[fabienpenso]

> I'd say that in Paris, a referral is necessary and often sufficient. Le "piston".

+1.

I think it's a core deep cultural issue about France. The whole system is completely corrupted, people are used to get "passe-droit" (not sure about the translation) for anything, and even the top Political leaders are acting this way. Politician asking cops not to be fined for something illegal they just did, a friend of a friend asking the School President to let their kid attend their school, etc.

The whole French society is based on this. Many say it's a Monarchy, and not a Republic.

[natrius]

I think the English word you're looking for is "nepotism."

[vorador]

"Passe-droit" means "special favor" in french.