Online World News

Economic

 

Bernard Thibault has decided on the name that he will present Tuesday to succeed him in 2013 at the head of the CGT. As expected, although he chose a woman … but not announced. Corroborating sources, his choice fell on Nadine Prigent, fifties, nurse and patron of the Federation of Health. A surprise. Bernard Thibault – who would not answer the Figaro had dismissed early due Nadine Prigent negative feedback when he suggested his name in 2011. The future ex-secretary general urged Agnes Naton, fifties also patron appreciated on Labour, the newspaper house, and retired from the Federation of Post. Before changing his mind Monday.

"Nobody understands this change," says an officer taken into confidence. Especially Naton Agnes seems more appreciated internally and Nadine Prigent. The latter "has no profile, is rigid and has little support," says a connoisseur of the house. Now she will face Eric Aubin, too fifties, head of the federation of construction and "Mr. Retreats" of the plant, praised by activists, backed by the largest federations (energy, chemicals, railway …) and speared mediatically at Woerth reform. A favorite … which does not Bernard Thibault. "It is a matter of principle and person, an expert understands. He did not like Eric Aubin began a campaign and doing everything to block his path. "Even if the secular change of designation rules.

"Learning Democracy"

The head of the CGT is indeed chosen has always proposed by the outgoing Secretary General, the confederal committee (NAC), the parliament of the plant which includes the leaders of the federations and territories. But Bernard Thibault has a grudge against the SCC since its members were obliged, in 2005, to call to vote "no" vote on the EU constitution while he would not take sides.

Come a new feeling bad shot, so he modified in 2010 the procedure for appointing his successor by integrating the Executive Board (EB), the central government composed of relatives chosen by him. These are its members and will propose Tuesday that a name that will be confirmed or not by the NCC May 30 "In a structure like the CGT, one does not belong: it is not a candidate, we are led by organizations", philosopher Éric Aubin. A relative finds that Bernard Thibault seeks "an ultimate coup": "He wants to force the hand of the NCC, which escapes with an EC decision is proficient." Unless this is a gamble to go to the last moment as the ultimate guardian of the unity and try to re-enlist for a fifth term

.

The psychodrama of the designation of the future head of the CGT will in any case to leave traces. "It'll be a hell of a mess and he is not sure that the CGT then reaches to congregate," predicts one expert, for which Thibault missed his exit. "The CGT is slowly learning of democracy, another nuance. This is the first time that the secretary general will not be recommended by the CPF. "

In fact, in 1999, Bernard Thibault, leader of the railroad strikes of 1995, was knighted by the Party. But the CGT has since cut the cord – although it has recently reversed its policy by calling for neutrality vote against Nicolas Sarkozy, half-word, for Jean-Luc Melenchon, supported by the PCF. "The choice for the head of the CGT is no longer imported the PCF. The candidates are positioning themselves and there are strategic issues that did not exist before, "says the specialist. The choice between a trade union opposition (Prigent line) or negotiation (Aubin option).

ALSO READ:

"The war is declared leaders of the CGT

"The CGT called to vote against Nicolas Sarkozy

"Political neutrality: Mailly and criticize Chérèque Thibault

  • Comments Off
  • Filed under: economy, features, home, people, resources
  •  

    Airbus partners with Boeing. This is not a fiction but rather the reality since the last Summit Aviation held in Geneva in late March. On this occasion, the two rivals always have also announced their association with the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer to develop the use of biofuels. The day before, Airbus had announced to produce research-based biofuel … eucalyptus. A plant that will join other plants already used as a fuel, such as camelina, jatropha, algae, or even coconut. "We conduct research to develop sustainable aviation. So we decided, in collaboration with the airline Virgin Australia, to establish a sustainable chain of biofuel production in Eucalyptus in Australia for use in aeronautics, "said Frederic Eychenne, project manager new energy Airbus.  

