All World

Organize elections costs 1 euro per voter

The time is in final preparation for town hall in France, before the presidential election. For the latter, the bill for the organization of these exceptional weekend will be more or less salty. According to the Association of Mayors of France, you need a budget of around 15,000 euros per day to vote for an average city of 20,000 inhabitants. "This represents about 1 per registered voter," said Philip Lawrence, vice president of the Association and Mayor of Sceaux (Hauts de Seine).

According to the latter, the bulk of this budget is absorbed by personnel costs unusually mobilized for the weekend of presidential and legislative elections. "On Saturday, the day before voting, employees adjust any polls that are often located in public buildings or classrooms. The number of desktop depends on the number of registered voters, knowing that it takes no more than 1000 voters for an office. In a city like seals, so they are 14 offices that are developed, "says the mayor of this town of Hauts-de-Seine. "Then the Sunday vote, you have two people permanently. That's two teams of two for a 12-hour day, which must be added the support staff to ensure that everything goes well. " At Sceaux, there are 100 municipal employees who will be on duty for each day of voting.

For them, the days are long lasting and beyond counting. But allow them to receive a specific payment. "This is the most expensive for the town hall. There are many volunteers in the office but their role is only to monitor, register voters, get them signed. Requires municipal employees on site, such certificates to those who do not have their voter registration card, "said Philip Lawrence.

The presidential ballots be borne by the State

These are not purchasing urns or damaged booths that make invoice salt. These are purchased from private companies such as Form XL, the leading provider of French municipalities. Meuse in this business, it takes 94 to 327 euros for a traditional ballot box and 213 to 425 euros for one to three polling booths in places. "These expenditures, investment in the budget of the city, are negligible and are amortized from one election to another," says Philip Lawrence.

So what is the state to relieve the town halls? The latter is involved in all these costs up to 2,500 euros, according to AMF. Prefectures establish "cost of assembly, composed of a fixed amount per polling station and an amount based on the number of voters," says one to the Ministry of Interior. The envelope stuffing and mailing of election propaganda (posters, leaflets, creed and ballots) to voters is the responsibility of prefectures which in turn mobilize staff or rely on outside providers.

The State shall also be responsible for printing and mailing of ballots to municipalities for president, according to the memento sent to candidates by the Ministries of Interior and Foreign Affairs. For legislative candidates and print their ballots may be reimbursed for these expenses if they obtain at least 5% of the votes cast in the first round. But the rules are strict: the paper used must contain at least 50% recycled or benefit "of an international certification for sustainable forest management." According to the Senate, the total estimated cost of the presidential election for the state and is estimated at 217.3 million euros. That of the general elections is estimated at 122.3 million euros this year.

ALSO READ:

"SPECIAL-Presidential 2012

"A tightly controlled campaign

The soil will benefit from the wave "Made in France"

Regional producers of France chasing European labels. On 20 March the European Commission awarded the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) in sea salt. "This is great news that we have awaited for a long time," says Gregory Pitard, president of the Association for the promotion of artisanal salt (Aprosela). To date, 191 French products – and some 375 wines – benefit from a PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) or PGI, a total of 1092 products. And forty cases are still awaiting a decision from Brussels, whose Livarot, mussels from Bouchut, Camembert de Normandie, chestnuts from Ardèche, rillettes of Tours or the Montbéliard sausage. "Producers voluntarily impose new constraints in their manufacturing process to protect their knowledge against usurpation and imitation," says the National Institute of Origin and Quality (INAO).

European labels have not only a protective role. "Over time, the IGP is a business advantage," said the president of the Aprosela. In fact, 42.3% of French people think that promoting products "Made in France" should be a priority in the presidential campaign, according to a study site Testntrust. "The geographic origin of a product is an important choice for consumers, although it is difficult to measure its impact," says Jean-Louis Benassi, director of the inter Unicid ciders. A view shared by Alexis Martinod Savoîcime director, representing the Tomme de Savoie. "Achieving the required level of quality has a cost that justifies the eyes of our customers, a sales price sometimes better than others," said he. For the INAO, "buying a local product is often a militant act because, in the spirit of the French, it provides a livelihood for local channels, or even a region where the context is sometimes difficult, as the Lozere or the Ardeche. "

Europe also protects Chinese garlic …

With these labels, producers sometimes enjoy support from the regions or departments to complete their development projects. Chain of Tomme de Savoie, for example, spends an annual budget of 25,000 euros to research. Regional producers can expand their markets. "Our products are particularly relevant to retailers," says Franck Pernot du Breuil, president of the inter Fraise du Périgord. In recent years, retailers have expanded their range by playing the card of the soil. Like with its Carrefour brand Reflets de France, or E. Leclerc Our Regions of Talent.

