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The catastrophe of Fukushima has not cooled the ardor "nuclear" in Finland. Three and a half months after the accident on several reactors in Japan, the electrician Fennovoima officially launched a tender to build a new plant, which will be the sixth of the country. Four are already operating, while the fifth, Olkiluoto 3, the site is controlled by the French group Areva, will enter service in 2012.

The same Japanese Areva and Toshiba are the two groups identified by Fennovoima to participate in the tender whose outcome is expected for 2012-2013. The dual French-Japanese technology will also be a clash between the pressurized water reactor, the EPR, proposed by the European company, while his opponent defends an Asian model for boiling water, the ABWR.Both show a roughly similar power.

It's been exactly one year that Finland has launched the process to build new nuclear generation capacity. In July 2010, two electricians, TVO and Fennovoima have been authorized by Parliament to build each plant cash advance no faxing. Since then, Fennovoima has selected two sites to host this facility. Meanwhile, the group sifted through the different reactor technologies before choosing the respective models of Areva and Toshiba.

Three years late

For TVO, things are a little different. The tender for an additional reactor is not yet launched, but the first Finnish utility is already working with Areva as operate the Olkiluoto 3.Incidentally, the fact that Fennovoima has chosen to confront the French technology Toshiba shows that the Finnish authorities have not focused too much on the delay of the Olkiluoto site. This effect will be delivered in three years late, while the bill has almost doubled to 6 billion euros, against a budget of 3.5 billion initially.

But it must be said that the catastrophe of Fukushima had beneficial consequences for the EPR. Its high level of security has become a very significant advantage.

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At one year of presidential elections, the state wants to find ways to better protect small against the powerful. Thus, Frédéric Lefebvre, Secretary of State for Consumer Affairs, will introduce draft legislation to "strengthen the rights, protection and consumer information" by the Cabinet on Wednesday. Le Parisien, Aujourd'hui en France had access to the text. The newspaper said that the bill contains 25 measures, some of which emanate directly from the consumer.

Among the main measures, the newspaper cites the one on mobile: after only three months, against six today, subscribers can request the release of their phones, at least one package without commitment period must be offered and restrictions the unlimited plans will be highlighted. On Internet access providers should provide a social rate of broadband Internet.

Penalties for delinquent owners

Moreover, the deposit of all tenants, including housing non-contracted, must be returned within two months after the tenant leaves. Otherwise, the owner must pay a penalty of 10% of the rent each month of delay. The energy sector will also be more cautious with respect to its customers. Operators, such GDF and EDF will provide "personalized advice tariff" and subscriptions will be suspended in case of disputes. Dependence will not escape the attention of the State: Families of nursing home residents who died will no longer pay the entire monthly rent. And, like food, a label "AOC" will also apply to manufactured goods.

With this battery of measures, the bill aims to "give the consumer control over their spending," says Frederic Lefebvre Paris-Today in France. The aim is also to "protect consumers by ensuring that the losses suffered early end, particularly in terms of unfair," said Secretary of State.

Measures "without any real coherence"

But some believe that the legislation could go further. Moreover, when asked by the newspaper, the President of SFR indicates that virtually all measures "consistent with the commitments made by operators last year."

For its part, the consumer association UFC-Que Choisir "bitterly regrets the lack of ambition of Bill consumption."In a statement, it says that "prices soared, the purchasing power of consumers dries up and the government just a few buckets of water through a patchwork of measures, without any real consistency, who can not afford to restore balance in most markets. "

UFC-Que Choisir particularly regret that no steps are planned to frame price inflation on the food shelf, so that "the explosion of agricultural raw materials ablaze the labels." On electronic communications, the association said that the bill still does not allow the cap to 12-month commitment period. Finally, the combination of consumer cites the "glaring absence" of the group action as "the emblematic example of the limited scope of this text," promised before his election by Nicolas Sarkozy.The association would ask members to make extensive use of their right of amendment and the government to be open to proposals for enrichment to allow consumers to regain their place of actual market actor. "

