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Greek Prime Minister believes the crisis

The Socialist Prime Minister George Papandreou said today to be sure that his party would leave Greece to the economic crisis and debt at the national conference of the Greek socialist party (PASOK). "We continue the battle, not only because we believe that there is no alternative, but because we trust in our capabilities in the capabilities of Hellenism, in the possibilities of our country .I'm sure we will succeed, "he said in his speech.

2013 Goals

"People will judge us in 2013, and until then, we not only managed to get Greece to the crisis, but we have also implemented many important reforms that will lay the foundation for a different evolution of Greece in the future, "he said, cutting short the rumors of early elections.

The Prime Minister also accused the previous Conservative government to be primarily responsible for the current financial crisis. The spokesman for the main opposition party New Democracy, Yannis Mihelakis, immediately reacted. "He (George Papandreou) recognizes the economic impasse, but says nothing about its policy, which destroyed the economy and society," he retorted.In a report released Wednesday, a parliamentary commission of experts also found that the debt was Faxless payday loans.

"Satisfactory progress"

Last year, Athens has received an aid package of 110 billion euros of the European Union (EU) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). At their summit on 21 July, the euro zone countries have agreed to pay a new loan, plus a share of the private sector on a voluntary basis, for a total of 50 billion euros. Representatives of the "Troika" (EU, ECB and IMF) mission in Athens Friday to advance structural reforms in the country.

Several media have interpreted the departure precipitated considered representatives of the EU, the IMF and the ECB as a clash with the Greek Government on the extent of the effort to provide rigor to continue fiscal consolidation.But such a break was denied both by the Ministry of Finance by the troika.

She spoke in a statement of "good progress" in talks, saying had "temporarily left Athens" to "allow the authorities to complete their technical work" related "to the 2012 budget and structural policies to strengthen growth."

(With AFP)

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LE FIGARO. – Are you satisfied with the performance of Pernod-Ricard during the exercise?

Pierre PRINGUET. – Congratulations to the teams of Pernod Ricard. The group has an excellent performance, with both a strong acceleration of growth of our business and our operating profits. For the first time ever, our net income exceeds one billion euros. These figures show the relevance of our premiumisation strategy and innovation. Our high-end bottles account for 71% of our sales, against 69% last year. Our new products (Wild Tea Absolut, Malibu cocktails …) our limited series and our innovations in advertising and packaging met with success.With a new bottle of Ricard sales increased 5% in France, a market of aniseed stable.

You get ready for a worsening economic environment?

No, I fear neither slowing growth in emerging countries or return to recession in mature markets. The world faces a problem of public debt, with a unique in Greece, the country most fragile. But the political dimension is at least as important as the economic dimension. Everyone was betting on an acceleration of growth in mature markets: the targets are scaled down, but countries will experience low growth in 2011 (1.5 to 2%). And there is no reason for the dynamic growth of emerging countries is slowing. For 2012, the objectives are still serene. IMF sees faster U.S. next year. You can always play to be afraid.But the psychodrama of the summer on the state of the banking system has nothing to do with the situation of 2008 and the general crisis of debt at the time. It is a political problem, but not macro-financial.

There will be no effect on the growth of your business during the current year?

We expect continued moderate growth in mature markets for the fiscal year beginning in July (1.5% last year) and continued strong growth in emerging countries (17% last year) . These will drive our growth: built on solid economic fundamentals, these markets are naturally attracted to our premium brands.

The tension in the markets makes it more difficult to manage your debt?

For our bank debt, we have no due before July 2013.We have an active management of our debt, with two bond issues last year to EUR 1 billion and $ 1 billion respectively. Interest rates remain particularly low, we will seize every opportunity to issue bonds. We will continue our debt reduction, with the aim of achieving 30 June in a net debt / EBITDA of close to 4.

You will be able to resume your acquisition policy …

Does not expect to purchase several billion on 1 July. In the meantime, we will conduct no strategic acquisitions. However, we can make tactical acquisitions, such as tequila Avion in July. It is both a start-up and a brand ultrapremium, sold between 40 and 60 euros a bottle, which allows us to expand our portfolio in the United States.This is the type of operation we will focus in the immediate future. Acquisitions of Brazilian cachaça or baijiu Chinese are possible options. In our business, this is not the type of product that counts, but the brand. Pernod Ricard could also create one from scratch. This is one of the objectives of our internal team called BIG (Breakthrough Innovation Group), whose current head of our German subsidiary, Alain Dufossé, just take the lead.