    Grown on arid land, the mallee, a species of eucalyptus, will be harvested and crushed every three to six years. The resulting biomass is then converted into hydrocarbon fuel can be used for airplanes. Through a pyrolysis process, the mallee is then transformed. "Overall, this is to burn biomass without oxygen (through a chemical process), to extract a basic product that will eventually be processed to obtain biofuel. He will then have to mix it with kerosene 'fossil' of 50% up to use it. Indeed, the chemical composition of biofuels does not currently use 100% for aircraft "Frederick develops Eychenne.

    Boeing converges in the same direction Airbus

    For its part, Boeing also aims to accelerate the commercialization of environmentally friendly fuels, accounting for 1,500 passenger flights on biofuel made during the last two years. Richard Mills, spokesman for Boeing on issues of biofuels in Europe, said: "Today, biofuels reduce carbon emissions in partnership with airlines. Overall, governments are beginning to express their interest and support efforts, which is essential to help us achieve our goal: that flights 1% biofuel use on average by 2015. "…. ….

    The aircraft manufacturer is also studying, as part of its research program, the possibilities of using alcohol as fuel.

    Biofuels more expensive than kerosene, lack of industry

    Philippe Novelli, project manager at ONERA, the French aerospace equivalent of NASA, has also led the European study SWAFEA (Sustainable Way for Alternative Fuel and Energy Aviation), on the issue of biofuels in aviation paperless payday loans. He said by 2020, the processes under development are expected to be pure biofuels for aviation. Philippe Novelli adds: "To date, due to the lack of real industrial production, airlines pay biofuels about four times more expensive than kerosene. The prospects for reducing emissions of greenhouse gases, however, are considerable: up to 85% for the best performing sectors such as BTL (Biomass to Liquid) produced from lignocellulose. "However, the obtaining of significant emission reductions of greenhouse gas emissions requires precautions regarding the conditions of biomass production, as outlined in the specialist ONERA.

    Fuels in search of a certification

    To date, there are two processes for receiving the seal of biofuels aviation authorities, ASTM International and the FAA: hydrotreated vegetable oils and synthetic fuels from biomass. Eucalyptus does not yet part of this approach where aircraft manufacturers support new biofuel for approval.

    Side of engine (Saffron, Rolls Royce, General Electric or Pratt & Whitney), there is to date no formal terms of biofuels, in the sense that they are compatible with existing systems. Indeed, all biofuels are "drop-in", that is to say fully compatible with conventional reservoirs, which does not necessitate the development of new types of engines.

    Steadily over the last ten years, civil aviation accounts for 2.7% of global carbon emissions, far behind the automotive industry, which accounts for 52%. The challenge is to meet the requirements set by the EU to all transport, including the requirement to use a minimum of 10% biofuels by 2020.

    ALSO READ:

    "Carbon Tax: Europe ready to negotiate

    "CO2 tax: 20% of the Airbus stake

    "Chemistry: plants to replace oil

    "The airlines are going green

    "EADS is flying a plane seaweed

    "Biofuels: initiatives of Airbus and Boeing

  • Comments Off
  • Filed under: Uncategorized, economy, home, international, world
  •  

    The telecoms market was shaken by the arrival of Free Mobile.

    LE FIGARO. – Arcep measured the network's coverage of Free Mobile, but not its actual use or quality. Why?

    Jean-Ludovic SILICANI. – ARCEP has verified that Free Mobile has achieved its goal of covering 27% of the population and verify that coverage by 2015. But we did not get involved in network planning or technical choices made. However, the license provides for an appointment between ARCEP and Free Mobile in June 2012 to take stock of all commitments. And we will join the network of Free Mobile in our annual studies on service quality and network coverage that will be published in late 2012. Like the vast majority of traffic Free Mobile subscribers through the Orange network, then measure the quality of service on the network of Free Mobile, with and without the use of the Orange network.

    How do you encourage them to deploy its network Free?

    It is primarily his own interest. We also have several tools to ensure that Free Mobile arranges to have an effective network. By summer, we must define the price of delivering SMS received by customers Free Mobile. As a new operator, it could benefit, such as Bouygues Telecom, charges higher than those of its competitors to compensate for the handicap start. But Arcep not take into account the additional costs that might result in a strong Free use of its roaming agreement. This should provide strong incentives to deploy its network Free.

