Return to Athens international experts

27th July

Suit and tie, dark glasses, briefcase and severe look. The "Men in Black", as are known as experts from the International Monetary Fund and the European institutions are back in Athens for two weeks. Their mission: to scrutinize the country's overburdened public accounts and the first assessment of the official plan of 110 billion euros for Greece in early May. If they judge that the government of George Papandreou meets its commitments, a second payment of 9 billion euros, will be completed in September.

The Greek Finance Minister George Papaconstantinou, is not afraid of men in black. "The second tranche of the plan will be paid if we have achieved the targets" by the international community, he said this weekend in an interview to a Greek newspaper. "These conditions were replies and we've even gone ahead with the vote of the pension reform.Greece adopted in June a postponement of the age of retirement at age 65.

"Progress"

The International Monetary Fund had also considered a report published in mid-July, the Greek authorities' making strides to redress public finances. " Athens was required to reduce the deficit by 39% in the first half. He did much better than that, reducing it by 46%.

"They were the hardest, reducing public spending more severely than expected," Judge Jean-Francois Robin, rate and currency strategist at Natixis AM. "In terms of fiscal consolidation, they are on track to be the best European students in the class and should succeed in reducing their deficit to about 9%." Good student in 2009, Ireland is in contrast to the penalty this year and could be weighted with a deficit of 12% in late 2010.

Uncertainties on Revenue

In Greece, if the goal seems far exceeded expenditure side, the revenue side "is more uncertain because revenues depend heavily on economic growth and tax base," Philip Sabuco shade, an economist at BNP Paribas., Philip Sabuco shade, economist at BNP Paribas. The government has managed to find only 7% of additional revenue to date, well below the target of 13, 7%.

Greece will not be judged solely on controlling the budget deficit. The IMF will look very closely the progress of privatization of public enterprises, the state (disastrous) finance social security, the release of occupations "protected" (trucker, notaries, architects, etc..). Records of which Athens is late.

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Germany searched the offices of Credit Suisse

14th July

Diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Germany could still suffer. After the controversial purchase of a CD from Switzerland containing lists of suspected tax evaders in Germany launches massive search operation in the German subsidiary of Swiss bank Credit Suisse. Objective: to update the 1100 alleged customers of the bank suspected of evading taxes, and employees of the bank suspected to have helped.

The raids took place simultaneously in 13 cities and were conducted by 150 officers. Credit Suisse, which remained silent on the subject, has finally reacted by saying "cooperate with the authorities." "This is an ongoing investigation, so we can give more information," says the facility.

Unsurprisingly

Since March 19 this year, the Dusseldorf prosecutor's office suggested that he was investigating cons these clients in the fight against tax evasion carried out by the government. The purchase of the CD has already led almost 12.000à denounce himself, according to last count, in late March.

Credit Suisse is not the only Swiss bank in the sights of German authorities. UBS industry leader, is also subject of an investigation, not prosecution, but the authority of financial sector supervision Authority (BaFin).

Negotiations stalled

These searches involved in full discussions between Bern and Berlin on improving the exchange of information between the two countries payday loans in 1 hour. Both governments wish to reach an agreement that also aims to avoid double taxation.

In late March, the finance ministers of the two states signed a convention in this sense, but it is still not signed. Both governments face difficult issues such as control of German assets placed in Switzerland. A working group has also been mandated to expand the proposals and make findings in the fall.

Meanwhile, the convention is not in force, allowing Germany to put pressure on Swiss institutions. The spokesman for the German Finance Ministry wants yet reassuring: "We assume that the negotiations with Switzerland will continue to be constructive and to unfold in an atmosphere of mutual trust." He says they will, if successful, to "render obsolete" files using File Swiss bank clients stolen and resold.

The German technique is the same as that adopted in respect of Liechtenstein. In 2008, the Secret Service had bought a CD of stolen banking data, to 4.2 million euros. Having conducted several surveys, they managed to uncover many fraudsters, including the former boss of Deutsche Post, Klaus Zumwinkel. Under pressure, Liechtenstein was finally ratified an agreement on exchange of information on German assets located within the principality.

Pflimlin wants a TV for all on all screens

9th July

Remy Pflimlin candidate Nicolas Sarkozy as president of France Televisions, and knows his records showed yesterday at his hearing before the Conseil Superieur de l'Audiovisuel. His hearing before the 10 advisers on the Quai de Javel lasted half past two which nearly half past one of a set of questions and answers fed.

For candidates, two strong expressions dominate his mandate: "To provide programs and quality information for all and on all screens" and establishing "a bond of trust with the viewer citizen." This is to make a difference with the private television, he said, "is addressed, it, to consumers.""With the abandonment of advertising that allows us to contact the citizen and not the consumer and thanks to digital, we can offer an open television and inspires confidence."

