The merger of the French tax authorities was expensive

27th October

Since one or two years, the French no longer have to wonder whether they should go to a cash or a tax office when they have a tax problem. They now have a single contact. This is the most visible result of one of the largest state reforms undertaken since 2007: the merger of Taxation and the Treasury in a branch of public finance (DGFIP).

This is especially symbolic that this government has succeeded where the team Jospin failed to combine the two tax authorities. In a survey of the merger, commissioned by the Senate Finance Committee, the Court of Auditors said that the reform was carried out on time and that its success is "an achievement in change management."

But the Court also notes that the merger would have been cheaper. "All were first restructuring cost.The question is whether the bill was not too high, "said Philippe Marini yesterday, the president of the UMP Senate Finance Committee during a hearing of the protagonists of the case to the commission.

Between 2008 and 2012, 12,000 jobs have been removed to DGFIP. Despite this, the payroll has been stabilized in 2011 and decline only in 2012 to reach 4.95 billion euros. "From 2008 to 2010, the workforce was reduced by 3%, while the wage bill increased by 1%" Nicole Bricq summarized yesterday, the rapporteur of the commission PS. When asked by Le Figaro, Philippe Parini, the Chief of DGFIP, believes that this performance is good.But yesterday at the hearing, the Court judges were more skeptical.

209 million of additional costs

In the report following its investigation, the Court regrets that the general rule in the civil service, which means that half of the savings from job cuts to be redistributed in additional payments to agents, has been exceeded in DGFIP in 2010 ( 62 guaranteed approval cash advance loans.5% of redistribution) and 2011 (54.8%).

In detail, the Court expressed surprise that the merger premium of 350 euros per year, originally created for the sole agents affected by restructuring, has been granted in 2008 to all members of the DGFIP. Then it has been perpetuated from 2009 and then increased to 500 euros this year. Total cost from 2007 to 2012: 59.5 million euros.However, in addition to this premium, the agents of the DGFIP benefited from the harmonization of remuneration from the top.

"No merger can not be done with a harmonization of salaries to the bottom" replied yesterday a senior official of Bercy, noting that the harmonization alone had accounted for half of the 209 million additional cost of the merger.

"We take the fact of having paid the premiums," added Philippe Parini. "In total, over the whole period of the merger, from 2008 to 2012, we distributed to agents 52.3% of the savings related to job cuts. It is little more than the norm. Overruns in 2010 and 2011 and punctual and will be made up later, "he said in Le Figaro.

Senators of the committee members are themselves worried about the consequences of yesterday's job losses to DGFIP.They fear a decline in the quality of service.

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VAT debate tax increases on companies to

26th October

While the government is preparing a new fiscal tightening, because of spending cuts and tax increases, the debate on VAT resurfaced. One of the approaches proposed by the executive would be to create a new intermediate rate, between the rate of 5.5% and 19.6%. This increase targeted VAT would be used to finance a reduction in social enterprises. This was called the "social VAT" in 2007 and now named the UMP "antidélocalisation VAT."

Francois Fillon said last week that the restoration work and housing continue to benefit from a 5.5% VAT. But there are other sectors taxed at the same rate (books, food, water …). This pattern of a VAT has the advantage of antidélocalisation consistent with the government's strategy to improve competitiveness.Many big names of the majority favor this option, as revealed by Le Monde Wednesday payday loans for bad credit. But the subject is politically sensitive.

At Bercy and Matignon, we refused to comment Wednesday, reaffirming that decisions depend on the outcome of EU summit.

However, it seems almost assumed that the new austerity plan will include an increase in corporate income tax, most likely via a surcharge, which weigh down for a few years the current rate of 33.3%. This surcharge would be targeted at large companies (those falling within the scope of the social contribution to the IS and therefore paying more for 763,000 euros IS). For cons, the Elysee remains opposed to a reduction in payroll tax relief for 35 hours.

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Steve Jobs has died

7th October

Steve Jobs, Apple's iconic boss, who invented, among other things, the iPod and iPhone, died Wednesday at age 56. "We are deeply saddened to announce that Steve Jobs died today," said a brief statement of the board.

