Paris remains Paris. In this new year's atmosphere, the bustling metropolis is as lively as ever. Despite the cold, crowds fill this top tourist destination. People seem to flock to the City of Light to seek a sense of freedom and romance; drawing inspiration from Paris will make 2008 even more beautiful. The city dazzles in a magnificent sea of holiday lights and shadows, particularly along the commercial avenue behind the Palais Garnier. The graphic light displays and exquisite windows of department stores like Lafayette and Printemps resemble mirages. Whenever the lights come on, thousands of tourists and locals gather to watch. Beyond these areas, colorful graphic seas of light adorn Parisian streets, attracting gazes and making the winter cold feel more poetic and warm.

Starting January 1, smoking was banned in all public places in France. Many museums waived admission fees (though special exhibitions still require payment). The nationwide winter sales began today, driving people into a frenzy and creating an unprecedented consumption peak that boosts winter purchasing power.

The government will continue reforms, including difficult and unpopular changes to social security, civil service retirement systems, university structures, national taxation, the removal of advertising from public television, the revision of the 35-hour workweek law, and issues surrounding genetically modified corn. Although reform faces many obstacles, it is inevitable and concerns France's entire future outlook. Notably, global crude oil prices broke through $100 per barrel, which will drive up living costs worldwide, trigger inflation, reduce purchasing power, and weaken productivity. Under these circumstances, improving unemployment in France will be even more difficult.

Environmental awareness is rising. Developing new energy sources—such as solar, geothermal, wind, and hydro—and maintaining water resources have become urgent tasks for the 21st century. The most grand event during this year's French New Year period, the Dakar Rally crossing Africa, was canceled. Four French tourists were killed in Mauritania just before Christmas, and terrorists threatened action against the event. Organizers canceled the dramatic race under this threat.

Welcoming the arrival of 2008 are local elections in France, to be held in March for town councils, mayors, and municipal councilors. The election for Mayor of Paris promises to be a fierce battle between incumbent Socialist mayor Bertrand Delanoë and right-wing (UMP) candidate Françoise de Panafieu. These local elections will serve as a touchstone for President Nicolas Sarkozy and his new government since taking office.