2012 presidential election: crunch time for the Socialists

The far-right national front party has for years done much better in presidential elections than in local polls. But its leader Marine Le Pen is determined to make sure her party gains a solid foothold in France's towns and villages by scoring big in next year's municipal elections. Riding the coattails of her growing popularity and of the deepening economic crisis, she hopes that her anti-European message will pay off.

When it comes to efficiency, France generally pales in comparison to Germany. But if there is one thing that works better here, it is family policy. France has a much higher birth rate than its mighty neighbour, thanks to generous benefits for parents and children. But with zero economic growth and a commitment to slash debt and deficits, the government is considering reducing a number of welfare programmes, including the sacrosanct family benefits.