"Retailers often do not put forward our signature Fraise du Périgord because they want to promote their own brands," says Franck however Pernot du Breuil. "As a result, consumers may not know these labels and the qualitative approach they impose on our business." The boost from the European Union can also lead to unexpected setbacks. Last October, Brussels has angered producers of French, Italian and Spanish by registering as a PGI Chinese garlic Jinxiang Da Suan, facilitating the coup its import and marketing in Europe. Meanwhile, in France, smoked garlic Arleux still waiting for the distinction.

Quality labels and home: how to find

In France, nearly one in two farmers engaged in an official sign identifying the quality and origin. In 2010, these signs represented a turnover of 19 billion euros in the first market, according to INAO, which recalls the specifics of these signs guaranteed and recognized by the State: …… ..

• The designation of origin (AOC) means a product including all stages of manufacturing (production, processing and preparation) are made according to know-how in the same geographical area. For example, the St. Nectarios can not be manufactured in only part of the Auvergne from milk from the area.

• The designation of origin (PDO) is the European equivalent of the AOC. The name of a product is protected throughout the EU. Products that have earned this distinction, there is Chablis, Roquefort, Brie de Meaux, olive oil from Corsica or Bresse chicken.

• The Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) is a product whose characteristics are related to the geographic location at which occurs at least its production or processing according to well defined conditions. The ravioli of Dauphine, the Camargue rice and Bayonne ham are among the 107 products that have obtained the PGI in France.

• The traditional specialty guaranteed (TSG) is a European label that protects a traditional recipe. To date, no French product holds this sign, which was however awarded Serrano ham or Gueuze beer. The farmed mussels and Emmental filed an application with the European Commission in 2006 and 2011.

• The Red Label is a sign that French refers to products with higher quality compared to other similar products, thanks to their conditions of production or manufacture. This is awarded to agricultural and food products such as smoked salmon, chicken, cheese or sausage.

• Organic farming (AB) production method ensures environmentally and animal welfare. The rules regulating the organic production method are the same throughout Europe, and imported products are subject to the same requirements.  

ALSO READ:

"What consumers expect from the presidential

"The automotive and telecoms are the pride of the French

"'Made in France": how the consumer is found there

European groups headwind against the carbon tax

The European carbon tax causes coughing sector of the European air. Corroborating sources, and six Airbus airlines are head wind against the tax for the European fight against the emission of carbon dioxide, which is theoretically in force since 1 January 2012. This tax, imposed on all companies operating in the EU whatever their nationalities, for a total of nearly 4300 companies, and would cost 705 million euros for 2012 those involved in the air around the world.

The aircraft manufacturer Airbus and the airlines British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Lufthansa, Air France, Iberia and Air Berlin have thus associated to "alert" on "economic consequences" of this tax, in letters to the heads of the French government, German, British and Spanish. French equipment Safran and German MTU would also be associated with this outcry.

These groups believe that the application of the tax threatens "inadmissible" for the sector as it could revive a trade war with China, but also with the United States and Russia, the Financial Times. The protagonists also challenge "the unilateral nature of this measure and require" the establishment of a general discussion with all stakeholders within the ICAO, "the Organization of International Civil Aviation, told a familiar with the matter told AFP.

In fact, China has threatened trade retaliation at the expense of Airbus, said Thursday the group EADS, parent of Airbus. Beijing could well cancel orders for 45 Airbus (10 A380 superjumbo and 35 long-haul A330) amounting to several billion dollars. The freeze order would represent a potential shortfall of $ 12 billion for Airbus, according to the catalog prices. More than 2000 jobs would be directly threatened by the Financial Times. But so far, the EU refuses to yield, saying Friday that it stands ready to respond to any discriminatory provision in Beijing.

