The idea may make some noise. Two economists advocate, in an article published by the Journal of the INSEE "Economics and Statistics", which care expenses are reimbursed according to the income of policyholder allocation1. A suggestion that reminds one of the proposals of Nicolas Sarkozy in 2007 to reform Social Security. Defended by Bertrand Fragonard, President of the High Council of the family, this device did not finally emerged.

Six years later, so two researchers revive the subject. "Until then, each contributor within its means and receiving according to their needs, says Gregory Lagasnerie, co-author of the article. The goal is not to reduce the deficit of Social Security, but to reintroduce the principle of solidarity in the reimbursement system of care that previous governments have removed. " In short, it would apply to the Health Insurance the same philosophy of the upcoming reform of the government on familiales2 allowances, namely reducing those paid to the richest households. "The amounts to be borne 10% of the poorest French 8% of revenue and 0.6% of those 10% of the French richest," says the researcher.

To reduce these inequalities and economists suggest to reform the co-payment, ie the remaining load of patients, and apply according to the income of the insured and not independently of their resources, as now share. This proposal does not apply to hospital care, much more expensive. It takes into account the care city, namely consultations among physicians, who represent 53% of health spending French in 2011, EUR 96 billion.

The two economists suggest to set an annual ceiling as it already exists in Sweden, Switzerland or the Netherlands. More income of the insured, the higher this amount is large and vice versa. The study takes the example of a patient whose care spending is 1200 euros per year and would face a co-payment of 30%. "He would pay 360 euros per year, say two researchers. With a ceiling of 300 euros, health insurance would cover 60 euros. " The proposed system, that is more just, more could have the advantage of being less dependent on public funding …

The dollar rose above the symbolic 100 yen for the first time since April 2009, while the yen has weakened since November with the announcement of new monetary easing by the Bank of Japan. He had not reached this level since April 14, 2009. After that date, the yen had strengthened, increasing to 75.54 yen per dollar on October 31 2011.Mais the Japanese currency loses force since the election last November of a new government decided to conduct an aggressive monetary policy in an attempt to fight against deflation affecting the islands for many years. Traders tried to rise above 100 yen to the dollar for several weeks but faced each time a resistance level no fax payday loans. "Today, people have realized that this level of resistance, this barrier was less protected than before, "noted Sebastian Galy, Society Générale.Ce movement does not come to him as a fundamental element towards the yen but rather" a slight strengthening of the dollar, "which appears also up against the euro. The greenback has benefited particularly "better than expected data on U.S. employment," said Mr. Galy: new jobless claims have unexpectedly continued to decline in the United States last week to reach their highest low level for more than five years.

Nicolas Sarkozy launched at the time a "program of investment for the future," Hollande announced its "investment in ten year plan." At the end of the working seminar held Monday at the Elysee with all the ministers, the government spokesman, Najat Belkacem-Vallaud, gave little indication of this plan which should enable "of stop stalling the country improve its overall productivity and prepare for the future fast cash loans. " The Prime Minister will present in the coming weeks, "before summer." "For now, we're working!" Said a government source.

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Cyprus, on the verge of ruin, and European donors affect the moment of truth. The outcome of the standoff that lasted a week, whatever it is, promises unprecedented for the island as the euro. If successful, Cyprus keep the single currency, but its depositors richest see their bank account laminated. If there is failure in the end, the island could plunge into bankruptcy and the club will leave monetary sinking. Abandonment unpublished.

The drama, anticipated for months, has tied up with an appointment urgently seventeen finance ministers in Brussels on Sunday evening. Sign of the voltage Ambient meeting should begin with five hours late. It is the ECB, tired of waiting, sets the tempo for lack of agreement on a bailout plan Monday it will cut the cash that keep Cypriot banks afloat since the summer. Clearly, after ten days of closing, banks could reopen, but with empty crates.

In the last hours, the leaders took Nicosia after a long denial of the danger. "The goal is to save the Cypriot economy and avoid a cessation of payments to uncontrollable effects," admitted the conservative president, Nicos Anastasiades, rushed to Brussels. Nicosia is ready to liquidate the second bank, Laiki, the worse off. But he still resisted the project, promoted by the IMF, a painful downsizing of Bank of Cyprus, the mainstay of the island economy.

