Explosion in real estate prices, failings of national education hamper middle classes. Political parties rush to the bedside of these French people in the middle, without whom no election can be won.

The middle classes would have lost all confidence in the “republican and meritocratic promise  ”. No official definition frames this vast concept. “By convention, these are households whose… This article is reserved for subscribers. You have 80% left to discover. Flash sale -70% on digital subscription.