A year after its introduction, the majority and the government seem divided on VAT at 5.5% in restaurants. To reduce the government deficit, Budget Minister Francois Baroin, this plane would "very, very large niche for tax, estimated at 3 billion euros Bercy. Its minister, Christine Lagarde, has cropped Tuesday morning: the reduced rate of VAT "is legitimate on the merits.

But the revolt against the old promise of Jacques Chirac, applied from 1 July 2009 thanks to the activism of Nicolas Sarkozy, also scolded the Assembly. Without naming the VAT on food, the general rapporteur for the Budget, Gilles Carrez (UMP), has questioned "a number of consumer items that are 5.5% and that should not be at 5.5 %. He advocates instead an intermediate rate to 12%.

Since the introduction of the measure for the restoration, the context is not the same.The government, which has hitherto led a recovery policy, had to change tack in recent months under pressure from the markets. It is now to reduce the deficit. Especially in the planing tax loopholes.

Nevertheless, the statements and Gilles Carrez Baroin were poorly received by restaurants. "It's absolutely outrageous to say that the 5.5% VAT tax is a niche!" Reacts Philippe Villalon, president of the National Federation of the restoration (FNRF). "We buy our products and we sell 5,5% to 5.5%. As is the case for all areas of the mouth.Moreover, if we repeat the policies they want to end VAT at 5.5%, we should not translate that we lower our prices, nor that we hired, as the state would break its part of contract. "

During the implementation of the measure, the restorers had promised to lower prices, to invest and hire. These commitments, which would take over in case of cancellation of VAT at 5.5%, would have been more or less respected. The Court of Auditors estimated last October that the measure would involve only 6,000 new jobs. The profession claims to the contrary today promised 21,700 against 20,000 a year.

Lower prices, or increase wages and create jobs, such were the promises made by professional restoration in exchange for declining to 5.5% VAT. In practice the government had forecast a drop in prices overall 3%. But the overall direction of Treasury at Bercy, the decline is 2.5%, as it must take into account the increase in prices (+0.1% per month) that would have been saved if there had been no reduction in VAT. According to Insee, the statistical institute, the decline recorded between July 2009 and late May was 1.3%.Only a conservator two on average applied the lower price.

The shortfall of the state would it 2.35 billion euros a year on some 130 billion collected last year under the VAT.

Disagreement on Figures

As for wages, increments and other benefits provided under the industrial agreement signed by the five unions of employees and three of five business organizations in the sector would reach one billion euros accumulated since March 1, date of application of the agreement. Some 21,700 jobs have also been created, the government said.This figure is disputed by the union FO who believes him, he must subtract the 15,000 net new jobs recorded on average each year for ten years in this industry.

The measure would also have saved 25000 companies, nearly one third of the 80,000 restaurants in trouble before the reduction in VAT, as the specialist firm Gira Board.

Second lowest rate reduced

Twelve countries now have a reduced VAT on food in Europe. Since the authorization granted in 2009 by the European Commission. Only France and Belgium have taken the plunge. On 1 January 2010, Belgium has lowered its rate of 21-12% in food, drinks. Before the green light from Brussels, ten other member states had historically lower VAT in restaurants.With a rate of 5.5%, France has the second highest in the restoration reduces the lowest in Europe, just behind Luxembourg (3%).

The talks promise to be lively this weekend in Toronto, Canada. Indeed, at a time when opening the G8 summit followed the G20 this weekend, the participants have already stated their differences. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) published its "Ten Commandments" for developed countries to help them reduce their public deficits. The institution advocates the lower ratio of debt to gross domestic product (GDP) and the rapid adoption of reforms of pensions and health insurance, saying the current system "not viable". For its part, the World Bank puts the G20 in warning against a decline of international aid.According to her, "continued favorable investment growth in infrastructure and human capital in a context of declining tax revenues will be especially difficult if the current financial and economic causes a decline in international aid and increased competition for global savings collect ".

