Critical Choices Ahead

France faces fundamental decisions that will shape its trajectory:

Economic Model Evolution

The Social Model's Future: - Can high social protection coexist with global competitiveness? - How to finance solidarity with fewer workers? - What flexibility while maintaining security? - Which universality versus targeting? - How to modernize without abandoning values?

François Dubois's local currency experiment illustrates innovation:

"We created the 'Ardèche' currency to keep money local. Participating businesses offer discounts, building community wealth. It's not anti-Euro but complementary. We're reimagining economy from the ground up."

Innovation Ecosystem

Building Tomorrow's Economy: - Where to focus limited resources? - How to scale from research to commercialization? - What role for state versus market? - Which technologies to prioritize? - How to ensure inclusive innovation?

Key Decisions: - Nuclear renaissance or renewable focus? - AI sovereignty or international cooperation? - Platform regulation or laissez-faire? - Green constraints or growth priorities? - National champions or open competition?

Territorial Cohesion

Balancing Geographic Equity: - Accept Paris dominance or forced decentralization? - Support declining regions or manage decline? - Rural preservation or urban concentration? - Infrastructure for all or targeted investment? - Cultural homogenization or regional diversity?

European Integration

France's Role in Europe: - Lead integration or preserve sovereignty? - Fiscal union or national autonomy? - Common defense or strategic independence? - Social Europe or competitiveness focus? - Eastern expansion or core consolidation?

Social Cohesion

Managing Diversity and Change: - Integration through assimilation or multiculturalism? - Generational solidarity or conflict? - Elite reproduction or social mobility? - Individual responsibility or collective support? - National identity versus global openness?