While this page has expressed support for the spirit of youth protests currently occurring in France — the attitude of the demonstrators contrasts strongly with the general apathy of students here in America — there has always been some doubt whether the law they are combating, the First Employment Contract, really deserves to be stricken from the books.

The rate of unemployment for French youth is staggeringly high, and the passion of these protests reflects frustration with the harsh reality of the nation’s economy. What the protesters have overlooked is that the government acknowledges the problem, and is taking steps to address it through the new law, which would make it easier for businesses to fire young employees. If businesses are not afraid to fire their employees — which will only happen if they have good reason to do so — they’ll be more willing to take on new workers, thus creating more jobs.

But regardless of the validity of the protests, it’s becoming increasingly necessary to assess whether the protesters are even achieving their goals, or merely forcing the country to grind to a standstill. After all, when 3 million people a day are filling the streets; when police resort to tear gas and pellet guns to hold back the crowds; and when areas of French cities have to be shut down (tourists yesterday found the gates of the Eiffel Tower closed), we’d hope that the protesters are actually accomplishing something meaningful.

President Jacques Chirac has already agreed to concessions that would reduce the trial period for new workers from two years to one and require employers to explain any firings. This should be enough for the protesters. To let their activism continue unabated would not only be counterproductive — it would send the messge that they’re not willing to come to a reasonable compromise, the essence of democratic politics. If they really want to see a healthier France, the French youth must acknowledge that their point has been well taken, and that it’s time to get off the streets.