    Do you think that Free has not invested enough?

    Free is committed to build a network covering 75% of the population by 2015. ARCEP can deduce the rate of investment necessary to achieve that goal. And if we find, say in midcourse, that investment is not sufficient to achieve the final goal, we could launch a formal procedure for Free accelerates its spending. A mobile network costs about one billion euros. Today, Free Mobile would have spent about 130 million between 2010 and 2011. We asked its investment plan for 2012. There is no indication at this stage, the investment is insufficient.

    The incidents are increasing on the network of Free Mobile. What to do?

    The incidents are primarily from technical difficulties in the interconnection between the networks and Orange Free. I think both sides have underestimated both the number of subscribers and the amount of traffic through the Orange network, but also that the offers of € 2 Free Mobile would lead consumers to highlight former phones using the 2G network payday advance online. Today, nearly half of Free Mobile calls are on 2G, but it does not have such a network, customers using the Orange. If necessary, the two operators may agree to restructure their roaming agreement without the intervention of ARCEP. If they fail to agree, they can enter and we will dispose of.

    The arrival of Free she too lowered prices in the mobile?

    Offers low cost can be criticized when they rely on the labor underpaid, but not when they result in increased productivity or technical progress. It is Free and can have lower prices both because it opens a network with the latest equipment, but also because it has fewer overheads. Politicians can hardly complain that prices fall too heavily in the telecom and rise in energy too.

    This creates there a threat to employment in the sector?

    No situation can be frozen and must have an overall view of the sector. Some analysts believe the sector could lose about 5,000 to 10,000 jobs a year or two. Of a total of 150,000 this represents 3%, that is to say unless the retirements of the sector. And, at the same time, the digital ecosystem will create many jobs. The balance will surely be significantly positive.

    Operators will they continue to invest?

    They received ten years of an oligopolistic market in mobile where they have achieved very high margins. They were able to make investments that are no longer to do. The current rate of investment of 8 billion euros a year does not need to be increased. Build a network of fiber optic networks and several mobile broadband covering the whole area costs about 30 billion euros over 15 years, or two billion a year. Reported to the 8 billion, it is not so heavy a load it.

    Some accuse you of promoting Free Mobile. Have you exceeded your role?

    In December 2008, the Prime Minister has decided to award a fourth mobile phone license. When I arrived at the ARCEP, in May 2009, I had never met the leaders of the Free. I found this and I managed impartially. The Authority has done everything to ensure that other actors such as Virgin or Bolloré Telecom, were not interested. Some have thought, but not decide. It is true that there was a risk that only dared to take Free. Moreover, we knew punish Free when necessary: ​​in 2010, on its unlimited packages fixed, or last year, on the fiber. Free as We treat all other operators.

  • Comments Off
  • Filed under: events, home, news, resources, world
  •  

    The German Cabinet Wednesday approved the European fiscal pact signed by EU leaders last week. But this is only the beginning of a new showdown to Angela Merkel. For the Chancellor must obtain a two thirds majority in the German Parliament to ratify the treaty, which induces a change in the fundamental law, the Constitution. And the opposition, whose votes will be required by, has already set his conditions to his joining in a letter to the government.

    The Social Democrats, like the Greens, calling for the inclusion in the pact of measures to promote growth and employment, and conditions approves the introduction of a tax on financial transactions at least in the eurozone.

    Was a hard blow to the Chancellor: his liberal coalition partners oppose wind at both. As for the ratification of the second aid package to Greece in February, his own most risk of it failing again. Disavowal of a new politically weaken to the point of projecting his center-right coalition on the verge of bursting.

    The opposition does not hide his satisfaction. "The Chancellor is committed in a losing battle. She was eleven weeks of exciting domestic politics before it! ", Says Thomas Opperman, one of the leaders of the SPD parliamentary group in the Bundestag.

