FRANCE

France's democratic institutions are generally mature and strong, with fair elections and the rule of law highly valued.

Civil rights have a long tradition of protection, but discrimination against immigrants exists, and courts receive many complaints about violations.

The media is free, but depends financially on the government. Waiting times for government documents are long.

France's labor market is one of Europe's most regulated. High unemployment rates and the virtual exclusion of groups such as the young and the elderly persist.

The new government has sought to increase flexibility and reduce regulations, but faces strong public opposition.

Industrial policy has focused on large businesses, at the expense of entrepreneurs. Taxes are high, with tax evasion growing, but budget deficits remain.

Social cohesion has been a growing focus of debate, with recent unrest in Parisian suburbs underscoring integration problems.

Health care is universal but expensive, with reform needed to address mounting deficits.

Family policy is generous, providing childcare facilities and allowing both parents to pursue careers. The pension system is financially stretched, with reform likely but controversial.

A nuclear power and UN Security Council member, France plays an important role in world security issues.

Internally, social unrest in the immigrant-heavy suburbs of large cities has dominated attention. Solutions, ranging between social reform and stronger police action, remain unclear.

France's attention to sustainability issues has been narrowly targeted.

Environmental policy has never been a core focus. However, the dependence on nuclear power has kept CO2 emissions low.

State research funding is focused on a few industries, with little contribution from private companies.

Secondary school dropout rates are high, and most universities, with a few elite exceptions, are underfunded.

France has a long tradition of government-sponsored expert committees that in fact have little direct policy influence.

Ministry activity is dominated by the president's agenda, and coordinated by the prime minister's office. Communication tends to be consistent.

Regulatory impact assessment is rare.

Policies are often passed without input from societal groups, prompting protests.

With the executive taking a dominant role, governments have little trouble passing proposed bills.

The president and constitutional council possess strong veto powers, while the senate can change the substance of bills.

Implementation success can be hampered if the president and prime minister belong to different parties.

France's executive institutions are well-aligned with EU activities, although this process sometimes discounts the role of the legislature and societal groups.

The country plays an active role in trying to shape international policies, often meeting resistance by other EU member states.

France has an organized system of self-monitoring by traditional governing institutions.

However, political change generally takes place in reaction to public discontent or EU initiatives, rather than as a result of this process.

French citizens' policy knowledge varies widely, often dependent on social status. The media personalizes political stories.

The legislature has reasonable monitoring powers, but ministry oversight is weak.

With the exception of trade unions, interest groups lack significant influence.