This is the country that gave the word "entrepreneur", but has often made life systematically miserable for anyone trying to be one.

The first French revolution fostered the idea that the country had a special mission to the world and created the strong state as a focus of national cohesion. Now, because of its allegiance to Europe, France is undergoing a second revolution in which the state is becoming weaker and less distinct.

This helps to explain a final larger contradiction : While French elites still talk the talk of capitalist disdain, the pressure of European integration has forced France to walk the walk of economic liberalization.

In 2007, is France set to welcome and help Entrepreneurs - whatever the sector they are in ?