Archive for the 'people' Category
"Do you accept the initiative for the right to a minimum wage?" This is the question that will meet future inhabitants of the cantons of Geneva and Neuchâtel. These referendums initiated by the formation of Solidarity and the left supported by the unions and the Socialist Party, are the subject of vigorous debate for several months. If the yes vote, it would be the first time that the Swiss cantons would establish a minimum wage equivalent.
The initiative does not specify the amount. But his supporters agreed on 22 francs an hour, … 4 000 francs per month (3,263 euros) for a full-time or 42 hours per week."It sounds a lot, but the cost of living is very high in Switzerland," says Jean-Christophe Schwaab, secretary of the central Swiss Trade Union (ASU).
According to the Federal Office of Statistics, more than 4% of assets, or 150,000 people, are "working poor" and make less than 2,200 francs (1,800 euros) per month. No, Switzerland, floor wage applying to all. Some minima are defined in sectoral collective agreements but all trades do not have such agreements.
A health insurance plan is definitely a major source of financial assistance in times of illnesses, accidents or diseases.McDonald's could have done this new scandal. Committed for 10 years in a campaign to improve its image and to defend the quality of its products, the giant U.S. fast food undergoes further attacks of his detractors. At issue this time, the treatment of chickens by a subcontractor of the group providing the eggs used in the preparation of McDonald's products. The title of the video is unequivocal: "McDonald's, the truth rotten egg McMuffin"
Made with a hidden camera and broadcast for the first time Friday on ABC, the video was shot by Mercy for Animals Association (Pity for animals) in a poultry farm in Minnesota "Sparbo Egg Farms" .
The Greeks are paying the price of the crisis with their health. So says a British study published Monday in the medical journal The Lancet. The explosion in the number of suicides, increased drug use or an increase in HIV infections are in fact the direct consequences of the recession but also of austerity in Greece.
Depression and suicides on the rise
While the island is experiencing its worst recession in 40 years, doubling the unemployment rate in two years more than 16% leads to more and more Greeks to depression and drugs. In fact, suicides increased by 17% between 2007 and 2009 and 40% in the first five months of 2011 compared to the same period last year. Figures all the more impressive as the Greek statistical authorities, the suicide rate in Greece was among the lowest in the EU between 1990 and 2009.Some cases were particularly marked population, like that of a former businessman who has defenestration, leaving a note in which he explained that the financial crisis had had the better of him. Or that of an owner of a small store, found hanged under a bridge, with a letter that read: "Do not look for other reasons. The economic crisis has led me to this. "
Drug use has also risen sharply. Heroin use in particular has increased by 20% in 2009. And even more so in the context of austerity measures imposed by the international rescue plan, control programs against drugs has been reduced by one third fast payday loan no faxing.
A trend that explains the 50% increase in the number of HIV infections at the end of 2010. Researchers predict that the contamination will increase by 52% this year compared to last year.In addition, drug users have less access to small jobs or for pocket money from their parents, some of them prostitutes, which in the case of unprotected sex, also contributes to the spread the virus.
Public hospitals overwhelmed and corrupt
Finally, rising unemployment means that many Greeks no longer receive health coverage provided by their employer. Thus, those who consulted in the private massage now in public hospitals. Now hospitals have seen their budgets melt 40% between 2007 and 2009. A diet which leads to problems of lack of staff and medicines and waiting times exorbitant lead some patients to pay bribes to get an appointment earlier.
Result, the number of people who give to see a doctor when they are sick has increased by 17% between 2007 and 2009.The number of those who describe it as being "bad" or "very bad" health increased by 14% in two years. "Overall, the picture of health in Greece is alarming, the authors conclude. It reminds us that, in an effort to debt financing, they are ordinary people who pay. "
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The Paris Bourse tries to continue the rebound on Friday. The CAC 40, which opened sharply lower did an about face in the morning. Halfway through, he won by 2.17% to 2871 points, pulled up by the banking sector. Investors seem to focus on a recapitalization of some institutions.
Other major European markets advance in unison, Frankfurt climbed 2.83%, Madrid and Milan by 3.23% from 3.75%. London, however, remains in equilibrium, the FTSE symbolically yields 0.05%.