Remy Pflimlin identified four key priorities in terms of programs. In order to defend the French production, he first insisted on the need for innovation in French fiction. For him, it is essential to develop new formats. It intends to increase "the time series and soap operas all day develop that are specific to strings.

For him, "it is essential to intervene very early and be able to finance the audiovisual writing. Similarly, he wants to develop the documentary. While paying tribute to his predecessor, he intends "to expand to new topics such as history and science."Also in line with the previous team, Remy Pflimlin continue "the diffusion of the performing arts. But the next president wants to "give emphasis to contemporary.

Strengthen the identity of channels

Finally, in terms of information, who has been a media owner wants to return to the fundamentals of "a group with 2,000 journalists." "At a time when our citizens are subjected to a constant flow of information, we must allow them to find the references in terms of rankings and explanations of the latter. We must not fall into the trap of the Internet by example and participate in the race. It is not only the credibility of our editors, but of the entire company. "However, he stressed the need" this information and logs run on all screens.That means to move the organization of editors.

For Pflimlin Remy wants to put digital at the heart of its strategy. "France Televisions has taken a little behind in its offerings, but also in exchanges on social networks. Yet more than 10 million of our fellow citizens consume television wrestling TV. It must therefore be given the opportunity to enjoy our programs on all the screens and that of the reaggregate their choice. "

As such, it has announced the appointment of a controller that will define digital, personally, a strategy for the group. This area such as fiction and documentary should be rare, enjoying a transverse direction, apart from general services.For in terms of organization, Remy Pflimlin intends to restore "a bit like Radio France principals embody the antenna channels and will have a strong autonomy in terms of programs." Its purpose is to strengthen the identity of channels: France 2 to be the chain of events, France 3 and RFO those of nearby, while France remains one of four innovation and France 5 that of decryption.

Moratorium on Economy

The changes in the organization has implications for social dialogue. "We must go to the essential," he said. "That is to say, first determine the objectives for the company and think about the business, organization of work and equal representation based on them." Thus, the future president of France Televisions will take time to reforming the company.For this, it says it wants to build on existing teams in place "and" indisputable retain professionals in their careers. "

Finally it is prudent on the financial issue and falls within the framework of the law which provides for the extinction of advertising. In this case, it does not advocate "for the increase in the fee. Otherwise, it will ask a "moratorium" for France Televisions to keep its advertising.

Status: 100 billion lost in 10 years

5th July

In ten years the state has lost 100 billion euros in revenue. This figure results from the calculations of shock UMP Gilles Carrez, general rapporteur of the Budget, published by Les Echos. What set the scene while the deputies are to discuss Tuesday guidance of public finances, which will set priorities for the years 2011-2013. The challenge: reducing the government deficit of 7.5% in 2009 to 6% in 2011 and to 3% in 2013 to meet EU rules. And convince investors of the seriousness of France.

Since 2000, said Gilles Carrez, 70 billion euros of tax cuts have been granted by the governments of left and right. At the same time, 40 billion of revenue were donated to the Social Security and local authorities. The whole, "without these have been offset by lower expenses!" Gilles Carrez surprised in an interview with Les Echos.

The largesse of governments are particularly focused on tax cuts on income and on the proliferation of tax shelters. Then, down one point from VAT in 2000 has caused an erosion of 40% of revenues.

To redress the balance, the member calls for "an effort on tax revenues and social order of 15 billion euros is needed to demonstrate our commitment to reducing deficits and debt". The markets and rating agencies watch the France at the turn. If they judge announced that the effort is insufficient, the state will see its rating deteriorated and must borrow at higher interest rates.

Effort "just"

Still, the effort "must be fair," Eaton Gilles Carrez. Therefore, "the movement of the plane" tax "should apply to the broadest possible base."Income tax, corporation tax, solidarity tax on wealth, and even VAT should be reviewed.

For example, the 5.5% VAT on food is expected to increase to 12%, defends the member. A measure already excluded by Bercy. On the other hand, Gilles Carrez believes that the biofuel "is developed enough to no longer need to be subsidized.

In June, the U.S. has destroyed jobs

3rd July

The U.S. economy has begun to destroy jobs, after five months of net creation. In June, the number of job losses in the U.S. totaled 125,000 jobs including in the public, according to figures from the Labor Department. The figure was pulled down by the public sector, the end of the census causing the departure of 225,000 temporary workers hired for the occasion.

