French more anxious about downturn
A new survey shows around eight in ten people questioned in France believe the country is in the midst of an economic downturn, compared to just four out of ten Germans, and many feel the country has not done enough to adapt to the global economy.
The poll, conducted by the Ifop institute and published in newspaper La Croix on Thursday, asked people in France, Germany, China, Russia and the USA about the economic situation.
79 percent of those questioned in France said they believed the country to be in recession.
China, Russia and Germany all scored between 35 and 38 percent while 52 percent of Americans agreed.
French people seem less convinced than others that the country is well prepared to compete globally.
When asked if they are well placed in the global economy, just 32 percent of French people agree.
This compares to 65 percent of Chinese and 61 percent of Germans.
Americans appear more concerned about this issue, with four out of ten thinking the country is in a good position.
The French seem to blame a lack of preparation, with only four out of ten believing the country has done enough to stay competitive.
They trail the other countries in the poll, with almost nine out of ten Chinese thinking the country is well-prepared and 54 percent of Germans.
The head of polling at Ifop said the French recognise they might not have done enough to withstand global competition.
"The French know they have a problem in the modern world," said Jérôme Fourquet.
"A majority is convinced that not enough has been done to help the country adapt to the new world order."
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