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.

ALSO READ:

"Obama tackles the budget deficit

"Obama wants to reduce the deficit of 1100 billion

"Debt crisis: Obama negotiating with elected officials

Waive the RSA, no, perfect it, yes. After the turbulence caused by Laurent Wauquiez, the government has found his line of conduct. Or rather found, since it is the mission entrusted weeks ago in UMP Marc-Philippe Daubresse, which must balance its work in July. The minister in charge of the case, Roselyne Bachelot, already offers a line of improvement: "Simplifying the system horribly complex," she said yesterday on RTL. For example by creating a "single window" for beneficiaries, shuffled to the General Council in family allowance fund, through the employment center.

Another track, "merge" the Solidarity labor income and employment premium (EPP). This device, too, intended to encourage work, but passes through tax (reduction of income tax or check the state of the taxpayer when it is exempt).Benefit those whose homes have reached a certain level of resources the previous year, while drawing a minimum income from work … his "merger-acquisition" with the RSA had already been considered in the creation of this last.

PEP has indeed several flaws. First, its effect is limited. Because it is paid with a lag of two years and is sprinkled over 7.7 million homes: Some recipients receive only a few dozen euros. Then this is one of the costliest tax loopholes: nearly 3 billion expected in 2011.

Strengthened support

These defects did not disappear with time. And with the RIAA, has added a problem of readability. The two devices are not cumulative, but the better of two applies to the beneficiary.Example given by the Ministry of Solidarity: A single mother working a full year at minimum wage full time receives 23 euros per month from RSA … then at the end of next year, 912 euros in EPP. For the same cost, it would have been simpler and more incentive to pay 99 euros every month from RSA. This was always called the "father" of the RSA, Martin Hirsch. He had opposed Pierre Mehaignerie. Chairman of the Committee on Social Affairs of the Assembly was concerned that the beneficiaries of the EPP – tax measure – feel "downgraded" through the RSA-welfare. He now considers a merger EPP / RSA "tenable, provided it is controlled in a decentralized manner, as close to the ground."

In the spirit of Roselyne Bachelot, things are clear: if the PPE was merged or restructured, recovered the money would finance a strengthened support for job seekers or strengthening the "RSA-activity" (that paid working poor). In no case would go to higher RSA-base, that is to say the old RMI, the epitome of the assistantship for much of the right. A close case highlights a problem to be solved rather supports the RSA part-time workers, PEP workers full time. Please do not forget them in the operation. The project, if realized, could be voted in accordance with the laws of finance, at the earliest in the fall.

ALSO READ:

"A majority of French people for consideration at RSA

"RSA: Wauquiez warned Bachelot

That's Numericable hiding behind the mysterious "mobile revolution" that holds the net in turmoil in recent days. The operator has designed this teaser campaign, devised by the communication agency and lobbying to bring attention to his news conference Wednesday morning at the Pershing Hall in Paris … A place where Free has the habit of arrange their own press conferences!

Numericable to announce the launch of a mobile offering unlimited calls to all operators to "less than 35 euros per month," said a source familiar with the matter. But it will not be a quadruple play (Internet access, IP telephony, television and mobile telephony). This offer will go through the network of Bouygues Telecom. Numericable was launched in May 2010 in the mobile but very timidly, history of testing the market. Its number of mobile subscribers currently remains insignificant.This time, the operator believes it will launch a real stir in the mobile. Info ou intox? Competitors remain skeptical: "An MVNO (mobile virtual network operators), because he does not own its network, can never offer truly aggressive. Whatever he does, he will always be unavoidable costs. Or do asterisks to limit the number of subscribers, restrict supply etc. … "Said one trader. "At 35-40 euros monthly you can do with a mobile offering unlimited SMS, unlimited voice and not too much data. Below, we lose money, "said another operator.

In any case, the teasing was successful: in angering Free, who feels robbed and parasitized by the use of the term "Revolution" (the name of his new box) and the use of its code red ( while the color is green Numericable usual), "larevolutiondumobile" has generated a real buzz.More than 50,000 messages were posted on Twitter, affecting over 300,000 people, and the Facebook page of the site has recorded more than 2000 fans in less than a week. Meanwhile, the server is larevolutiondumobile.com victim of attacks. "It was hacked by computers whose IP addresses are located in the heart of Paris," said a source familiar with the matter. No doubt if piracy is proven to be a very serious thing – Numericable file a criminal complaint.

