France - society
No U-turn for Sarkozy on VAT or illegal workers
Article published on the 2009-11-24 Latest update 2009-11-24 16:43 TU
France's President Nicolas Sarkozy speaks during a meeting with local authorities in Le-Perreux-sur-Marne, near Paris, 24 November 2009
(Photo: Reuters)
Five thousand illegal workers across France, mainly in the catering, security and construction industries, have been on strike since mid-October over the issue of legal working papers.
Speaking at a debate on security on the outskirts of Paris, Sarkozy said he would never allow the mass regularisation of illegal immigrants, or sans papiers, as he believes this goes against the values of the Republic.
The CGT French workers union claims there are around 400,000 illegal workers in France and left-wing political parties have been calling for them to be given working papers.
At the week end, the French government announced it was planning to toughen sanctions against companies who employ illegal immigrants.
Nicolas Sarkozy also promised on Tuesday that he would not reverse his decision to reduce VAT by 5,5 per cent for the restaurant industry.
“Restaurant staff and tobacconists work extremely hard and don’t ask for anything” he said. “A promise was made to them by my predecessor (…) You see I even keep other people’s promises.”
On Monday, the French Senat voted for a re-introduction of VAT at 19,6 per cent after it was reduced to 5,5 per cent in July.
Although the increase was voted down, it was seen as a warning to the restaurant sector which has failed to keep some of the promises made in return for the drop in VAT. These include a reduction in prices and the hiring of more staff.
