News analysis

The Macron Method of politics ruffles feathers at home as well as abroad

French President Emmanuel Macron has made the job market more flexible, readjusted the rights of the unemployed and stepped up training to help people return to work. PHOTO: AFP
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BERLIN - Economically, France is doing better than it has in a long time. Growth is up, unemployment is down and business activity remains high.

But the fierce protests over reforms of the retirement system are continuing and looks likely to continue into the new year, leaving observers baffled and trying to make sense of the apparent contradiction.

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