Union leaders had expected that the 1 May 2011 be a little raw. It is clear they have struggled to mobilize. In Paris, the procession was attended by 12,000 people Sunday, against 21,000 in 2010, told AFP the police headquarters. Organizers say 30,000 people joined them.

The secretary general of the CFDT Francois Chereque was present at the head of the cortege left shortly before 15 hours instead of the Republic, like that of Luke Berille UNSA and FSU Secretary General Bernadette Groison. The general secretary Bernard Thibault of the CGT, which was also manifest, was ultimately unable to move "because of major back problems," said his entourage told reporters.

Leaders of the Left also participated in the parade: Francois Hollande Olivier Besancenot through Eva Joly, Jean-Luc Melenchon or Marie-George Buffet.The spokesman of the Socialist Party, Benoît Hamon, the number two party, Harlem Desir, or members Bruno Le Roux, Sandrine Mazetier and President of the Ile-de-France, Jean-Paul Huchon were also behind the banner PS.

The leader of the Socialist Party, Martine Aubry, has, meanwhile, marched in Lille. "We do not have to be in the streets to celebrate International Labour Day," said the first secretary of the PS about the sparse parades, saying that employees would demonstrate "in 2012 at the ballot box."

Attendance was up for the parade FN

In the regions, the mobilization was also low.In Marseille, among 2000 people by 5000 according to police and organizers, marched through the streets between 1200 and 3500 people in Toulouse between 2200 and 3300 in Lyon, between 2200 and 3000 in Bordeaux between 1200 and 3000 in Strasbourg between 700 and 1000 in Lille and between 450 and 1000 in Rennes.

It was also shown to Pau (800 to 1200), in Angoulême (500), Besancon (500 to 1000), Brest (250 to 300), Nancy (700 people according to the unions) and as at Dunkirk, in Orléans and Caen.

These figures were more than expected from a trade union unity has disintegrated somewhat. "The character of this holiday is both less said, the day falls on a Sunday," observes Marcel Grignard, number two of the CFDT.In 2009 the protesters were much more likely because of the crisis, and in 2010 the fear of the pension reform, just before its unveiling, had been a factor in turnout.

On the other hand, the parade of Marine Le Pen Paris, focusing on the workers and popular classes, has mobilized more than expected among 3200 people according to police and 20,000 according to the FN (against 2000 and 8000 according to the police according to the FN last year).

"May 1st, we are the popes of the earth"

Besides purchasing power – the secretary general of the CFDT, Francois Chereque, called on Europe 1 radio on Sunday increased the minimum wage beyond the 2% rise tentatively scheduled on July 1 – the themes that defended Unions are talking years' support for the Arab peoples who rise to the dignity and freedom, "and" equal rights "between French and foreign workers in response to" national preference "advocated by the National Front , a rise in the opinion polls.

Winks comedy peppered some processions. "May 1st, we are the popes of the earth", alluding to the beatification of John Paul II. But also slogans in opposition to the FN, as in Rennes' French workers, immigrants, same bosses, same battles. "

The player has to use default in the articles of figaro.fr.maj1

Although the third French construction group is heavily in debt (14 billion euros of net debt), Peter Berger hopes to increase the operating margin of 2% to 4% within four years, according tothe Echosce Thursday. The former director of Vinci Construction Grands Projets, aged 42, will assume the role of CEO on July 1, according to Les Echos on Thursday. Jean-François Roverato, president of Eiffage, will keep his duties until September 10, 2012, the year he reaches the age limit for this function.

For Peter Berger, the group's prospects are good. "At the end of March, our backlog is at record levels, and without the project Britain Pays de Loire, which will be included in July." For the new director general, larger sites, whose contract LGV Bretagne Pays de Loire exceeds 1 billion euros per year, less than 10% of sales."They are only the visible part of the iceberg front of 40,000 medium and small projects that we conduct every year. In the longer term, I believe in the structurally carrying the construction sector, even if only for demographic reasons. Between 2006 and 2011, the French population grew by 1.7 million people, representing nearly 40 billion more for the building market, "said Peter Berger.

