Accoyer "I measure the risk of rejection" - August 30, 2011

Unlike many leaders of the UMP, Bernard Accoyer does not support a convening of Congress on the golden rule if the vote is not granted.

LE FIGARO .- What impression do you get from the Summer of PS?

Bernard ACCOYER. – We saw a new battle of images and egos between the candidates in the primary. The PS seems to be a party curled up, in contrast to a world wide open. At La Rochelle, it was all in the posture of a facade of unity and there was nothing to find ideas to respond to the challenges of the moment. The PS stands still deal with the crisis.The implementation of its program for 2012, comparable to 1997 and even 1981, would have two consequences: swelling public spending and raise taxes, while France must control its spending and tax measures to adjust without affecting the household consumption or business competitiveness.

Among the subjects of contention between the majority and the opposition included the "golden rule". Do you support the convening of Congress?

It is a responsibility of the President of the Republic. It is major. French Parliament's vote on a commitment to fight against excessive deficits is a key decision. It is also a commitment of 17 countries in the euro area. We must measure the impact of the convening of Congress. I trust the president to decide or not.For my part, I hope of course that the golden rule is adopted, but I also measured the risks of this approach. Currently, all the conditions do not seem right for the look.

Namely, that you do not have three-fifths majority to pass it?

Indeed, I spoke with most opposition leaders. They spoke clearly. They are not committed to voting the golden rule in Congress. Pending the outcome of consultations with the Prime Minister, I note that the French Socialist Party is the only one in Europe to adopt this posture.

Should we still call the Congress?

The president said if the opposition decided not to join this initiative, decisive for the future of Europe, it would be one element of the debate for the next presidential campaign totally free credit score. There is no emergency.We have until the summer of 2012 to reform the Constitution. Until then, it happens a lot and the French will have to choose between courage and dangerous demagogy.

What would happen if the text was finally rejected in Congress?

The absence of a qualified majority in Congress, after a positive vote in both chambers, would be a first under the Fifth Republic. The risks of rejection are real in a very sensitive issue, so we know very well that national unity has a lot in the difficult times through Europe and the euro, and also through France.

Jean-Francois Cope continues to ask Borloo to surrender to appear in 2012. Do you think the president of the Radical Party will go anyway?

Borloo belonged to the government of François Fillon for nearly four years.It is in the majority, a personality that counts. He contributed greatly in the ministries which he was responsible. His place is obviously in the campaign alongside Nicolas Sarkozy, not a competitor.

You think he will return to the fold?

I hope with all my heart and, as an intelligent and responsible, I think.

What makes you optimistic for the re-election of Nicolas Sarkozy?

What matters are not the polls, which have often said the opposite of what came out of the polls. The important thing is what has been done and what the French can expect the next five years. The President has taken, in exceptional circumstances, the right decisions at the right time with courage. Nicolas Sarkozy, during his presidency of the European Union or the G20, led the way.It was also the strong man in particularly difficult crises: the economic crisis in 2008, the crisis in Georgia, the Libyan crisis. The French need in a dangerous time, a head of state determined, courageous and experienced.

ALSO READ:

"The UMP Sarkozy pushes Congress to convene

The Tokyo Stock Exchange does not move before the intervention of Bernanke - August 26, 2011

Caution on Asian stock markets Friday. And for good reason, investors are waiting with some anxiety the president's speech to the U.S. central bank, Ben Bernanke, the outlook for the U.S. economy. The markets had a first look Thursday with the increase in weekly jobless claims in the United States. They are very careful before publication at 14:30 (French time) the second estimate of GDP for the second quarter could be revised down by 0.2 point to 1.1%.

Meanwhile, the Asian financial centers are clearly hesitant and have not adopted the same direction. Thus, while the Nikkei in Tokyo Stock Exchange gleans some points (0.13%) to 8783.99 points, retreating Chinese stock markets: the Hang Seng in Hong Kong was down 0.21% to 19,710.10 points and the Shanghai CSI 300 lost 0.89% to 2877.99 points.

