What would the philosopher Jacques Derrida say about the causes of political challenges in France?

The political situation in France is often reduced to simplistic narratives, which obscure the complexity of its challenges by attributing them to prepackaged causes. Inspired by Jacques Derrida's method of deconstruction, this article critically examines the dominant myths surrounding France's current difficulties and highlights a major structural issue: the relatively low working hours of French citizens. By addressing this core challenge, we propose a path toward sustainable progress.

The Myths Surrounding France's Political Difficulties

1. Immigration

Immigration is frequently portrayed as an economic and cultural burden. Critics argue that immigrants strain public services and erode national identity. However, empirical studies refute these claims. Immigrants contribute significantly to the economy, particularly through social security contributions and revitalization of underperforming economic sectors. For instance, Germany’s acceptance of over one million refugees in 2015 correlated with a boost in economic growth, thanks to effective integration policies.

2. Emmanuel Macron

President Emmanuel Macron is often vilified as the principal architect of France’s current woes. Yet, this personalization of political responsibility overlooks decades of structural decisions. Issues such as the public debt crisis or pension reform have roots extending far beyond Macron's presidency. Blaming a single individual obfuscates the systemic nature of these challenges.

3. Islamism

Islamism is frequently framed as an existential threat to France’s secular values. While radicalization is a legitimate concern, it cannot serve as a universal explanation for societal tensions. The real issue often lies in the failure to foster inclusive policies and meaningful cultural dialogue. Without addressing systemic marginalization, such narratives risk perpetuating division rather than promoting solutions.

4. Islamo-leftism

“Islamo-leftism” has become a contentious term, criticized for its imprecision and alarmist undertones. It is used to discredit certain social movements without engaging with their substantive grievances. This reductive framing undermines the nuanced understanding needed to address the underlying causes of social unrest.

5. Globalization

Globalization is often scapegoated for economic issues such as deindustrialization and income inequality. However, countries like Germany and South Korea have successfully leveraged globalization by investing in innovation and workforce training. France’s challenges stem not from globalization itself but from insufficient structural adaptation to its demands.

A Major Structural Issue: Low Working Hours

One of the most overlooked yet significant contributors to France’s economic and social challenges is its comparatively low working hours. According to OECD data for 2023, the annual working hours in France are significantly lower than in many other advanced economies:

This discrepancy reflects France’s social and cultural preferences but has tangible consequences for economic competitiveness and public finances.

The Case for Increasing Working Hours

1. Reducing Budget Deficits

Increasing working hours would boost production and tax revenues, enabling France to reduce its public deficit without raising taxes. For example, a 5% increase in annual working hours could add billions of euros to GDP, strengthening the government’s fiscal position.

2. Enhancing Adaptive Capacity

A longer working week fosters adaptability and resilience in rapidly evolving economic sectors. South Korea exemplifies this approach, combining extensive working hours with substantial investments in professional training. The result has been a dynamic and innovative economy capable of withstanding global shocks.

3. Alleviating Labor Market Tensions

Extended working hours can address labor shortages in critical sectors such as healthcare and education. By increasing workforce availability, France can better meet the demands of its aging population and under-resourced public services.

Conclusion: Toward Constructive Reform

Deconstructing the myths surrounding France’s political challenges reveals the importance of addressing deeper structural issues. By shifting the focus from divisive narratives to evidence-based solutions, such as increasing working hours, France can unlock its potential for economic growth and social cohesion. This reform, coupled with targeted investments in education and innovation, could not only resolve fiscal imbalances but also equip the nation to thrive in an increasingly competitive global landscape.