Theoretically, France's economic story should be very positive. The country exited the recession at the same time as Europe's powerhouse, Germany, and didn't experience the highs and lows of its mainland neighbours through the economic crisis of 2008. Yet long-term unemployment and massive resistance to social change means the country is struggling to realise its potential.
Economics correspondent Phillip Inman, Paris correspondent Angelique Chrisafis and Eric Albert from La Tribune join Jon Henley - a former Paris correspondent for the Guardian. They examine how France responded to the global financial crash and how the country is negotiating large scale state reforms and shifts in policy.
We also hear from the Roussel family in Cenac, Bordeaux.
Is bureaucracy stopping French business from thriving? Does President Nicolas Sarkozy's image hold the country back? What is needed to push the economy forward?
The panel discusses recent newspaper polls that put Marine Le Pen, the new leader of the far right National Front, ahead of potential rivals if the first round of presidential elections were held now.
They ask whether this sentiment is a result of the crisis in confidence in Sarkozy or a backlash against state reforms such as the raising of the retirement age. With strong public sentiment to preserve the country's socialist principles, they ask, where is the French left in this debate?
