More French businesses to open on Sundays
PARIS - France’s parliament has given final approval to a law allowing more businesses to stay open Sundays despite protest from labor unions.
The Senate approved the measure 165 to 159 yesterday. The lower house of parliament passed it July 15.
The approval caps months of often bitter debate over labor protections, economic growth, and the day of rest.
The law will allow businesses in Paris, Marseille, and Lille and specific tourist zones more flexibility to open Sundays.
President Nicolas Sarkozy of France, a conservative, hopes it will boost the economy. Labor Minister Xavier Darcos said it offers consumers more freedom.
But several members of their party opposed the law, joining leftists who say the measure threatens France’s social model and worker rights.