Ultimate scenario

The fate of this institution remained in the night, the issue of a camera parallel between Nicos Anastasiades, President Herman Van Rompuy, Christine Lagarde, Mario Draghi, José Manuel Barroso and the head of the Eurogroup Jeroen Dijsselbloem. "At this stage it or break it," noted a source informed. Sign of nervousness, Cypriot President would have resigned in the balance, according to the press island. "I will make a proposal, and you do not agree. I'll give you another one and it's the same thing. What you want me to do? "He said.

By midnight Monday, Tuesday or later in the morning, the 17 finance ministers of the euro – including Cypriot Michalis Sarris – will accept or reject the final funding scenario and rescue. The idea of ​​a massive tax-up to 25% – or a discount equivalent of 70 billion euros deposited in Cyprus is already imposed on both camps.

Given the peculiarity of the island is almost the only realistic means available to finance its share Nicosia immediate bailout (5.8 billion). The Eurogroup, the financial equation is intangible. The IMF, for its part, prohibits headlong Cyprus refusing to borrow more.

Remains to impose this bitter pill just installed a government, and a parliament that has rejected outright the first draft of the plan. "There is a casino economy to the brink of bankruptcy (…) If nothing is done, and it is you, it is I who will pay the bill," agreed Pierre Moscovici, Minister French Finance. Cypriots themselves, see this tax the final blow to their financial industry.

Beyond uncertainty about the fate of the island itself, the Cyprus crisis has dealt a severe blow to the credibility of the euro area and its crisis management. And for the first time soon, the ECB may have to put his threat into execution and starve a recalcitrant country.

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After the damage caused by the snow, the invoice. And it should be salty. A first estimate of the French Federation of Insurance Companies (FFSA), the cost for insurers could reach 100 million euros.

The Federation believes that some 100,000 people seek their insurance company or assistance after the snowfall that paralyzed the north and west. "It is especially on small claims. The bill could go up to a hundred million euros, but we must still wait for any claims related to late thaw in the coming days, "said the AFP Stéphane Pénet, life insurance director of the federation.

Compensation: question and answers on the site of the FFSA

In detail, compared to normal days, the FFSA estimated at 10,000 the number of damaged vehicles and more, Tuesday and Wednesday, and the surplus of 30,000 calls received by platforms assistance. She also noted that some large losses, related to the weight of the snow had been identified. These include the "collapse of the roof of fifteen to twenty major surfaces and an exhibition hall in Caen.

Falls of persons in the street caused by slips and flooding caused by water infiltration has also increased. "Insurers are from the beginning of the week strongly mobilized. On the ground, they accompany the French who are facing difficulties due to bad weather, "he assured Bernard Spitz, President of the FFSA. For compensation following a car accident without third party, the insured must have coverage against all risks, said Stéphane Pénet. He added that it was about 70% of vehicles.

Damage due to the weight of snow or water leaks, for their part, covered by the warranty storm / hail / snow, present in all contracts, detailed life insurance director of the FFSA has published on Thursday its website a list of "questions and answers" on the steps to take to get compensation.

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Backlash. After criticizing both and pension reform Nicolas Sarkozy and included in its program the return of the statutory retirement age to 60 for employees who began work early, so here is François Hollande faces turn to puzzle head in the balance of the general scheme. Headache not insoluble, but depends on three parameters: the amount of pensions, the level of contributions, the statutory retirement age.

As Sarkozy in his time, Netherlands has little option but to opt for the lesser evil. Lower the level of pensions is hardly conceivable, increasing contribution rates are inconsistent with the government's goal of boosting the competitiveness of firms, there are only postponing the statutory retirement age. Holland "is now overtaken by reality. (…) The diagnosis is known. The cornerstone of the reform is the lengthening of the contribution period and probably fusion schemes, "summed up Jean-Francois Cope Sunday in Le Parisien like to put the head of state to challenge to start. In fact, for the moment, the government temporized.

A recent social conquests of the left

While all elements are already on the table, waiting for Marisol Touraine "proposals evolution scenarios" to engage "in-depth discussions" with the social partners, while giving "time of discussion" in order to achieve "a law presentable before the end of the year." "We place the schedule and milestones as they had planned, says the Minister of Social Affairs and Health. The objective is to downplay as much as possible. "The stakes are high, as in the PS, the issue of pensions is an inexhaustible source of conflict.