"Apple has lost a visionary and a creative genius, and the world lost an incredible human being," said his successor at the head of Apple's Tim Cook, in an email to employees of the group. "Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple," he said free credit score.

Born in San Francisco February 24, 1955, Steve Jobs was suffering from serious health problems for several years. It was reached in 2004 with a rare form of pancreatic cancer and underwent a liver transplant in 2009.On sick leave since January, he announced his resignation from his position as CEO on August 24, giving the reins to his number two Tim Cook. He reappeared briefly in March, thinner, to present the new version of the iPad, the tablet from Apple.

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The lunch break continue to drink

28th September

The long pause between colleagues at lunch time lived. The increased pace of work was right in this traditional division, whose length has been reduced to a trickle in the last twenty years. While employees willingly stopped for over an hour and a half to sustain themselves in the 1990s, they now spend no more than 22 minutes on average to the ritual, according to a study released Tuesday by Malakoff Médéric.

"The lunch break has become the adjustment variable of the workday, says Anne-Sophie Godon, director of prevention within the group of social protection Malakoff Médéric. The content of the day was densified, while the distance between work and home tends to increase. In this context, employees have no choice but to cut back on the lunch break. "Women are more concerned than men, many of them prefer to take the shortest time at noon in hopes of starting earlier work, says Odile Fox, medical officer in Paris.

Employees bring their lunch more

With less time spent at lunch, it is the nature of the meal that has changed. A perceptible change in the last few years yet, the study said. Since 2009, the number of employees who go home for lunch has been declining (29% of respondents in 2011 against 34% in 2009), as well as those who go to a restaurant business (19% instead of 22%). In contrast, the share of those who swallow a sandwich as a meal is still growing by 2 points in 2011 compared to 2009.

Shortening the length of the lunch break is not always synonymous with "junk food" one of the most striking findings is that the share of employees who bring their pittance to work, after having prepared at home is strong growth. Almost a third say they do frequently, women are over-represented again. "The French are trying to eat more balanced, it is a serious sociological trend installment payday loans. Provide meals is a way to control your diet. It's also a way to save money, "says Anne-Sophie Godon. The crisis is over there.

Decreased concentration

Sandwich and dish prepared in advance, reducing the dwell time has nevertheless perverse effects. "When you eat quickly, no time to feel full. Satiety occurs only after a quarter of an hour.And when we eat at his computer, it's worse: it does not even pay attention to what you swallow. Result, we tend to snack in the afternoon, "said Patrick Serog, doctor. In 2011, 39% of employees admit to regularly snacking, two points more than in 2009. "Making a real pause, three-quarters of an hour, is crucial, says Odile as Fox. Without this cut, the stress builds up. "

The health of the employee is not only involved for the company either, the lunch break is not wasted time. An employee who does not stop and does not cut even if it's only twenty minutes with their working environment is an employee who may lose concentration. "Attention has its phases. It can be really careful for forty five minutes or an hour, but rarely more.If we restore his normal work environment at his office, for example, the concentration decreases even faster, and we made mistakes, "warns Patrick Serog. This did not include an office where you eat according to host Monster 400 times more bacteria than the toilet normally maintained.

"Testimonials – And you, do you take time for breakfast? Prepare your meals in advance or do you buy close to your work? Share your experience in comments below or by email at temoin@lefigaro.fr.

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"The markets are on the precipice"

11th September

Lefigaro.fr – The CAC 40 has lost nearly a quarter of its value in two months. How far the fall can she lead?

Fabrice Cousté – If one believes technical analysis you can go touch the low of March 2009 or even lower. The crisis we are experiencing is in fact more serious than that of three years ago because this time it is not the bankruptcy of one or more banks, but the bankruptcy of one or more States, so the problems of a different magnitude, in terms of their economic and especially political resolution.

How do you explain this precipitous drop?

As in 2008, financial markets were dislocated during the summer. There is now only a few buyers and many market players are taking advantage of any rebound to settle more positions. Also new microeconomics is no longer supported.Investors are looking more because the health of companies but only macroeconomic statistics or information. Since the summer, the flow of news, always negative, points out that the problems are structural and feeds a climate of anxiety in markets that are on the precipice. Political leaders do not seem to be aware of.

