French minister wants to end 35-hour workweek

Potential change to French labour law triggers controversy.

During his first week as France’s economy minister, Emmanuel Macron has signaled he wants to relax the country’s controversial 35-hour workweek. The 36-year-old former banker and economic adviser to President Francois Hollande is known for his embrace of market liberalisation.

Macron’s comments on relaxing labour hour limits to a French magazine just before his nomination set off a fierce debate. Proponents welcome the idea, arguing the labour law failed to revive the sluggish economy.