Monday, March 24, 2014

French Property News, April 2014

In this special issue of French Property News* dedicated to 'all you need to know for a new life in France' I have tried to paint a broad picture - in just a couple of pages! - of some of the issues facing France today. They include the dire state of the French economy, record levels of unemployment and general dissatisfaction with the policies of François Hollande's socialist (sort-of) government.

As I write this post, it is the morning after the first round of the French local elections, with a record level of abstentions (40% have not bothered to vote), the advance of the right over the socialists and in particular the gains by the National Front. They have topped the poll in my nearest large town, Perpignan. A lot of this may be corrected in the second round next Sunday as voters contemplate the results so far registered.

In my article I also touch on issues such as France's complex ethnic mix which results from two world wars, the Occupation and the Civil War in Spain, and the close ties of family and friendship which many 'outsiders' may not be able to understand or even be aware of.

Essential reading before yu buy your French property!

*French Property News, available at newsagents or on subscription. www.french-property-news.com