Japanese Prime Minister resigns

Also in Japan, criticized for his hesitation and awkwardness to the disaster caused by the earthquake and tsunami of March 11, Prime Minister of Japan, Naoto Kan, has resigned as chairman of the Democratic Party of Japan, according to media Japanese payday loans. And therefore of his duties as head of government.

On the macroeconomic front, the consumer prices in Japan rose 0.1% in July after a revised 0.2% decline in June.Analysts on average expected a further decline of 0.1%.

On the other Asian financial centers, the trend is mixed if the Taiwan TAIEX gains 0.40% at 7440.37 points, the Kospi in Seoul was up 0.47% to 1772.80 points, the BSE Sensex 30 advance 0 , 12% to 16,165.70 points, the S & P / ASX 200 was down 0.28% to 4200.90 points and the FTSE Straits Times lost 0.71% to 2746.10 points.

Oil not very active

Oil prices were mixed Friday morning during electronic trading in Asia, in a sluggish market, before the highly anticipated speech of the head of the U.S. central bank (Fed). In morning trading, a barrel of "light sweet crude" for delivery in October gave 10 cents to 85.20 dollars per barrel of Brent North Sea crude for October delivery took 19 cents to 110.81 dollars.

Kodak's patents inflame lust - August 18, 2011

Many observers believe that Kodak missed the turn of the digital. The giant of photography at the age of 130 years, could now take his revenge with his key weapon: a portfolio of 1100 patents for digital imaging. These inflame the lusts of the giants of the computing and telephony, Apple to Microsoft via Research in Motion (RIM) – Blackberry's parent company – and Google, which multiply purchases in this sector to enhance the functionality their phones.

The phenomenon was illustrated recently by the acquisition for $ 12.5 billion, Motorola's Mobility by Google. An operation that allows the Internet giant to hand over a lucrative portfolio of nearly 17,000 patents telephone.In early July, a consortium led by Apple and Microsoft spent $ 4.5 billion to acquire the patents of the Canadian telecom equipment supplier Nortel for bankruptcy.

"Clearly, the ability to take pictures and send them to mobile devices is critical for manufacturers of smartphones, and Kodak may hold the key technologies that provide these services," said Paul Ausick, the financial website 24 / 7 Wall Street.

Kodak ready to sell

More operations and acquisitions are increasing the portfolio of Kodak takes the value. The financial firm MDB Capital, in an interview with the Bloomberg financial agency, has said the group's 1100 patents were worth, in today, nearly three billion dollars. All of Kodak's intellectual property would be five times the value of the company itself.The news panicked investors rushed to the title at the New York Stock Exchange yesterday. The action Eastman Kodak jumped 25.70% to 2.69 dollars.

Kodak, no question of missing the boat. According to the Wall Street Journal, the manufacturer of cameras "began promoting its portfolio this week, contacting companies that might be interested." Kodak said currently "explore strategic alternatives" for its patents.

When it is launched, the battle for the acquisition of these technologies will be tough. Kodak could play the card by removing the grudge he accuses Apple and RIM already violating its patents on technology for viewing photos on their iPhone and BlackBerry.

ALSO READ:

"Apple combines the trial with its competitors

Why Eurobonds are gaining ground - August 16, 2011

How to stop the contagion of the crisis of debt in the euro zone? European leaders are working on the subject while, after Greece, Ireland and Portugal, the budgets of Spain and Italy still worried. Among the options considered: Eurobonds. Berlin does not want to hear about it, Paris does not show much enthusiasm either. However, this proposal is increasingly cited as the most credible to stem the crisis.

What Eurobonds?

Eurobonds (in English or eurobonds) are bonds issued by all 17 Member States of the euro area and subscribed in their common name.The rate of these bonds would be an average for the various member countries, now very different depending on the health of national economies: while German interest rates to 10 stood at 2.62%, those of the Greece nearly 15%.

The creation of the Eurobond, which would mark a greater economic integration in the euro zone, would be to pool the debts of member countries.

What are their advantages?

"If there had been the 'Eurobonds', we would not have today's crisis," says the Italian Minister of Economy, Giulio Tremonti. Such titles would indeed to most indebted countries to borrow at rates lower than those applied to them today. And so break the current vicious circle: with interest rates high, they struggle to refinance markets.