    Godsend for Holland

    The Bundestag must ratify the text at first reading in late May, before it is finally adopted, always in the Bundestag, three weeks later. However, the opposition did not rein as frank as it wants in negotiations. Because it can ill afford to vote no to a deal supported by an overwhelming majority of Germans thrilled to see the Germanic discipline imposed on the rest of the euro area. Moreover, early elections would focus again Merkel at the chancellery under all the polls.

    Inspired by Berlin, the fiscal pact, which comes into force on 1 January 2013, commits the 25 countries of the European Union signatories (of 27) to more fiscal discipline. It generalizes the "golden rule" which requires states to balance the budget. Pillar of the new European economic governance, this text is seen as the essential counterpart to the German financial solidarity towards the most vulnerable countries.

    Embarrassing for Angela Merkel, the conditions imposed by the German opposition to ratification of the treaty are a boon to Francois Hollande, who has promised to renegotiate the pact if elected president. But the rallying of the German Social Democrats stops there. The views of the French Socialists on the role of the European Central Bank continue to arouse the greatest suspicion to the SPD.

    ALSO READ:

    "European leaders deny any" front anti-Holland "

    "FILE – Crisis: the fear of debt

  • Comments Off
  • Filed under: business, economy, finance, publications, top news
  •  

    "We can not supply indefinitely a bottomless pit": the confession of the German finance minister, Wolfgang Schäuble, the German radio SWR2, Wednesday, expresses out loud what some whisper softly to the more time passes Bruxelles.Car more Eurogroup is divided over the fate of Greece. And it is to avoid the cacophony that Jean-Claude Juncker has replaced the meeting of finance ministers of the euro area in Brussels by a simple conference call.

    The time of the united front of Greece is over. "Confidence is waning," says Jean-Claude Juncker. Germany and Finland have joined the camp of the Netherlands who doubt the ability of Greece to rise. The euro area, said Wolfgang Schäuble, "is better prepared than two years ago" to a default of Greece.

    Berlin refers to the firewall in place for six months to avoid contagion of the Greek crisis. The European Rescue Fund (EFSF) was equipped with 500 billion euros, Italy and Spain "have made great progress," says Wolfgang Schäuble, the new EU Treaty will enter into the marble of the dogma budgetary discipline.

    Letter of commitment from Samaras and Papandreou

    Within the Eurogroup, the balance is now moving in favor of hard-line supporters. But the doves did not give up: "The consequences of bankruptcy would be devastating," warns the Commissioner of the euro, Olli Rehn. France should keep silent, but it is on the same line confirms there be in Brussels. Ditto for the ECB. Portugal, also in support of the EU fears that the fall of Greece does not cause his own.

    The division opens the door to all scenarios. One of them is to cut the aid package of 130 billion euros. A portion of at least 30 billion to private creditors would be released to encourage them to implement their agreement in principle to reschedule Greek debt and cash losses. The rest would be postponed, probably after the April elections.

    In Athens, the political class realizes the danger of isolation. "We are on the razor's edge", Evangelos Venizelos launched, the Greek Minister of Finance. "Several European countries no longer want us in the euro area and we must fight to prove that we can achieve the objectives and implement the laws passed," he added.

    Threats of default, exclusion of the euro area, the parties toe the line. Antonis Samaras, the leader of the Conservative opposition, New Democracy, and George Papandreou, the leader of PASOK, Socialist Party, signed a letter committing their parties to the implementation of austerity measures introduced in Parliament last Sunday. It was one of the conditions imposed by the Eurogroup. But is this enough happen to restore confidence in Europe? Nothing is less certain.

    ALSO READ:

    "The euro area demand more Greece

    "The Eurogroup does not exclude a failure of Greece in March

    "The increasing pressure on Germany Greece

    "Brussels wants to monitor Greece's public finances

  • Comments Off
  • Filed under: features, home, money, news, special
  • Nokia unbeatable? The group may well see its market share erode quarter after quarter, it nevertheless remains the world leader in its sector. A position he owes much of its sales of cheap phones in emerging markets. Thus, in the third quarter, the Finns no longer had "only" 23.8% of the world with just over 105 million mobile phones sold worldwide. Good performance for a brand "dying" in the eyes of observers sometimes a little harsh with the former star of mobile telephony.

