The election of Nicholas Sarkozy may not end the problems that beset France. I wonder if he can really get to grips with the deep seated divisions within French society. Is he truly the French Margaret Thatcher? Certainly he recognises that the French need to work harder, economic growth is more important than a job for life. The enormously high levels of youth unemployment can only signal trouble unless jobs can be created and France can be dragged into the top ranks of economic powers in Europe. There is a degree of schizophrenia within French society, proudly nationalistic and yet holding unrealistic views about their place in the world. This is an aging population finding change difficult to cope with - and yet they voted for a man who seeks economic transformation - perhaps because of his hard line on immigration, to outflank Le Pen. However, who will be the stokers of the engine of economic growth if the immigrant population are cast out - the French workforce seem to only want to have the lifetime civil service jobs. The excellent 85% turnout is incredibly impressive and Royal did well to gain 47% of the vote. Sarkozy needs to unite and not alienate, and Britain will find it difficult in Europe if Sarkozy maintains his opposition to Turkey's accession and continues Chirac's defence of French farmers in the face of the costs and economic realities.
Sarkozy will need to start work pretty quickly if he's going to be believed as the true reformer.
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