Problem: In a word, socialism. Excessive government entanglement stagnates the economy, leading to massive unemployment. This makes people unhappy.
Solution: More government, of course. No word on where the tax revenues to pay for this are to come from. Perhaps one of those big, profit-laden corporations that France has lying around can fund these extortion payments. Because, y'know, French companies make profits after taxes.
Did I say "extortion payments?" I meant "tributes." Oops, make that "blood money."
I suspect that they'll be at the UN asking why the US isn't taxed more - to support those countries in need, of course. Like France.