French President meets with Union Leaders to Discuss Economic Crisis

On Wednesday, February 18th, French President Nicolas Sarkozy met with union leaders to discuss the economic crisis in France. The party of people that met with the President included 5 of the leaders from the largest employee unions and three of the organizations that represent France's employers. The purpose of Wednesday's meeting was to address the concerns and dissatisfaction of the French public. Some of the concerns included growing unemployment, wages increases, social welfare measures and sustained investment. There was a poll conducted before the meeting and it concluded that '60% of the population has a negative perception of their governments in response to the economic crisis.'

Sarzoky states that it is very important to create better unemployment benefits, especially for the younger citizens. He was expected to offer some ideas about consumer boosting policies. These include increased aid to part-time workers and tax-breaks to France's lowest income earners.

After month-long strike on the French island or Guadaloupe the people of France realize that the President must do something. The strikes have evolved into a mess of gunfire, barricades, looting and arson. Sarzoky is willing to comprimise, which does not happen often, because he does not wish for these strikes to heighten any further than they have. The meeting on Wednesday could be just what the country needs to calm the protests and become a more stable economy.