Concerns about sovereign debt in Europe is still present when a crucial week for Greece ahead. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said that a delegation will travel to Athens this week to determine whether or not the country can benefit from the sixth round of eight billion euros, it vital to avoid bankruptcy.Moreover, Germany will vote Thursday the agreement for the expansion of the scope of the relief fund of the zone (EFSF). Sunday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed confidence the outcome of the vote. Evangelos Venizelos, Greek Minister of Finance, for his part spoke with Jean-Claude Trichet, head of the ECB, a debt restructuring Greek. In an effort to reassure global markets, finance ministers of the euro area are committed in a common text, to "do everything necessary to solve the crisis of debt and financial stability of the area in whole and its Member States. " The idea of taking office faster than expected EFSF has also been raised by Germany this weekend.EU Commissioner Olli Rehn himself has said that Europeans reflected to provide the EFSF additional instruments, beyond those agreed in July to give "more power" in an interview with Die Welt newspaper.
The Ifo index better than expected
The Ifo index of business climate in Germany has also provided a little balm in the heart of investors. He recorded a decline in September, less than expected. However, this is its third consecutive decline, which seems to suggest that the activity of the first euro zone economy is slowing.
Sign fears still strong on the issue of public debt in Europe, the euro held steady in the $ 1.35 this morning at 1.3407 dollar.
Values to follow
• banking takes off
The banking sector led the trend.By late morning, flying from BNP Paribas 6.66%, 6.31% of Crédit Agricole and Societe Generale of 5.20%. Rumors of a recapitalization of French banks to benefit industry. In addition, the Deposit, the Postal Bank and Dexia negotiate the creation of a new public to fund local governments, according to Le Figaro. In addition, the Franco-Belgian bank could increase its program to sell its toxic assets, housed in bonds, 20 billion euros, according to Les Echos.
• LVMH (+0.38% to 105.85 euros)
The group announced Friday now hold almost all the shares of the Italian jeweler Bulgari, the luxury giant announced the takeover in March.
• France Telecom (2.13%) Iliad (2.11%) Vivendi (0.03%), Bouygues (-1.08%).
The state is on track to win his bet on the financial 4G mobile frequencies after a first series of which reported more than budgeted and, according to experts, suggests an aggressive posture in the second round by operators who have not had the expected number of lots.
Also note, the IPO of Groupama, long anticipated, was again postponed and is now expected "more towards 2015," said its director general, Jean Azema, in an interview with Les Echos.
The smart electricity meter – or communicating – also known as counter Linky, will be extended to all of France. The decision will be made official Wednesday by the Minister of Industry, Eric Besson, attended by all stakeholders in this important industry. So far, this counter had been the subject of a test phase, in Lyon and Touraine.
This counter communicator, which allows to know its power consumption in real time and thus better control, will be installed progressively from late 2013-early 2014. A five-year period is planned to equip 35 million consumers, knowing that the European directive assigns a target that 80% of users are in possession of this tool in 2020. "This counter is a future asset for the modernization of the electricity distribution network.It will particularly help to end the current system of estimated bills, sources of discussions, said one industry player. In addition, the meter installation will require the creation of over 10,000 jobs. "
Throughout the past few weeks, a severe battle was between ERDF – a subsidiary of EDF in charge of distribution – and local authorities about the property counters Linky. Upon arrival, the government has not decided to change the current law, which states that the networks, which include counters, belong to communities. In support of its reflection, the government relied on the report of "Committee Linky" on the generalization of communicating electricity meters in France easy payday loans.The report, led by parliamentarians Ladislas Poniatowski and Jean-Claude Lenoir, was sent Sept. 21 to Eric Besson.
According to the overall pattern was retained, ERDF will be responsible for ordering and installation of new meters. These will be installed free of charge, the government decided that not considering either a tax increase for network use, one of the elements of the bill paid by customers.
A cost of 4.3 billion euros
To support ERDF therefore, which plans to spend 4.3 billion euros to widespread program Linky, to compensate for this investment by productivity gains achieved through this tool. For example, the new meter will perform many interventions that will distance the presence of agents of ERDF to the customer will no longer be necessary."But whatever the gains, a system of passing on costs is possible sooner or later," suggests an industry expert.
As for local, they indicated that the expected effectiveness of the new meter is fully proven. In other words it is shown that consumers can realize significant energy savings. Widespread Linky is a crucial element of energy efficiency policy of the government at a time when energy prices rise.
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Optimism has no place in French industry and households. According to the monthly survey published Friday by INSEE, the synthetic indicator of business climate in manufacturing industry fell by six points to 99 points in September, passing below the 100 that corresponds to the average long period for this indicator. "He finds his level of August 2010," INSEE said in a statement.
