Oct 30




In Portugal, the government and the opposition finally reached an agreement Saturday on the budget for 2011, marked with the seal of the rigor and necessary to restore as quickly as market confidence. Pledging to abstain from voting on Wednesday of this project, the Portuguese opposition ends several weeks of impasse that has raised fears of a financial crisis and political crisis. In late September, the Socialist Prime Minister Jose Socrates had even hinted that he might resign if the budget is rejected.

Negotiations that took place under pressure from investors as the European Union. In late September, the Portuguese rate in the wake of the obligations Irish had indeed reached peaks, exceeding 6.5%. The markets just sanction the government's inability to contain the slippage in public finances, amid sluggish economic growth.Beyond the 7% interest, the finance minister warned in mid-October that Portugal would be forced to resort to using Twenty-seven, in the image of Greece a few months earlier.

To fulfill the commitment made by Jose Socrates of Portugal to reduce the deficit of 7.3% of GDP this year to 4.6% in 2011, the draft budget to impose many sacrifices to Lusitano. Among these measures, a VAT increase of two percentage points to 23% cuts of 5% to 10% in salaries of civil servants, a questioning of tax deductions on health spending, education or housing …

A vote on first reading of the budget is scheduled on Wednesday in Parliament.

Oct 29




As expected, participation in this seventh day of action against the pension reform was not up to the previous. School holidays, the financial cost to the protesters represent the days of absence from rehearsal, and the adoption of the law Wednesday by parliamentarians contribute to the admission of key union leaders, have helped reduce this Thursday density processions and the proportion of strikers in the business.

According to the Interior Ministry, 560,000 people in total were collected throughout France. Only slightly more than the figures announced in mid-day on October 19 by the authorities (500,000). The challenge of pension reform will have mobilized two months after demonstrators last week.We are moving towards a "crisis in the days and weeks to come," says Eric Woerth, Minister of Labour.

The CGT, meanwhile, were nearly 2 million people no fax payday loans. Departure of the procession in Paris, the secretary general of the CGT Bernard Thibault warned: If participation was ultimately "less" Thursday than previous mobilizations, she would remain in his "impressive" given the passage of the law. The leader of the CGT and the CFDT secretary general Francois Chereque, and that of Jean-Claude Mailly FOR still hoped, at least formally, use the magnitude of mobilization to persuade Nicolas Sarkozy not to publish the decrees application of the law reforming pension systems.The CGT also called to continue the mobilization until the law is enacted.

The Socialist Party first secretary Martine Aubry, has in turn also indicated that the Socialists' until the last moment "that will fight for the law is not enacted. Watch the video.

Oct 27




Already identified an average of 3.4% on August 15 this year, electricity tariffs will be familiar with another increase. Budget Minister Baroin confirmed Wednesday morning at the microphone on Europe 1 that a new price increase of 3% is expected for early 2011 to finance the takeover by EDF of solar electricity at a rate higher than the market.

The government had already accepted a few days ago, an amendment to raise the tax so-called "contribution to public service of electricity" (CSPE), whose mission is to support sustainable energy development under the Grenelle environment. Under this amendment, the fee may increase from 4.5 euros to 7.5 euros per MWh from January next paydayloans.Those are three euros to add to an overall price per MWh set at 93.1 euros by regulation, an increase of just over 3% tariff.

If this increase is intended to relieve the finances of EDF, it may however prove to be very unpopular. The increase in electricity prices is over 6% in six months, the biggest increase in three decades.

The title of EDF, it was among the three largest increases in the CAC 40 on Wednesday morning at the opening, with an increase of 1.36%. The CAC 40 lost 0.69% on his side.

Oct 26




The Hexagon can continue to live as an island in tax matters? The issue is acute when reading a study of the law firm Arsene Taxand. In recent years, France has not lowered its tax rate (CIT). His neighbors, though. In Europe, the higher rate of corporate tax fell from an average of 35.3% in 1995 to 23.2% in 2010. Result, metropolitan France, with its rate to 34.4%, holds the palm of the strongest European IS. And in the developed world, only the United States beyond us. Worse, the gap may widen. For, despite the crisis, many governments have always reduce their corporate tax rates. The UK for example will bring his to 24% in 2014 against 28% today. "It is for these States to encourage the company, a source of growth.And it is striking that a country in deep trouble as the Irish budget refuses to reverse its low corporate tax rates, "says Nicolas Jacquot, a partner with Arsene Taxand.