Refinance Debt

For Pierre Berger, debt Eiffage no problem. "The goal is to reduce our debt from 300 to 400 million for each of the years 2011 and 2012. We do not anticipate any problem in 2013 to refinance the debt of 2 flexcheck cash advance.7 billion Eiffarie (consortium of Eiffage and Macquarie, whose group is a subsidiary APRR).Upon redemption APRR (Autoroutes Paris Rhin Rhone) in 2006, the debt highways accounted for 11 times its EBITDA, and currently, this ratio fell to 8 and should be reduced to 6 in 2013, when we completed its refinancing.

Optimization of large projects

The new CEO of Eiffage has also identified three areas for improvement to achieve a margin of 4% registered within four years, against an operating margin of 1.5% to 2% currently. "We must improve our productivity in public works and energy, including better integrating recent acquisitions, as and Crystal. Finally, we must optimize our steering of very large sites. From 2006 to 2010, Eiffage has conducted four abreast Stade de Lille, the Highway 65, the Perpignan-Figueras Hospital and South Paris region. Some have experienced cost overruns.On these very large operations, we must work as a team, establishing multidisciplinary project teams, close to the ground. "

"The group regularly conducts world premieres," said Peter Berger in his interview with Les Echos. He concluded: "Eiffage is the construction of high fashion, and we must capitalize on this strength with high value added projects."

ALSO READ:

"Eiffage and bickering between the South Paris area hospital

"Eiffage build the high-speed Le Mans-Rennes

Plastivaloire group, which manufactures plastic parts, married Dec. 15 its automotive business with its rival in trouble, Bourbon, which employs 1,500 people. The objective was to create a European champion plastic parts for automobiles, where the fund modernization of automotive equally owned by Renault, PSA and the Strategic Investment Fund (ISF) has taken an interest. Parisot group, which manufactures furniture kit, was very ill last year payday advance lenders. It has restructured its debt and managed to bring a new majority shareholder, Windhurst Industries, supported by the ISP. Geodis, the freight subsidiary of SNCF, has resumed operations in July 2010 in France and Northern Europe Giraud carrier while striking agreement with the creditors of that group.

Servier Laboratories announced Wednesday the creation of a supplementary compensation fund that established for victims of the Mediator. The drug, marketed by the group in France from 1976 to 2009, would, according to various studies, responsible for the deaths of 500 to 2000 people. According to the "personal conviction" by Jacques Servier, the president and founder of the laboratory, only "three dead" are attributable to its product.

The pharmaceutical group said on Thursday that "the people (…) which have decided to benefit from the fund will waive any legal action." The proposal has not failed to arouse the indignation of victims' lawyers. "It takes the form of blackmail, believes François Honnorat. And coincidentally, Servier made the announcement following the crash of a patient in Rennes.

February 26, Ceferin Cordoba had a cardiac arrest following a forensic examination including an exercise test. At 57, this woman suffers from a serious heart condition. Operated end 2008 of two heart valves, she now lives with artificial valves and pacemakers. "This statement means that victims Servier have everything to lose by engaging in litigation against the laboratory. This will effect every effort to ensure that these procedures do not lead, "notes Francois Honnorat.

A major change in lexical

"Les Laboratoires Servier wish that all patients who suffered harm from taking Mediator can receive compensation," says the lab yet. And this is the most important point because the laboratory recognizes that his medication can cause harm.One point that did not fail to meet the victims' lawyers. "This is the first time that Servier says that there are victims of the Mediator. He thus accepts the harmfulness of its product, "says Mr. Charles Joseph Oudin.

This is a major lexical change. All consumers are victims. They have at least one injury for anxiety. In this case, that of having been exposed to the Mediator. However, case law is very clear on the subject. In the case of asbestos, employees had earned between 8000 and 10,000 euros, not for an injury, but due to anxiety provoked by exposure to asbestos. As part of the Mediator, it is unclear whether the "prejudice" referred to by the laboratory only for personal injuries.