Competitiveness: the opinions of four contractors

CLAUDE TAR: "I will lose market"

CEO of Ultralu, specializing in scaffolding, member of the movement Ethic.

"Since I started my business in 1988, I am facing problems due to the rigidity of employment. Like many entrepreneurs, I have suffered the brunt of the crisis. The shock was brutal since 2008 should be a year of strong expansion. I predicted a 30% increase in sales and I hired six people. In our business, it is necessary to train an employee for six months to make it operational.

The crisis caused a 20% drop in sales. The six people hired have become an unbearable burden for the company. I had to part with it. Unfortunately, no administrative delays allowed me to do that in 2009 when the company had posted a loss of 50,000 euros in 2008. A dismissal for economic reasons cost me 40,000 euros.

After having recovered in 2010, my company was again able to be increasing. So I could rehire taking a risk because nobody can be sure that a new crisis will not occur. I will not do. I decided to retain the current workforce by stabilizing my figure and therefore of losing markets.

I chose this solution because the bankers who supported me in 2008 and 2009 will not understand if I do not learn from previous years. I can not take the risk of disappearing. "

CHRISTOPHER Collignon: "Let the air companies'

COO call center IMA Technologies, a subsidiary of Inter Mutual Assistance. Member of the Young Business Leaders, it animates the ethics commission and good practices Medef 44.

"We manage with existing regulations. We strive to meet everyone's expectations respecting the law and to the extent that this does not hamper production. We allow people who want to work at 60% to do so. Half the members of the Executive Committee are women who have decided to work at 80%. We also set up the working time of three people who wanted to start their own business. Any record created a strange atmosphere. But it is not possible to work more to earn more. The law does not permit an employee to work ten hours more if desired. We must let air companies and employees so they can negotiate their working hours.

I regularly discuss this topic with other entrepreneurs. It is important that leaders speak truth with employee representatives. I have set up agreements tests. It is also important that people can choose the working time. Someone may need to work 35 hours at a time and 39 hours to another. Our needs are not the same at 20, 40 or 60. It requires both trust and be realistic and do not forget one reality: the first objective of the company is to generate profits. "

Stanislas de Bentzmann "Managers have to work longer"

Co-CEO of the IT services company Devoteam, vice president of the employers' association Growth Plus.

"Policy makers plan to increase taxation frameworks to solve the budget problem, while the subject lies in structuring the value creation for the country. French managers take eight weeks and a half of vacation per year on average, five weeks against the rest of Europe. It is possible for a factory employee working over 35 hours thanks to the tax exemption of overtime, but this flexibility can not be applied to frames. But they are the ones who drop out contracts that run factories.

This is not only problematic for the industry, it is also for services. Service companies who work in large groups on international markets, because of RTT among other things, higher production costs than their competitors German or Italian. We must change the rules and give companies the ability to adapt to customer needs. Feasible by allowing businesses to reach agreement directly with employees, who are winners on both sides. France can accelerate its dynamic economy and reduce its debts if managers are willing to work longer, at least for the next five years. "

JEAN-RENÉ BOIDRON: "Being able to depart from the law"

President of the DL Health software company, President of the Social Committee of Growth Plus.

"It is absurd to impose the same working time everywhere. The unraveling of 35 hours has its limits. To meet their particular situation, companies need to discuss with staff representatives on the duration of working time and if necessary within the law or an industrial agreement. It is a matter of survival for many companies in the services, on the verge of suffocation, and whose turnover is correlated with working time. In from 39 to 35 hours, these companies have lost up to 10% of their turnover and nearly as many results. The rise in working time is their only option. For others, the decline in working hours can help through a difficult – while giving assurances to employees who must find more than their implementation, once the recovery of the acquired business.