This summer, Patrick Ricard, non-executive chairman of Pernod Ricard, said at that point the group should aim for first place in the spirits market. What is your strategy to achieve this?

This is the purpose of our project Agility. The goal is not size for size, but the growth momentum. Our sales have grown faster than our competitor's last year. We must repeat that performance this year.We take the market, we are the most innovative, we are well placed to achieve this.

Alexandre Ricard was promoted a few weeks ago. It is well positioned to succeed you …

Two things are certain. One is Alexandre Ricard has an excellent track. That's why I named Executive Vice President in charge of distribution networks. The second is that I leave my post January 31, 2015, when I turn 65, according to the statutes of Pernod Ricard.

Baidu pinned by the official Chinese media

The advertising slogan 'type' Baidu ', and you will know "has been transformed by the Internet in China' type 'Baidu' and you spend money." China Central Television has attacked the advertising practices of the search engine in a program aired earlier this week on the economic chain CCTV2. The show has accused Baidu, which accounts for nearly ¾ of the market for Internet search in the country, selling fake tickets, which have been losing money for users.

"Baidu is clearly not able to solve this problem by demonstrating self-discipline. The primary motivation of this company is to make profits, "said Wu Yue, the presenter of the program. "If there is no law or regulation in place to limit this, it is difficult to improve the situation at the base," she said.

Questionable advertising practices

This is not the first time that the official media attack the Chinese firm. State television has already Baidu suspected to force the big companies who wanted to appear at the top of the sponsored links when searching on the Internet, to pay large sums of money daily. However, this new attack is much more powerful, because it affects the credibility of the brand name Baidu. People's Daily, the official newspaper of the Chinese Communist Party, he also criticized the company in an editorial, arguing that the search engine could be abandoned by users if it focuses only on its short-term profits. "It's time for Baidu to shoulder social responsibility," says the editorial quick payday loans.

Caught in a wave of criticism, Baidu had formally apologized at a news conference Friday.Wang Zheng, vice president of sales for the company apologized to the "users victims of fraudulent information," adding that the company will strive to better filter the information that is illegal.

One way to take control of the Internet?

The scandal coincides with the launch of the CCTV's own search engine and auction of its annual advertising screens, which has led some observers to think that this is a way for the giant Chinese television discredit a formidable competitor.

In addition, the role of Communist propaganda is important for the media in Beijing, and the campaign against Baidu could be a prelude to the implementation of measures designed to "rectify" the politically lcorrect Internet, somewhat chaotic.In recent years, the Chinese government has more and more difficult to control what is said by the Chinese blogs.

"The main players in the Chinese Internet, like Sina, Youku, Tencent and Alibaba, should consider whether the target of the campaign of CCTV, is Baidu," said Bill Bishop in his blog, an investor based in Beijing. "There may be other firms involved", he says it.

The company Baidu is one of the largest global Internet values, with a capitalization of $ 48 billion (33.6 billion euros). Its shares have lost more than 14% from Monday to Thursday on the Nasdaq, the index dominated by technology of the New York Stock Exchange.

Warren Buffett wants more taxes for the rich

American billionaire Warren Buffett wants his share of sacrifice to help America reduce its budget deficit. In an article published in The New York Times, the head of Berkshire Hathaway investment fund called on parliamentarians to raise taxes on Americans with annual incomes exceed a million dollars, and even more taxing those who earn more than ten million dollars per year.

He said it does not hurt to use or for investment, while helping to clean up the country's finances. "Our leaders have called for shared sacrifice, he writes. But when they did ask, they spared me. I checked with my friends to see which mégariches sacrifices they expected.Them either were not affected. "Warren Buffett has led his small survey: last year's tax rate accounted for 17.4% of its taxable income, while that of 20 workers in his office was between 33% and 41%.

"While the poor and middle class fighting for us in Afghanistan, and while many Americans are struggling to make ends meet, we, the mégariches, continue to benefit from special tax exemptions," says the American billionaire.

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The Paris Bourse ends in green

The Paris Bourse has been optimism in holiday Monday of the Assumption. The CAC 40, which began on the exchange increased by 1.07% to 3248.14 points, ended on a higher, more moderate, from 0.78% to 3239.06 points. The index in Paris fell into the red in mid-day before recovering.