    To retain his title, the Finn will still fight hard. He also put a lot on its Windows Phone, the range Lumia, marketed since November 14 in six countries including France fast cash without a hassle.

    She says Windows Phone should benefit from new smartphones from Nokia. The Finn is expected to expand its range and offer new Windows Phone cheaper. It will still wait until the second half of 2012 to attend a turnaround, and it provided that Microsoft manages to attract enough developers to make its ecosystem attractive to consumers. For now, it has only 35,000 applications. One-tenth of what is available for Android.

    ALSO READ:

    "Developers of mobile apps very courted

    "A draft flip phone, Nokia

  • Comments Off
  • Filed under: business, economic, events, finance, technology
  • The leaders of the Greek political parties, who complete their negotiations on forming a unity government, agreed Tuesday to name former Vice-President of the European Central Bank (ECB), Lucas Papademos, 64 at its head, according to a source close to the ruling Socialist Party. "Negotiations are being finalized with Papademos as Prime Minister. They discuss the final details, "the source said.

    In the afternoon, the Greek government ministers had submitted their resignation at the request of George Papandreou, who, during an extraordinary cabinet meeting, said goodbye to his staff.

    Negotiations behind the scenes

    Behind the scenes, negotiations continued Tuesday for the second consecutive day between George Papandreou and the leader of the Conservative opposition Antonis Samaras to reach an agreement on power sharing and the appointment of a consensus prime minister. Sunday, the socialists of PASOK George Papandreou and the main opposition New Democracy had agreed to make way for a unity government after intense negotiations. George Papandreou was also committed to leaving office after two years in power.

    For its part, the European Union on Monday called on Greece to write a letter committing to the implementation of the European rescue plan.

  • Comments Off
  • Filed under: economic, economy, finance, international, opinions
  • In the wake of the Asian stock markets that appear in no particular order on Tuesday, the CAC 40 is expected in early fall at the opening, waiting for a European plan to end the debt crisis in the eurozone. The day before, despite signs of economic slowdown, the Paris Bourse had finished his session in the green, gaining 1.55% to 3220.46 points.

    Investors should therefore play the card of caution before the EU summit tomorrow, which should deliver a plan to increase the firepower of the European bailout fund (EFSF), to recapitalize banks and to erase a portion of Greek debt. To do this, and it is then a first-, the EU will apply directly to other states and their sovereign wealth funds to strengthen his strike force in case of economic shocks.Norges Bank Investment Management (NBIM), which manages the Norwegian fund (397.5 billion euros), has already applied for, according to Reuters.

    But time as concern mounts including the Italian debt. Despite new savings measures announced by Rome, with rumors of the European Union and the International Monetary Fund are becoming more pressing. This prompted Silvio Berlusconi, the prime minister, to get angry Monday: "Nobody has anything to fear from the third European economy and the extraordinary founding of the European Union" which is the Italy.Then added: "We honor our debt regularly, we have a primary surplus [excluding debt interest] more virtuous than we and our partners will achieve a balanced budget in 2013."

    Investors want to be reassured

    In this context, the markets should wait for signals about the political strategy to prevent contagion of the Greek crisis. This is already on a war footing since the beginning of the week, like Baroin. Yesterday, the Minister of Economy has estimated "convinced" that European leaders would reach a "global agreement". According to him, the last meeting of the euro area in Brussels this weekend in Brussels has led to progress "two thirds" of the negotiations.

    In fact, expectations are high, including abroad.For its part, the euro fell slightly against the U.S. dollar, losing 0.14% to 1.391 dollars.

    On the agenda in France, Gfk index of consumer sentiment (November) will be unveiled this morning. As housing starts and consumer confidence (October).

    In the U.S., the Case Shiller real estate index (August) will be published early in the afternoon. The Consumer Confidence Index (October) is expected in 16 hours.

