Part one:
It’s official. Last night, “Jacques Chirac”, “President de la Republique”, scraped the new labor bill which had created massive protests throughout France. This humiliating defeat for the government of “de Villepan”, proved that France, at least for the moment, is simply Un-reformable.
Huge rate of unemployment (25% among young people under the age of 27) and sluggish rate of economical growth depict a very gloomy future for France’s economy which makes it more difficult for France to compete, even inside the European union with Europe’s well-reformed states like England, Ireland and Spain and some super fit newcomers like Latvia and Estonia with eye-catching growth rates.
The problem is, losing the top seed, will not only hurt their national pride, but will seriously reduce their effect in making critical decisions inside the European Union that could threaten some of their somehow unfair advantages, like receiving 70 percent of the Europe’s agricultural subsidies, despite massive oppositions from some of the states. The subsidies without which, France’s agricultural sector will simply collapse!
Personally, in this war between Coke and Wine, with huge amount of pessimism, I will support the wine side! but honestly, the scenario is not that black and white. England for example, in the past couple of years, has managed to go through comprehensive reforms and keep the exceptional economical growth rate while increasing the budget for social services dramatically, thanks to my favorite politician, UK’s chancellor and finance minister, Mr. Gordon Brown who also played a bold role in convincing wealthy nations to relieve a huge portion of Africa’s debts, just couple of months ago.
Anyway, sooner or later, France should start massive reforms just to be able to survive in the global market. We should wait and see how long the mass politics will be able to block the government. I truly hope that when they finally start, it’s not too late!
Part two:
If somebody asks you “What is the most popular dish in France?” what would be your answer? Steak-frite? Cassoulet?
According to a recent survey, the correct answer is “Couscous”! Way to go North African immigrants
An American Conclusion: Well, apparently you don’t need a powerful Nazi army and a Blitzkrieg to force the French to surrender; it can be easily done with a handful of student unions or a bowl of Couscous! Vive la France!
