Mike Pouraryan
SP Week-End: France (First in a Series)
Link: www.economist.com
Sarkozy On the Hot Seat (Source: http://www.economist.com)
J'aime France. For those who don't what that means, it means that I love France. I love france because it represents culture and tradition that is gratifying to read and reflect upon. France also has been at the forefront of proactive social policies to insure that everyone has a social safety net to fall back on in times of need. Unfortunately, the French Economy has not been as vibrant. I was shocked when I saw the images of the riots in the Ghettos.
What is going on now are elections at the local level. I sense malaise. I see what is going on with France as what happened in 2006 when the people spoke up and returned the Congress to Democratic Control in the United States. Despite the reforms Sarkzoy has pursued in light of major opposition, he has also been championing a massive state involvement in the business sector. It has included the establishment of EFI, a State-backed fund to intervene in potential takeover bids. Sarkozy is a conservative, but a pragmatic one. He seems to understand that France has to be first and the people have to be taken care of. But, persistent high unemployment and the continued challenges of maintaining the generous benefits of the Welfare state is turning out to be profound.
French citizens, though, have more a possiblity to live comfortably and not have to worry about healthcare than Americans every day. If the Socialists win local elections, I foresee a period of political instability that will present the Socialists an opening to truly challenge Sarkozy when his term expires. Sarkozy, though, is like Obama. One should never underestimate such men who rose from humble beginnings to the highest office in their lands.
Louis XIV once said that "L'Etat C'est Moi". This means that I am the State. Sarkozy has to understand that he is not France. If one visits the site of the Elysee Palace, it sure seems that way. The people need to remind Sarkozy that he is their servant and he needs to make sure that the interests of all French is brought to bear.
