The Economist (August 20)
Europe’s leaders and, in particular, Angela Merkel correctly sense the lack of domestic support needed to fix the euro zone crisis. What they overlook is the need to cultivate this support. Half-measures will not work and a euro zone collapse would be damaging. “The current rescue plan for the euro is just not working. The markets continue to price in default…. A year ago it was said that the euro zone could take care of two or three small countries but that Spain was too big to fail. Today, with Italy and even France looming into the picture, the very survival of the euro is coming into question.”
The Independent (April 11)
Starting today, women in France may no longer wear burka or other facial coverings in public. The “burka ban,” passed last October by the French Parliament, was “seen as a defence of women’s rights and a re-statement of the liberal and secular traditions of French society.” There is, however, concern that the law might lead to unrest. Some have called it Muslim baiting. Officials are taking steps to minimize conflict. Police have been ordered not to force women to remove their coverings, but rather to forward cases to the state prosecutor. A woman may be fined €150 for wearing a burka or other facial veil.
Starting today, women in France may no longer wear burka or other facial coverings in public. The “burka ban,” passed last October by the French Parliament, was “seen as a defence of women’s rights and a re-statement of the liberal and secular traditions of French society.” There is, however, concern that the law might lead to unrest. Some have called it Muslim baiting. Officials are taking steps to minimize conflict. Police have been ordered not to force women to remove their coverings, but rather to forward cases to the state prosecutor. A woman may be fined €150 for wearing a burka or other facial veil.
BBC (October 27)
The French National Assembly will vote on President Nicolas Sarkozy’s proposal to raise the retirement age from 60 to 62. Most French agree pension reform is essential, yet the measure is explosive. Massive strikes crippled the country and Sarkozy’s approval ratings fell below 30%. The strikes and protests appear to be abating, with employees back to work at 5 of 12 oil refineries. However, a BBC correspondent reports, “the last skirmishes of this battle will still be dangerous both to the government and the economy.”
The French National Assembly will vote on President Nicolas Sarkozy’s proposal to raise the retirement age from 60 to 62. Most French agree pension reform is essential, yet the measure is explosive. Massive strikes crippled the country and Sarkozy’s approval ratings fell below 30%. The strikes and protests appear to be abating, with employees back to work at 5 of 12 oil refineries. However, a BBC correspondent reports, “the last skirmishes of this battle will still be dangerous both to the government and the economy.”
The Economist (July 8)
French President Nicolas Sarkozy is wrapped in scandal. Two of his ministers resigned over expenses: one for claiming €12,000 of Cuban cigars, the other for chartering a €116,500 private jet. Now there are allegations his campaign accepted €150,000 in illegal contributions. The Economist says, “if Nicolas Sarkozy wants France to change, he needs to start at the top.” It adds, “Sarkozy has already been tried and convicted by public opinion of another crime: he has betrayed his promise to change France’s political culture.”
