PM Jospin has often given way to strikers' demands

British and other travellers who faced long delays getting across the English Channel last week because of blockades by French fishermen were doubly angry because they remember similar blockades by French truck drivers in previous years.

In the past French farmers have dumped manure on the steps of parliament, and chefs have thrown eggs at police, to back up their economic demands.

Anti-globalisation protestors who wrecked a McDonald's restaurant in France were widely feted as public heroes.

Grand tradition

One factor behind this French quickness to take to the streets is that the right to strike is enshrined in the country's constitution.

But the recent increase in such disruptions may well be explained by the fact that Lionel Jospin's Socialist-led government has often given way to the demands of groups of workers who cause trouble.

Tourist anger: Fisherman blockaded ports and police did nothing

The concessions recently won by the fishermen encouraged the road hauliers and other groups now to follow suit and blockade fuel centres and some roads.

Despite these noisy confrontations the French economy is in good shape and growing well.

But the display of Gallic temper and bad manners may have political side-effects.

Other European Union governments may oppose the French wish to have the right to strike enshrined in a new European Charter of Fundamental Rights.

And eurosceptic voices all over Europe are saying publicly, if this is the French idea of how Europe should be run, we are not impressed.