French government to bypass parliament over disputed labour reform

French Prime Minister Manuel Valls leaves after an extraordinay cabinet meeting about the labour reform law at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, May 10, 2016. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes

PARIS (Reuters) - Unable to put down a rebellion within their own ruling party, French President Francois Hollande and his Socialist government on Tuesday opted to force unpopular labour market reforms through the lower house of parliament without a vote.

Prime Minister Manuel Valls announced the move after the collapse of talks with rebel Socialist lawmakers over the bill, which seeks to make hiring and firing easier. It follows weeks of trade union and student-led street protests.