[jyl]

I think the protests are misguided.

However, having a job without the traditional (for France) protections does carry some penalties that aren't obvious. For example, in France the banks typically will not make a mortgage for someone who has an "at-will" job or a job with a fixed duration.

Also, De Villepin used through this law (the CPE law) essentially in secret, bypassing the normal legistative debate and public scrutiny. I think part of the anger is about that as well. The French presumably think that major changes to the social structure deserve a more public debate.

Again, I think the CPE law is a step in the right direction. But I can understand why France is having a hard time getting there.