French Protests Continue to Push for Status Quo

Mass protests swept through France Tuesday as students and unionists protested the "contrat premiere embauche," otherwise known as the CPE. Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin, with support from President Jacques Chirac, claim the law will create job opportunities for young people. Opponents, composed of millions of actual young people, point out that making it easier to fire those under the age of 26 does little is an opportunity they could do without. Over 130 protests took place across France and more are scheduled for April 4.