When Hurricane Katrina hit the US, the French arrogantly derided it as a country unable to safeguard itself: badly maintained dykes, disorganised public services and panic on the highways. Commentators gloated to the effect that nothing like that would happen in France, where the state was solid and efficient. And between the lines lay a political message: France was right to resist so-called liberal reforms to reduce government.

Such idealism was destroyed by the rioters in the suburbs. Jacques Chirac did no better in Aulnay-sous-Bois than George Bush in New Orleans. In the space of 10 days and despite an unprecedented police deployment, thousands of cars were burnt, schools destroyed and public buildings pillaged.