Part 13/16:
A Tale of Two Models: France vs. the Nordic Countries
France’s welfare model differs markedly from that of Nordic countries—Sweden, Denmark, Finland—where high social benefits coexist with sustainable budgets. These countries rely on broad-based, steady taxes on consumption, income, and property, ensuring reliable revenue streams that support generous social programs without debt dependency.
In contrast, France’s system places a disproportionate tax burden on workers—over half of a typical French salary goes to taxes—and relies heavily on payroll contributions that are vulnerable to employment fluctuations and slow growth. This narrow tax base, coupled with a social system heavily financed by employment, amplifies the system’s fragility.