Last week, the European Central Bank (ECB) has disbursed a record $ 22 billion of debt to buy Italian and Spanish, allowing a relaxation of bond yields. But for many, these measures are not sufficient and Eurobonds appear as the most credible to stop the contagion of the debt crisis.

Opposing their creation?

Germany refuses to discuss it. Berlin has in fact particularly low interest rates and would be the big loser of the pooling of European debts. She also fears that the Eurobond release the pressure on states to réquilibrer their finances. Germany wants a greater economic cooperation among member countries of the euro area and the creation of a European institution that would oversee the fiscal policy of each.

Hence the warning before the meeting between Nicolas Sarkozy and Angela Merkel on Tuesday afternoon: "We will not cover Eurobonds on our own because it is not, in our opinion, a way desirable or practicable" , said the spokesman of Chancellor allemande payday advance.La France also spoke against the Eurobonds.

"We have a common monetary policy and fiscal policy in each country individually," which results in different interest rates, and "as is the case, Eurobonds are not an option"

Has revived the debate?

The creation of Eurobonds is promoted by long-time supporters of federalism in Europe, including Jean-Claude Juncker.States who suffer from debt interest rates are higher, of course, too, this solution in a positive light.

But even in Germany, the idea seems to be gaining ground: the president of the association of German exporters (BGA), Anton Boerner, has taken a stand for the creation of European bonds, "We need it, and we needed quickly, "he said, calling for the introduction of" golden rules "budget to support their creation.The German daily Die Welt also reported this weekend that the German government began to consider the Eurobonds.

Britain, which has not adopted the euro, has also come out in favor of Eurobonds by the voice of his finance minister, George Osborne: it asked "institutions in the euro area to all that is necessary to maintain stability ", describing the disintegration of the euro as" economic disaster including the UK "." Solutions such as Eurobonds and other forms of security must now be considered seriously, "he added.

Other voices were heard recently in favor of it "Europe needs Eurobonds," said the investor George Soros in an article published Monday by the Financial Times: "Germany and Other countries have AAA in one way or another to create a system of Eurobonds. Otherwise, the euro will collapse. "

ALSO READ:

"The issuance of Eurobonds, the weapon against infection?

"Depression: the common front Sarkozy-Merkel

"SPECIAL REPORT: debt crisis

Nicolas Sarkozy is accelerating its cost-cutting plan - August 11, 2011

A return express. Nicolas Sarkozy called Wednesday morning at the Elysee a "working meeting" surprise, to "take stock" (and know) market in crisis, amid concern for the euro area. Since the worsening financial situation, the head of state was managing the crisis from its resort on the Var coast, so you do not send alarming signals to markets. "There, it was easier to gather everyone in Paris, says it at the Elysee. But the sine qua non, there was not too brutal market drop, that morning. Otherwise, the meeting would have made things worse. "

The secret had been carefully guarded.And the Elysee waited for the reopening of markets on Wednesday morning to publish (at 9:22) the press release announcing the meeting, held in the green room, in the presence of Prime Minister François Fillon – back to Tuscany, he left in the aftermath – and the Governor of the Banque de France, Christian Noyer. Ministers Baroin (Economics), Valerie Pécresse (Budget), Alain Juppe (Foreign Affairs) and John Leonetti (European Affairs) had been asked the day before returning to Paris for the occasion.

Anxious to reassure the markets in a context of "excitement," Nicolas Sarkozy wanted to remember with great fanfare that France was determined to achieve its goals in reducing deficits (5.7% of GDP in 2011, 4.6% l Next year, 3% in 2013).Trajectory necessary to preserve the precious "AAA" rating (see below).

Unpopular decisions

In a statement, the Elysee reiterated Wednesday that those commitments are "bound regardless of changing economic conditions." Sarkozy asked Baroin Pécresse and make proposals for further savings, as part of preparing the draft budget law for 2012. The budget minister said that the Figaro tax loopholes – but not those in the service of employment – will be far removed. "The employment protection is a barrier," nuance Pécresse, who wants loop "a budget of fiscal justice" with "effort shared by all."Sarkozy and Fillon will be August 17 to prepare the trade-offs which will be made Aug. 24 before being endorsed by the Cabinet next week.