The movement is the same in the rest of Europe. After opening sharply higher, European stock markets have slowed their progress mid-day before returning to finish the colors in a small increase. At closing, the London Stock Exchange and Frankfurt gained 0.57% 0.41%%. After remaining in the red part of the day, Madrid ended with a gain of 0.71%.Exchanges of Milan, Lisbon and Athens are closed due to holiday.

No Eurobonds on the menu Tuesday's markets are very nervous before Tuesday's meeting between French President Nicolas Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. They must discuss reform of the governance of the euro area, sensitive issue for the markets. The Franco-German promises to make such joint proposals by the end of the summer. Investors are calling for the creation of "Eurobonds", which would sign the pooling of public debt in the euro area. But Germany has dampened hopes by mid-morning by announcing that the possible creation of common obligations to countries in the euro area "will play no role" at the meeting on Tuesday."The Euro-bonds are not an option," added the spokesman of the Ministry of Finance during a press conference. The Elysee in a few minutes later confirmed that the issue of Eurobonds was "not on the agenda."

Meanwhile, the British Finance Minister, George Osborne, today called the euro area to move towards a more integrated budget to bring the world economy on the path of trust. The euro area "must now demonstrate its commitment to greater integration of budget and governance arrangements that prevent moral hazard and reinforce fiscal responsibility," said he.

In addition, the European Commissioner for Economic Affairs Olli Rehn called on European countries to adopt "very quickly" the decisions of July 21, and provided that the applicants were working "day and night" to this.

The next publication, this Monday will be very light. On the agenda are the indices of activity of the New York Fed and the real estate market across the Atlantic.

The bank-shaped

On the corporate side, Societe Generale (2.92% to 25.01 euros) will be followed. The Financial Markets Authority (AMF) initiated an investigation of market rumors that circulated this week on Societe Generale, announced Friday its president Jean-Pierre Jouyet.

The banking sector is well oriented. Natixis is the largest increase of ACC (3.95% to 3.23 euros). Credit Agricole gained 3.54% to 6.75 euros, BNP Paribas rises from 3.22% to 38.42 euros, ahead of Axa 2.43% to 11.18 euros.

France Telecom (0.81% to 13.14 euros): the telephone operator Orange has unveiled some clues on the future model of the iPhone Appel keeps top secret.

GDF Suez (0.94% to 20.95 euros) has initiated "discussions" to sell its stake from 10.4% in the West Franklin field in the North Sea, the French energy group intends to transfer for 600 million euros.

Alstom (-0.55% to 32.44 euros): Goldman Sachs rose to "neutral" on the title with a price target reduced to 43 against 52 euros.

Danone (-0.55% to 46.08 euros): UniCredit has raised its rating to "buy" against "hold".

Baroin markets called "cool head"

While European stock markets, starting with Paris, still closed on Friday decreases, Baroin called to remain calm. The Minister of Economy, which had cut short his vacation to "take stock with his teams," according to the Elysée, stressed the need to "keep a cool head and not make a tracing paper of the excitement that can be observed on a given market. "

Invited to France Info, just after the close of the Paris Bourse, which for the first time ever signed a tenth meeting of consecutive decline, including the minister explained that "the questions posed from a double question mark: the character of the strong global economic growth and the important issue in Europe and worldwide of this problem of public debt. "

On this last point, Baroin said that "the determination of the 17 heads of state of the euro area should not doubt the investors." And remember, in reference to the plan of aid to Greece reached July 21, that "in Europe, there was an agreement by the Heads of State very important because it offered answers payday loans in one hour. These responses must be heard by the markets. "

Latency

The Minister of Economy, however, admitted that there was "a latency reduction" between the announcement of the plan, which is "a good plan," and its practical implementation. It must indeed be ratified by national parliaments. In this regard, Baroin was keen to dispel doubts about the possibility of rejection by the German parliamentarians. "The plan will be voted on July 21. There is no other way to protect our currency which is the common good of the countries in the region, "said he.But "time is not the Democratic one click of a market operator," he said.

In order to "restore investor confidence," Baroin also ensures that "we must strengthen the governance of the euro area to make it optimal."

