The New York Sun

Join
Foreign

Why the French Cling to Their Welfare State

What else is left of the glory that was France?

AP/Christophe Ena
Protesters at Paris march against raising the retirement age, February 16, 2023. AP/Christophe Ena
MICHEL GURFINKIEL
MICHEL GURFINKIEL

Five years after the Yellow Vests crisis, it looks like France is going revolutionary again. First came the December strikes that crippled French public transportation (including railways) right in time for Christmas.

Have an account? Log In

To continue reading, please select:

Limited Access

Enter your email to read for FREE

Get 1 FREE article

Continue with
or
Unlimited Access

Join the Sun for a PENNY A DAY

$0.01/day for 60 days

Cancel anytime

100% ad free experience

Unlimited article and commenting access

Full annual dues ($120) billed after 60 days

View all membership options
By continuing you agree to our
Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
MICHEL GURFINKIEL
MICHEL GURFINKIEL

Mr. Gurfinkiel is a Contributing Editor of the Sun.

Advertisement
The New York Sun

Sections

NationalForeignPoliticsArts+EconomyEducationJusticeOpinionWatchCrossword

More

MembershipBecome a FounderAdvertiseEventsNewslettersShopSubmissionsContactLegalAbout

© 2025 The New York Sun Company, LLC. All rights reserved.

Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The material on this site is protected by copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used.

The New York Sun

Sign in or  Create a free account

or
By continuing you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use