The Council of compulsory levies, which depends on the Court of Auditors has qualified that statement last year, noting in a recent report that in France the calculation of taxable income is advantageous. So that, despite a high rate, the final tax, which is calculated from the taxable income and not the real benefit is not that high. In addition, there are many tax loopholes for businesses (106 billion after the POC). In total, according Bercy, French companies would be taxed at 22% of their actual profits.But Nicolas Jacquot, this does not change the situation: "Since it is difficult to compare actual charges, international investors are based on rates of IS. And side niches, some countries are not left behind. Korea has strengthened – also – the research tax credit.

"Indeed, most countries have lowered their corporate tax rates have supported the measure by a VAT increase," said Nicolas Jacquot. Germany led the way in 2007, lowering its corporate tax rate from 38.7% to 29.8% while raising the VAT from 16% to 19%. The UK will follow this model. Spain, it already raised its VAT from 16% to 18%. Today, France finds itself with a rate of VAT (19.6%) lower than the European average (20.2%) and very close to those of Sweden or Denmark (25%).Enough to leave him room to maneuver … And then the government does evoke no fiscal convergence Franco-German?

Debate on VAT undermined

But it seems that in the short term, this convergence will only reform the taxation of wealth. For France, the subject of VAT is trapped. In 2007, the majority has lost several legislative seats after the idea of a social VAT had been raised. However, this formula which is to fund a reduction in payroll taxes by a VAT increase, has defenders. One of the oldest is Jean Arthuis, president of the centrist Senate Finance Committee. He was joined by Jean-Francois Cope, the owner of UMP deputies who speaks antidélocalisation VAT. In fact, lower payroll taxes increases the competitiveness of French companies, while VAT has the advantage of hitting all consumed goods, including imported ones.But this tax is burdensome for low-income households, which do not fail to emphasize the Socialists. I bet that this debate will lead the 2012 presidential election.

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Oct 24




While François Fillon spoke of Tuesday, a return to normal by the end of the week on the eve of departure on holiday, the Prime Minister acknowledged that the release of the situation would take "several more days." If he speaks of a "marked improvement" on the whole territory, the Department of Ecology is still refusing to comment Saturday on a specific date of return to normal. All of the refineries in the city are indeed still at a standstill, while the oil terminal at Fos-sur-mer continued the strike for the 27th consecutive day.

At last count, seven department was still short of fuel. This is the Eure, Calvados, Loire-Atlantique, Indre et Loire, Val de Marne, the Oise and the Allier.The western France, especially Brittany and the Paris region were the main spots with 38% and 35% of service stations dry Saturday morning. It was time to relax, however, in the southern, eastern and northern countries with 80% to 90% of power stations normally cheap payday advance.

According to Jean-Louis Borloo, Minister of Ecology, 300 refueling stations highway continued. Stated priority, the network no longer counted at 11 am this Saturday, 4 to 5% still waiting for supplies, which was scheduled for that day. Minister cautions that "it depends very much on the behavior of users."

Same warning to Secretary of State for Transport.Dominique Bussereau has renewed its calls to motorists not to make "full of care," criticizing those that prolong the queues to service stations, "so they lack the 5 liter tank. Vacationers "may also from quiet (…) and return", added the president of the French Union of Petroleum Industries (UFIP), Jean-Louis Schilansky.

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Oct 22




BIOMERIEUX group said Friday it lowered its target to 4.5% annual growth in organic sales (cons 6% previously), because of the "persistence of the economic downturn" in health in Europe West and North America.

The group has however confirmed its annual target of an operating margin of between 17 and 18% at constant exchange rates.

"In Western Europe and North America, conditions in the field of health continued to deteriorate," commented CEO Stephane Bancel said in a statement guaranteed pay day loans.

In the third quarter, bioMérieux has recorded a turnover of 333 million euros, up 8.9%. But at constant exchange rates, sales growth was 1.1% only.In Europe, Middle East and Africa, growth of group sales rose 3.7% over this period, up just 0.9% at constant currency and perimeter.

In North America, the group even recorded a decline in organic sales of -2.8%, which is an increase of 8.8% as reported.

Oct 20




Yahoo! sign third quarter "solid." In any case, what is stated in a press release issued after the close on Wall Street Tuesday, the patron saint of American Internet portal, Carol Bartz. The latter was pleased to see net income for the third quarter of the group jump 113% to 396 million dollars against 186 million a year earlier to the same period. In action, earnings totaled 29 cents per share when analysts expected 15 cents.

This is done quarterly profit boosted by gains reaped 13 cents on sales of HotJobs, job search site, sold to Monster in February for $ 225 million in cash.

Turnover is also slightly below expectations of observers. Excluding traffic acquisition costs (revenue paid out to partners), Yahoo generated revenues of 1.124 billion dollars against 1.13 billion expected by markets.Total sales grew, they, from 2% to 1.6 billion bad credit pay day loans.

