French gov't calls for calm amid violent protests against labor code reform

French government on Thursday called for calm after clashes erupted in several French cities during protests against a plan to reform the country's labor code, local media reported Thursday.

"There is a right to protest. Today's demonstrations are held to express demands and that is perfectly legitimate," Stephane Le Foll, the government spokesman was quoted as saying by BFMTV news channel.

"But at the same time, they have not the right to offer the opportunity to some to break or conduct violent acts. So I call on everyone to be calm and respect the rules of the Republic. We can not accept the violence," he stressed.

Le Foll's remarks came after dozens were arrested in Paris rally where demonstrators threw bottles with flammable liquid and stones at police officers.

Tension also rose in Marseille and Nantes where clashes between young people and police were reported before calmness was restored.

In a fresh attempt to bring down unemployment rate, the French government proposed to reform the labor code to encourage companies to recruit more.

With the controversial text, the government eyes to make layoffs easier, reduce overtime pay and economic redundancies and open to negotiation working hours and holidays.

However, critics say the pro-business reform would further undermine workers' economic situation and feared the planned enterprises' flexibility would make jobs harder to find.

Students and workers unions staged a fourth nationwide strike on Thursday, a challenge to the ruling Socialists' roadmap to win the battle against unemployment and pave the way for President Francois Hollande to maintain his post at the Elysee Palace.

Dogged by record low popularity, Hollande repeatedly said he would only run in the 2017 vote if he managed to lower jobless claims. Enditem