PARIS -- With a growth rate of 2.4 percent, France's performance was a bit higher than the euro-zone's average 1.8 percent but not enough to dispel the gloom that presently characterizes the national mood. Unemployment remains at 9.9 percent, close to the Belgian, German and Spanish figures, and far higher than the British number.
Some young French people don't even try to look for a job, and many over 50 fear they will lose theirs. A dramatic rise in housing prices has compelled many middle-class families to move from big cities to outlying areas, but now they find themselves spending great amounts of time, money and patience to commute to work by rail or car.
In the past, French President Jacques Chirac repeatedly promised that he would reduce taxes. But last year they increased substantially. From natural gas and telephone to postal rates and rail, taxes on public services have risen faster than wages. The same can be said for food and fuel prices.