How much do we trust the French? [shedir]

Their record isn't great, is it?
So I was a bit stunned to see this in the bbc news.
The international science community are building a nuclear fusion reactor, japan has pulled out so who is the worlds next foremost scientific power?
Ah yes. France. Famous for....champagne. Oh and mouldy cheese.
I only hope that the build this "star on earth" as far away from me as possible. Assuming the constant sleep and wine breaks mean this thing actually ever starts!