Tensions Europe-USA

Fiscal policy is most appropriate in this period of feverish economic recovery does not unanimous. Two camps. On the one hand, the United States continue to warn against their European counterparts the implementation of drastic measures to reduce deficits, negative effects in a context of slow growth recovery instant payday loans.On the other hand, Germany and the United Kingdom both advocate the establishment of strict policies and able to quickly reduce debt levels and thus avoid repeating the same scenario as in Greece. Already, the British Prime Minister David Cameron has claimed he wants to avoid making a single event in Toronto "salon where they cause". In an article published in the Globe and Mail, he called on participating countries to take action.

Burning issue of the yuan

And it's already done China. While the international community, particularly the United States, pushed for China values its currency, the country has lowered its reference rate of exchange to its lowest level in five years this morning, thus enhancing the value of the yuan against the dollar.The institute has decided on a central rate up 0.3% to 6.7896 yuan against the dollar.

In addition, banks expect to them, to have won a battle in convincing the Basel Committee to reduce the level of capital adequacy requirements. The regulatory measures affecting them shall be presented this weekend as part of the debate on global financial regulation.

In the end, the French are thus two and a half times poorer than the inhabitants of the Duchy.

But figures published by Eurostat, taking the ratio between GDP and population of the European Union as a base, can mainly classify countries into two categories: those whose standard of living is higher than the European average, and those where it is smaller. Thirteen states are the first set. Ireland has a particular wealth per capita higher than 31% the EU average. Followed by the Netherlands (30%), Austria (24%), Sweden (20%). France takes the eleventh largest with 7% above the average. Bulgaria ranks dead last with a per capita wealth less than 59% above the average of the 27 states.

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Between investors and steel, has installed a strained relationship. Base metals show poor performance down 6.44% on the previous three months and down 4.24% since the beginning of the year. On the London Metal Exchange, the components of this material are also losing ground as aluminum (-11.60% since January 1) or lead (-25.29% over the same period).

At issue: a doubt on the prospects of the sector which has strengthened since China announced placing steel in his sights. According to a statement from the website of the Ministry of Finance on Tuesday, the country will give tax rebates on exports of several products including steel and nonferrous metals, and that from 15 July. China justifies this decision by the fear of overcapacity in the sector when the economy goes again on the basis of a policy of credit support.China, world's largest producer, saw its production continues to increase by 20.7% in May year on year to 56.1 million tonnes.

The government, which wants to avoid "blind investment" and too many expansion projects, puts an end to these tax rebates that block trade relations with many countries. EU and U.S. impose a particular anti-dumping tax to restore competition they feel more loyal to several Chinese steel products.

Approaching the summit of the G20, this news is seen by observers as a new important gesture by the Chinese authorities, after announcing an easing of the exchange rate of the yuan.

Arc elorMittal sees a slowdown in demand

Meanwhile, ArcelorMittal was one point on the demand in the sector.According to the world's number one steel company, the apparent demand and actual demand for steel should remain positive in the second half of the year, will face even slower during this period. "European consumers are in a waiting phase. At the same time, stocks are still low, "said Lakshmi Mittal, CEO of the group. The latter believes that the problem is the same in the United States.

According to Lakshmi Mittal, the economic situation remains bleak. "Housing is still visibly weak. The car is still robust. The market for capital goods began to improve and engineering improves. However, the steel industry should return to its pre-crisis level until 2012.

This view was confirmed on Monday spoke Federation World Steel Association (WSA) who believes that "if China, South Korea and Turkey have increased their production in May compared to 2007, the United States, Italy , Spain and Japan have not yet regained their pre-crisis level. " The WSA also notes that if demand is expected, stocks, themselves, continue to rise: Global steel production rose by 29.1% in May to 124 million tons, exceeding by nearly 10% of its levels before the crisis.

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Brussels pulls the alarm. Mobile phones, fiber optics, lithium batteries, solar panels, all these high-tech products depend for their manufacture, rare metals such as gallium and germanium. Problem: almost all of these raw materials become strategic in the hands of a handful of countries no fax pay day loan. Foremost among them China.

The European Commission released a report Thursday that is concerned about future shortages for fourteen of these elements, termed "critical" (*).

Eiffage prances at the head of the Paris stock exchange Thursday morning, rising about 9% to 16.30. The construction group said Wednesday evening after the close of the Paris Stock Exchange that its subsidiary, jointly with Macquarie Eiffarie has signed an agreement with funds for the purchase 13.73% of Autoroutes Paris-Rhin-Rhone (PRPA) they hold a total of 854 million euros (55 euros per share). APRR is the second largest French motorway and the fourth in Europe.