    Values ​​to follow:

    • STMicroelectronics announced Monday a decline in sales in the third quarter in a context of deteriorating semiconductor market and general economic uncertainty.

    • Seb has achieved organic growth in sales of 7.2% in the third quarter, primarily driven by its performance in emerging markets.

    • JCDecaux has entered into an agreement with Presstalis, partnership marketing and distribution of the press, to acquire 95% of Mediakiosk. Presstalis retain 5% stake in the company managing over 746 outdoor advertising kiosks in France, whose sales totaled 26 million euros in 2010.

    • Peugeot aims to sell 500,000 copies of its future 208, we read in The Tribune on Tuesday. Produced in Poissy and Slovakia, the car should also be made in Brazil and China. Its price will be very aggressive attack, the newspaper said.

    • Groupama announced that its CEO Jean Azema had been revoked and the new management team should improve operating profitability and solvency.

  • Comments Off
  • Filed under: economic, features, opinions, publications, top news
  • Coface is concerned about the effects of the financial crisis on the real economy. Noting a decline in the strength of companies, credit insurance company, which today unveiled its new assessment is lowering its ratings for the euro area and the United States.

    "The outstanding, which had indeed declined after the peak record in mid-2009, increased 12% worldwide in the first half of 2011," says chief economist Yves Zlotowski. Peripheral countries in the euro area are the most vulnerable, with an increase of 28% in Greece, Italy 29% and 71% in Portugal. "In this country, it is less sovereign risk worries that the business impact of the recession, austerity measures, the credit crunch and lack of growth opportunities," said the Chief Economist.

    Another weak link, Italy (rated A4) which is found as Portugal (A4) on negative watch.The economy suffers from structural weaknesses of businesses, which will be aggravated by the economic slowdown. Degraded by one notch, Greece (note C) brings in its wake Cyprus (note B), due to the high exposure of its banks and a very high private debt no faxing pay day loans.

    Other countries in the euro area – Germany, Austria, Belgium, France and the Netherlands – retain their A2 rating but lose the positive watch, as the United States.

    Crisis of confidence

    Overall, the two sides of the Atlantic are suffering the same problems.In downturn, linked to debt reduction of economic agents, combined with the crisis of confidence reflected in market volatility, the distrust of banks holding back access to credit, and political obstacles, among the psychodrama of the debt was U.S. and European delay in resolving the case of Greece and strengthen the euro area.

    "We need a credible institutional scenario on European and safeguards," notes Yves Zlotowski, is said, however, confident. "There have been major advances in Greece, the role of the ECB, the EFSF …."

    ALSO READ:

  • Comments Off
  • Filed under: finance, home, news, people, special
  • The information should be confirmed in the late morning. Hersant Media Group (DRG), publisher of 27 newspapers, and the Belgian group Rossel, editor of Le Soir in Brussels and owner of La Voix du Nord in Lille, will create a jointly owned holding company in which they will bring some of their regional daily press titles. Rossel it will house La Voix du Nord and Le Courrier Picard. For its part, GHM will entrust the securities of its poles Champagne-Ardenne, Picardie (The Union, The Ardennes, Eastern Lightning …) and PACA (Nice Matin and La Provence).

    Excluded from this agreement the domestic free press Comareg (Released Sold), the division overseas (France Antilles, New Caledonia The …) and the group Paris Normandy.The latter could be brought to the joint venture after a restructuring led by the leaders of GHM.

    This was submitted yesterday to the pool of 17 syndicated banks that have lent 190 million euros to Hersant Media Group, on the redemption, in 2007, Lagardère securities regional daily press in the south of France.

    GHM has made some 700 million euros in turnover in 2010 to an operating profit of 18 million. The group, controlled by the family Hersant and directed by Dominique Bernard, announced in early July to be ready to open its capital to meet its debts. It has already sold its holdings in 2010 in Mediapost and Eastern Republican.

    ALSO READ:

    "Hersant Media sold to Belgian Rossel

    "Hersant Media is ready to open its capital

  • Comments Off
  • Filed under: economic, events, features, international, life