(CNN) -- France is the fifth richest country in the world. It is the world's sixth largest exporter. It has the second largest diplomatic network in the world, after the US. It is a member of the UN Security Council. It is the most visited country in the world, welcoming 82 million visitors last year. It is a major nuclear power. It is the true founder of the European Union. And it is in a terrible mess. Socialist Francois Hollande was elected president almost a year ago, ousting the deeply unpopular "Mr Bling," President Nicolas Sarkozy. Read more: Francois Hollande - Fast Facts
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French President Francois Hollande and the country's Socialists are in a strong position
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Despite this, Hollande has made little progress since his election, says John Gaffney
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Gaffney: Hollande "like a stunned bunny in the headlights" of economic reality
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President must act now, and act decisively, to make France admired again, says Gaffney
@placeholder's Socialist left have never been so strong politically: They control the presidency, the government, both houses of parliament, the regions, and all the big towns and cities.