France and its European turmoil

Europe is a thorn in France's side. The electoral campaign in view of the presidential election has brought together 11 candidates, none of them is happy with the European Union. Four of them simply want to leave the Union. All of the others want to reform it more or less. Has it become, as François Hollande stated on 16th April, as he commemorated the battle of the Chemin des Dames, the "scapegoat of our relinquishments?" Or is it simply indicative of a French malaise, a kind of reflection that shows the French an inferior image of their national ambition?

There is something specific about French politics. This presidential election has highlighted all of its negative aspects. Might the election of a new president show us its positive sides and transform them into a new national dynamic that is more favourable towards Europe?