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Realtors hinders mobility

The cost of housing is a key criterion for the French when accepting a job. A study by the Research Center for the Study and Observation of Living Conditions (Crédoc) reveals that weighs so heavily in real household budget that "70% of workers say they would refuse a job better than they currently hold if this would cause a move leading to an increase in their housing costs (agency fees and transfer, new housing too expensive, etc.).. "

More than half (56%) of 2006 respondents at the request of the MEDEF, which counts among its ranks of companies to recruit Penant – state and not be forced to move a test is "very important" in the choice of a new job. Experts emphasize Crédoc for comparison as these assets are only 48% to include the amount of compensation as a criterion."The hope of wage gain does not appear to offset the fear of having to spend more on housing and, finally, many prefer not to move," says the study. Worse, Of the 4.6 million registered unemployed in job center, 500,000 – 11% – have given up a job in the last five years for failing to support an additional financial cost housing.

The origin of this choice: two realities, closely linked. Most jobs are concentrated in large urban areas (77% according to INSEE), while house prices explode, due to strong demand and the housing shortage."A growing proportion of employees in particular within the middle classes – and those seeking employment can no longer reside in the inner cities of large urban centers because rents are too high or because the purchase price housing beyond their financial capabilities, "says the study cash advance in one hour. Consequently, the travel time longer, making it difficult to reconcile private and professional life. Thus, 7% of people of working age said they had given up a job because of excessive travel time.

The barrier property

And the situation is equally difficult for wealthier households, who already own. The survey confirms that 80% of them are reluctant to move.A remark already made in macroeconomic analysis by economist Andrew Oswald and the OECD, which show that countries where the ownership rate is higher are also those where the unemployment rate is higher.

In conclusion, the Crédoc recalls "the need to take into account the housing issue when looking for employment," and that the introduction of housing assistance devices may have a direct impact. For example, the study suggests using Housing Action (formerly "1% logement") funded by companies for their employees. If experts say Crédoc a comprehensive study is needed to accurately assess the system, they note, however, that the study results show a positive effect on the mobility of employees and hence on employment. A conclusion that is sure to please the sponsor of the survey.July 18, the MEDEF employers' organization joined with labor unions to protest a drain of 3.4 million euros under the State Housing Action funds.

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Obama promises an agreement on debt

Barack Obama sought Monday to change the tone of the negotiations on reducing the budget deficit. "I am ready to face criticism from Democrats for an agreement that allows to raise the debt ceiling," said Monday the president of the United States, before resuming discussions with congressional leaders have fallen into the impasse. "We will reach agreement before August 2," promised the president at a press conference.

Placing himself as an arbiter between the two factions partisan, Barack Obama said: "The Republicans are going to have to compromise, as the Democrats." He hoped that the negotiations continue "all day", "until a solution is found."

Their challenge is twofold. The first is to adopt a compromise that reduces the medium to long-term U.S. budget deficits.But the compromise also depends on the adoption by August 2 of a law that raises the ceiling for the debt of the United States. Otherwise, the U.S. Treasury would no longer issue the bonds needed to honor the debts of Uncle Sam was general such a defect of the United States would have catastrophic consequences for the entire global economy.

Avoiding tax increases

During the weekend negotiations have stalled or even declined. Democrats accuse Republicans of blocking any agreement by refusing the principle of tax increases. For their part, Republicans reject the approach proposed by Barack Obama on an ambitious four trillion dollars in savings over ten years.They are rather a compromise of around 2 trillion, thinking to keep their campaign promise to block any tax increase.

To complicate matters, the elected Democrats have their doubts about the path traced by the White House. Barack Obama asks them, in fact, painful concessions in the form of savings in programs popular pension and health care. Yet the Democrats do not want to pay the price in the November 2012 legislative concessions that make a great historical compromise personal serving the cause of Barack Obama but not his party.In addition, the recent rise in unemployment leads them to reconsider their promise to reduce government spending made a few weeks ago as part of negotiations led by the then vice president, Joe Biden.

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CO2 quotas: China puts pressure on Airbus

On the eve of closing the doors of the Salon du Bourget, a shadow could come tarnish the immense success of the European manufacturer Airbus at the time of high mass biannual aerospace. While the group has announced four days a new record of orders, with 72.2 billion worth of contracts garnered the announcement by China of a possible blockage of a contract for $ 3.8 billion ( 2.7 billion euros) for 10 A380 looks like a grain of sand from the well-oiled machine seize up.

