Posted on 05/05/2007 2:12:35 AM PDT by Cincinna
PARIS, May 5, 2007 (AFP)
- Nicolas Sarkozy has vowed to put France back to work, pledging to use the five-year mandate he is seeking in Sunday's presidential vote to spur economic growth through tax cuts and market-based reforms.
Sarkozy, standard-bearer of the centre-right UMP, has said he will confront head-on France's dubious distinction of being "the European country that works the least" if he defeats Socialist rival Segolene Royal.
In the face of legislation restricting the working week to 35 hours, Sarkozy wants to give workers a chance "to work more to earn more."
Without scrapping the 35-hour week, he would allow employers to boost overtime pay by 25 percent, with the extra hours exempt from taxes and social charges.
The goal would be to strengthen consumer purchasing power, galvanize economic momentum and thereby slash France's 8.3 percent jobless rate, among the highest in the eurozone.
He has promised tax cuts totalling 15 billion euros (20 billion dollars) at the start of his term as well as a four-point reduction in income tax and social charges -- worth almost 70 billion euros -- over a two-term presidency.
He has also said that no one should pay more than 50 percent personal tax.
Starting in the coming months taxpayers would be able to deduct interest payments made on property purchases while inheritance taxes would be abolished for almost all households.
Determined to bolster the work ethic in France, Sarkozy has said jobless workers should not be able to turn down two consecutive job offers without risking losing their unemployment benefits.
He maintains that "earnings from labour must always exceed government assistance."
He has also advocated a simplified employment contract that would make it easier for companies to shed workers, introducing flexibility in the tightly regulated French labour market.
In a move to solidify public finances, one of every two civil servants who retires would not be replaced, while reimbursements for certain medicines and medical procedures would be abandoned.
Ambitious programmes to combat poverty and improve public services "are only possible if we first create material wealth," he has said.
In spite of his preference for the market, Sarkozy has insisted the public sector under his watch would not be neglected. There would be massive investment in research and innovation and a special social security regime established for workers who lose their jobs.
He has also made clear his opposition to the "excessive compensation and privileges that a small minority of bosses has awarded itself" and has urged the European Central Bank, in setting interest rate policies, to pay closer attention to the economic concerns of eurozone member governments.
Furthermore, despite his free-market credentials, he is seen taking a traditional French "dirigiste" approach to industrial policy, being prepared to intervene in key economic sectors and companies when necessary.
It looks like changes will be made from day #1.
Everything cannot be turned around at once. But getting off to a good start is very important.
What about military?(all jokes please)
“What about military?(all jokes please)”
I meant: all jokes aside please.
I thought their military was the joke.
I thought their military was the joke.
Its actually pretty modern big military, but hardly ever gets used for real purposes. To much “peacekeeping” in former colonies. I am just curious what Sarkozy’s policies are on the French Military.
I know quite a lot about their military was just attempting a joke. I can’t see France getting into a traditional fight anymore though
Free market works. Communism doesn’t work! When is everyone going to learn that! The moonbats who will vote for Hillary or Segolene are out of their minds.
“He has also said that no one should pay more than 50 percent personal tax.”
What’s up with that? I’m more in favor of a 10-20% range.(or less)
I think that the Foreign Legion still does all of the foreign (offshore)peacekeeping. The French military proper is more of a defensive force.
Someone correct me please if I am wrong.
I thought the troops in The Congo are regulars, but I could be wrong.
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus
C-span had a debate on,
the liberal candidate got all emotional and coulndn’t accept there may be
another point of veiw on handicap children in school,
she would not let SARKOZY get a word in,
and went on about how trecherous any other opinion would be.
She said she was just angry,
but she was shouting down any debate
instead of making her point.
Without scrapping the 35-hour week, he would allow employers to boost overtime pay by 25 percent, with the extra hours exempt from taxes and social charges.That'll play well, but it's a dopey idea. He should forget about this idiocy, and cut taxes.
Q: what is “dirigistism”?
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus
Keep your fingers crossed for Sarkozy!!! As of right now, voting has actually started in timezones outside of France, and Sark is ahead by TEN points! THIS IS IMPORTANT to a Europe continually beseiged and intimidated by Muzzie no-goods.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.