As I furthered my research on the State of France, I spotted some intriguing information on "The World Factbook" website. While reading information about France I learned that, "France is in the midst of transition from a will-to-do modern economy that has featured extensive government ownership and intervention to one that relies more on market mechanisms". "The government has partially or fully privatized many large companies, banks, and insurers, and had ceded stakes in such leading firms as Air France, France Telecom, Renault, and Thales".
I was astonished to learn that the State of France has privatized many large companies. And that is similar to what the great Philosopher Karl Marx talked about in his books, literatures, Speeches, etc. But instead of private property it is private corporations. So according to this research, the State of France is transitioning into a capitalist state.
The World Factbook continues by stating, "France maintains a strong presence in some sectors, particularly power, public transport, and defense industries". "With at least 75 million foreign tourists per year, France is the most visited Country in the world and maintains the third largest income in the world from tourism"
Here are some of France's pressing problems: "France unemployment rate increased from 7.4% in 2008 to 9.5% in 2010". "The government pursuit of aggressive stimulus and investment measures in response to the economic crisis, however, are contributing to a deterioration of France's public finances". "The government of France budget deficit rose sharply from 3.4% of GDP in 2008 to 7.8% of GDP in 2010", while Frances public debt rose from 68% of GDP to 84% over the same period". "Paris is terminating stimulus measures, eliminating tax credits, and freezing most government spending to bring the budget deficit under the 3% euro-zone ceiling by 2013".
"President Sarkozy-who secured passage of pension reform in 2010-is expected to seek passage of some tax reforms in 2011, but he may delay additional, more costly, reforms until after the 2012 elections".
These are some of France's pressing problems that I have obtained through my research of France on the "Central Intelligence Agency (The World Factbook)" .
Official Name: French Republic
Capital: Paris (Current local time)
Government Type: Republic
Population: 63.72 million
Area: 220,668 square miles; largest west European country, about four-fifths the size of Texas.
Languages: French, but some rapidly declining regional dialects and languages.
Capital: Paris (Current local time)
Government Type: Republic
Population: 63.72 million
Area: 220,668 square miles; largest west European country, about four-fifths the size of Texas.
Languages: French, but some rapidly declining regional dialects and languages.
Also while trying to muster up some very intriguing information about the State of France that suck out to me, I obtained a good article on the "International Hearld Tribune (Global NY Times)" website. The article is titled, "Socialist Party Decisively Wins French Elections". The article was published on March 27, 2011 in Paris by Reuters.
While reading this article I found out that, "The opposition Socialist Party decisively won French local elections on Sunday", which would have been last week, it also stated, "and the far-right National Front surged, putting pressure on President Nicolas Sarkozy from two sides a year before he faces the electorate". It goes on to say, "with most votes counted in the second round of polls to elect cantonal councils in half of France, the left had 36%, almost double the ruling party's 18.6 %"
The article continues by stating, "The anti immigrant National Front, which has surged in opinion polls under its new leader, Marine Le Pen, scored 11 % even though it put up candidates in only a minority of departments. In some areas it scored as much as 40%".
It continues by stating, "The polls will probably be the last big test of sentiment before the April 2012 election." It goes on to state that, "Ms. Le Pen has pushed ahead of the president to stand second behind leftists in opinion polls".
"Prime Minister Francois Fillon said the outcome for the National Front", "shows that the protest vote should not be underestimated or made light of. This party must be beaten, and the reasons for its support must be clearly evaluated and dealt with." It continues by stating that, "Mr. Sarkozy's party, the U.M.P., has blurred the distinction with the far right by taking a tough line on the integration of the Muslim minority".
The article continues by stating, "Ms. Le Pen told reporters, "A few more pushes and shoves with the battering ram and the U.M.P. system will disintegrate". France's cantonal councils take care of matters like the building of roads and schools as well as the distribution of various welfare subsidies.
I found this article to be immensely informative in regards to a current Socialist Party in the state of France. It is great to see that the Socialist beliefs is still being considered around the world. Pioneer European Karl Marx was a socialist, and to witness this Socialist party's movement was very inspiring and uplifting. I will have to keep my Comparative Politics class up to date with any new information that's conveyed in reference to this article. I well include the link to this article for your pleasure: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/28/world/europe/28france.html?_r=1&ref=france