May 28, 2007
The Sarkozy show hits Brussels
The Nicolas Sarkozy show rolled into Brussels last week and the hyperactive new French president gave a tantalising glimpse of his European agenda.
He wants a tough European position on international trade talks, and for the EU to shield its citizens as they adapt to the rigours of globalisation. So what does he make of the EU’s rules on maximum working hours - health and safety laws designed to protect employees?
Gordon Brown, incoming UK prime minister, will want an answer tout de suite.
For years, keeping Britain’s hard-fought exemption to the EU’s maximum 48-hour week has been one of the UK’s top diplomatic priorities in Brussels.
The idea that an EU law could limit working time and force workers to down tools is a pet hate of the British business lobby.
And who have been the biggest opponents of the loathed British opt-out to the 48-hour week, consistently trying to scrap it? France and Spain.
But with centre-right Sarko’s affection for le Blairisme, and his vow to overhaul France’s semi-sacred 35 hour-week as part of his campaign promise of fundamental reform, what does he make of the British exemption?
No-one seems to know at this stage. But can he run one reform policy at home and a separate one in Europe?
Moreover, Sarko wants to keep Turkey out of the EU as a part of his big EU-agenda. Turkey has to hope that France does not get support from other Member States for this project. Or can his Foreign Minister Kouchner influence him in an other direction?
Posted by: Turkishpolitix | June 21st, 2007 at 11:46 am | Report this comment