The head of state wants to take advantage of the worsening situation to prepare public opinion for unpopular decisions fast cash. But he also wants to show the French that the policy since 2007 (non-replacement of a staff of two, pension reform, etc.). Is one of the reasons why France would keep its credibility on the market. "Current developments validate the economic strategy led by the government," insists the Elysée in a statement. During yesterday's meeting, which lasted over two hours, Sarkozy further held that the measures taken by France and its partners since the beginning of the crisis had begun to bear fruit."There was a relaxation on the market for sovereign debt, we must keep a cool head," said Baroin to the output, hours before a new European stock markets dive. Reportedly, Nicolas Sarkozy is expected to meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel in the coming days. The date has not been set.

The head of state also discussed Wednesday the famous "golden rule", he wishes to include in the Constitution. "He called everyone's responsibility, beyond the partisan divide." Again, Sarkozy wants to use the crisis to push its advantage, and put the opposition – who refuses to vote – to the wall. The president spoke at length on the telephone Tuesday with Jean-Pierre Chevenement about it.Reportedly, François Fillon could end of August to stage a number of meetings with opposition figures had proved "constructive" on the subject, as Jean-Pierre Chevenement, Manuel Valls, François Dominique de Villepin or Bayrou. Interviews that aimed to isolate a little PS. "We can not build with those who want to destroy," says a close associate of President.

After the meeting, held in an Elysium in full work, the walls completely covered in scaffolding, Sarkozy thanked the ministers for their presence: "You can return your vacation spots," Has he said. "Oh? We have the right to say the word now? It is no longer taboo? "Ministers had fun. For Baroin and Pécresse, "the work continues."The two "musketeers" of the right must be found this weekend with the Minister of Economy in the Creuse, to work on measures they present earlier this week to the president. As for the head of state, he took over the road from Cape Negro on Wednesday, late afternoon.

That markets expect the agreement after the United States - August 1, 2011

On the night of Sunday to Monday, an agreement was reached between Republicans and Democrats to raise the U.S. debt ceiling. A favorable outcome that immediately reassured the markets: when Barack Obama announced the compromise to 2:45 Paris time, Asian stock markets – open to this hour – surged after learning that the failure to pay the United States was avoided. The Nikkei in Tokyo rose 1.7% immediately before finishing up 1.34%. Later, in Europe, major indices also showed the green, like the Cac 40 in Paris, which opened up 1.35%, and the ragagnant 3700 points, the Footsie Londoner, who took 1.07 % and the Dax in Frankfurt (+1.5%).

Safe haven, gold subside sees the outbreak of the course, which showed great concern on the part of investors.The yellow metal, which was still worth almost 1630 dollars per ounce on Friday, and is around 1615 dollars fell on Monday.

Immediate response as the currency market, the dollar has suddenly taken against major world currencies, particularly against the yen (the dollar rose from 77.3 to 78 yen per hour), just after the announcement.

Reassured the markets for a while

But around noon on Monday, the dollar back down a little already, one euro was trading against 1.4437 dollars (0.23%). Same against the Swiss franc, another safe haven, which goes back to full speed against the dollar and finds its historical levels of force, to 0.78 Swiss francs to the dollar.

Thus, if the news is welcome, the markets are not won by the euphoria. They are waiting because the confirmation of the plan by a vote, or some Republicans have expressed strong opposition to the agreement.Already on the European stock markets, the increases are bunched together in mid-day. And on Wall Street indices predicted a future increase in the Dow Jones 1.3%. Not enough to make up for the fall of 4.4% registered in the past week.

Markets are also wary because the details of the agreement remain unclear. In addition, the debt ceiling would require a new vote in early 2013, after the presidential elections. Now remains to be seen how the rating agencies will react to reductions in planned expenditure, less important than they hoped. However, they have warned: even if the United States are not lacking, this would not prevent the AAA rating of the country may be degraded.In this case, markets may again sink into depression.

