As an American living in Paris, I'm of mixed minds. I agree that France's protectionism is highly problematic and off the charts -- however, there's no-denying

As an American living in Paris, I'm of mixed minds. I agree that France's protectionism is highly problematic and off the charts -- however, there's no-denying that their protectionism of Paris retail stores succeeds -- it creates value -- making Paris an incredibly rich and wonderful place to live and visit. It's beautiful here with countless privately-owned local cafes/businesses of various sorts - frequently the quality of which is off-the-charts. Perhaps it distinguishes itself in the market by preserving its local businesses, preserves it as a beautiful place to live with a rich public life.. where the only place to eat isn't some chain/theme restaurant that looks like everywhere else in the world.