France: What differences from the rest of the euro zone might explain the social tensions?

Social tensions remain high in France and the “yellow vests” episode may not be over. To try to understand the drivers of these social tensions, we compare France with the other euro-zone countries regarding: Income distribution and the level of wages; Inequality and poverty; The employment rate and the changing nature of jobs; Housing costs; The generosity of social welfare and the level of household taxes; Educational attainment and employability; The situation for pensioners. France’s high social tensions can only be attributed to factors where France underperforms relative to the other euro-zone countries: A low employment rate; Sharply declining manufacturing employment; Sharply rising real estate prices; A high household tax burden.