Known as the sternest anti corruption law in the history of the Republic of Korea, the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act will come into force next month. According to the law, the expenses per capita of a civil servant who accepts a banquet shall not exceed 30,000 Korea won (approximately RMB 181 yuan)

But the real danger which even Hollande s sternest critics may be underestimating is not so much his individual policy failings (serious though they may be) as his approach to the twin challenges posed by France s economic imbalances and the eurozone crisis. On each front separately, he might manage to muddle through together, they look likely to cement France s loss of competitiveness.