France: The Populist Hour Strikes The biggest fear that the populists of both right and left try to spread, so far with some success, is that of reforms that might threaten the "acquired social benefits" such as early retirement and long holidays. One thing is certain, however: France's problems won't be solved by riots, strikes and what is known in French as jacquerie. Seasoned politologue Roland Cayrol says: "The French system is paralyzed." Finding itself like a headless chicken since the Great Revolution, France has always been looking for a savior. Related Topics: France Recent Articles by Amir Taheri Illiberal Democracy: a Russo-Chinese Fantasy, 2025-09-21China Forgets its Amnesia, 2025-09-08Iran's Costly Pyramid, 2025-08-31Iran's Surprise New Neighbor, 2025-08-24Russia: Europe's Prodigal Son, 2025-08-17 receive the latest by email: subscribe to the free gatestone institute mailing list en 8 Reader Comments Reply-> Reply-> Reply-> Reply-> Reply-> Reply-> Reply-> Reply->