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Restoring the reputation of a Spanish property damaged. A delicate, while prices fell 20% since the outbreak in 2008 of the bubble. In the country, 696,000 housing completions remain unsold officially. So, want to give foreigners to invest in stone Spanish government launches, take heart, a campaign Investinspain. Objective: To prove that the property leaves a phase of "adjustment" to another "recovery". Secretary of State for Housing, Beatriz Corredor, goes on "tour" to the assault of "potential investors" and "influential supporters." After London, before Frankfurt, Moscow and Stockholm, she argued this week in Paris at the ambassador's residence in Spain. Morgan Stanley had, among others, responded to the invitation.

The bank also believes that prices in Spain fall further, by 10% this year.To the despair of the 85% Spanish owners. Far from Paris and its persistent delusions of grandeur, it still insists Beatriz Corredor, the "perfect time" to afford a home in the Iberian sun. With 491 000 transactions in 2010, the market is, she promises, "more stoned.

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The French Minister of Economy Christine Lagarde said on Wednesday his candidacy official in the Directorate General of International Monetary Fund (IMF).

"I decided to present my candidacy for the general direction of the International Monetary Fund," she said at a news conference at his ministry. She said she was comforted by the support of many countries and agreed that it was a "huge challenge" to run the estate of Dominique Strauss-Kahn, who resigned after being charged with attempted rape .

Christine Lagarde said to have "quite a clear conscience" in the case Tapie, where it could be investigated for abuse of authority because of his role in the arbitration award in favor of the man business. If the investigation should be launched, then "I will maintain my candidacy," said the minister.

The IMF plans to appoint by the end of June the new IMF chief. Applications may be filed from Monday until June 10

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Rising electricity prices in the coming years will she "modest," as stated by the Government? Nothing is less certain. Especially if the state relies on the Champsaur report to determine the selling price of nuclear energy for EDF to its competitors, under the law on reorganization of the electricity market.

In the conclusions of this report – that Le Figaro was bought – "the average price of Arenh (restricted to nuclear power history) over the period of regulation could out to about 39 euros per megawatt hour (MWh) .

This figure is substantially lower than the threshold advocated by EDF, which estimates that 42 euros per MWh the full cost of nuclear power (operation, maintenance, future investments …).But it is also well above the starting price desired by EDF's competitors, who point out that current tariffs are regulated on the basis of 35 euros per MWh. Anyway, to 39 euros per MWh as stipulated in the Champsaur report, the convergence required by law in 2015 between regulated tariffs and prices Arenh will result in a significant rise in the former."In a context where all components of cost of supplying electricity are up, the constraints of evolution of the price system (…) are extremely strong," the report notes.

Although several hypotheses can be considered according to the weight of taxes and the rate of inflation, but increase the rates regulated by 2015 could average 6.5% per year as the underlying report.

The impact of Fukushima

Suffice to say that politically, the application of such a law might be scolded consumers. Hence the long wait before the final decisions of the government.

Still in its conclusions, the Champsaur report notes that "tests were made before the serious problems that have affected nuclear power plants in Fukushima.And to emphasize that the results of the audit of central French government decision "should be taken into account in calculations of electricity generated by nuclear power history." For EDF, this is no doubt this will generate additional costs for maintenance of the park, which should therefore be reflected in the price of Arenh.

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And if the Renault spy case was based on a simple internal settling of scores? Having missed so far, this track is not ruled according to a source close to the investigation quoted by Le Parisien on Saturday.

She says an employee of Renault 'close' to Michel Balthazar, former head of the division "upstream projects and services" of the company and laid off in January with two other executives, Matthieu Tenenbaum Rochette and Bertrand, was the author of the famous anonymous letter sent in late August at the direction of Renault.

"In May this year, I saw Michael Balthazard negotiate a jar of wine, claiming that if Bob Bell took advantage of F1, also wanted to enjoy it and feed his bank account," says the author literally. Without the quote, it also aims Matthew Tenenbaum."During another conversation, he (Michel Balthazar, Ed) spoke of a young man (Matthew Tenenbaum, Ed) which quickly understood how it works to fill his bank account," he adds.

