French press review 8 November 2013

The growing taxpayers' revolt, mass lay-offs and the multiplication of factory closures are sapping the morale of the government, which is short of ideas to face the flood of problems. That’s the opinion expressed by several papers this morning.

Aujourd’hui en France says the rebellion is spreading from the corporate-sector fraternity that started the revolt against President Francois Hollande’s tax hikes to new pressure groups, each expressing a new category of taxpayers denouncing the government’s fiscal policies.

Even left-leaning Libération is flabberghasted by the government’s impotence and inability to halt the insurrection. As 1,300 workers protested in Lille against the planned closure of the famous French clothing retailer, La Redoute, the government is terrified of contagion , the paper says, and desperate to counter the impression that the Socialist-led administration has run out of ideas and is resigned to defeat.

L’Humanité highlights the clamour by midwives for better working conditions and recognition of their status in the medical sector after 4,000 of them staged noisy protests on Thursday

Le Figaro takes up the politically volatile issue of medical aid to illegal immigrants. That has become the favoured line of attack of the conservative opposition UMP and bait used by the Front National to swell its ranks.

The right-wing newspaper cites a parliamentary report pointing to a 16.4 per cent increase in medical expenditure on foreigners, stating that the budget allocated for such services is expected to exceed 800 million euros by the end of the year.

Le Monde is wondering why there is so much hatred of French Justice Minister Christiane Taubira, who became the target of racist insults by right-wing opponents of the gay marriage law. For the paper, she is crystallising the hatred the conservative fold has for Hollande.

Le Monde warns that social media has facilitated the spontaneous and anonymous expression of racism in France, pointing out that acts of racism have increased by 23 per cent in the country since the beginning of 2012

Is it worthwhile penalising prostitution in France?

That’s a question raised by Le Monde as the government unveils a bill instituting a fine of 1,500 euros for prostitutes' clients and decriminalising passive soliciting in order to facilitate efforts by women trying to leave the business.

Le Monde says that the debate has been enflamed by a manifesto opposing the proposal, signed by "343 bastards", who include some French semi-celebrities.

The paper investigates the situation in Germany, pointing out that despite the legalistion of the trade, there are only 40 women and four men officially registered as professionals of the sex business.

Le Monde, however, notes that a petition calling for a total ban on prostitution is causing divisions among the main political parties.