‘Monetary union 1999. Unrest. Strikes.’ On 9 December 1995, in connection with the issues surrounding monetary union, German cartoonist Walter Hanel paints an ironic picture of the Franco-German duo and particularly highlights the poor health of the French partner. While Chancellor Kohl’s Germany is preparing for the timetable for the establishment of a single currency, France is facing growing social unrest and mass strikes in the civil service and public services that are paralysing the country. On the left, President Jacques Chirac bears the scars (crutches and bandages) of the social conflict in France.