Sarkozy's triple mea culpa

In Thursday evening’s much anticipated television interview, the French president, Nicolas Sarkozy, admitted that he had made some mistakes during his first year in office, and that they might go a long way to explaining his tumbling popularity ratings.

But he insisted that he would continue the pace and direction of reform and reiterated the promise that the government would balance the budget by 2012.

It wasn’t exactly make or break time during the marathon 90-minute primetime interview, broadcast live from the president’s Elysée palace, but Sarkozy did have the humility to recognise the “errors in communication” he had made.

Facing a barrage of questions from the five “approved” journalists on economic, social and international affairs, Sarkozy was in fine combative form, reminiscent of the man who had led such an effective election campaign to secure office last year.

He admitted three times that mistakes had been made and, in a none too heavily disguised reference to statements from some members of his government over the past year - in particular by the junior minister for human rights, Rama Yade - Sarkozy said he wouldn’t tolerate any more embarrassing faux pas.

Right from the start Sarkozy made it clear that the interview was not going to be a repeat of some of the Bling Bling tendencies that have characterised much of the media coverage he has received since coming to power.

“I’m here to talk about France and not my private life,” he said. “As far as that’s concerned, everything’s back under control.”

Thankfully for the millions of viewers, none of the five journalists pressed him further on the point, and for the moment at least the overexposure of his quick divorce and even faster remarriage just months into his presidency, have been relegated to the passage of time.

His major mistake, Sarkozy said, had been a failure to explain adequately the thinking that lay behind some of his policies, and in particular the fiscal reforms which had been introduced immediately after he took office.

They’ve often been criticised as only giving tax breaks to the already well-off without contributing to the much promised and certainly longed-for improvement in people’s purchasing power.

But Sarkozy insisted the reform had been not only appropriate but also timely, although he confessed that he should have been clearer in outlining the benefits from the start.

The policy had not just increased the personal wealth of a few, but had allowed those with modest incomes to pass on more of their lifetime’s savings to their children by easing inheritance tax, Sarkozy insisted. Furthermore the fiscal “package” – had been just that. A package, which had helped put the country back to work by addressing the crippling economic restrictions of the 35-hour working week. Employees were now free to choose between claiming the days off to which they were entitled or being paid for the overtime they worked. What’s more, Sarkozy insisted, it was a policy that had been copied and adapted by many of France’s neighbours.

Of course it’s always easy to blame global economic conditions for some of the problems a country is facing, and Sarkozy didn’t hesitate from trotting out the often-heard excuses from many a political leader.

The subprime mortgage crisis, the dramatic rise in oil prices and the climb of the euro since his election had presented particular difficulties over the past year, he maintained. But the measures his government had introduced so far had stood the country in good stead and would continue to do so should there be further uncertainty in the international financial markets.

Again he emphasised that the aim of the government was to balance the budget by 2012, undoing more than 30 years of continuous deficit. But he refused to say how this would be done stage by stage, as many of his critics have demanded, simply sticking to the promised goal even though growth for 2008 alone has been recalculated downwards at 1.9 per cent.

While he remained reticent about whether he would attend the opening ceremony of the Olympic games in Beijing – a matter which has been making headlines around the world for much of the past month - Sarkozy said he had been shocked by China’s security clampdown in Tibet.

Once again he called on Beijing to resume talks with Tibet’s exiled spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, and said the 27-strong European Union needed to present a united front in encouraging the Chinese to reopen those discussions. Sarkozy will be particularly well placed to wield a little more diplomatic influence from the beginning of July when France takes over the six-month rotating presidency of the EU.

Although in general he made no major policy announcements, Sarkozy stressed that reform would continue unabated. More than 30 reforms had already been passed, he said, and not even his harshest critics could deny that it would take some time for the full benefits to be felt.

He defended both his ability and that of his prime minister, François Fillon, to deal with any challenges that might occur, which could also be interpreted as saying that if things go belly up Fillon will take the blame and be replaced.

