Protest-hit France sees better-than-expected growth

France posted Friday an acceleration in economic growth at the start of 2016, a rare dose of good news for President Francois Hollande as he confronts fierce opposition to planned job market reforms just a year ahead of elections. Hollande's hopes for a signature achievement on the economic front, notably through reforms that would make it easier for employers to lay off workers, have taken a hit from huge protests, including a demonstration that disintegrated into violent clashes Thursday night