New model

France is looking itself a new social and economic model. After more than 20 years with unemployment at 10% and high social inequalities ("la fracture sociale"), I'd say it's indeed time to look for something new... Of course, there are a lot of divergences on which model to adopt or develop: the Left wants more social protection for workers and less capitalism and the Right promotes more liberalism. Both sides are looking at foreign examples such as the Danish flex-security model or the UK model.

In any case, if you want to become millionaire, don't come to France. According to Le Figaro, the number of millionaire has increased worldwide by 600,000 new entrants in 2004, up to 8.3 million people. France has enjoyed a rate of 2.6% whereas you have rates of 10% in the US and 8.5% in Asia. The EU average is 3.7% with the UK and Spain leading the way. Well at least, this is good new for the luxury industry which should help some French companies.