The true measure of the political success of this carefully stage-managed interview in the sumptuous setting of the Elysée palace will probably be seen in the results of innumerable opinion polls the French press is so keen in conducting over the next couple of of weeks.

For now the criticism from his opponents remains fairly muted, but there is still concern from the population at large that prices are increasing faster in France than elsewhere in Europe and purchasing power remains stagnant.

And then there is the likelihood of industrial unrest and how the government deals with it. There have already been a series of strikes in several sectors, including transport and education, and more are scheduled in May to protest against job losses in schools.
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Hotels in London must shape up for 2012 Olympics

London is the most expensive place to stay in Europe, according to a recent survey, and that news has emerged at the same time as tourism minister Margaret Hodge has warned that hotels in the capital must shape up in order to be ready for the 2012 Olympics.

The average cost of staying in a London hotel has leapt by a staggering 12% since April, and now averages £119 per night across the capital. Although not as expensive as New York or the world’s most expensive place for a one-night stay, Moscow, the rates are remarkably high considering that two-thirds of all London hotels are unrated. The figures show that even relatively meagre two-star accommodation in London averages £88 per night and guests have to typically stump up £109 to stay in three-star rated hotels.

Tourism minister Hodge is worried that the combination of highly priced accommodation and the large percentage of non-rated hotels will damage the reputation of the city, and is keen for the hotel industry to get itself in order. She said: “If the tourist industry is to reap the potential £2.1 billion from the 2012 Olympic Games, then 85% of London’s hotels must be accredited before then.”

Hodge is concerned that many people attending the 2012 Olympics will be coming to London for the first time and therefore wants their experience of the city to be a positive one. She added:

“Hosting the 2012 Olympics is a huge opportunity for London and the UK tourism industry
. In five years London will welcome millions of first-time visitors and we will want them to come back time and again – hopefully bringing their family and friends. It’s all about creating a lasting and positive legacy for the capital.”

But, the government doesn’t expect the capital’s hotels to do it all by themselves. A recently unveiled multi-agency strategy entitled: “Winning – A Tourism Strategy for 2012 and Beyond” has been drawn up by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport aided by Visit Britain, Visit London, and an assortment of Regional Development Agencies, aiming to give positive advice and limited financial assistance to the hotel industry throughout London and the UK.

Now that the gauntlet has been thrown down for hotels in London to make significant improvements, it is important that they respond positively if they are to fulfil the government’s aim of making the 2012 Olympic Games the start of a lasting legacy.
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European agricultural revolution

European agricultural revolution

In June 2005, the budget for the summit in Brussels, it does not matter
Support to agriculture, and subsidies which now consume directly 46.2%
European Union (EU). Tony Blair has refused to cancel
United Kingdom infamous rebate (amounting to two thirds of its network
Contributions to the community's coffers), until these
Brochures (United Kingdom, which does not benefit in poor condition, agriculture)
collected stressed. This follows close on the hills of the rejection
The draft European constitution in France and the Netherlands in referenda
May-June 2005.

One of the advantages of European Union enlargement
European Union (EU) corresponds to the veteran members
Accession countries. EU forced to extend expensive
Agricultural policy and a bloated bureaucracy. This,
Clearly, when the glaciers in the disappearance of Europe
Agriculture, as we know it.

In contrast to the confusion, in Europe is much more open to trade
that the United States. According to the United Nations (UN)
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Organization for Economic
Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), exports of 14 per cent
The gross domestic product (GDP), compared with 11.5 per cent in America.
He is also the second largest importer. In constant U.S. dollars
Terms and Conditions, is the world's largest operator.

A Trade Policy Review released in 2002, the World Trade Organization
(WTO) are two exceptions: Agricultural Products
and textiles. Europe, the average tariff on agricultural products
collected four times on non-agricultural products. Nevertheless, a number of
Trends in the conspiracy to the mysterious asphyxiation 3-4 percent
The population in the EU - the farmers - on budget and policy
Process.

