I don't know, I wonder the same thing. And does that number change based on culture? And what parts? And how many new businesses are starting up in France and adding good jobs?

I know that the French economy isn't doing great. And it would likely slide further if government spending slows down, but I'm unsure of the extent of that impact. But I wonder how much of the problem is the sheer volume of paperwork and numerous taxes that consume hours to complete, monitor, and review when you get audited.

I think the government should optimize for a lot of things (well-being, good health, outdoor, fun, no pollution, etc etc), but ultimately, you need money to pay for those things, and to pay for guns to keep Russia (or someone like them) from invading and taking them.

Yeah, I'll be the first to admit the French system could do away with a lot of paperwork. The amount of hoops I had to jump through to buy a phone or cancel my bank account in 2012 was wild. On the other hand, the French probably say the same thing about the amount of paperwork required to pay your taxes in the US.