Eiffarie owned by Eiffage and Australia's Macquarie have after the operation 95% of APRR. The subsidiary also plans to launch a buyout offer, that is to say that APRR would no longer be quoted on the Stock Exchange (right when the majority shareholder holds more than 95%).A project must receive the blessing of the AMF to be realized.

If this is implemented, and upon its conclusion, it remains on the securities market, these shares would then be a squeeze, which will be performed at the same price of 54.16 euros per share: 84 cents per share are restated as it is the amount of the dividend qu'Eiffarie decided to pay shareholders of APRR June 30 next.

The transaction is expected to close by the June 24 APRR listed on compartment A of Euronext, flies too, from 7.65% to 54.75 euros.

Eiffage and Macquarie have finally heard

The two shareholders of Eiffarie seemed irreconcilable. On this issue, in fact, Eiffage wanted to make a capital increase of 400 million euros in APRR, here just one year.One way to avoid a deterioration of its financial rating would increase the costs of refinancing. Macquarie's refusal earlier this year.

Use markets? The CEO of Eiffage, in turn, rejects the idea. The stock market conditions are too uncertain. Another option would be to buy back its shares in Eiffarie. But Macquarie had not responded.

Investors enthusiastic

"The acquisition of the balance of APRR is positive news for Eiffage.The group can calmly deal to refinance Eiffarie 2013, "commented analyst Aurel BCG, for whom this would be" accretive by approximately 3% based on Eiffage tax integration we estimate that approximately 70 million euros.

Indeed, Eiffage will benefit from the tax integration: from 1 January 2011, interest paid on debt to acquire Eiffarie * – 3.77 billion – will be deducted from the tax base APRR, say the strategists Natixis Securities. In addition, the tax losses generated by the interest paid on this debt between 2006 and 2010 will be tax deductible APRR, they said. For them, the economy reached 314 million euros. APRR, in fact, will not pay tax according to their estimates.

* Eiffarie, had been chosen by the state in late 2005 during the privatization of Autoroutes Paris Rhin Rhone (APRR).

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The tone rises between the administration of Barack Obama and BP. The head of the American branch of the oil company, Lamar McKay, said Tuesday at a hearing in Congress, he refused to promise the creation of an escrow account to compensate victims of oil spills in the Gulf of Mexico. The $ 20 billion has been raised in a letter to the CEO of BP, Tony Hayward. "I am not able to tell if an account is established or not," said Lamar McKay. "I can not commit, either one way or the other"

The idea had been raised by the White House. Several members of Congress while announcing their desire to put pressure on BP to put it in receivership on payment of its dividend in order to ensure compensation for victims of the disaster, compared to a "September 11th green" by Barack Obama.

According to the White House press secretary, Robert Gibbs, is already preparing the risposta in the Oval Office. Barack Obama will "be forced either to reach an agreement with BP to withdraw their control of the process of claims and entrusted to an independent structure, so that people who have been harmed to obtain the money they is due, "said the spokesman. The administration is based on the polluter pays law in force in the United States, which requires BP to pay the costs of plugging the leak of oil, cleaning the polluted coastline and compensation for victims.Traveling in Pensacola Beach, Florida, Bush assured the residents affected by the oil spill that would "whatever it takes, as long as it takes to be sure that BP is paying for the damage that it has caused.

An oration

President Barack Obama has formally addressed his countrymen on Tuesday at 8:00 p.m. (2:00 am, Paris time). He will be speaking from the Oval Office of the White House, space reserved for the most serious crises and whom he'd never used a speech to the nation.

A senior, Bush will announce the appointment of a person responsible for restoring long-term disaster areas by the oil spill that pollutes the Gulf of Mexico. The "czar" as the American press dubbed the mission will be to "restore the Gulf of Mexico.Not to where it was the day when the accident occurred. But to restore it to where it was years ago: to increase the life and vitality of the species, wildlife and natural beauty that characterizes the Gulf of Mexico, "said Robert Gibbs.

