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After the flag, the bad blood between the CGT and the CFDT. Three weeks after CGT militants set fire to a CFDT flag during a demonstration against Lille agreement securing employment, the penalty is decreased by the voice of Lawrence Berger, the secretary general of the CFDT . Sanction to the strong symbolism as the reformist union now excludes scrolling on May 1st alongside his counterpart headed by Thierry Lepaon.

Tuesday RTL, Laurent Berger did not mince his words, explaining this choice almost unheard of by the "period of tension" caroissante crossed by two confederations. "Our members do not want to insult a week and go with the CGT show another week," said Laurent Berger, referring to conventions in Thierry Lepaon in Toulouse last week in which the union was " vilified. "

Berger wants a frank explanation

Both unions, who marched side by side in recent years during the traditional parade May 1, disagree on the agreement of 11 January on the labor market, signed by the CFDT and the CGT rejected, the transctription the law must be considered by the National Assembly next week. Since then, tension has grown up between the first two French trade union confederations, statements médiatiquesent provocations between militants. If FO is returned long been one of her hand, CGT-CFDT divorce definitely mark the end of the holy alliance between unions, sealed at Woerth reform pensions.

After the incident of the flag, Laurent Berger called his future alter ego Thierry Lepaon to "condemn these acts and take appropriate action." That the new leader of the CGT did not, at least not publicly. What raise again the voltage a notch to Toulouse congress of the CGT, the CFDT militants during which have been subjected to insults from "comrades" CGT "traitor and renegade collaboration "in the words of Lawrence shepherd.

As if to mark the fracture present, the number one CFDT, which calls yet Thierry Lepaon a frank explanation, noted a "disagreement between two types of unionism, a unionism which takes its responsibilities in an extremely complicated and unionism which considers that it is the state to its place. " A pike over to Thierry Lepaon pleads for his side to a "trade unionism together."

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After the offshore wind turbines to? Delphine Batho, the Minister of Energy is now in Cherbourg (Manche) to support the development of marine energy. The Raz Blanchard, the area west of the Cotentin, is considered the most promising in France to host the first term commercial farms: the turbines – turbines submerged in some way – the need for strong currents generate electricity. They are characterized in particular by their blades shorter indispensable to resist the density of water.

"The potential energy of the sea is significant and attractive," explains Xavier Ursat, Managing Director of the production of EDF hydraulic engineering, it is also predictable for all technologies using tidal energy. "For Parvex Pierre, Director of pole renewable energy at GDF France, "the stability of the current, depending on the period, provides a fine approach to the provision of electricity." A considerable advantage under intermittent Demonstrated other renewables (wind, solar …).

EDF one hand, GDF Suez on the other: the two French giants find themselves once again in competition. Each selected technology (OpenHydro for the first Voith for the second) and fully intends to play its role of developer. For now, the machines are largely confined to a prototype stage, given that the companies expect to know the details of the mechanism to support pilot farms. Similarly, a feed-in tariff for tidal energy has been fixed – around 150 euros – but it is far from expert estimates, which predict a floor price of 300 euros to initiate effectively the start of the chain cash advance no faxing.

Commercial farm

The companies expect that the Government determines the conditions of the first tender. "In the current situation, we expect the first commercial farm in 2020, with a fleet of a hundred machines in the key, says Peter Parvex. Since 2009, we gradually mounted power test with several demonstrators, redemption of study and exploration of several areas. "

"This project Paimpol Bréhat, our goal is to gain experience and achieve industrial phase, then the economic maturity of the tidal stream in the next ten to fifteen years," says Xavier Ursat. Submerged for the first time between October 2011 and January 2012, the prototype EDF will resume its test campaign in the spring, after a problem was fixed winch to Brest. Planned to house four machines with a capacity of 0.5 megawatts each, Paimpol fleet will power the equivalent of 3,000 homes at cruising speed. The overall budget approaching 40 million. A drop of water in respect of investments of EDF, but a further step in the development of renewable France.  

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The government now finds itself confronted with a double social pressure. The first comes from the street and speak again this week, with the demonstration plant employees Tuesday threatened with closure. The second, quieter and more subdued, is not less strong: it is that exerted upon him by the social partners. Culmination of their efforts, the transcript in the law of the agreement on securing employment signed on January 11 between unions (excluding FO and CGT) and employers. All weekend, teams Labour Minister Michel Sapin, put the final touches to the text to be sent Monday to the State Council. And, under pressure from employers, anxious to see the agreement reached in the snatch transcribed in the state.