Despite repeated reports on the subject, the idea of ​​raising the retirement age is still taboo figure. After all, it is still back on one of the last social conquests of the left, which is more established by François Mitterrand in 1981. So, of course, now that the subject returns to the table, the spirits begin to warm up. "If after six months after approving the plan" Merkozy "pact for competitiveness and employment agreement, we move to increase the age of retirement, it's over," s 'annoys Emmanuel Maurel, leader of the left wing of the PS.

Surprisingly, however, the spirits seem ready to change the PS. Evidenced by the iconoclastic about Henri Emmanuelli. Emblematic figure of the left party, the member of Landes acknowledged last week in the corridors of the Assembly that "biology" incited "the question of the contribution period." "I see people who have spent more time in retirement life. This is a situation that can not continue, "he added by saying," personally "for a dues increase.

Budget Minister, Jerome Cahuzac, hit hard the next day, speak of a "consensus": "The extension of life expectancy must be shared between time worked and time retired." PS A member affect estimates the pension reform, even if it is "brutal", may still be approved fairly smoothly. "Until the city, nothing will drive in the majority, because the PS will not tear before."

The same member says especially convinced that attitudes have changed considerably in the party. The proof is, according to him, in the way that was received on February 27 the owner of MEDEF, Laurence Parisot, the PS group in the Assembly to discuss the transposition into law of the social partners' agreement on employment. "Parisot front of the group? But this is a first, never seen! It's just so, in the end, it was not applauded … Anyway, it has not been heard in polite silence. But silence very interested. "And that elected socialist concluded:" We must see the incredible moves that are happening here. "

Remains to explain these movements voters traditional PS, which is not necessarily the easiest. One more chore to Holland, which must be solved well in a moment to explain why, after much fighting Sarkozy, he decided to practice the same policy. Because the pension reform will take place. As recognized Marisol Touraine: "It is a requirement, since the system is not balanced."

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Our correspondent in Brussels

After a sleepless night, the compromise on an austerity budget takes shape at the European summit in Brussels. But at the cost of personal or political tensions may leave traces between Francois Hollande and David Cameron of course, but also with Angela Merkel.

In the morning, the 27 seemed quite close to an agreement on the total expenditure of just over 908 billion until 2020 (actual payments), a figure closer to the requirements of London that turn red lines drawn by Paris . To balance the budget and to the end, the bloc must now negotiate chapter by chapter, a give and ruthless that could occupy a good part of the day.

Behind the figures is a power struggle between competing visions of Europe, which was stirred overnight. Between François Hollande, the promoter of a generous budget, and David Cameron, leader of the swordsmen, the weather remained cold. The appointment finally settled about three o'clock in the morning, has not emptied the abscess.

British side, the feeling of having been "snubbed"

An incident that Paris and London are seeking to minimize the disagreement reflects: Thursday evening the French president has declined an appointment of conciliation with the British Prime Minister, to whom the master called the meeting Herman Van Rompuy. François Hollande has simply refused to answer the phone, according to The Guardian. On the French side, it evokes an agenda too tight, the head of state being maintained at the same time with the Italian Mario Monti and Mariano Rajoy Spanish. Remains on the British side, the unpleasant feeling of having been "snubbed", especially as Holland president warned on his arrival he was ready to talk, but only "to some extent".

This skirmish predictable hides a background more worrying paralysis confirmed the Franco-German axis. Angela Merkel, involved the appointment of conciliation, also waited in vain for the French president, even though she had already met elsewhere. "The bottom line is a deep political disagreement between Paris and Berlin, an official said. He eventually seize all European machine. "

"It's always Angela Merkel who tipped the scales"

Behind the scenes of top officials openly regretted that François Hollande has gone courting Tuesday in Strasbourg, the Socialist president of the European Parliament Martin Schulz, and at the same time, MEPs who are serious about censoring the hard won compromise to Brussels. Chancellor, she did not like maybe the president bat recall its allies Mario Monti and Mariano Rajoy, rather than come back to discuss with her and David Cameron.

In fact, far from expectations prior agreement with Berlin fed to Paris, the grand bargain budget has continued to turn to the advantage of David Cameron. The figure of 908 billion euros, which was taken for granted Friday morning, is closer to British demands (905) that the floor than to impose the Elysee believed (913). "Ultimately, it is always Angela Merkel, who tipped the balance," said one diplomat.

