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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Visit to Ukraine, Kharkov... learn more about accomodation lease in Kharkiv!

As a result of getting ready for EURO 2012 hotels «Kharkov» and «Kievskiy» will be closed for rebuilding.Taking into consideration that there are not many worthy hotels in Kharkov, apartments for short or long term lease in Kharkiv are more and more well-liked.
Now this practise has grown from individual apartments proprietors' commerce to Real Estate Proprietor Associations who joined their attempts to provide high-quality accommodation in Kharkov for tourists and guests of the city. Apartment in Kharkov for daily lease has become at the moment the only way out for visitants who have limited calculation but still used to convenient staying somewhere downtown. Cost for apartments for daily rent in Kharkov is 50-70% less then for hotelrooms with the same characteristics and location. At the same moment you can get all services as hotels provide: on line booking, transfer, beverage and food delivery, bed linen changing and flat cleaning, interpreters' service. All these factors make more visitors coming to Kharkov select apartments for daily rent instead of staying in a hotel. So if you don't want to overpay, apartment for rent will become a good choosing. You will be able to find accommodation to your preference that will meet all your demands without any problem. For example one room apartment, possibly studio, with good renewal and all needed things (TV, DVD, microwave oven, washing machine etc) will come to you for 40-50 USD per night. 2-room apartment for rent in Kharkiv will cost a bit more, about 50-60 $ dependant on area and its features but still fairly cheaper then hotel rooms in Kharkov. Please remark that price for apartment doesn't vary depending on number of guests. So even if you are planning a family trip or coming with a felow, the price for apartment for rent will not vary.
The booking processis usually very plain and doesn't take much time. Apartments for daily rent in Kharkov are widely represented in the Internet. Just find a trustworthy company, examine their offers and choose the best flat for yourself! Check-in and check out policy is as a rule unified for all companies- check-in time is 13AM, check out is at midday. Late check-out is also acceptable as well as early check in. It is commonly used to make the advance payment for the flat you've chosen. It is made to guarantee your check in.
Apartment rent companies will offer you different ways to make the prepayment and you will be able to select the most suitable for you.
So apartments in Kharkov have a range of advantages that will make your staying in Kharkov wondeful. One get more comfort, more freedom with the same level of security and considerable saving.
Select an apartment in Kharkiv and enjoy comfort and freedom you obtain. You can pick any apartment to your requirements, quality and price level-from economy to deluxe class. Just select a convenient flat on a website, reserve it and Kharkov will hospitably accept you.
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Ukraine's and women's

Many men in the western world, their attention to women in Eastern Europe,
that the search for Touch were a conservative, feminine, family, relationships and love very much missing from Western women.
Ukraine is likely to become one of the most popular places, as is currently the exemption of visa requirements for tourists from Europe, the United States and Canada, unlike in Russia, Belarus, Moldova, who require a visa for entry. It is easy to travel to Ukraine and a great opportunity to Ukrainian women are the main reasons for the holding of elections in Ukraine.

So the key question - Ukrainian bride may be a solution to the dream of marriage, you can find a life partner, with a Ukrainian woman?

Here we want to emphasize all the positive and negative aspects for consideration in the search for a bride, Ukraine, and some advice on this matter.

1. Most women are naturally beautiful in the Ukraine, well dressed and look for yourself. Appearance is very important to them, so very much for all Ukrainian women.
What is the most important factor that most men are looking for, they want their women to be feminine and look good.But never be fooled by their appearance. For clothing and does not mean that the short skirts, with hardly any clothes, so that other men are the languages on it. Women dressed as triggered by the sale itself is not normal in Ukraine. Most likey you are looking for entertainment, and usually not a serious relationship.

2. Looking at young women? It is a difficult question. Women in Ukraine do not typically aged over 15 years, in contrast to the common view that Ukraine women age difference does not care whether the person is a kind, honest, etc. In most cases, if the age difference between men and women over 15 years, not in length. If you're 50 and looking for girls of 20 years, it is better to go to Thailand. The majority of women in Ukraine, serious relationships and marriage after 30 years. According to statistics, international marriages with women under age 25 only rarely occur. For the same
Statistics, most marriages, when a foreign man in his 40 and his Ukrainian girlfriend 30

3. Cultural differences is a big problem. What may be normal for a boy who grew up in the western world can not be right for the lady. There are many books on the traditions, customs and behavior of the Russian and Ukrainian people. You can read to make sure that this is what you for lookig.

4. What can you absolutely sure that she is Ukrainian, will be children and family first in their list of priorities. Many of them are good mothers and wives who care for children and families. Please note that Ukrainian women are very close relationships with their children. Always keep in mind that the path to the heart is through his son.

5. The majority of women in Ukraine are no longer desperate for foreign countries should not be underestimated, in Ukraine, where the standard of living is very good in most places. I think you're a foreigner, and they took it as something very special. You must be at their best and act accordingly to win your heart!

Finally, the Council for the men to succeed in finding a partner a woman in Ukraine. Adequately reflected in their choice - not to go on the model
looks like a very young age, studying the foundations of the Slavic culture to better understand your family, relatives and
especially their children. Be patient, and knights, of course, helps too.
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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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Pride of Poland

Since its debut in Formula One at the Hungaroring this year, Robert Kubica of Poland is one of the most beloved children, and his popularity shows no sign of slowing down at all soon.

21-year-old was the first Polish driver in F1 in Hungary and a couple of good results was approved as a permanent test driver racer for 2007 season.

After the BMW team boss Mario Theissen, the success of Kubica has a great effect in their country of origin and motorsport in general, have benefited.

"Today, the Polish site of the explosion," said Theissen.

"Motorsport is virtually non-existent, and this has been very little attention from the public. Now everything has changed. Robert became a national hero overnight.

Of course, a pair of Krakow is not too serious at this time and perspective, it is easy to conduct in the BMW and do not apply to anything done by the wayside.

"I do not want to be popular - I do not like that at all," he said.

"Of course I'm happy, but I prefer my feet on the ground."
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Search for culinary schools in Poland

If you are looking for a new experience and pleasure in cooking school in Poland can be an ideal choice for www.bread machines cookbook.com. While this is not the first glance all this world-renowned for its gastronomy cooks, Poland and offers a kitchen and a great cultural experience that someone of his culinary education.
Despite what may be one of the schools in the area, which specializes in Polish cuisine, which is not a game on the experience of participation in the cooking school in Poland. It is not only a student of Polish art kitchen, as well as the culture and traditions of this fascinating country. Experiences are the foundation for the rest of their culinary careers. If you have to culinary school in Poland, here are some tips to help you on the way:
1. Consider all the options. While Warsaw may be natural because of its huge size, some of the best ways to get in the rural periphery. Much of the food cities in the country, is a modern version of traditional cuisine, it is imperative that the foundation of the traditional kitchen, before you change it. Education in a small local restaurant may be one of the best experiences and training in Poland. Smaller, private schools for more than one-on-one training.
2. Look at the students. Research some famous person, after their schooling choice. This can often be the best indicator for success in school.
3. Finance their education. This is often the most important factor when choosing schools. The fact that there are scholarships, not just polish, especially for persons of Polish origin, but there are also grants and scholarships, which can be used to their own country to go to school in Polandfor Help www.delicious sandwich recipes. com. The biggest problems they face in seeking grants Stamina, it is not always easy to find, but the money used to finance his way through school, so that patients and examined.
Lost your heart and stomach. If Poland, where you can look at the culinary school, is always possible to achieve. Poland offers a varied cuisine and a rich cultural experience for the aspiring cook. Remember the big cities to find the best places to show you the art of traditional Polish cooperation
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