Some democracies seem caught in a trap: Spend more and risk market panic, or cut benefits and empower the far right.

© Stephanie Lecocq/Reuters

The student protests that snowballed into violent riots made it clear that almost 10 years of his presidency have not fixed France’s problems.

© Yves Herman/Reuters

Chaos in schools, on the streets and in the markets is rooted in France’s struggles to fund its social welfare state, with a presidential election approaching.

© Yves Herman/Reuters

Chaos in schools, on the streets and in the markets is rooted in France’s struggles to fund its social welfare state, with a presidential election approaching.

© Yves Herman/Reuters