^ You don't hear much good economic news from France these days. And there is the problem of the immigrant communities in the burbs.

High unemployment, youth unable to find quality work, if any work. Expensive state entitlement programs.

I'm not expert, but I don't think France has a choice. They have to significantly reduce the welfare state.

One article on the recent protests as the result of the election:

Link: Sarkozy's election victory marred by riots | the Daily Mail