Posted on 12/31/2011 7:57:18 PM PST by Cincinna
French President Nicolas Sarkozy warned on Saturday that the country's future hung in the balance in 2012 amid the eurozone debt crisis but said ratings agencies would not decide French policy. "France's destiny could once again be tipped" in 2012, Sarkozy said in a televised New Year's address. "Emerging from the crisis, building a new model for growth, giving birth to a new Europe -- these are some of the challenges that await us."
"This crisis... probably the most serious since World War II, this crisis is not over," Sarkozy said.
"Yet there are reasons for hope... We must, we can keep confidence in the future," he said.
The speech was Sarkozy's last New Year's address before France heads to the polls for the first round of a presidential election in April.
"What is happening in the world announces that 2012 will be a year full of risks but also full of possibilities. Full of hope, if we know how to face the challenges. Full of dangers, if we stand still," Sarkozy said.
Touching on fears that France could lose its cherished triple-A credit rating, Sarkozy said: "I do not underestimate the consequences that the ratings agencies and runaway markets can have on our economy... but I say this for everyone to hear -- neither the markets nor the agencies will decide French policies."
Sarkozy also excluded that France would impose a new austerity package on government finances, following the announcement of two deficit-cutting programmes since August.
Sarkozy is facing a tough battle for re-election against Socialist frontrunner Francois Hollande, with the economy expected to take centre stage.
Opinion polls have consistently shown Hollande leading over Sarkozy in the race.
France will vote in the first round of the presidential election in April and potentially a second round in May.
(Excerpt) Read more at breitbart.com ...
France is not the only country that hangs in the balance for 2012. November can not get here quick enough for me!
Happy New Year Cincinna!.... May your life be a blessing to others as we have hope and confidence in the year ahead that our world will again honor God and His righteous ways.
Great changes as BeBe is having ‘Bible study’ with officals and guests weekly now.....and also Cameron recently attested to Britain beng a Christian Nation. There is a glimmer of hope yet!
CW
Happy New Year Lucy T!!!!! It’s going to be a ride!
Now the call is for all EUrotopia countries to live within its means, austerity.
Sarkozy ran on a platform to reduce civil servants, cut budgets, increase tuitions, increase work week, allow overtime, "produce more".
Now "austerity" is mandated from The Commission.
Sarkozy was ahead of them.
Germany has undertaken the austerity the last 5 years.
yitbos
Goofy looking fella, Hollande.
TTWJFWOP
If I get drunk will I be able to figure out what that means? ;p
Thanks Cincinna, and Happy New Year.
This Thread Was Just Fine With Out Pictures
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