Prime Minister Lionel Jospin responded to public criticism of his Socialist-led government's inability to implement reforms by replacing four of his cabinet ministers.
Protests over rising fuel prices began in France; truckers and other motorists blockaded refineries and service stations. The spirit of rebellion spread, and protests broke out across Europe.
In a national referendum in which only 30 percent of the French electorate participated, voters approved a proposal to reduce the term of the president from seven to five years.
