Will French President Nicolas Sarkozys agenda for France prevail?
Mr Sarkozy, in his victory speech, said: “My priority will be to do everything to so that we will continue to speak, to understand, to work together. The people of France have spoken. They have chosen to break with the ideas, the habits and the behavior of the past.” The answer to this question depends on what one considers success in this context. If by success one means a substantial and sustained reduction in France’s chronic unemployment (which is particularly high among first- and second-generation immigrants and 20-somethings), then Sarkozy has a better chance than his opponent in the presidential election, Segolene Royal, because he at least has a plan. The fiscal stimulus package introduced in parliament in July is the first step in that direction. The country’s labour laws need reform as well – something that eluded President Chirac – his last three prime ministers all suffered street protests over this question. One key test in this regard will be whether Labour minister Xavi