Nathalie Carrere, counsel for Servier, determines that the victims' lawyers are "a very bad case in the laboratory" in terms of blackmail."Undertake not to make prosecution is the principle of any transaction and any settlement," she says. Currently, dozens of procedures to amicably between the victims and the laboratory are in progress.

The markets decide on Thursday to follow the trend on Wall Street yesterday or the Asian markets this morning. Disturbed yesterday by a further rise in oil prices, the Paris Bourse finds the path of rising: the CAC 40 gained 1.17% to 4081.62 points in mid-session.

The DAX index of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange following the same path with an increase of 0.81% to 7239.50 points. Just as the London Stock Exchange takes 1.03% to 5976.02 points.

However, investors should be wary. Despite a moderate decline Thursday morning oil prices remain under pressure. Oil prices have given up $ 3 on Thursday in the morning after the Arab League said it was investigating the peace plan proposed by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez to end the crisis in Libya.In mid-session, a barrel of Brent North Sea traded in London at 115.72 dollars, down 63 cents from the close of the day, while in New York, a barrel of Light sweet crude (WTI) let go 62 cents to 101.61 dollars.

In Europe, attention will focus on the ECB meeting, which will decide on interest rates from 13.45. A hardening of tone is expected this Thursday, but not to the point of a rate hike is imminent.Inflation reached 2.4% in February in the eurozone, a figure higher than the target of 2% of the European Central Bank, growth was also up, despite the debt crisis, to 1.6% in 2011, according to Brussels.

As for currencies, the euro off again down slightly against the dollar on Thursday, traders moved cautiously before the monetary policy decision of the European Central Bank (ECB), which could adopt a more aggressive stance to counter the Inflation in the eurozone.About 11:00 am in Paris, the euro bought 1.3853 dollars against 1.3867 dollars late Wednesday, after reaching 1.3891 dollars Wednesday, its highest level since early November.

The French services sector in good shape

In this context, markets will try to focus on the series of macroeconomic statistics published on Thursday

– In France, the unemployment rate fell slightly in the fourth quarter of 2010 to 9.2% of the workforce in France and 9.6% including overseas departments, a decrease of 0.1 point compared to previous quarter, Insee said Thursday. The growth in activity and employment in the services sector continued to accelerate in February. The sector index rose to 59.7 PMI against 57.8 in January.Although down from the flash estimate of 60.8 issued Feb. 21, he enrolled at the highest since August 2010.

– In the euro area, the service sector has experienced in February its fastest growth since August 2007 despite an increase in inflationary pressures. PMI purchasing managers stood at 56.8 in February against 55.9 the previous month. Moreover, economic growth in the euro area has remained almost stable at 0.3% in the fourth quarter, bringing the total for 2010 to 1.7%, confirmed Thursday the EU statistics office Eurostat in a second estimate.Finally, retail sales in the area rose by 0.4% in January compared to the previous month after falling 0.4% in December

The day will also be busy with the U.S. productivity in the fourth quarter and weekly jobless claims (1430) and the ISM Services February (16 hours). Attention should also dominate the market before the publication of the traditional monthly report on U.S. employment on Friday.

Values to follow

Alcatel-Lucent (8.48% to 3.90 euros) is supported by the recovery of target price of Barclays. In addition, traders cited rumors of interest from a Chinese group: "We hear vague rumors of a takeover bid by a Chinese group," says one of them.The sign as the largest increase of the SBF 120 in early trade.

Renault: + 0.80% to 43.09 euros

The manufacturer does not manipulation in the case of alleged espionage whose company reported but awaits the return of investigations into the existence of bank accounts abroad to decide.

Total: + 1.63% to 44.07 euros

The petroleum announced Wednesday it will pay $ 4 billion (2.9 billion euros) to take a 12% stake in Russian gas producer Novatek.

In addition, the group will soon stop operating Mabrouk field, whose production capacity is between 40,000 and 50,000 barrels per day. The group announced Thursday that the exploration budget for 2011 was increased to 2.1 billion dollars against 1.8 billion and he thought that this envelope would increase.In addition, 12 major projects should be launched in 2011-2012.