After threatening Thursday night, to withdraw its signature text, the MEDEF has softened his speech last few hours. Laurence Parisot and Michel Sapin met Saturday afternoon on the phone and the boss of bosses seems to have obtained certain assurances on a few key points. "Most of the conversations between our teams and the Department of Labour are conducted by telephone and as we have not received the text properly we can not fully lift the mortgage on our signature," warns However, one in the entourage of the president of MEDEF.

Two points were still considered Sunday night, as a casus belli employer side. The first concerns the terms of employee representation on boards of directors. The government's proposals remained rather vague. The text could move towards employee representation on the board of directors of each institution and not only within the parent opposes what employers. The second reason for concern, the MEDEF, is Article 1 provides that companies commit to participate in the financing of mutual complementary to all their employees. The Government and social partners want some that is designated by the mutual sector. The MEDEF, it calls for removal of this designation clause and the free choice of leaders.

Give pledges left

Beyond these technical discussions between the executive and many employers show a deep mutual mistrust. "The government has done in recent weeks several positive gestures towards businesses because it is well aware that, without us, it will not solve the problem of rising unemployment," says a senior employer. "But on the other hand, he finds himself under increasing pressure to pay some of the organizations and its left wing that it will give good wages sooner or later." CGT also continues to put pressure " with this agreement, employers have secured dismissals. (…) Members must not transcribe it into law, "said the leader of the Central Thierry Lepaon at JDD.

Bosses fear that the discussion in the Assembly of legislation securing employment, which will begin in mid-March, is an opportunity for bidding. This is the reason why he wants to keep the text as intact as possible for the moment. "The fact that members of the majority have obtained that this is not the chairman of the PS that is rapporteur of the text shows that they do not intend to vote without amendment" is concerned- Do we Grove Street. "During our hearing in the Assembly, members told us they wanted to return to the intermittent contract, which constitutes a real breakthrough for SME," says Jean-Eudes du Mesnil, secretary general of the CGPME . The employers' organization has always said she would not sign it also definitely agree that if the text is taken up strictly. The government has warned.

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The economic woes of PSA Peugeot-Citroen could take a new turn. According to the newspaper Libération, the State would look more closely at the input of capital PSA, if the group fails – despite concessions – to stem its losses. Elysian source said that whatever happens, the state will not let PSA go bankrupt. This morning on the radio RMC, this option is "possible, if only because the ISP (note, Strategic Investment Fund) exists."

A good knowledge of the company says, however, that PSA is already de facto guardianship of the State, to the extent that a guarantee of EUR 7 billion was awarded in October to the bank's internal group. A symbolic boost that gives the state a lot more than just look at PSA. The episode Louis Gallois, who had been nominated to the Supervisory Board of the group, also confirms this trend.  

Bankruptcy PSA, "no news"

The question of "bankruptcy" PSA is not feasible in the near future. The boss of the group, Philippe Varin intends to meet – and successfully – its savings plan, decorated supressions 11,000 positions in France. He said his measures would stabilize PSA accounts, which should return to the green end of 2014.

Thursday evening, the group announced that it has massively lowered the value of its shares to 4.7 billion euros, less than a week before the announcement of its results in 2012, which will be announced next Wednesday credit score. This gives a new insight into the very worrying situation of the group. Louis Gallois, who took office at the end of last December, must complete its report by the end of the month.  

The government, concerned about the governance of the group

The Elysee is also concerned by the tensions within the Peugeot family, which hamper the smooth functioning of the group. Thierry Peugeot, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of PSA, would retain the monopoly of the group. But his cousin Robert, the head of the family holding company, recommends a merger between PSA and Opel. This idea had already failed merger last November.

Another important point: the Peugeot family can not decide what spell book Philippe Varin, whose term ends in May. Rumors – always denied – that the family would like to thank are not new, but they are particularly hear right now. Varin to replace the head of the group, the state would have thought Louis Gallois, who on his side that he was not interested.  

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Soft, poulterer Breton in receivership, did not need it. Here it is hit hard by the decision of the European Commission to halve subsidies for the export of chickens, with immediate effect. "This decision will have serious consequences on employment in the Greater Western region already weakened. Several thousand direct and indirect jobs are threatened within the industry, "alert Poultry Coop de France.

