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The OECD approves the plans rigor French, German and British

What do you think of austerity plans adopted in France, Great Britain and Germany? Are they sufficient?

Targets chosen are appropriate. When started in 2011, for the most part, they reflect the forecast growth will remain weak in coming months. The credibility of the measures announced will have a positive impact on the economy over the medium term. It will also look favorably on the interest rate will be long term downward trend and therefore promote growth.

These plans are they in line with OECD recommendations?

Overall, yes. In all three countries, governments have chosen to cut public spending to reduce deficits, which is a good thing.The experience of OECD countries shows that fiscal consolidation based on expenditure reduction is generally more efficient and more sustainable than those based on a tax increase. Yes, we need to use the weapon of taxation, but if it has a limited impact on growth. In this case, we must emphasize the taxes related to climate change – CO2 tax – or indirect taxes on consumption – VAT – the property rather than income households or businesses.

In Britain, the specific measures such as increases in VAT or tax on capital gains in the right direction.

In France, the pension reform is essential, we must reverse the age of retirement at least 62 years because many European countries are already beyond this level.It is also important to address the budgetary rules to strengthen the credibility, setting goals of stabilization. As has just done in Germany out in the Constitution a ceiling for public debt by 2016 paydayloan.

The OECD has launched Wednesday a new warning on unemployment will remain high and the risk of falling into structural unemployment. What do you think, in this context, cuts aid to employment, in particular France and Germany?

Our position is that we must change the orientation of employment policies, by investing more in the long term. Countries should abandon the measures adopted early in the crisis to keep costs the employees in their jobs, promoting the reduction of working hours to avoid layoffs.Policies should be more targeted for career change into areas more vibrant and productive. This requires investment in training, education, innovation.

Yet France removes 16,000 teaching posts …

It may be more effective in education. But it is clear that there is not enough money to do everything! Times are difficult and involve choices. Must be cut, reduce deficits and debt while stimulating growth, promoting employment and education. This must remain a priority.

Is there a risk of falling into recession?

We maintain our forecast last month. The recovery will continue at different speeds, slower in Europe than elsewhere, but we see no risk of double dip recession.The real issue in the medium term is to find a good balance between sustainability of public finances and economic growth.

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