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More information on what the newly implemented law is about:
French students have been demonstrating, sometimes violently, against a new labour law for the under-26s which will make it easier for businesses to hire and fire young people.
Q. What does the controversial law say?

The law creating the First Employment Contract (Contrat Premiere Embauche or CPE) was passed by parliament as part of a broader bill on equal opportunities which will come into effect in April.

The CPE is new work contract for under-26s with a two-year trial period. In that period, employers can terminate the contract without having to offer an explanation or give prior warning. For other employees, the trial period is usually 1-3 months.

After the two-year trial period, the contract reverts to a standard full-time contract.

Q. Why was it introduced?

President Jacques Chirac and the government of Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin claim that it is a way to get more people into work, as they seek to tackle France's high unemployment rates and stagnant labour market.

France has one of Europe's highest youth unemployment rates. More than 20% of its 18 to 25-year-olds are unemployed - double the national average of 9.6%.

Q. What are the arguments for and against?

The government argues the measure will boost opportunities for young workers, many of whom can only find short-term contract work at best.

Some employers say they are reluctant to take on new staff because of the difficulties of firing them if they prove unsuitable or are no longer needed.

However, critics warn the new legislation could make it even harder for young people to find a permanent job, and it could be misused by larger employers.

A CSA poll in Le Parisien newspaper on Thursday suggested that 68% of French people wanted the government to withdraw the measure.

Trades unionists and student leaders say they fear it will lead to exploitation. They are calling for measures to stimulate job creation instead.

Classes at two-thirds of the country's universities have been disrupted by strikes and sit-ins.

Q. Are these street protests connected to last year's riots?

Youth unemployment and lack of opportunities were widely blamed for last year's riots in France poorest communities.

The government says the new law will help jobless youngsters in those areas, where youth unemployment can reach 40%.

Q. What is at stake for Prime Minister de Villepin?

After last year's riots, this is the second serious crisis Mr de Villepin has had to deal with during his first year in office.

He has said that he is prepared to negotiate on some aspects of the law, but not to withdraw it.

He still enjoys the support of President Chirac, who has called for dialogue but insists that the CPE is an "important element" in fighting youth unemployment.

However, the issue could further test Mr de Villepin's leadership - opinion polls suggest most people think the prime minister, who has presidential ambitions, has handled the reform clumsily.