The Minister for Food, Guillaume Garot is immediately stepped into the breach. "We disagree with this decision and we intervene directly with the European Commissioner for Agriculture to be reviewed or developed it," he insists, noting "the legitimacy to support a French poultry sector faces a very tough international competition ". The particularity of these EU subsidies is that they have only to France through two companies, Soft and Tilly-Sabco exporting frozen poultry to the Middle East in competition with Brazil and Thailand.

Last year, the two groups had received a budget of 50 million refunds, already down from the past. To prevent the sudden loss of half of the envelope starts to hurt their cash flow, "the Agriculture Minister Stéphane Le Foll, we organized a meeting on Friday between companies and services to help concretely" , says Guillaume Garot who has been fighting for months for the survival of Soft. According to him, a "lifeline" could come from the mobilization of tax credit competitive employment (Cice).

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Employees of Virgin Megastore Champs-Elysées are preparing to receive support weight in their denunciation of the proposed termination of the lease of the Champs-Élysées, the "face" of the brand. The singer Doc Gyneco will indeed hold a press conference this afternoon to call upon all artists to mobilize against the closure of retail stores of cultural products.

The Committee elected company Virgin Megastore have learned, Dec. 19, their direction proposed termination of the lease of the store on the Champs-Élysées, which represents about 20% of the turnover of the company. They are launched from a strike, following a call to action launched by all teaching unions (CFTC, CFE-CGC, CGT, FO and SUD).

"No closure, yes culture"

Saturday, December 29, dozens of employees from the famous Champs-Élysées store in Paris and had gathered at the entrance of the store to protest against the proposed direction, shouting "No to the closure, yes culture" no checking account payday advance. In the direction of the brand, 80% of staff present were on strike in the store, which employs 184 employees (about 1200 in France). Other stores did however not follow the strike.

Virgin Megastore is held by the fund Butler Capital, prey itself o significant difficulties. The company has already closed three stores in Bordeaux Merignac at the Carrousel du Louvre in Paris and Saint Denis. The building of the Champs-Élysées was bought by investors from sovereign wealth fund Qatar Investment Authority, last June, the mutual insurer Groupama for 500 million euros. Projects of the new owner are not yet known.

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Bad news for the 30,000 motorists who use the tunnel each day of the A86 motorway, linking Reuil-Malmaison (92) Versailles (78), also known as Duplex A86. The price of the tolls published in the Official Gazette on Thursday will increase by 50 cents on some slots. The company that manages motorway Cofiroute this section will even increase a euro trip for drivers Friday night and eves of public holidays. A symbolic milestone was reached: the driver will now pay 10 euros to cover a distance of 10 km when it borrows the tunnel between 16h and 21h, it is equipped with an e-box or not.

But why this increase on Friday night? "When you go to a restaurant, the price formula noon is lower than the formula of the night cash till payday advance. For the Duplex A86 is such justifies Florent Gambotti, marketing manager. In addition, we have a concession agreement with the state that requires us to change tariff each year, we must respect. "

As the A14 motorway linking Paris to Yvelines, "or not to use the Duplex A86 is the freedom of everyone, defends Cofiroute on its website. In rush hour, so traffic is congested in the Paris region, you will need more than 45 minutes by surface streets against 10 minutes via the A86 Duplex ".

The Duplex A86. Photo credits: Cofiroute

 

The countdown has begun. At J-24, toy manufacturers and distributors are in the starting blocks for the 2012 model year for Christmas. This year, no question for Santa to tighten the belt. Despite the crisis, he should fill his sack so generously to satisfy the innermost desires of children. "We are confident that this year, children will be spared the budgetary decisions of parents," said Laura Pierre, president of Hasbro France. "Christmas is a parenthesis in a gloomy day," adds Franck Mathais, spokesman for La Grande Recre. The sign on a table even increase the budget by parents to toys and games. It is expected this year to 116 euros per child (16%), according to an annual study of the distributor.

The good performance of digital tablets, the starting price is 89 euros, rather to reassure professionals. "It is essential to toys slices highest prices taking off, not those whose prices range from 20 to 50 euros," says Frédérique Tutt, toys specialist within the NPD. One thing is for sure, construction toys (Lego, Playmobil …), the dolls (Barbie, Monster High …) and games (Monopoly, Scrabble, Dobble …) benefit from the return values ​​from parents to secure in time crisis.

But the game is not won so far. The season started badly. Sales in the first two weeks of November were down 15% compared to the same period last year, according to NPD. "We feel a wait from our customers, puts Franck Mathais. They call themselves temps.Ils have not the spirit at Christmas because of the economic situation. "Even retailers are more cautious in their orders for fear of ending up with too much stock.