The introduction of the euro, with transparent pricing
Border, and shows how European consumers of expensive foods
be. Terrible scourge of mad cow disease dented consumer
The credibility of politicians and bureaucrats. But most importantly,
Integration of Central and Eastern Europe
most of its agricultural sector in the EU Common
Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) untenable.

CAP guzzles about half of the EC $ 98 million budget.
Recent, controversial reforms in the European Union
Commission at the request of the gradual reduction and diversion of CAP
cost of direct production subsidies in the WTO --
Investments in employment in agriculture, regional development,
Environmental training and research. Incidentally, support to farmers
from the EU and the Governments of the Member States have already dropped from $ 120
Million in 1999 to U.S. $ 110 million in 2000. This decline
relentless.

But the EU can not accept new members with the same
The level of agricultural subsidies, which they are currently 15 members.
Almost a quarter of the population of Poland, either directly or
indirectly, in agriculture - ten times the European average.
Agreement between Germany and France in September 2002
and at a meeting in Brussels in October freezes CAP expenditure
its level from 2006 to 2013.

This could further delay the equality sought by
Applicant. Theoretically, subsidies for the operation of industries
new members, as well as grants for veteran members
decrease until it reaches about 80 per cent
The current level throughout the EU at the end of the next budget
in 2013.

But in reality, the PAC again 2005-6.
No one can guarantee the outcome of this process, especially if
along with the Doha Round of trade liberalization. Suggestions
Currently, the candidate countries are not only secondary but also
Sense.

A song from Denmark, the President of the EU in the second half to
2002, to support farmers in new member states in two-fifths
The fees are cautiously welcome at the time the candidate countries
Countries. Some of these novel generous subventionary
Deducted from the fund for rural development in new members.
In addition, national governments the opportunity to increase
EU dollops with inadequate funding from the state budget.

Also in this Miserly proposal - still a majority
contemporary EU members - the EU will cost an additional $ 500 million
Years. Equally important to the settlement of disputes
Production quotas EU protectionist "protection" measures, import
Tariffs imposed by the new members to the heavily subsidized
European agricultural products, reduction of tax on value added agricultural
Production, as well as links and performance - the foundation
Calculation of transmission.

It also does not take into account different - and sharp - the possibility that new
They will eventually, as a net contribution to the budget.

Quoted by Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty, Sandor Richter, a high
The researcher with the Vienna Institute for International Economic --
Studies have found that first admission of ten new members,
In May 2004, and ending on the commitments of at least $ 410
Million from the EU budget in the first year of membership alone.
GDP per capita of most candidates at one fifth of the EU --
That would be a flawed, politically and socially disruptive
an explosive result.

Recognizing this, the European Commission denies any intention of
In fact, take money from the new Europe. Their net contributions
remains theoretical, it pledges implausibly. However, while
Poland as a country is unable to absorb - and spread
Use the - more than 28 percent support, has the right
A - a veteran of the reason, the EU administrative capacity
Instead, the rules - C. U.S. $ 20 billion during the first three
Years after accession.

The prolonged and irascible debate took its toll. In some of the new
Countries that have reduced the pro-EU mood. Leszek Miller,
then Prime Minister of Poland, the PAP news agency said at the end of 2002
should help Poland to the EU, as
Agricultural subsidies. And what else? "No one can be
Poland is concerned, if not join the EU together with the first
The group of new members. "

Hungary joins the argument. Nearly two-thirds of respondents
A survey done by the European Union in Estonia, Latvia, Slovenia and
Lithuania has no position on EU membership, or against them
Completed. The situation in the Czech Republic is not much
improved. Only Hungary stalwartly supports the EU's eastern slope.

Regular surveys carried out by GfK Hungary, the market
GfK Group belongs to Germany, paint a mixed picture. On
On the one hand, even in countries with a devout following the EU --
The entry of Romania as the support for integration
this year. Support in Hungary and Poland, as well as raised
up.

