On Mr Sarkozy's watch the public sector in France has ballooned to 57% of GDP, second only to Denmark among European Union countries.

ECONOMIST: France��s presidential election

It beggars belief that, after 16 years of supposedly centre-right presidents, the French state should account for 56% of GDP, second only to Denmark in the European Union and far above the 47% share in Germany.

ECONOMIST: France��s beleaguered president

Denmark's tax burden is second only to Sweden's among European Union countries.

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