"It is not impossible that it catches up to the end of the season, said Frederique Tutt, who expects stability Christmas sales to 1.3 billion euros, against + 5% per annum past. It will be easier for specialists, hypermarkets being the first to fall out. "

Customers wait

Car purchases are still later than last year no fax pay day loan. Especially since Christmas falls on a Tuesday, buyers will have a weekend of additional purchase. A real headache for professionals who need to manage their inventory on a shorter period. Wait, this is also a way as to take advantage of great deals and specials until the last moment. They represented the fourth year of the Christmas sales. "Their share is growing," says Frédérique Tutt. The explosive growth of the Internet (Amazon.com, fnac.com, toysrus.fr …) in the Christmas shopping is not for nothing. "Toysrus.fr slashes prices on many toys," also promises the retailer website.

Already, sales of toys permanent (until the end of October) augured ill of the season, falling 5% over the first ten months of the year. Up to – 10% in hypermarkets that have suffered from the disaffection toys pulse crisis requires. The market was first costs of bad weather which affected sales of outdoor toys. It was also impacted by the greatest caution distributors. "The new joined-rays later, which affected sales," says Michel Moggio, CEO of the French Federation of Automotive Industries Toy. Finally, the shortness of the phenomenon Beyblade (tops 5 million sold in 2011) – which generated three points of growth last year – also explains the decline.

In the end, experts are betting on a stable year or slightly (- 1%). "After several years of growth, the market could see an inflection point or, in any case, rebalancing after an exceptional year 2011 (+ 6%)," Laura Pierre analysis. The French market is the second largest in Europe behind Britain, boosted by a high birth rate, the extent of the supply and distribution of energy (45 store openings a year).  

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The puzzle of energy prices only gets complicated when the government launched Thursday a national debate on energy that could be an opportunity to overhaul the pricing of electricity and gas. One month after a similar decision canceling the electricity bills of the year 2009, the State Council has canceled a line of electricity bills which represents nearly half, 46% of the amount. This is the TURPE – one of the acronyms that do not facilitate understanding of the bills – which means rate of use of public transportation and distribution of electricity. TURPE this is intended to cover the costs of ERDF, EDF subsidiary responsible for the current distribution to final consumers.

The Sipperec, union covering a hundred towns in Ile-de-France, already led to the decision of the State Council in October, had seized the administrative court to cancel the TURPE currently in force, which was approved in May 2009. The Sipperec "estimated near 1, 9 billion the amount to be returned to all users of grid for each of the four years." Each year, all users pay 11.4 billion euros in the TURPE which 8.4 billion are paid to ERDF. For the consumer, hope the union of municipalities, the decision of the State Council should result in lower bills or refund. But the amount will depend on the recalculation the Regulatory Commission (CRE) will be forced to repeat.

Municipalities are conceding the public service of electricity and it is for this reason that the Sipperec was entitled to challenge in court fees. "What we have denounced, it is a lack of transparency in the calculations, was recognized by the Council of State," says Catherine Dumas, Deputy Director General Sipperec. To summarize the argument put forward to the Council of State, the consumers "pay to ERDF financial costs that largely does not exist online payday loans."

Uncertainty about the consequences for the consumer

According to the Parisien in France today, individuals may be reimbursed up to 250 euros. ERDF, however, denies be studying how a future repayment. CRE, in turn, "do certainly not confirm that figure," she said Thursday AFP. Conservative, said in a statement not to be able to tell if the new date calculations result in an increase or decrease of the invoice.

Decision of the State Council shall take effect on 1 June 2013. "In this period indicates the CRE, a new version of TURPE 3 – which will apply retroactively to the period 2009-2013 and will replace the canceled tariff – may be proposed by the CRE relevant ministers to cover the full costs incurred by ERDF. "

For its part, "the government wants the future rate of use of networks (TURPE 4 for the period 2013 to 1016) being developed by the Commission of Energy Regulation, preserves the ability of network managers make the necessary investments to achieve energy transition and ensure the quality and security of electricity supply for our citizens, "said a statement from the Ministry of Ecology, Energy charge. Delphine Batho also points out that "the level of the tariff for use of French networks is one of the lowest in Europe."

Meanwhile, two successive decisions of the State Council and the adventures parliamentary legislation on the creation of progressive tariffs for energy perplexing consumers who are especially successive increases in their bills. CRE expected to increase electricity prices by 6% on average per year by 2016.

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