Still, many big issues — like the 35-hour workweek — have been called untouchable by the government. Introduced under a Socialist government a decade ago to create jobs, the shortened workweek is seen as one of the party's most durable accomplishments.
Gallois' report didn't touch that hot issue because he said thinks it's not the country's biggest problem. Instead, he said that the French need to get into the labor market earlier in life and stay longer.
The lobby for French business largely welcomed the report.
"The diagnostic put forward by the Gallois report is right," said Laurence Parisot, the head of the Medef lobby. "It remains to be seen when and how these propositions will be put in place."
The government has said it will outline its plans Tuesday, but it's still unclear how much the French people are prepared to sacrifice. Gallois indicated he knew how hard the fight might be, saying it required employers and workers to show patriotism.
"Team France has to work together," he said. "Team France has to take up this re-conquest."
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