French butchers fight government

- Published: 28 May, 2008

Butchers in France are fighting legislation which could see greater power handed to the supermarkets.

A bill aimed at "modernising" France's economy could threaten the fabric of the country's high street, opposition groups complain.

The regulation has been drawn up by President Nicolas Sarkozy's government as a bid to chip away at regulation in the retail sector and create greater competition to bring down prices. The bill will allow supermarkets to more easily open new stores and it will also change some of the complex rules regarding trade between suppliers and retailers.

However, shopkeepers, including butchers are claiming the move could lead to the demise of France's small shops which would be left unable to compete with their larger competitors.