More importantly, the private sector alone has created 83,000 jobs. Is much better than the 33,000 net new jobs in the month of May However, analysts expected a figure close to 112,000. "We're going in the right direction but we do not go fast enough for many Americans. We are not moving fast enough for me either, "responded the president Barack Obama.

The increase in the number of private sector jobs due to "modest increases in various industries."The leisure industry in particular has created 28,000 jobs before the summer. Business services hired 21,000 people. Note, the industry continued to create jobs (9,000). The construction sector has meanwhile also destroys jobs (22 cash till payday.000), hit by a decline in new construction.

"Beyond these figures rather in line with expectations, the disappointment is the hours worked and wages," noted economists Exane-BNP Paribas. "Hours worked weekly find their level in April (34.1) and hourly wages shrink by 0.1% over the month." In bad omen for consumer spending.

On the other hand, the unemployment rate, calculated on a different basis, for its part fell 9.7% in May to 9.5% in JuneThe Labor Department said the decline by reducing the workforce and the growing number of discouraged workers who no longer work. "We still expect a gradual recovery in the labor market with unemployment rates remain high in 2010 before improving slightly in 2011," says Julian Thomas, an economist at Natixis.

"In general, the Labor Department report suggests weak growth, but not fallen into recession, say economists for their part of Societe Generale.

Wall Street expected to open in positive

14th June

The Dow Jones is expected to open up 0.67% at 10,206 points. The index futures are predicting a slight increase in opening of U.S. markets. Shortly before the opening of Wall Street, futures on indices Standard & Poor's 500 and Nasdaq 100 advanced 0.76% respectively at 1093.30 points from 0.65% to 1854.50 points.

Caution remains the watchword. The statistics emerged mixed Friday, with an index of consumer confidence than expected for the month of June, but the announcement of an unexpected decline in retail sales in May The Dow Jones closed up 0.38% at 10,211 points while the Nasdaq gained 1.12% to 2243 points.The three major U.S. stock indices ended the week in the green since the S & P 500 closed with a gain of 2.5%

In this session of transition marked by an agenda very quiet and a euro that has just crossed the $ 1.21 mark, investors could resume, however, slowly, some appetite for risk, encouraged by the improving market Asian and good consumption figures published last week in the United States.

Real estate, consumption and inflation on the agenda

They eagerly await the remarks on Wednesday held Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke on financial sector reform.We know already that the crisis of sovereign debt in Europe has pushed the timetable of the next Federal Reserve decision affecting its basic rate, as provided Monday James Bullard, president of Fed St. Louis.

Before that, the functions of building permits (Tuesday) and housing starts (Wednesday) will be monitored closely. But these indicators should have a real strong correction with the end of the tax credit.

On Wednesday, the industrial production should instead show strong growth for the month of May, while producer prices (same day), then consumer prices (Thursday), should confirm the absence of inflation United States.

Shortly loaded results, the agenda will be dominated by Wall Street setting CBOE Stock Exchange, the last U.S. platform independent.The price of the introduction should be provided on Monday night.

In addition, FedEx (Wednesday), the cruise Cardinal (today) and Best Buy (tomorrow) will publish their quarterly results.

Moreover, the U.S. administration is stepping up its action against the British oil and wants to confiscate the group dividends. A threat to the stock.

The tax loopholes rabottées 10%

4th June

The tax shelters will soon be planed 10%, Francois Fillon warned on Thursday morning in the East Republican. After announcing in early May that he wanted to make five billion euros in savings over five years on tax shelters, the prime minister said his program. The government opted Does the deletion of niches, or a general decline in their level? "Both," explained Francois Fillon.

"In each case, some niches will be deleted. And there will be a movement of the plane by 10%. With exceptions because it should not increase the cost of labor, "he says. Over the years, it is indeed accumulated more than 400 tax loopholes, intended for particular social groups or economic sectors. In total, the Telemachus to win for the state accounts for almost 75 billion euros.

For in order to cope with a deficit which currently stands at 7.5% of GDP, the resources available to the government are now limited, said the Premier. A tax increase seems difficult in France, both the level of tax burden is already high. "Within the euro area, we are among those who have the highest rate. Again, our margins are limited, "said the Premier. More limited, for example, those of our German neighbors.

No removal of tax charges

Same for the amount of charges. "In some sectors, the competitiveness gap with Germany reached up to 20%. We can not win over the German economy, "said Francois Fillon. No question, therefore, to remove some relief.Neither, as announced Wednesday Georges Tron, the Secretary of State for Public Service, to lower or freeze the salaries of civil servants, which may depend on the success of pension reform.

Only possible levers mentioned by the Prime Minister in the East Republican, in addition to the tax loopholes, reducing social spending and a freeze on the allocation of local communities. "But we will not touch the RSA," said Francois Fillon.

