Emmanuel Macron’s Economic Plans for France Draw Pushback

Proposals to free up labor market while preserving welfare state spark protest from powerful unions

PARIS—French President-elect Emmanuel Macron wants to reconcile his country with globalization. The modest economic changes he is proposing to do so are already provoking resistance.

The victor in Sunday’s French presidential election ran as a reformer who would make France’s economy more competitive, lightening tax and regulatory burdens on business, while preserving its cherished welfare state. His progress, particularly in bringing down France’s stubbornly high unemployment, will make or break his presidency.