"France" is not involved - the French gvt is, which is slightly different. I think few French citizens would even care about this law, and for those who do, would most likely be against it.

There is also the context of presidential elections next year in France, where Sarkozy is in a tough situation to win. Trying to win points in international summits also works well with French citizen people who have not yet realized France is a minor power for more than 50 years.