Renault has made "mistakes"

Recognizing not have "no evidence", the "Raven" was threatening the management of Renault. "Without checking action on your part, I would not hesitate in a few weeks to send the letter to the press." But according to RTL radio, which obtained one of the anonymous letters, the document aimed Michel Balthazard contains "no details or overwhelming potential to advance the investigation."

Anyway, the contents of this letter plot."Who else but a close security service may Renault whether audits will be conducted?" Asks Maitre Thibault de Montbrial, lawyer Matthew Tenenbaum.

The Central Directorate of Internal Intelligence (DCRI), responsible for investigating this matter, and would guide his research on the environment "very close" to Michel Balthazard. A dozen people are suspected by investigators.

For its part, Renault, however, convinced he has been betrayed by three executives who allegedly leaked confidential information, now acknowledges having made "mistakes." And if the automaker had wrongfully dismissed three executives on false accusations from a "raven" still an employee of the group? This would then no longer one but two crises that the automaker should be managed.

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The Tokyo Stock Exchange remained slightly higher throughout the session as investors again acclaimed exporting companies and related natural resources. The Nikkei index has gained 0.69% closing at 10,345.11 points, and the Topix broader, took 0.69% to 917.18 points also.

In China, the Hang Seng index in Hong Kong plaice 0.34% to 23,795.79 points and that of Shanghai, CSI, down more frankly of 0.86% to 2957.71 points. While Chinese President Hu Jintao was visiting Washington last week, former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger said on CNN that "China may revalue its currency this year without this being regarded as a failure in Beijing vis-à-vis the international community cash advance payday loan. "Accusing the Chinese exchange rate policy to be responsible for the huge trade deficit the United States, Washington continues to urge Beijing to move faster appreciation of the yuan began in June, when Chinese authorities decided to allow their currencies to float a little more freely. Moreover, China also plans to extend its restrictions in purchasing real estate, a market that is growing too fast, according to reports from China Daily Jounal.

Scholarships uncoordinated

The situation remains tense in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The Exchange was closed. Photo credits: MUNIR UZ ZAMAN / AFP

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In the race to recovery, countries are not at the same pace. In Europe, the hare, Germany. And the tortoise, Greece. France is in the forefront. The graphic above represents the race of nations towards growth before, during and after the crisis. The evolution of the economy of each country is measured by the annualized quarterly growth rate. Clearly, the level of economic activity in each quarter compared to the same period a year ago. The first quarter 2010 is reported in the first quarter of 2009.

The bubbles are inflated or deflated each country according to the weight of debt. As during the crisis, state revenues (taxes, etc.) fall and spend it (unemployment benefits, subsidies, etc.) rise, debt has continued to grow.

Some countries, like France, have fared better during the crisis through mechanisms nicknamed "automatic stabilizers" by economists. Specifically, the State spends more on leaner times more likely to compensate unemployed or collects less revenue because of tax cuts. This strategy has its downside: it widens the deficit, which are in turn inflate the debt.

Other economies have been affected more severely, as in Germany. While France has registered a fall of 2% of the wealth produced in 2009, activity in Germany plunged by 4%. But she rebounded with more vigor, flirting with the 3% annual growth in 2010.

Ireland finally knew stratospheric growth rates before the crisis.Then the economic downturn has hit hard, challenging in part because its business model based on such real estate and banks. These have dived with the proliferation of defaults on home loans. The state decided early in the crisis support to 100%, wiping losses in their places. Result, the debt has exploded, increasing from 44.4% in 2009 to 102% in 2012. The drastic austerity plan, quickly became inevitable, is stopping the resumption of growth by cutting.

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Wall Street advance with measured steps. One economic indicator in the program and trading volumes ahead once again starving. The Dow Jones gained 0.21% to 11,600.10 points, the S & P 500 rose 0.15% to 1260.42 points and the Nasdaq climbed 0.10% to 2665.53 points.