Therefore what strategy should investors adopt by the end of the year?

Some titles "refuge" as Essilor, Sanofi, L'Oreal and Air Liquide are kept in the portfolio. But volatility remains high and the risk of further correction as well.That's why I advise investors to discover the techniques to learn to hedge their portfolios with options or CFD (contract between two investors who agree to exchange the difference between the opening and Closing of support) to cushion the shock if further decline. In the panic, investors often sell too late.

The adoption of the second conditional aid package to Greece by the German Sages is not likely to reassure investors?

It is a relief. Yet it is a "Yes … but." Long as there is a "but" in the ads on the debt crisis, financial markets will continue to brood as these conditions overlap with the responsiveness needed to face an emergency no fax payday advance.They sanction the policy of "baby steps" of states and the total lack of solidarity within the euro area. Financial markets require only the words of intent but long-term certainty. What the politicians are unable to provide them because of their short maturities.

Are you worried about the euro area?

Yes I am. Of course, unlike the Anglo-Saxons, we do not feel in the euro area of ​​hatred against the European currency. Now if political leaders do not take the measure of the crisis in which we find ourselves, an explosion in the euro area is inevitable.Therefore, two scenarios are possible: either an exit of the weakest states in the euro zone as Greece and contagion Portugal, Spain see Italy or output states that do not want to pay for others such as Germany, the Netherlands and Austria.

So with these massive sales of shares, you expect a flight to government bonds when the debt crisis brewing in Europe and the United States?

This seems paradoxical, but yes. Institutional investors always prefer to put their money on assets "refuge" and especially liquids. As proof, the 10-year bonds of the United States have not suffered from the deterioration of "AAA" of the country. The run on U.S. government bonds has even caused a decline in their performance at historic levels.Same point in Germany and France or the bonds have not suffered from the debt crisis. This means that as long as fear prevails, German bonds, French and American continue to be purchased. Instead, the assets considered risky such as stocks are penalized. This situation can be reversed quickly if positive catalyst. Until that clicks, investors should follow the strategy of China continues to diversify its investments between the United States, Europe and Africa.

The trend is sustainable to travel

4th September

Solidarity and ecological travel. The idea is gaining ground in the minds of many tourists. This practice has a name very trend: the "sustainable tourism". According to the definition given by the World Tourism Organization (WTO), it is a holiday that "meets the needs of present tourists and host regions while protecting and enhancing opportunities for the future. "

Whether it's a humanitarian mission in Africa, a trek in the Sahara or the ascent of Kilimanjaro, this type of travel always organized around four themes, according to Yann Legendre, coordinator at Libertalia specialist stays abroad lasting. The first two are the exchange and outreach to the local economy. "Sustainable Travel, accommodation is homestay or in hotels, buy food at the local producer, operate a local bus," said he. Next is the protection of the environment.Specific example: instead of buying bottled water which may pollute the tour operator is investing in a filter pump. "We saved the purchase of 9,500 bottles last year," notes Libertalia. There remains one of the most important aspects: the local development projects. This is not a logic of love ", explained Yann Legendre. "We have identified local actors engaged in a dynamic project that we donate 30 to 60 euros per passenger," he adds.

For those who opt for sustainable tourism in the Hexagon, the basics are the same. In the villages of the network Cap France, vacationers are being such offer "kits picnic" without any packaging pollutant. They sort the waste, swim in heated pools with solar panels and eat fresh produce from local agriculture."This is a tourist friendly environment with a local proximity and social," says Jean-Michel Coeff, president of the network.

Contrary to popular belief, sustainable travel is not more expensive. "Investments are included gradually over time," says Jean-Michel Coeff. For trips abroad, the price stays is generally equivalent to those of traditional tour operators and even cheaper because the organizers did not pay any commission to providers or agencies over.

