Chirac offers concessions to quell protests

French president Jacques Chirac said today that he would press ahead with a contentious labour law that would make it easier to fire young workers – but offered some concessions in the hope of calming furious protests and strikes.

In one of the most highly anticipated televised addresses of his 11-year presidency, Chirac said he would reduce a trial period during which employees could be summarily dismissed from two years to one, and would require employers to offer reasons.