News National
Macron makes urgent attempt to calm tensions in New Caledonia - French President Emmanuel Macron has said that French security forces will remain in New Caledonia as long as necessary. Macron made an urgent visit to the Pacific territory this week in an attempt to calm tensions after more than a week of riots that have left six dead. Today Thursday 23rd May, the French head of state is due to hold talks with local leaders who fear that the change to voting rights which has caused the backlash, undermines longstanding efforts to secure independence. Macron’s visit has provoked mixed reactions among local politicians.
Unemployment reform planned to be unveiled next week - Meanwhile at home the French government is banking on a new unemployment benefit reform to make a saving of 3.6 billion euros and see the creation of some 90,000 jobs. The objectives were set out by France’s Minister of Labour on Wednesday with plans to unveil the reform at the beginning of next week. French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal had announced on March 27th a new reform of unemployment benefits in order to fill a growing public deficit. The Prime Minister notably planned to reduce the duration of compensation for job seekers by several months. The announcement was at the time, strongly criticized by the opposition and the unions. In an interview with L'Express published on Wednesday, French President Emmanuel Macron praised the planned reform which according to him would “strengthen the effectiveness of France’s compensation system a