At least, that understands the Financial Times on Saturday. Echoing the words of sources familiar with the matter, the newspaper said that Beijing had threatened "to undermine a deal worth billions of dollars for 10 Airbus super jumbos" in protest against the decision of the European Commission to include air transport system in the trading of CO2.This measure is to buy permits for each tonne of carbon emitted dioxin in European airspace, beyond a certain threshold. The Asian company Hong Kong Airlines was the official control of very large aircraft at the Paris Air Show. But the hardening of the Chinese position facing the European measure prevents the conclusion of the agreement, according to sources.

This disagreement does not allow to increase to 12 orders for A380 harvested at Le Bourget. Thursday, Airbus had reported a firm order for 10 A380, from an unidentified customer. According to one industry source, this command corresponds to that of Hong Kong Airlines. The counter for very large aircraft will remain blocked for the moment 2.

The case could also be amplified in the coming months no fax cash advances. "These are not the only contracts held hostage by the Chinese.One on the A380 could be only the first, "explains the paper citing its source. Because the European manufacturer has other current contracts with the Middle Kingdom. Meanwhile, the Airbus management is counting on a visit to Berlin next week Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao, to unblock the situation and conclude the contract.

"No plan B '

Beyond this contentious spot, the tour in Europe, China (Wen Jiabao arrived here Friday in Hungary, a country holding the rotating presidency of the European Union) should be an opportunity to address the underlying problem of quotas. A delicate matter, the European Commissioner for Climate Action, Connie Hedegaard has formally ruled out that the Chinese retaliatory measures have any impact on the measure, scheduled to take effect next January. "There is no plan B. Our position is very clear.We would not amend, "she said.

Faced with this inflexibility, Tom Enders, the boss of Airbus, for its part called on Europe to be flexible, saying the "madness of attracting reprisals" from a player as influential as the China. For the latter, comply with the requirements of the EU would entail, for the Chinese airlines, a surcharge of $ 126 million in 2012, according to data from the China Air Transport Association (CATA). This figure set to rise in coming years, when China's increasing its flights to Europe. In his struggle, China is also supported by the United States.

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Europe continues to mobilize to help Greece

The record turns Greek puzzles. In Brussels on Tuesday, finance ministers of the Eurogroup have once again gathered to discuss a new rescue plan, with the stumbling block of how to involve private creditors.

The coming days ahead crucial step after the meeting convened in emergency Tuesday night. The future plan for assistance must be discussed Monday during a Eurogroup long planned – this one – in the context of the EU summit on 23 and 24 JuneMeanwhile, Nicolas Sarkozy and Angela Merkel should also mention the issue in Berlin on Friday.

Crushed by the weight of a huge debt of 350 billion euros, Athens has already obtained a loan of 110 billion last year, and creditors are preparing to give a hand to the pocket extension could be around 90 billion euros, according to figures frequently mentioned.

Reactions conservative banks

"The German government is ready to take additional measures," said Tuesday the German finance minister, Wolfgang Schäuble, while holding that "of course" private sector participation was "an element" of any additional program.His Dutch counterpart, Jan Kees de Jager, for his part felt that the private sector should shoulder more than 30% of a new assistance plan.

But the European Commission, the ECB and France in particular, warn against any commitments forced march of banks and other pension funds, which could have a destabilizing effect on markets. "We are against the involvement other than a voluntary private creditors," was repeated before MEPs Mario Draghi, who should succeed Jean-Claude Trichet in November.

For its part, the Commissioner of Economic Affairs, Olli Rehn, has talked about the preparation of an "Agreement on the basis of the Vienna initiative, under which banks extend the term of their loans and do so voluntarily."For the Belgian Finance Minister Didier Reynders, "all sorts of authoritarian measures likely would include a risk for Portugal or Ireland, a risk for the euro area."

Several options are on the table. Berlin calls for an exchange of bonds, which would lengthen the debt maturity of seven years. The other track to the study is a continuation of voluntary debt maturities (rollover).

The ground is shifting, investors can quickly interpret a conscription as a step toward bankruptcy. As a warning, the rating agency Standard & Poor's downgraded three notches Monday note of Greece, to "CCC".

From the banking side, the reactions are currently cautious.The German Banking Federation Saturday approved the principle of private sector participation, without specifying the terms, while the governor of the Bank of France showed its confidence in the financial system driver (see below). French and German institutions are most at risk from international creditors.

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