Sarkozy warned to practice what he preaches on Europe
Posted, July 14, 2008 @ 08:00
Strasbourg, 10th July 2008 -- Philip Bushill-Matthews MEP, the Conservative Leader in the European Parliament, has warned that the French Presidency of the EU must not backslide into social and economic protectionism. New employment legislation covering working time, temporary workers and the creation of Works Councils are part of the Presidency priorities.
Responding to President Sarkozy's speech to the European Parliament, Mr Bushill-Matthews, reminded him of a quotation from his book 'Witness':
"You said 'I think our fellow citizens expect a policy of free choice,
which permits those that wish to earn more to work more, and for everyone to regulate their own working hours according to their lifestyle.'
"So if these principles guide your Presidency, we shall be alongside you all the way. When the Working Time Directive is revised: We shall be on the side of freedom and choice.
"When the Temporary Workers Directive is reviewed: we shall again be on the side of freedom and choice.
"Do not renege on your commitment to freedom of choice in the one area that matters: people's jobs."