These solutions are only possible with a quality relationship between an employer and its representatives. Otherwise I would have filed for bankruptcy in my previous company in 2001. Attitudes have evolved. Since 2008, the conventional termination showed that one could consider an employer and an employee adult enough to solve a problem. Have confidence in the company of actors to find solutions when it comes to saving jobs. "

The ongoing negotiations to prevent an outright collapse of the euro area will lead, if successful, the definition of a new European balance. It will then explain to the French. What lies there, in fact, behind the formulas often repeated by Nicolas Sarkozy of "convergence Franco-German" or "greater European integration"? First of all a European circles, the first being composed of 17 members of the euro area. Second, a more integrated Europe, where intergovernmental bargaining outweighs the Community method, the latter being relegated to the role of implementation and technical body.

Before the French, Nicolas Sarkozy will decide maybe not the word federalism, because it means a loss of sovereignty that they do not approve.Polls show they are committed to the euro – are 77% want to keep the single currency, according to the latest BVA poll for BFM / Challenges / Avanquest. But other surveys indicate that about two out of three French are not ready to "more integration". The ridge is close to the head of state for several months defending the prospect of a further step towards more integration.

"Bargaining"

It should engage in this exercise in front of the French education before or after the European Council of December 8 and 9, as a great speech that will trace the contours of France in the Europe of tomorrow. "Europe must rhyme with protection, not with globalization in the eyes of the French," says William Peltier, a member of the UMP, and patron of the Letter of opinion.

In one day, the U.S. national debt has grown from 55.8 billion. Results on Tuesday it reached 15,033.6 billion, according to the U.S. Treasury Department. She is now 99% of GDP forecast by the White House for all of 2011.

This debt had crossed upwards the threshold of 10 000 billion in September 2008. Since then, the United States earn one trillion additional debt every seven and a half months on average. Pace violently denounced by the Republican opposition accusing President Obama of being solely responsible.If nothing comes of these discussions before November 23, the law provides for the automatic implementation, from 2013, cuts in government spending, divided equally between defense spending and the remaining costs.

Pessimistic, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said in its latest "monitor public finances" dated September, the public debt of the United States would reach 100% of GDP at the end of the year, 105% in 2012, and continue to increase up to 115% in 2016.

ALSO READ:

"Obama addresses the U.S. budget deficit

"United States: flaws in the plan of the last hour

The Paris market takes a few colors on Friday. In this holiday, where the activity is reduced, the CAC 40 was up. In mid-session, the index rose 0.65% to 3084.49 points after opening up 0.21%. Yesterday, he finished down slightly. In Frankfurt, the DAX index also advanced 0.96% to 5923.95 points while the FTSE-100 in London gained 0.49% to 5471.75 points.

Investor sentiment is supported by advanced this week in the eurozone. Management of public finances in Greece and Italy, two countries that focus on crisis fears of European debt, will change hands. In Greece, Lucas Papademos, former Vice President of the European Central Bank (ECB), has been appointed head of a government of national unity. In his first statement, he said that the euro is a "guarantee of monetary stability online payday loans."The United States and reported a reduction in trade deficit while new jobless claims fell to their lowest level since April. This morning, Asian stock markets were also in the green. In Tokyo, the Nikkei closed up slightly from 0.16% to 8514.47 points.

The AMF opened an investigation

The Financial Markets Authority (AMF) has announced the opening of an investigation after the blunder of Standard & Poor's last night, the rating agency has mistakenly sent a message indicating a degradation of the triple A French before denying the information two hours later.

On the currency markets, the euro has regained some ground. The European currency changes above $ 1.36, above the low of 1.3484 in one month.

Debt crisis: the hope of a European agreement yet repelled

The first pieces seem certainly find their place. But the puzzle is far from complete. The Europeans have agreed on strengthening the capital of their banks, with a budget of up to 100 billion euros. Nicolas Sarkozy was also close to Angela Merkel on the future arsenal EFSF, after a frank discussion in Frankfurt. But there is so much more to do before finding a complete agreement, most detailed and validated by the whole euro area. That is why the French President and German Chancellor confirmed on Thursday night, the sounds that had run all day: a second summit of Heads of State and Government held "no later than Wednesday," after that of Sunday. In addition, Sarkozy and Merkel will meet on Saturday night in Brussels to prepare its crucial deadlines.This new adjustment schedule confirms that markets foresee that this time, European leaders are no longer allowed to make mistakes. The first tangible plans must begin to blur out that night, after a first closed session of the seventeen ministers of finance of the euro.