ALSO READ:

"The dollar, a victim of the long debate on U.S. debt

"U.S.: Agreement in extremis on the debt cap

EADS confirms its objectives with Airbus - July 31, 2011

The outlook for the parent company of Airbus are rather positive. EADS confirmed on Friday its forecast for the full year 2011, with sales up 8% to 21.9 billion euros and operating profit (EBIT) of 720 million euros in first half of this year. The net result of EADS amounted to 109 million euros (compared to 185 million euros in the first half of 2010), or earnings per share of 0.13 euro (0.23 euro a year ago) . In the second quarter, the manufacturer posted a net profit of 121 million euros and a turnover of 12.082 million – up from data over the same period the previous year (82 million euros in profit net 11.35 billion in revenue).

The activities of EADS, however, impacted by a decline of 41% of net profit in the first half, to 109 million euros related to accounting revaluations following the change in exchange rates, the statement said the group. But the net cash position of the manufacturer, specialized in aerospace and defense of a $ 11 billion still provides a solid foundation to meet the operational needs of the group and fuel future growth, "said EADS Friday .

An exceptional increase in orders

"Our first half results in 2011 reflect the strong demand in the commercial aviation sector," said the executive chairman of the Louis Welsh, comment out the publication of the results of EADS.At Le Bourget, Airbus, the main subsidiary of EADS has reached a new record this year, orders for 730 commercial aircraft, including 667 A 320 Neo, remotorisée version of medium-haul Airbus, less fond of fuel paydayloans. EADS believes that Airbus should undertake the delivery of 520 to 530 commercial aircraft throughout the year, with a level of gross orders up to one thousand units. In the first half of 2011, new orders for Airbus amounted to 58.1 billion euros at the end of June the company has already earned 453.8 billion euros (at the end of 2010, total orders was 448.5 billion).

For all of 2011, EADS expects a stable EBIT before non-recurring items in 2011 compared to 2010, about 1.3 billion euros. Louis Welsh stated in particular that Airbus confirms its target of delivering about 25 to 380 in 2011.Moreover, based on the basis of an exchange rate of one euro worth 1.35 dollars, the European manufacturer hopes to earnings per share higher than in 2010, which was 0.68 euro. He also put on a significant improvement in its EBIT by 2012 due to higher sales volumes and improved performance of the Airbus A 380.

The title of EADS was in line with the trend of the CAC 40 stock market this morning, down -0.76% to 24.15 euros.

ALSO READ:

"The results carried by EADS Airbus

"Bourget 2011: the living room of all records

The royal wedding impact growth - July 27, 2011

In London

It would be unfair to put all their back, but the marriage of Kate Middleton and Prince William has indeed drag on growth in the second quarter. The holiday offered to the British for the occasion has led to closures of factories, office buildings, helping to slow growth in the second quarter in Britain: 0.2% GDP growth, whichever comes first estimates published yesterday.

Other factors that have sealed-off growth: the heat of April, which reduced electricity consumption, and the drama of Fukushima, resulting in supply problems in the industry. Without these special events, growth reached 0.7%, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

The general view of economists, these figures are not brilliant but the disaster that some had predicted did not occur.The Economy Minister George Osborne is relieved: "The good news is that the UK economy continues to create growth and jobs." But the goal of annual growth of 1.7% is particularly difficult. Also believes the opposition does the government needs to soften its austerity policy: "These figures show that the return to growth has been strangled by the increase in VAT set up by George Osborne and lower costs budget, "said Ed Ball, a spokesman for Labour cash advance today.

"There is no plan B"

But it seems unlikely that the government changes its mind. "Our economy is stable right now because the government has taken tough decisions to take over the debt, Osborne continued. If we abandon this policy as some want, we will jeopardize the jobs and growth. "The Chancellor of the Exchequer is supported by the Liberal Democrat Minister of Commerce, that "there is no plan B. We must keep our commitment. " Vince Cable, that the Bank of England to support growth by easing monetary policy again.

Small encouraging sign: the sale of tickets for the Olympics began during the second quarter, but according to international conventions, will be counted in GDP at the time of the Games themselves, in a year. Alone it is 0.1 percentage point of growth, the ONS calculates.