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Work started there a little over a year. And do not be completed before the end of spring. I must say that the site was ambitious: to restore an aging building located at the corner of Duphot and boulevard de la Madeleine, an object of beauty and function more in line with its prestigious location. "It was a real challenge to redeem, in June 2009, this building mixing desks and a shopping arcade unattractive," says Jean-Philippe Olgiati, Director MGPA France, who undertook the complete renovation, interior and exterior, site .

Restore its luster but the building without close shops and offices, was not an easy task. "It took us surround ourselves with a team of outstanding professionals," says Jean-Philippe Olgiati. The architects and Sébastien Laurent Goudchaux Segers, who proposed to reclaim the history of this heritage building, give it back minerality and dressed again light the front of Carrara marble, has immediately caught the attention. "The choice of marble has become very fast, as it provides a lasting response to both traditional and cosmetic explains Sébastien Segers. It can be carved and allow us to tailor-made. We did not want ready-to-wear, but a new dress tailored specifically for this building. "

In July, the announcement of the closure of the plant PSA Aulnay and 8500 job losses had caused anger exceptional from the government and head of state. One remembers François Hollande judging, July 14, the closure of this site was simply unacceptable. A real wake-up call that sounded like a marker of government industrial policy and employment.

What a contrast, just six months later, with what can only be called the Renault! The manufacturer, which the State holds 15% stake, announced last week his desire to remove 7500 positions in France by the end of 2016 as part of its draft plan employment competitiveness. Such an initiative had any cause for a new fever in government, especially from the bubbling Minister of Recovery productive. However, Arnaud Montebourg considered the draft Renault acceptable as consistent with its requirements: "First, no social, no layoffs. The first red line is respected. Second, no closures, no closures: the second red line is respected. "

For several days, the comments of all government officials are sticking to this line, even though the left and unions, very angry, consider that the draft Renault is no more defensible than PSA. At accounts, the two companies prepare to effect the removal of nearly 17% of their workforce in France in the coming years, more than 18,000 jobs if we include attrition in the next two years in PSA.

Little room for interference

This difference in approach, the government assumes. For six months, the executive come a long way. The time he thought it was sufficient to prohibit layoffs or plant closures to industrial policy seems gone. Peugeot with the case, the executive is aware of the extreme fragility of some industrial jewels and, thanks to Welsh report measured the severity of the loss of competitiveness.

Gradually, the reality principle is imposed on him, as to persuade Jean-Marc Ayrault and François Hollande to take far-reaching measures. There is firstly the tax credit competitiveness, which aims to reduce the labor cost up to 20 billion in a full year. Then the draft agreement on security and labor market flexibility negotiated by the social partners, which must be promptly submitted to the Parliament and the government wants to see the state vote.

Such inflection policy if it does not prevent the vigilance of the authorities, now leaves little room for interference when a company tries to reform to regain competitiveness. This is what the government is doing in the case of Renault. For the moment.

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Bad but not catastrophic. That is the conclusion of the 2012 trade specialists of the automobile, dealers, agents, garages and bodyshops. According to figures released Tuesday by the National Board of Professional automotive (NFPC), the turnover of these professionals has declined by 2.5% in 2012. The worst was yet to fear given the drop in registrations of 14.5% last year.

The trend, however, is very negative, with a seventh consecutive month of decline. All other segments are also in the red, although to a lesser extent. Revenues related to the sale of used cars fell by 2% and that of auto repair yields 1.5%.

More resistant repair

In the field of repair, trend, however, reveals less negative at the end of the year. Thus, the fall is more than 1% in the last quarter, against 2% drop in the third quarter and 5% in the second. Dealers, the last quarter was even balance when agents and mechanics have again shown a decline in their activity.

Not surprisingly, these problems – it is the seventh consecutive quarter of decline in activity for the motor trade specialists – have affected employment in this sector. 5400 jobs were lost throughout the year, with a marked deterioration in the last quarter (2,700 jobs lost). This acceleration explains the pessimism professionals with regard to prospects.

They are thus 63% expect a further decline in new vehicles and 53% in cars, according to the survey conducted by the NFPC to its members. "Sales of new cars are down but we hope to stabilize the aftermarket details Patrick Bailly, Chairman of the CNPA. But we must be careful that the companies at their death, for the difficult situation will last. "

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