Boom offers

Since the early 2000s, the offers are multiplying on the web. Tour operators are mostly from small associative structures are already active in the sector sustainable. But the traditional tour operators are also well represented on the niche, the image of Voyageurs du Monde free credit report and score.The travel specialist tailor even claims to have adopted this approach for many years. "It's not just a fad, it is a binding approach we impose," said Frederic Lavaud, project sustainability. According to the latter, responsible tourism has become a corporate philosophy: "We have adopted a responsible for all travels. We check for instance that our partners pay their employees well. We have a corporate foundation which helps local people. In Asia, some of our destinations travelers take away the excluded villages now live a little better through these visits, "he adds. According Voyageurs du Monde, the client would become very attentive to these questions: "People are sensitive to the choice of partners and very critical if we are not in line with what we propose.This is progress. "

Libertalia confirms the trend: "Our customer base is doubling every year since 2007. There is a real awareness, a desire to return to the essence of the journey is the encounter and discovery. "

Credibility problem

Despite this enthusiasm, the trip is still a sustainable niche. According to the WTO, the 935 million tourists who took the road last year, it represents only a small portion still unencrypted. For if consciousness is actually at work, the acting out takes longer than expected. "There is still a gap between this important awareness and its translation in terms of holidays. For tourists, holiday means to live freely. People do not want to be imposed on things, "admits Jean-Michel Coeff."And for some it is a concept bobo, an ecological cult," he adds.

This credibility problem, mentioned by several tour operators, requires the industry to organize. In 2004, a group of tour operators create the Association of Tour Operators Themes (ATT). The last issue to each operator audited by the certification body AFNOR label "Acting for Responsible Tourism (ATR)." But this system is far from unanimous. "The criteria are too light and too expensive certification" portion Libertalia who prefers to make his own evaluation grid. For its part, France Cape Town in 2004 launched his own label Owl Nature. In short, it is still difficult at the moment to see clearly.

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The Cac 40 ended the session on an increase of more than 2%

29th August

In the wake of the rebound in U.S. indices, the benchmark index in Paris was up 2.16% to 3154.20 points on Monday night at closing. Enough to clear the heavy losses the last two sessions, and even the redépasser 3150 points.

The Frankfurt Stock Exchange also closed up sharply Monday after meeting exceeded the 3%: the DAX index of thirty blue chips gained 2.39% to 5670.07 points, also carried by the speech of Friday Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, who was reassuring on growth.

Friday, after a negative early trading, Wall Street has indeed ended the session on gains of 1.2% for the Dow and the Nasdaq 2.5%, investors focusing on positive ads during the next meeting Federal Reserve in September, Ben Bernanke hinted at the conference of Jackson Hole.The anticipation of a further intervention by the Fed puts the dollar under pressure against a basket of currencies: the dollar is trading at 1.4507 dollar per euro to 17 hours. On Monday, the U.S. indices still show green, reinforced by the recovery in consumption of U.S. households in July.

And always in the context of the general economic meeting in Jackson Hole's new Executive Director of the IMF, Christine Lagarde, has urged this weekend to recapitalize banks. She said that the European institutions "need of urgent recapitalization." The former Minister of Economy and Finance believes that these measures are the "key to cut the chain of contagion." So new fears for the banking industry, already largely weakened during the summer.

Pending on the details of the background of aid to Greece In Greece, aid modalities are not yet fastened.Negotiations were slowed by the requirements of Finland and the new challenges of Athens, whose stock rebounded strongly on Monday, however, and accounted for up to 9% increase on mid-term, on the bottom of the side of mergers expected Greek banks, in the early afternoon.

In addition, investors seemed to adhere to about Laurence Parisot. And referring to the financial crisis, the president of the employers' association (MEDEF) estimates for its part, that "if Europe were attacked, not because it is weak but because it is strong, and if it is envied, because it is enviable, "In an interview with Le Figaro, the boss of the bosses denounced a U.S. plot against the euro area.

Irene reduced cost

Other news of the weekend: the passage of Hurricane Irene passed through New York without drama. He also was demoted to a tropical depression.U.S. markets should open smoothly and Monday. Hurricane Irene would have between 500 million and one billion dollars in damage in the Caribbean and the United States, according to catastrophe modeling firm EQECAT. A figure below the most pessimistic forecasts considered before the hurricane.