Alstom: + 1.24% to 41.96 euros

The group announced Wednesday the signing of an agreement for its participation in the development of a technology center in SKOLKOVO Russia.

Unibail Rodamco: -0.21% to 145 euros

Europe's leading retail real estate announced Wednesday it had acquired from Eurohypo AG a stake of 7.25% in SFL (SFL) for 106.5 million euros.

France Telecom: -0.47% to 15.80 euros Iliad: + 5.03% to 84.80 euros

Free and Orange signed a roaming agreement 2G to 3G expanded. The announcement had been evoked by the daily newspaper Les Echos on Thursday.

Air France-KLM: + 1.07% to 11.83 euros

The company plans to reorganize in order to make acquisitions, "said La Tribune.

GDF Suez revises goals upward

GDF Suez: + 0.96% to 28.48 euros

The band recorded in 2010 net income group share of EUR 4.616 billion (+3.1%), especially through its activities in France, and has revised upwards its targets for 2011 due to taking control of Britain's International Power.

Carrefour: + 1.89% to 34.24 euros

The French distribution giant has recorded exceptional costs in 2010 of 1.13 billion euros, which have weighed on operating profit.The group, which announced Thursday a net operating profit up 9%, according to its own forecasts made in January, said an anticipated earnings growth in 2011.

Manitou: -3.63% to 23.90 euros

The group was cautious about the recovery in margins in 2011 after having returned to growth in its turnover last year thanks to a rebound in orders.

Club Med: + 2.10% to € 17.26

The group announced Thursday a turnover in the first quarter of fiscal shifted 2010/2011 (1 November-31 January) up 14.6% to 337 million euros and bookings for the summer "growing two numbers. "

Always on the side of publications, after market, we will follow the annual results of Areva and results for the fourth quarter of Bio Alliance.

It is time for calm in Italy. The automaker Fiat has confirmed that Saturday's willingness to invest 20 billion euros into the country, the government said in a statement following a meeting between the president and managing director of Fiat, John Elkann and Sergio Marchionne , and Silvio Berlusconi.

Fiat has "confirmed the government's intention to pursue development objectives of the group, which forecast an increase of production in this country of 650,000 to 1.4 million cars a year, a goal supported by an investment of about $ 20 billion euros, "the statement said.The government was ready for its part, to help Fiat to develop in "the best conditions for competitiveness."

The meeting, also attended the Italian ministers of Economy and Industry, and officials of the Piedmont where the headquarters of the manufacturer, was intended to calm the anxiety provoked by the statements of the Sergio Marchionne about a possible tie-Chrysler Fiat. "Fiat and Chrysler? In the next two or three years we can see a single entity. It could be based here in the U.S., "he had launched in last weekend during a visit to San Francisco.

Headquarters, the debate could resurface in 2014

Fiat now owns 25% stake in Chrysler and the two partners hope to produce 6 million vehicles in 2014, against less than 4 million now installment payday loans.The possibility of a merger had already been considered. But the evocation of a head office based in the United States has created a chill in Italy, forcing the CEO of the manufacturer to return immediately to his remarks. By phone, he assured the Minister Maurizio Sacconi of Labor that no transfer of headquarters was expected "either today or tomorrow." He reiterated that the hypotheses only referred to "possible future scenarios."

To dispel any misunderstanding, the Fiat management has, however, of clarifying strategies with government and local authorities on Saturday. "All the controversies are now closed," then found Paolo Romani, the Minister of Industry. "Fiat is a big multinational that grows in the world but still with a heart of Italy." The mayor of Turin Sergio Chiamparino, was more cautious.He said Fiat had confirmed its "Italian character" but "in a changing dynamic that requires daily work to ensure that this does not change." In fact, as the president of the province of Turin, Antonio Saitta, the conditions that the city remains the headquarters of the group "will be discussed in 2014."

(With AFP)

ALSO READ:

"The Fiat-Chrysler merger puts Italy in turmoil

"Fiat splits to achieve its ambitions

Click on the thumbnail to enlarge the graphic.

Guillaume Pepy, SNCF president, Jan free credit report and score. 14. Photo credits: GERARD JULIEN / AFP