Barack Obama will set out above "the need to reduce our dependence vis-a-vis oil and fossil fuels. He will also discuss the "changes necessary for such a disaster never happens again more. According to an anonymous source, the U.S. president will "present the measures taken to protect those who suffer financially from this disaster, especially during the process of compensation."

"The tragedy was avoidable

Under pressure, BP must also face competition that dares to push it."I am convinced that the independent investigation will show that this tragedy was preventable," and called John Watson, head of oil company Chevron to members of the Committee on Energy and Commerce House of Representatives. The explosion and the sinking of the platform in late April Deepwater Horizon "show once again that all companies must work under the same strict safety and reliability. It is obvious that not following these rules has serious consequences, "he added.

"It is imperative that an investigation expert, impartial and comprehensive investigation takes place, because this incident represents a serious breach of standards relating to offshore drilling, for his part stressed the boss of ExxonMobil, Rex Tillerson .

In addition to the Chevron boss and ExxonMobil, ConocoPhillips and Shell were present. Facing them, Lamar McKay attempted to defend his group."I want to make things clear: BP will know no rest until the wells will not be under control and that we do not understand what happened," he said.

Ficth puts his two cents

BP has several weeks to manage its bad reputation. The group would also relies on advisers to help him. The efforts required will be considerable, especially since the rating agency Fitch has come to contribute to the debate on Tuesday, lowering the notches of six notes of the British major. The latter is now BBB AA cons. Fitch maintains it under "surveillance implications". The rating agency is particularly concerned that BP may be forced by U.S. authorities to place large sums into accounts in receivership.This is the first time that the note of BP is lowered several notches by the three leading rating agencies worldwide and it falls below the AA.

At the London Stock Exchange, BP shares ended the session on a further drop of 3.78% to 342 pence while the FTSE close up on 0.30%. In New York, the action is able to earn 2.18% to 31.31 dollars during the session on a market up 1.22%.

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The latest employment figures have clearly welcomed the Secretary of State for Trade, Herve Novelli. In its latest publication on the subject, INSEE reported a sharp increase in the number of jobs created in the sectors of hotels and restaurants since the introduction of VAT at 5.5% 1 July 2009. Indeed it is 22,900 jobs were created last year, says the Institute.

Going a little faster than the music, the Secretary of State for Trade, Herve Novelli, was once praised as "the goal set by the government, 20,000 new jobs in two years is, in less than one year, not only met but exceeded " payday loan companies. A statement not entirely accurate.

For the future contract signed last July it clear that the restaurants have pledged to create 20,000 jobs in two years, beyond the 15,000 jobs a year usually created by the sector. By creating 22,900 jobs since the fall of VAT, the restaurateurs have established that 7,900 additional. They are thus far have exceeded one year the target set by the government in terms of jobs. But they still have a year to catch up.

A simple dinner could become a diplomatic incident. According to a report published Friday by the Financial Times, and contrary to the Elysee Palace announced last June 7 in a statement, it is not Germany but France, which had decided to defer maintenance President of the Republic with the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, scheduled for June 7. And according to the spokesman for Angela Merkel, Ulrich Wilhelm, the reason is not political. Nicolas Sarkozy would simply not worked well enough on his record in terms of rigor of Germany. What irritates especially in Germany. "Manipulation of France was unnecessary," said the spokesman of the Chancellor. At the initative of France, both countries have agreed to postpone the appointment.Contacted by telephone, the Elysee was not immediately available to respond to this information.

No disagreement between Merkel and Sarkozy

Despite these blunders, the spokesman for Angela Merkel was quick to point out that there was no disagreement between the two governments.

Earlier this week, Nicolas Sarkozy had expressed doubts about the austerity plan of Germany. "If we add to the austerity of austerity, we will go into recession." France hoped that the German recovery stronger domestic demand to balance the trade balance of the euro area.

The two leaders have postponed this meeting to June 14, three days before the European Council summit to be held in Brussels.

The stock market had reacted badly to the announcement of the cancellation of the meeting. The CAC 40 had lost more than 1% at closing."Although both parties argue for scheduling reasons, they will not prevent financial markets interpret this delay as the collapse in the open non-functioning of the Franco-German one hand and a state of panic among the other European states, analysis Nicolas Bouzou, economist at Aster.

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