The price of Brent was down, refineries and oil terminals on the East Coast of the United States seem not to have suffered major damage, easing fears of a supply disruption. In addition, Libya resumes oil exports within a month, according to the spokesman of the Arabian Gulf Oil Company (Agoco), controlled by the rebels. Crude oil production will resume in mid-September on two deposits in the country.A barrel of "light sweet crude" for delivery in October takes the field, to 85.46 dollars per barrel of Brent North Sea crude for October delivery stabilizes at 110 make quick cash.8 dollars.

Among the statistics expected Monday in Wall Street, the surprise came from consumer spending. The Americans have in fact spent more than expected in July. Up 0.8% on month, consumer spending across the Atlantic more than 0.3 percentage points the level expected by analysts. The promise of home sales have, they, down 1.3% in July compared to June, as the market expected, according to figures released by the National Association of Realtors. They increased by 2.4% in JuneOver one year are up 14.4%.

The bank bounce despite the warning Lagarde

As for values, on the eve of the biannual publication of trucks from the coast (Bo uygues, Carrefour, L'Oreal, Vinci …) at the end, only two cuts were regrettable among the 40 largest capitalization on Paris: the Danone (-0.35% to 45.57 euros) and Essilor (-0.68% to 52.61 euros).

In addition, about Christine Lagarde did not prevent banking stocks to rebound.A technical rebound is sustainable, while the sector was the most attacked in recent weeks: Société Générale (3.61% to 22.10%), Natixis (3.72% to 2.78 euros) Crédit Agricole (3.37% to 6.63 euros) and Axa (2.30% to 10.47 euros) and BNP Paribas up the rear with a more moderate increase (2.49 % to 34.39 euros).

In addition, Ingenico (2.49% to 27.55 euros) announced that it had repurchased TNET, an Italian company specializing in payment terminals, for an amount that was not disclosed. According to Ingenico, TNET manages an installed base of 45,000 terminals in Italy.

APRR (0.13% to 52.32 euros) will observe the re-opening until September 9 of the OPR launched by Eiffage (2.22% to 31.36 euros) and Macquarie.The toll road was also noted Friday that the evolution of traffic early in the second half was mixed for light vehicles, but remained well oriented for heavy vehicles.

Capgemini (3.96% to 27.95 euros) announced it has signed a five-year contract with the company's payment service EnterCard Scandinavian. The group of consulting and information services will pocket 30 million euros as part of this agreement.

In addition, ING has lowered its board to maintain, against purchase, the title Arkema (1.39% to 50.62 euros) and reduced its price target on the value to 55 euros (as against 85 euros).

Channel (1.29% to 4.406 euros) could push his plans for the IPO. While the ACC has lost nearly 20% of its value during the summer, analysts are skeptical of an imminent public offerings of media group, reports Les Echos.The listing of the 20% held by Lagardère has already been de-programmed, it could eventually sell its stake in Vivendi, the majority shareholder.

For its part Orange (France Telecom 2.08%, to 13.01 euros) would be in conflict with the American Cogent. The U.S. operator has, according to La Tribune, filed a complaint against his French counterpart to the competition authority for "abuse of dominant position." Orange is accused of preventing users from accessing the site MegaUpload. The conflict dates back to January so that Orange had decided to grant the account drop traffic from Cogent.

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A German company refuses to pay its French employees

13th August

The plight of employees Sodimedical continues. For three months, the German group Lohmann & Rauscher, who owns the manufacturing company of medical equipment, refuses to pay the salaries of its fifty employees, says the "Parisien in France Today" on Friday.

A retaliatory measure following the invalidation by the court in February of the social plan concocted by management, who wanted to relocate its production to China. Considering the economic reasons cited by Sodimedical as unjustified (because the company depends on its parent, very profitable), the high court of Troyes was the beginning of the year pushed the rules of redundancy.

Director sequestered

But since then, the situation of employees of Plancy-l'Abbaye, in the Aube near Troyes, stronghold Baroin, has not arranged.As of May, Sodimedical no longer paid the salaries of its employees guaranteed payday loans. "The employees are without work and without income illegally," said Mr. Brown, their lawyer.