The U.S. market has ultimately withstood yesterday, both down, more pronounced than expected, property prices, and an index of consumer confidence disappointing. The only news that would, could, on Tuesday, giving back a little from markets, have gone unnoticed: the manufacturing index of the Richmond Fed, which beat the consensus, but also a private study which highlighted a relative optimism of consumers on their spending later this year.

Oil stocks to menu

The indices have however little news on Wednesday to put in their mouths.Trade volumes, skeletal and this Christmas holiday period, should not help them progress. In fact, no statistical projection is scheduled to macroeconomic agenda item. Only the weekly oil inventories will animate somewhat this winter torpor, at 16:30.

Paypal and Berkshire Hathaway

On the corporate side, no major publication is expected on Wednesday. The payment service PayPal online, a subsidiary of eBay (-0.04% to 28.34 dollars) based in the United States, has signed an agreement with the Chinese metropolis of Chongqing order to develop a large platform of payments International online.In a joint statement with PayPal, the city mayor Huang Qifan, said he hoped that this agreement will enable Chongqing to become the leading center in China for transactions of e-commerce.

In addition, MidAmerican Energy, the energy division of the company magnate Warren Buffett, Berkshire Hathaway (-0.19% to 79.84 dollars), has signed with Siemens (+0.22% to 124.31 dollars) agreement delivery of 258 wind turbines of 2.3 megawatts each. Planned installation in 2011 at 5 sites in Iowa. We do not know the amount of the contract.

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The tone rises in the UK, after several days of chaos during which the air traffic was paralyzed at London's Heathrow Airport. The British government wants to introduce new legislation which will impose heavy fines at airports where passenger travel were severely affected before Christmas, "said Transport Minister Philip Hammond The Sunday Times.

"There should be a financial penalty for failure of service," said the minister Sunday newspaper. Therefore, he advocated the adoption of new laws that would give more powers to regulators, such as civil aviation authority (CAA). The latter took the view not be able to impose a fine at Heathrow, the busiest airport in Europe, in the current legislative framework.For Philip Hammond, it is "unacceptable" that the operator of Heathrow, the group under Spanish capital BAA is not punished.

Tens of millions of pounds

"We should give greater importance to passenger satisfaction and performance of airports," said Transport Minister, citing the penalties of tens of millions of pounds. According to the British press, the fine could reach 63 million pounds (74 million), representing 7% of airport charges. BAA announced Thursday the launch of an external investigation into the chaos caused by snow, while traffic was slowly returning to normal.Thousands of stranded travelers spent several nights in the terminals of Heathrow on the floor waiting for their flight.

British Prime Minister David Cameron had said on Tuesday "frustrated" that it is necessary that long to improve the situation in the London airport. Under fire from critics, the CEO of BAA, Colin Matthews, had indicated he would forgo his bonus this year to year easy payday loans. "We had a crisis, I am responsible," he said in an interview given to Sky News video. In 2009, Colin Matthews hit a bonus of 944,000 pounds (1.11 million).

A "Snow Plan" insufficient

In a survey of the conditions that led to the paralysis of traffic at Heathrow, The Sunday Telegraph says "Snow Plan" provided by the London airport did not give sufficient resources to fight against heavy weather and this, while that the government had asked the operators since last summer to revise and strengthen it. Heathrow has not been the only airport to suffer interruptions of traffic across the Channel. Scottish airports Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow, as well as other London airports (Gatwick, Luton and City) have also been affected.

In France, where the air traffic returned to normal at Paris on Saturday, the Minister of Transportation and Ecology Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet, called an "inspection visit" about the lack of glycol, liquid defrosting. The initial findings will be made January 10.For the European Commission, the disturbances that have occurred in the major European airports in recent weeks are "unacceptable." Transport Commissioner, Siim Kallas, discussed the possible establishment of a "minimum service" airports in the European Union.

(With agencies)

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