France between anger and resilience: portrait of a paradox

LContemporary France presents a striking paradox that intrigues foreign observers, like our columnist Yascha Mounk. On the one hand, the country has remarkable public infrastructure: a Paris metro more reliable than its European equivalents, accessible and quality public services, free education up to the most prestigious institutions. On the other hand, an omnipresent social anger drives French society, far exceeding that of objectively more dysfunctional countries. This dichotomy between real efficiency and chronic discontent finds its roots in the revolutionary heritage and the high aspirations it bequeathed to the French. The country maintains a unique balance in Europe: a relatively modest private sphere…