For the future, the outlook is also below expectations. The number two search engine behind Google expects sales, excluding traffic acquisition costs, of between 1.125 billion and 1.255 billion. Analysts predicted revenue of 1.26 billion.

"We sold the assets that are not in our core business while making strategic acquisitions such as Associated Content and Citizen Action, and we have developed partnerships with key Facebok and Twitter, and Zynga to improve the experience for Yahoo! our 600 million users, "said Carol Bartz justified.

But for investors, these arguments do not suffice.In after market trading Tuesday, shares were down 0.13% to 15.47 dollars after removing from 2.73% at closing.

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Oct 20




The government was forced to intervene to promote the supply of gas stations with fuel. Following a crisis meeting held Tuesday afternoon at Matignon, Francois Fillon told the UMP deputies that a "trip plan fuels" had been put in place and that "four or five days, the situation returns to normal. "

Specifically, fuel dispensers, oil and hypermarkets will put their inventories together to deliver the stations in need. To ensure delivery of fuel, the participants in this emergency meeting committed themselves to implement additional transportation, as required by foreign trucks.

A second meeting, held at L'Elysee, was held late in the afternoon in the presence of Nicolas Sarkozy, the Prime Minister and several members of his government.The president had announced a few hours earlier that he would take action against the blockades at refineries and to "guarantee public order" cash till payday.

Nearly 4,000 service stations affected

The Executive is twofold. He seeks to reassure motorists, ever eager to fill their tanks to avoid shortages as stations close. Between 1000 and 1500 service stations were affected on Tuesday in the large distribution network of 4,800 pumps, according to the Union of independent petroleum importers (IPU). Independent distributors, who claim a network of 3,500 stations, have "at least as many stations affected."In total, according to Jean-Louis Borloo, Minister for Ecology, "nearly 4,000 stations" are waiting for supplies.

But the government is also found to have to calm the rising discontent within the majority. For force to downplay the shortage to avoid full of care, the speech ends up disconnected from the realities. "Stop saying that there is no shortage! With me, there is a drop of gasoline ", stormed Serge Poignant, MP de Loire-Atlantique on Tuesday during a meeting at the UMP. "There is need to change the language elements on the 'no shortage' because it creates a misunderstanding," confirmed Jean-Francois Cope, head of the deputies of the majority.

Production cuts by the end of the week

The impact of the fuel shortage is anyway already felt in the business.Employees "are starting to have trouble arriving at the workplace," said the secretary general of the General Confederation of Small and Medium Enterprises (CGPME), Jean-Eudes du Mesnil du Buisson. The latter warns against the risk of having, "by next week," a slowdown or downtime "in the event of continuation or amplification of the shortage Cash Until Payday . Same concern MEDEF, Laurence Parisot which spoke of "serious disruption" in the building, civil engineering or chemistry.

Although it remains difficult to quantify the impact of the shortage in many sectors are affected. "The end of the week will be very difficult," warned the chief representative of the National Federation of Road Transport (FNTR) Jean-Paul Deneuville, asking the government to "release the deposits."According to the main French federation of motor carriers, about 90 of the 250 pumps dedicated to road were dry Monday night. "Without trucks," insisted John Paul Deneuville, "there is a risk of paralysis of the economy."

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Oct 18




While large retailers announced this morning that thousands of service stations are out of stock and that the strikes are continuing in the twelve metropolitan refineries, truck drivers have joined, as they had suggested this weekend, mobilization against the pension reform. As a result of blockages or deposit of industrial zones are multiplying across the country. Some have not taken the night, others are continuing this morning.

Thus, thirty unionists since Sunday night block inputs and outputs of a logistics site in Carbon-Blanc (Gironde), which supplies fresh produce every supermarket group Auchan's southwest, officials said Monday morning from a trade unionist.According to Jean-Pierre Mespoulède, EDF employee and trade union CGT, teachers, railway and road transport workers involved in picketing, which aims to "stop the manufacturing process of wealth in order to get negotiations with the government"

At Le Mans, where the road had established roadblocks filtering 22h Sunday night, the area south of the industrial area was still blocked Monday morning with a hundred protesters, all unions combined. The trucks are stopped using harrows craft and forced to park at the roadside. The congestion created totally prohibits access to oil depot of Le Mans.

Deposits and oil terminals blocked

In the middle of night, the two oil depots of Caen and Ouistreham in Normandy, as well as that of Saint-Pierre des Corps, near Tours, was blocked again.These three deposits had already been blocked for several hours last Friday. Began around four o'clock that night according to police, the oil terminal in Port-la-Nouvelle (Aude) is also blocked on Monday morning by a hundred people on foot, mostly truck drivers, which prevent all trucks come and replenish. "We'll stay on until we can," said Joseph Sieiro the CFDT Transport Languedoc-Roussillon adding that he expected that "reinforcements interprofessional" are involved in blocking the course of the day.

