Zeenews Bureau
Paris: France's Prime Minister, Jean-Marc Ayrault, hinted on Tuesday that the 35-hour week, a great experimental reform introduced by Socialist party in 2000 can be reconsidered.
Asked about the possibility of restoring the 39-hour week during a meeting with newspaper readers, he said, "Why not? There is no taboo."
His comments created a political storm in the country and Ayrault had to hastily withdraw his comments.
The prime minister then told another broadcaster, France Info: "I said nothing was taboo but this is simply not a cause the government advocates. There will be no rolling back on the 35-hour week because it is not the cause of our difficulties."
Earlier President Francois Hollande, had tried to dilute the law while in office.
The apparent reason for such reforms comes due to inability of the Socialists government to revive the economy. The comments also holds importance as it comes just before the government-commissioned report to be revealed on proposals to boost industrial competitiveness.
First Published: Tuesday, October 30, 2012, 22:32