Thousands of unemployed people have held more marches throughout France in protest at unemployment levels standing at a record 12.4%.

Empty trolleys symbolize poverty

In Paris, the marchers' route took them from the Labour Ministry to the headquarters of the French employers' association. Some pushed empty shopping carts to symbolize their poverty.

Other rallies were held in Marseille, Toulouse and Reims.

The French prime minister, Lionel Jospin, told a news conference that creating jobs by reducing the working week to 35 hours remained his top priority - a measure the employers call a job-killer.

The marches follow more than a month of action by groups of unemployed people.

A live TV debate was hijacked

Protests have included demonstrations and sit-ins at government offices. One enterprising group hijacked a live television debate at the weekend and forced the producers to abandon the original subject and discuss unemployment.

The movement's continuing momentum has triggered speculation that the honeymoon is over for Mr Jospin's left-wing government, which won last year's election.

Many of the current protestors voted for the victorious alliance of socialists, communists and greens. They want to know why unemployment remains above 3 million under a government which came to power pledging to create jobs.

They say they want to see kept the promise to spend state money on cutting the dole queues and they want action soon.

Police break up sit-ins

The government's response has been to send in the police to end the occupation of government buildings. It has also promised an emergency fund of Ffr1bn to help alleviate the situation - including an immediate distribution of Ffr320m of aid for those receiving the lowest unemployment benefits.

The protestors do not like the heavy-handed police tactics. They also say the extra money is not enough. They say they will keep up the pressure until there is more action, including cash, to help the jobless.

Mr Jospin has steadfastly refused to give in to their main demand for higher monthly unemployment benefits. He says he cannot provide more funding without exceeding a budget limited by requirements to qualify for the euro, Europe's single currency, which is due to start next year.
 

Back to top | BBC News Home | BBC Homepage	©