform after the executive failed to gain support of rebels Socialist lawmakers at a meeting earlier on Tuesday.

"We have a coherent and balanced text... Ministers have allowed me to engage the responsibility of the government because the country needs to move forward," Valls was quoted as saying by BMTV news channel.

Under pressure to lower jobless claims, the Socialist government proposed to loosen labor rules by making layoffs easier, reducing overtime pay and economic redundancies and opening to negotiation working hours and holidays.

However, critics say such reform would create more low-paid jobs and further weaken workers' receipts.

With the 49-3 decree, the government will go through with its economic law without the Parliament's vote but risks losing the confidence vote.

Opponents could censure the government and seek no-confidence vote in the next 24 hours. They can proposed a motion and if it fails the law would be adopted.

In 2015, the government has used the constitutional mechanism to force through controversial economic measures.

Source: XINHUA