The oil terminal at Fos-Lavera near Marseille, entered his 21th day on strike, blocking roads in 61 vessels including 47 tankers. To Lyon, blocking the fuel depot of Saint-Priest was up early this morning."We have blocked access to the deposit of one hundred trucks to deliver supplies from supermarkets and we left around 6:30 as planned," said Secretary General of Transport Rhone CFDT.

The game of cat and mouse

At Lorient (Morbihan), the game of cat and mouse continues. About thirty demonstrators blocked to half past three this night, a roundabout giving access to the port area where they were evicted by police an hour later, said Jean-Paul Le Dantec, the CFDT. Around half past six, the protesters, who received the backing of dockers, again blocked access to the port area. However, the oil depot was under control of law enforcement, "he said. In Brest, it is students have stepped in to block the protesters from the port fuel depot.At first repulsed by the police, they retreated to the two roundabouts leading to the filing, denying access to the port to thirty trucks.

In Dunkirk, dozens of opponents of pension reform try to block this morning two fuel depots, according to union sources. Of road, railway, and employees were present to form Total dams block both human and deposits, playing "cat and mouse" with police, according to Philippe Wullens, Steward South Total refinery at Dunkirk.The prefecture, which confirmed the presence of 80 demonstrators, however, indicated that the deposits were not blocked.

Tension mounts between government and unions

Despite these many obstacles morning, FNTR, the main federation of motor carriers did not expect Monday at ten o'clock, a social movement to scale in the sector. "Trade unions of employees to succeed nationally to mobilize a few hundred employees but we do not think it could be a widespread movement," said Nicolas Paulissen, Executive Assistant FNTR

For his part, Christian Estrosi industry minister said on RTL radio: "There will be no obstacle for companies, not blocking transport, not blocking the road users." Last night on TF1, Prime Minister Francois Fillon has warned the protesters."The right to strike is not the right to prevent access to a fuel depot, it is an illegal action," he said. "I will not let our country block, I will not let the French economy choked by a blockade of fuel supplies." Right before the Interior Minister Brice Hortefeux had said he would appeal again "if necessary" force to "unlock the deposits."

While the government is sticking to its positions and hopes a slowing of movement, the unions are desperate to reopen the debate. "The country is not blocked. That said, the disruption on daily life begins to be real. The country is rooted in the mobilization sustainable, "warned the CGT leader Bernard Thibault, who has called for" suspend "the votes in the Senate."If the dialogue resumed this week, the problem is solved," urged his counterpart of the CFDT, Francois Chereque, about the "risk of economic stagnation."

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Oct 16




Airlines have three days of respite. According to a spokesman for the Department of Ecology, the Paris airport Roissy-Charles de Gaulle still has reserves of kerosene until Monday evening or Tuesday, and should not then be victims of shortages. "We have ways to find solutions to supply the airport. We are confident, "added the spokesman who declined to detail the measures envisaged by the crisis.

Shut down Friday because of fuel, while the French refineries are on strike in protest against the pension reform, the pipeline that feeds Roissy, Orly and South Paris continues to function for now . But "intermittently," the ministry said."We work through various means, to find products to put in the pipeline, including kerosene, had earlier assured Jean-Louis Schilansky, president of the French Union of Petroleum Industries (Ufip), which recognizes that" The situation is tense. "

According to reports from La Tribune.fr, Roissy-Charles de Gaulle no longer had Friday night that "48 hours of kerosene stocks. So that the direction of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had recommended that planes coming from overseas to take enough fuel to return. Moreover, "any French airport is dry today," said Department of Ecology payday loan lenders.Nantes airport met with "small problems" but was supplied by one of Bordeaux, said the Office of Secretary of State for Transport Dominique Bussereau.

"The key point is access to deposits"

Specifically related to fuel, the Department of Ecology provides that with the release of reserves and imports, there is no problem until "early November". "Beyond that, we will find solutions by expanding imports," says one to the Department of Ecology. Currently imports are, by truck, barge and boats, from Italy, Spain, Belgium and Germany.

Ten of the twelve French refineries were still off Saturday morning, said the UFIP. "The key point is access to deposits," said Chairman of the UFIP.The Secretary of State for Transport said that the police had evacuated, "peacefully", new depots on Saturday morning, including that of Rouen. On instruction from the Elysée, the police had already taken place Friday morning to dislodge the protesters against the pension reform preventing tankers sourcing deposits Fos-sur-Mer (Bouches-du- Rhone), Bassens (Gironde) and Cournon d'Auvergne (Puy de Dome).

(With AFP)

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