France
Although ultimately a victor in World Wars I and II, France suffered extensive losses in its empire, wealth, manpower, and rank as a dominant nation-state. Since 1958, it has constructed a presidential democracy resistant to the instabilities experienced in earlier parliamentary democracies. In recent years, its reconciliation and cooperation with Germany have proved central to the economic integration of Europe, including the advent of the euro in January 1999. Today, France is at the forefront of European states seeking to exploit the momentum of monetary union to advance the creation of a more unified and capable European defense and security apparatus.
France’s constitution was changed in 2000 year to shorten the presidential term of office from seven years to five. Both president and parliament are now elected for the same period, reducing the probability of the president and government being of opposing political colors. So-called periods of “co-habitation” have been relatively frequent.
Traditionally, the role of the state has been stronger in France than in other Western European countries. France is one of the most economically centralized countries in Europe, with a strong history of state ownership in the aviation, telecommunications, and energy industries. However, the role of the government is now changing. Important economic and political developments in France include privatization and increasingly frequent mergers and acquisitions (M&As) and hostile corporate takeovers, once virtually unheard of in the country.
Drivers of this movement towards decentralization include increased pressures of globalization, compliance to EU privatization directives, and political initiatives from the center-right. The previous “cohabitation” government moved slowly toward privatizing France's energy industry, despite EU directives, calling for member states to relinquish control of their energy companies. This gridlock left France trailing its EU neighbors in opening its natural gas and power markets to competition. It also sparked hostility, particularly in Spain and Italy, to France's state-owned utility company, Electricité de France (EdF), which acquired shares in some of their utilities.
There are currently no known specific threats to expatriate visitors or residents in France and violent civil disorder is relatively rare in the country. Nevertheless, labor protests and other demonstrations may turn into violent confrontations between demonstrators and police on occasion. In March and April 2006, violent protests, involving arson attacks on buildings and cars, and the use of missiles such as petrol bombs, occurred in many areas of France, including in Paris and other major cities. Youths were protesting a proposed labor law.
The government maintains a threat-rating system known locally as “Vigipirate,” similar to the U.S. Homeland Security Advisory system. Under this plan, in times of heightened security concerns, the government augments police with armed forces and increases visibility at airports, train and metro stations, and other high-profile locations such as schools, major tourist attractions, and government installations. Numerous radical Islamic groups claim sympathizers within France’s large immigrant community, as evidenced by arrests over the last few years. Over the past year, there have been numerous such arrests. As a member of the European Union and signatory to the Schengen Agreement, France’s open borders with its European neighbors permit the unrestricted entry/exit of travelers, potentially including terrorists.
France has also drawn the ire of Islamic militants with its controversial ban on the wearing of Islamic headdress by female school children.
In recent years, France has been the scene of closely targeted political assassinations and random bombings. The bombings have resulted in an increased police presence at places where the public congregates. All passengers on subways and trains are urged to be aware of their surroundings and report any unattended packages to the nearest authority.
Rail lines also have become seen an increase in security since 2004 after bombs were found under rail lines and a shadowy group issued threats and extortion demands.
The Basque Separatist Party (ETA) and the National Front for the Liberation of Corsica (FLNC), continue to operate in the south of France and occasionally bomb local government institutions, banks, travel agencies, etc. Islamic extremists groups from Algeria have also in the past targeted French interests, although such incidents have been less frequent recently than in the mid-1990's.
Anti-globalization and environmental groups are also active in France. In August 2001, activists destroyed a research project set up by the Monsanto Company to protest against genetically modified crops. Meanwhile, U.S.-based franchises such as McDonald's restaurants have become the favorite targets of anti-globalization protesters. McDonald's also drew the ire of Parisian restaurateurs, who threw stink bombs at 20 of the restaurants early in 2001 to protest the fast food industry.
The last presidential and legislative elections were in April/May 2002 and June 2002. The next presidential elections are due in April 2007. The next parliamentary elections will be held in June 2007.