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Nuclear Mitsubishi HI setting Europe

2nd June

The market for nuclear reactors following "an upward trend," according to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MIH). The conglomerate of Japan believes that dozens of these reactors should be located in Europe by 2030. And he does not miss the boat. The group is announcing Wednesday the signing of a letter of intent with the Spanish group Iberdrola Ingenieria y Construccion. His goal: to increase its chances of winning several bids for the construction of nuclear power in Europe. "We hope thus to accelerate the introduction of our advanced pressurized water reactors EU-APWR in European countries," MHI said in a statement.

Specifically, the agreement provides that if a contract awarded, MIH supports the manufacturing facilities and the provision of essential equipment.For his part, Spanish will be responsible to install, the grouping of devices and materials that their test. The offer of MIH is based on a pressurized water reactor of 1,700 megawatts (MW), whose rights have been designed for the Japanese market, and adapted to European standards and regulations.

MIH is not his first partnership with a European group. The Japanese already collaborating with the French Areva in a joint venture called TDD, which is developing a medium-power reactor for countries wishing to launch their first nuclear power.

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Pernod Ricard, the results are the party

30th April

Pernod Ricard is pleased to announce on Thursday morning, up 14% of its turnover in the third quarter of fiscal shifted to 1.54 billion euros. And rise at the same time, prospects for the entire year.

"The title should respond by increasing", predicted the analytes Natixis SecuTire this morning before the opening of the Bourse de Paris, describing the rehabilitation objectives of the company as "clearly good news." Indeed, the Pernod Ricard shares climbed 3.7%, to 65.3 euros in early trade on the CAC 40.

"The strong performance was boosted in part by favorable comparison bases and technical effects. However, this publication shows significant signs of recovery, "entrust strategists.

In home counseling Aurel, who published a note on Thursday on the group, expectations are "substantially" exceeded.The revenue expected by the consensus of 1.4 billion euros. Aurel immediately raised its target price on the value of 52-58 euros (recommendation to "hold"). Wednesday evening, the Pernod Ricard are already mounted by 2.7%, and quoted at around 65 euros. A true performance against the Wednesday meeting.

Current operating profit seen up 3%

According to the explanation of the group, good sales were due to a "strong consumption growth in emerging economies, improved conditions in some key markets like the United States and Russia, and the effects of destocking and shifts of Easter and Chinese New Year.

Pernod Ricard has therefore decided to revise upward its outlook for its fiscal year 2009/2010 with organic growth of around 3% of operating profit, at the top of the previously announced target range of 1% growth in 3%.

Debt restructuring

Last March, the company headed by Pierre Pringuet announced its successful bond issue for $ 1.2 billion. The group's debt of wines and spirits reached 10.3 billion euros at December 31, 2009.

The world number two, whose brands Chivas Regal whiskey and Havana Club rum – among others – make its fame, has set a goal to balance "progressively" 50/50 funding between bank loans and bond debt, d by 2013.The division is currently 25/75.

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The French unanimous support Greece

29th April

If the political debate in Germany is keen on supporting Greece, no such thing in France. The Socialist Party will vote in the state next week's Budget Act that allows Paris to pay 3.9 billion euros in Athens in 2010. And this Wednesday, the hearing for two hours, the budget minister, Francois Baroin by the Finance Committee of the Assembly took place in a consensual atmosphere. "Everyone agreed it was necessary to go fast. We can not let go of Greece, especially since the effort required of his people is heavy, "recalls Jerome Cahuzac, Chairman of the PS Committee. Alarmed by the weakness of governance of the euro area and lamenting, for some, the absence of a European monetary fund, members hoped that the rescue is accelerating. "Many were disappointed that the summit of heads of state that takes place May 10," said Gilles Carrez, the general rapporteur UMP.What the minister said "it would be even more dangerous to yield to a form of precipitation.

Debate on the interest rate

The only objection was on the interest rate of 5% which Paris ready to Greece three years. The Socialists, Fran?ois Hollande and Henri Emmanuelli it was too high. But Jerome Cahuzac is more nuanced and noted that this rate is the result of a compromise between heads of state.

Still, the French government should actually earn money in the transaction, since borrows around 2.13% at five years. Baroin has been noted that the plan for Greece "is not an expense to the taxpayer! Is this why the consensus in France? "I believe above all that unlike Germany we have a culture of state intervention," said the UMP J?r?me Chartier."It is logical as German citizens, who have made sacrifices to repair their public finances, are more reluctant than the French, who were not virtuous," says the centrist Charles de Courson.

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