Strike threat dismissed by Air France - July 23, 2011

Much bagaille should be avoided. While seven union stewards and hostesses of Air France had filed a strike notice for the next weekend (July 29 to August 1), the airline has come this Saturday morning to sign the minutes of end of conflict with union representatives. What not to many flight cancellations in the great cross-driven summer from July to August, and escape the nightmare scenario met in mid-July by the customers of Air Algeria. The Algerian company was also affected by a strike of its crews, resulting in the virtual paralysis of European flights to the country.

Whereas yesterday, the agreement has been finally found Saturday afternoon between the airline and the Inter (CGT, CFDT, CFTC, Unac, NPNC and UNSA), resulting in the lifting of the strike notice filed Monday.Only Southern Air has so far not given its approval. The seven organizations representing the commercial crews (PNC) called for the opening of negotiations on the organization of work, especially in the bases in the provinces, but also the medium-haul and long haul. This is now done, the group of Pierre-Henri Gourgeon has agreed to reopen discussions on the new rules of work (rest, compensation) provided to counter competition from low cost carriers.

Reopen negotiations next week

On this point, the flight attendants are opposed to such requirements in the new provincial bases (Marseille and Nice, Toulouse and Bordeaux) and denounce the proposed removal of a sailing aboard the Airbus A319 payday advance.They are supported in their claims by two minority unions of pilots (SPAF and Alter) who in turn refused to lift their notice for the next weekend. "The company has agreed to supply four A319 in the PNC until September 15," said Philippe Sport at UNSA. If it is impossible to have this number, the flight attendants should receive compensation (rest or premium). For its part, Air France said that the continuation of strike notice SPAF and Alter would have no significant impact on traffic. The reopening of negotiations with the flight crew should take place in the course of next week.

Still, the difficulties are not entirely discarded the French company, far from it. Management must also deal with Algeria-leAir SNPL resumption of talks, the union super majority in pilots.While the SNPL signed to 54% the proposed new work organization. But this time, the battle moves to the front of pensions. The powerful union remains opposed to the proposed reform of the pension fund additional pilots. Where a notice of strike filed this time from August 5 to 8, another busy weekend on the front of air traffic and going on holiday.

ALSO READ:

"Algeria-Air passengers compensated?

"Air-Algeria resumption of talks

The French should expect more rigorous - July 22, 2011

French, whatever the next president, get ready to shake your belt! Thursday, according to documents as a basis for negotiation, Paris was about to commit, as all the capitals of the euro area that are not within the scope of a program of assistance, to below 3% deficit in 2013 "at the latest." A number in the Maastricht Treaty in 1992, stalled for years, and seems about to revive …

In recent months, France has undertaken vis-à-vis Brussels to reduce the government deficit (state, local government, social security) to 6% of GDP in 2011, 4.6% in 2012 and finally precisely, to 3% in 2013.But this promise of the Fillon government takes a turn this time much more solemn.

The government has already ensured that he would take in Brussels "all necessary measures to respect the path of public finances notified in the stability program." He planned to continue the non-replacement of an official two retiring, reducing the operational expenditure of the state by 10% in three years to review all the operating expenses (66 billion euros) to make the same effort as running costs, and above all to continue the removal of tax and social niches.

On this last point, the new Minister of Economy, Baroin, began to prepare minds to new cuts.It is "very likely that we will go through the Finance Act 2012, beyond the 3 billion reduction in planned niches," he said in an interview with Le Figaro Magazine last week.

Increased tax burden

Because it considers the government's growth forecast (2.5%) too optimistic and they fear that public spending grows at the same pace as the past decade, the Senate Finance Committee has also recently warned that should get up to 11 billion euros of revenue or additional savings next year.

As for the Socialist Party, already in his primary campaign, he will have soon detailing how it intends to meet a commitment that is now required for all political camps if he returned to power next year.Because he wants to play the card of the seriousness, the goal of a return to 3% in 2013 is also included in its program. But for this, less emphasis on spending cuts than on tax burden increased by 50 billion.

The theme of discipline inevitably hover on the presidential campaign.