Recapitalization of banks

In the preamble, the bloc cleared the table of a bulky dossier. They agreed on the recapitalization of banks weakened by the crisis, two months after the IMF has sounded the alarm. The bill, estimated at between 85 and 100 billion euros, less burdensome previously announced. It should allow banks to increase to 9% of their capital ratio "hard" a recognized strength. To achieve this, banks will first use their private shareholders, and if necessary of public funds bad credit payday advance. The EFSF intervene as a last and final resort.Uncertainty remains about the date of implementation, 2012 or 2013.

On Thursday, Paris and Berlin have also tried to dispel the misunderstanding about the previous meeting on Wednesday between the President and the Chancellor. The stakes: the future modalities of action of EFSF and the famous "leverage" critical piece of the arsenal to stop the European debt crisis and prevent contagion.

The German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schäuble ensures that the two capitals are in fact "in total agreement." But he hastens to add that there is still no agreement at European level. French side, it was confirmed by noting that if there is a discrepancy, it is rather with Spain and especially Italy.In Brussels, witnesses of the appointment of Frankfurt continues to describe "a cold atmosphere" between Nicolas Sarkozy and Angela Merkel, barely warmed by the announcement of the birth of the president's daughter.

To further complicate the picture, the Greek press spoke of a setback yesterday on what promised to be the easiest section of the summit: the release and payment of EUR 8 billion international loan in Athens. The European Union grows. But the IMF question the ability of Greece to address its long-term debt without the involvement of Europeans more convincing.

ALSO READ:

Investing in a student residence

For two years, investment in student residence has regained color, thanks to the encouragement of the state. But this should not last because the draft budget law for 2012 provides the tax benefit to plane provided by the device Censi-Bouvard. 18% today, the tax reduction will be reduced to 12% next year. A bad blow to student housing. "We feel the need for housing to 250,000 and this measure goes against the will displayed by the government to double the park students, said Philippe Josse, General Manager at Bouygues Immobilier France accommodation. It seems desirable to distinguish between corporate residences, tourism, nursing homes and students and to encourage investment in priority. "Meanwhile, Jean-Philippe Bourgade, CEO of Bouwfonds Marignan, remains serene."We must not dramatize and expect a decline in business because, anyway, it will be built to meet the needs, he says, the market is healthy to five years. We have done an excellent year in 2010 and 2011 should also be a good year, especially as sales are accelerating. "It is a fact, like last year, investors expect the decline in tax cuts .

Those interested now they still have time to buy and enjoy the scheme Censi Bouvard-current? "Of course, exclaims Jean-Philippe Bourgade, the offer still exists," It is also necessary to achieve the sale by the end of the year. "Considering that the deed of sale requires time and a half months, investors have until mid-November to engage," says Philippe Josse.If the investor has the status of renting dwellings unprofessional (Leaseback), the device will be Bouvard Censi-acquired and will give him until 31 December, a tax reduction of 18% on the amount of its investment (HT), reduction spread over nine years, subject to a ceiling of 300,000 euros. Since the signing of a commercial lease, the investor is also entitled to recover the VAT at 19.6%. Provided he keeps his property for twenty years. Otherwise, the IRS will not hesitate to claim his due in proportion to the missing years.

Nevertheless, this type of investment must be carefully considered.For if it can reap tax savings, it also implies constraints.

Investing in a student residence is to buy a home in a building designed for student life, with only small areas (studio, 2 rooms maximum) and provided with services to facilitate the lives of occupants: reception, cafeteria, laundry room study, recreational areas … The entrance ticket is modest, about 80,000 to 100,000 euros for a studio from 18 to 20 m².

The investor undertakes commercial lease of at least nine years to rent a well furnished and to entrust the management to the operator of the residence which will then sublet the property and rental income to pay the investor.Care must be taken when the load distribution and quality of the operator.

ALSO READ:

"The student housing still difficult

"Housing, the main concern of students

"Creating a label for better student housing

"Can we still easily rent a furnished accommodation?

