Taxes plus expenses are not higher than in the US if you compare what you GET for those taxes in France, compared with taxes plus the private expenditures you have to make in the US to get the same thing.
The unemployment rate is progressively lowering. The problem is the racial and geographical concentration of it. Perhaps Sarkozy will make soup out of the Arabs and this will reduce that problem.
Housing is expensive in Paris. This is because Paris is desireable. That is not such a bad thing.
If you add up all the taxes in France, income tax, social charges, TVA, and a tax on everything you possess for people having a new worth over $75,000, including their home, taxes are over 60% for middle class working people.