France is not in decline and the last thing it needs is "reform"

Great post on DailyKos and European Tribune on the state of the French economy:

France is not in decline and the last thing it needs is "reform"

It is hard to find, in the international media, commentary on the French elections that does not suggest national decline, a stagnant economy, a hopeless employment situation, an unrealistic 35-hour working week, and the urgent need for "reform" if France is to get back on the road to growth again.. "Reform" is here between quotes, given the extent to which it has become a more or less explicit codeword for a one-way agenda: liberalizing the labour market, weakening union power and State regulation of business, and reducing taxes. Cheaper workers, it is assumed, will lead to greater competitiveness, higher profits and, therefore, more jobs.
The problem is that this programme is based on a view of economic reality that is neither impartial nor complete.

Read on ... (very highly recommended)