A Very French Connection

          

It’s easy to become absorbed in the romanticism of the French national character. Frenchmen, are brought up to believe that theirs is the birthplace of modern civilisation; of the original rights of man, of liberty and equality. These quixotic values, inherited from France’s revolutionary past, affords the French a special place in world history. The glorious revolution of 1789 is the showpiece, and finds its most visible expression in the French flag. The colours of the City of Paris, red and blue, flank the royal white; a symbolic representation of the defeat of the ancient regime and the victory of the masses.

And so here begins the French people’s long love affair with themselves. Aside from their history, they indulge themselves with an appreciation of fine food and drink; they have earned for themselves a reputation as the most fashionable and attractive people in the world; and of course Paris and Parisians are recognised as the world’s most romantic city and people.

England, though it would never admit it, quite fancies France, and stares at it admiringly. We copy their food, though we tend to draw the line at snails, and are heavily influenced by the continental way of life. France on the other hand is forever bewildered by England, and how it ever managed to achieve parity with themselves as a world power. Two nations couldn’t be more different, yet at the same time be quite as fixated with one another. But while us Brits learn cultural lessons from our glamorous neighbour, the French are about to learn economic lessons from us.

The French are well known for their contempt of Anglo-Saxon market economy. Whereas the English still see the market through the eyes of Smith; as a spontaneous interaction of individuals propelling us to even greater wealth, the French are disgusted. They view the market as wild and rugged and something that needs to be tamed. Their contempt for it is reflected in the very architecture of Paris. The commercial district of the capital is kept at arms length from its historic heart, neatly shoved to one side. London, in stark contrast, is a patchwork, with evidence of both its commercial past and present scattered all over the place. In London steel and glass contrasts with gothic spires and classical pillars. It’s hard to imagine such a rude commercial interruption being permitted in Paris.

I’m not saying that the French need to loosen their urban planning laws, but there is a growing realisation that the French economy has become too bogged down by tax, red tape and bureaucracy to keep the French in the manner to which they have become accustomed. And so they look across the channel with interest, and realise that in order to create more wealth so that they can continue to indulge themselves, they might have to play the market. It therefore wouldn’t surprise me if the centre right Nicolas Sarkozy, is elected French President in April. Though, don’t expect a major break from the past. I fully expect the French to take their time with reform, perhaps over a croissant, and allow in just enough of the market to keep the romance alive.