Despite several convictions by the courts, forcing the company to pay wages on pain of penalty, financial difficulties accumulate. "The state is unable to enforce court decisions. We met with the Minister of Economy Baroin, who returned the ball to the prefect, "said an employee on a daily basis. Without success.

Twice in June, employees have unsuccessfully tried to succeed by sequestering their manager, later released by police.The Commercial Court of Troyes should again today to decide the fate of employees Sodimedical.

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The Cac 40 concerned about the emergency meeting in Paris

10th August

Like Wall Street Tuesday night, which has rebounded strongly, and Asian markets Wednesday morning, that show – more moderate – from green, the Paris market opened in positive territory much. It was nothing of the surprise meeting convened by Nicolas Sarkozy interrupted his holiday to address the issue with several ministers of the economic crisis and financial.

Around 10:30, the Cac fell into the red while the index was doing very well in early trading. like its European hologues, which in turn, always show the bright green. Investors are relieved by the findings because of the Fed, which ensured that it would extend its monetary policy ultra-accommodating while maintaining zero interest rates until at least mid-2012 and exploring other measures to support the U.S. economy.The Fed confirmed that the U payday loan online.S. economy is in trouble, especially since the deterioration in the debt rating of American long-term.

But the French side, poor statistical stopping the rebound came as the Paris Bourse was trying to afford. French industrial production has displayed sharp decline in June, -1.6% compared to May after a significant increase of 1.9% the previous month, said Wednesday the National Institute of Statistics (INSEE) . In the only manufacturing industry, which excludes mining and construction, production was also significantly decreased in volume compared to May (-1.9%), according to INSEE. She was up sharply in the previous month (+1.4%).

For the economist Nicolas Bouzou, it is too early to speak rebound:

The player is used by default in the articles of figaro.fr. Maj7

Europe is coming to view the rating agencies

7th July

Critics of the authorities are far from the decision of the rating agency Moody's: brutal. The German government and the European Commission on Wednesday challenged the sanction of the agency against Portugal. The country, which enjoys an international financial assistance, was relegated Tuesday category called "speculative" by Moody's.

"Not only the timing of the decision by Moody's is debatable, but it is based on hypothetical scenarios absolutely, not at all consistent with what is implemented," said the spokesman of the Commission Amadeu Altafaj. "This is a regrettable episode, which raises again the question of the relevance of the behavior of rating agencies." Even suspicion in Paris."It's not the look of a rating agency that will solve the case of the tension of sovereign debt and budget crisis," insisted Wednesday morning the new Minister of Economy Baroin.

Limit the "oligopoly"

You have to put limits on "oligopoly" enjoyed by the three global rating agencies such as Fitch, Moody's and Standard & Poor's, has claimed for its part, the German finance minister, Wolfgang Schäuble. He said not to believe that the decision of Moody's based on any justification. The efforts of Lisbon go even further than its creditors demand, he argued. The Portuguese government has also protested against the sanction of Moody's, as in previous damage.

Portugal is trying to implement an austerity plan, negotiated in exchange for 78 billion euros in loans from the European Union and the International Monetary Fund. No significant event has occurred in recent days on the forehead Portuguese fast payday loan no faxing. The decision by Moody's still dramatically raised the interest rate at 10 years of Portuguese debt, which has never been far from the German rate, the market benchmark. The total cost of insurance against the risk of bankruptcy of the country for its part, jumped on Wednesday at midday more than 100 points to 870 points, according to Markit.

"Bias" against Europe

The Commission President, José Manuel Barroso, himself a Portuguese, said he regretted "profoundly" the announcement by Moody's. This "adds a speculative element" in an already tense, he said."I particularly regret because of the timing and magnitude," he said, adding that "there may be some bias in the market when it comes to assessing the Europe ".

The struggle between European governments and the rating agencies is not limited to Portugal. The rating agency Standard & Poor's Monday questioned the plan outlined by Paris and banks to launch a second aid package for Greece, with private participation. The agency has determined that such a measure would require it to place the country in trouble in a situation of "partial failure". To which German Chancellor Angela Merkel, strong supporter of charging the private sector, responded that it was necessary to trust the European institutions.

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