"A room tax of good

SERVICE

"Loan Insurance: Reduce the cost of your credit with cplussur.com

Wall Street resumes height

The day after a session in the red, the U.S. stock markets end up the way to higher Tuesday. In early trade, the Dow gained 0.37% to 11,446 points, the Nasdaq advance of 0.45% to 2625 points and the S & P is 0.40% to 1209 points.

The progresison remains very cautious. U.S. operators, like their counterparts in Europe and Asia, remain very concerned about the issue of sovereign debt in Europe. They fear a contagion to other countries considered fragile in the euro area.The decision of Standard & Poor's lowered by one notch to "A +" to "A" note of Italy, due to low growth prospects, has just added to the failure of the meeting this weekend of European Ministers of Finance have failed to agree on a new loan to Greece, still under the threat of default.

The question of the future of Greece will remain central today. In Athens, after an initial conference call Monday night, a new meeting between the Greek Finance Minister Evangelos Venizelos and representatives of the troika of the country's creditors, European Commission, European Central Bank and International Monetary Fund, to be held tonight . Their verdict depends on the payment in October of $ 8 billion from the loan made last year in the euro area country and the IMF.Manna vital for the country to the brink of bankruptcy.

Pending around the Fed meeting

Hopes for recovery of the market, worried about the economic downturn hitting the United States and Europe, are now placed in the meeting of the Federal Reserve (Fed) which starts today and will end tomorrow.

The fears are in fact more and more vivid on the other side of the Atlantic, where Barack Obama announced a plan to further reduce the deficit of 3000 billion Monday, financed half by an increase in taxes for the rich, did not produce any relief.

On the macroeconomic front, the U.S., housing construction has increased its decline in August, falling to its lowest level since May, according to official figures published Tuesday in Washington.

Mergers and acquisitions continue

The side of values, the French computer group Bull and American Technologies CA (0.09% to 21.24 dollars) Tuesday announced an alliance to facilitate the switching of heterogeneous enterprise IT infrastructures to the Internet and the "cloud" ( cloud computing).

The Internet giant Google (-0.10% to 546.12 dollars) bought DailyDeal, German site group purchasing established in 2009 business cards design. Google, which offers this service for U.S. consumers, seeking to expand its presence outside the United States to reach the largest number of users and compete with its rivals in the field as Groupon.The amount of the acquisition were not disclosed.

The U.S. stock market watchdog, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) encourages U.S. companies to transparency regarding their income abroad, reports the Financial Times. The SEC, which has made this his new battle cry, drew particular groups such as Dow Chemical (-0.73% to 27.54 dollars) or Caterpillar (-0.28% to 84.36 dollars) share more information with investors.

After the close of Wall Street, Air Products (0.10% to 81.66 dollars) has announced a new share repurchase program of $ 1 billion.

The mergers and acquisitions also continue to multiply.According to reports the Times, Blackstone (-0.45% to 13.26 dollars) would buy with Prestige Brands of America (-0.73% to 9.46 dollars), a portfolio of non-prescription drugs worth £ 2 billion, owned by GlaxoSmithKline (0.07% to 41.54 dollars).

Jazz Pharmaceuticals Inc. (0.90% to 44.13 dollars) and Azur Pharma Ltd. (will merge to create Jazz Pharmaceuticals Plc, a pharmaceutical company based in Ireland and listed on NASDAQ.

Also in the pharmaceutical sector, Varian Medical Systems (1.16% to 53.05 dollars) will buy Calypso Medical Technologies, a company specializing in monitoring tumors during operations radiosurgery and radiotherapy for $ 10 million and contingent payments.

However, ConAgra Foods (0.21% to 23.44 dollars) withdrew its offer of Ralcorp Holdings (-0.23% to 75.06 dollars) due to "lack of constructive dialogue with Ralcorp."

Others are preparing to pass the act as Home Properties (-5.61 to 58.70 dollars) will conduct a capital increase of 5.25 million additional shares to finance "its external growth and new real estate development projects. "

Also note, a Court of Appeal in the United States lifted a court order blocking the payment of compensation of $ 18 billion by Chevron (-0.69% to 98.03 dollars) for environmental damage in the Amazon.

In addition, three complaints were filed against IBM (+0.11% to 173.32 dollars) from the European competition authorities, including one by a French company, have been abandoned, it was reported on Tuesday the European Commission.