But the EU can not seem to adapt their act together. After
The Danish newspaper Berlingske Tidende, Danish Prime Minister in 2002
Anders Fogh Rasmussen, he decided to "take it or leave it" ultimatum
for new members. There is a "real negotiations", he said.
Not so, says Anders Fogh Rasmussen, the Danish President of the EU --
31 December 2002: "room for maneuver in negotiations will be
very limited ... We have a framework and we adhere to. "

But frustration should not be exaggerated. Of course, farmers who have suffered from floods in the region - the Czech Republic
Poland - vigorously protested the unequal treatment and
The commitments of their Governments have been hands-twisted to do. Still,
According to a study published in December 2001, the European Union
Commission, 60 percent of the population in the candidate countries
supported.

At the end is near, the two sides in the negotiations, a position
though. EU Commissioner for Enlargement Gunter Verheugen, said the
November 2002 against the current of support for Poland 6 million
The farmers with subsidies for the EU 8 million small farmers.
In a typical product of the contradictions that prevent them
Modernization and alienate other professions.

Franz Fischler, the Austrian EU Commissioner for Agriculture, said
tiny chance that the production of grain, meat and dairy products
from the new EU members, can be increased. EU
There are currently provides its members with the new funds in the Special
Accession Program for Agriculture and Rural Development (SAPARD)
to support investments in agricultural holdings, to encourage the processing and marketing
Farms and fish products, and infrastructure financing
Improvements. Hungarian farmers, for example, are eligible for a maximum
$ 38 million SAPARD money annually.

In a few veiled threat, Fischler, in his speech that
on an official visit to Estonia in 2002:

"The EU enlargement should be satisfied with 25 per cent
Agricultural subsidies, since Member States had not yet decided
Nevertheless, this first goal, and only after
This can be discussed ... more subsidies, it would be very
as to say that EU member states, not the candidate countries
Joy, it will not be good for the entire process. "

Not surprisingly, he was angry whistled in the Polish Parliament
In a speech before a joint meeting of parliamentary committees
Agriculture and European integration in the Sejm. The share of Poland
The agricultural sector is very inefficient. The fourth part
Employees who have less than 4 percent of GDP. But the peasants
well represented in the legislature, and high unemployment --
Almost one-fifth of all adults - access to all jobs.

At the same time, the ten new EU member states have come together to
their case in Brussels. Your Minister of Finance, External --
and agriculture, the deputies in their finance
Operation and committees - and issuing joint statements,
Position papers, conferences and declarations of intent. But no
one is inclined to take a special alliance between the candidates
Countries seriously. The differences between the agricultural sector
Rules, so that a single vote.

In addition, the EU is a strain of the normal consensus on the outcome of the initiative. The breakdown mechanism of the European
Discussion on the way
The future of the CAP was decided in a series of discussions between
leaders of France and Germany in a hotel in Brussels in 2002. Their
Later, the rubber seal, no changes to EU summit
Participants in October 2002.

Union in the constitutional and institutional change. Small and
In addition, the average member - such as the United Kingdom - are
marginalized. Swollen, like the EU to 25 countries, is one of the central
Leadership does not occur. Germany, France, Britain and Italy --
Industrial locomotives of Europe - and not (with
except for UK) Spray.

It was agreed that the delivery of the Council of Ministers
plans submitted by the States and least important
The European Commission has for the most marginalized and believe --
European Parliament. The Constitution is that the recovery
The central authority and participatory democracy is dead in the water.

In Central and Eastern Europe, and is used for a long
Time to second-class citizens, tolerated only because
cheap, youth, labor, raw materials and markets in the region
for finished products. The new members are strategically
between the old continent and booming Asia.

EU enlargement is a thinly veiled exercise mercantilism touch
with the maudlin ideology of comprehensive revenant brothers long lost
Communism. But under the veneer of politeness and culture lurk
the cold calculation of the real. In the new Europe - EU
Interior - should remember this.
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