As for the index of business climate as a whole (including services, construction, wholesale and retail trade), it falls along eight points to 97 points. Clearly, "the economic climate deteriorated in all sectors except construction," says INSEE.
Even pessimistic side of French households, whose confidence index has lost five points to 80 points in September, according to data from the institute free business cards.This is its lowest level since February 2009. This indicator had a slight gain in July (three points) after months of stability. But in September, households appear significantly higher than in July to anticipate an increase in unemployment (23 points).
To this must be added the concerns of their income: between July and September, the opinion of households on their personal financial situation has deteriorated further, the balance corresponding dropping six points. Thus, the French are less numerous than in July to consider appropriate to make major purchases (-5 points). About their nest egg, they also feel that the time is not conducive to spare that the balance corresponding losing 8 points in its long-term average.
Former vice president of PayPal, Reid Hoffman, 44, is a key figure in Silicon Valley. It was the first to invest in Facebook, along with Peter Thiel, in 2004. His most recent investments include Ping.fm, Zynga and Grouply.
LE FIGARO. -What is the project founder of LinkedIn?
Reid Hoffman. – I always look for broad trends. When I started to think of LinkedIn, in 2001-2002, I saw two. The first is that the world of work is changing. Around the world, lifetime employment is disappearing and every individual is responsible for developing their own skills, in a connected world. The second was the rise of the Internet. Result, LinkedIn is the platform that allows each person to develop itself to show who she is, she works with, access to other experiences and skills.We are still at the beginning of the implementation of this vision. For now, people see the opportunity in LinkedIn to stay connected with others and find experts. It is not yet to the point where people question the means to invest in themselves, become more efficient. Today, everyone googlise names and everyone can be found on Google. What people do not realize is that they can ensure that what the first track of their professional profile.
How do you change the world of social networks?
The existence of other networks has been good for us. But people still think they choose to participate when we are already in a networked world. The question is: how will we navigate intelligently in this world? Today, Facebook is the barbecue in your garden. Twitter is the equivalent of the media.LinkedIn is the desktop. There is room for other networks but it has to offer is both broad and unique. There are broad categories such as religion or sports that are not occupied. I think there will be a big player that we do not yet know who will emerge within five years.
You see Google + as a potential competitor?
+ Google is a good social product. The question is: how will he differentiation? It is not yet a competitor of LinkedIn. It could go in that direction but it is not safe. To serve the professional market, it must be specialized. LinkedIn Today provides information to industry sources. A circle with your co-workers does not go into this level of specificity.Moreover, the context is important: what do you see on your screen?
What do you think valuations of Internet companies today? Is there a bubble?
Valuations are a sensitive issue. This is the net worth based on what we think is the future. My view is that social networks are fundamental phenomena that will change the world, yes. But with regard to the numbers, I let the markets decide. There are bubble if the prediction is bad, but I argue that change is very deep.
These networks generate data and make business. Is not this a problem?
In the case of LinkedIn, the use of data turns to the advantage for our users. There is no question of location of Internet users or photos of their children but rather to know what skills are likely, and so on.Users can not feel taken aback by the use of data. When you have a technological transformation, people fail to recognize that transparency is good for them massive. Surfers will discover that to move towards more openness and transparency is beneficial for them. We are often asked about our practices and always act quickly. Must maintain confidence.
LinkedIn helps determine business strategy according to their recruitment. This can be problematic vis-à-vis their competitors?
When a company publishes a job, it puts as much detail as possible to attract the best profile. We can already draw a lot of information of such data. But we must look at the return: a company wants us to know in which area it recruits to form the best teams.For investors, this can also be good to know in which direction it goes. So there is more value to be open and transparent. Finally, for us, the interest of the individual will always pass before that of the company. We want our users to have a positive experience.
Personally, you are investing in numerous start-up early, including Facebook and Zynga. What is your strategy?
I look at three things when I invest: market places that inspired me to invest in newly-Airbnb, networks, Zynga is a network of games and platforms-as Shopkick. It is also important that there is no conflict of interest with my work at LinkedIn. So I'm on the board of Zynga, but not Facebook.This is useful in that I see common trends on both sides, parallels that are used for my investment as my work at LinkedIn.
Where do you come the next big technological breakthrough?
I closely monitor the field of open source hardware.
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Signs of abating in the real estate frenzy in Paris. After growth of over 20% yoy in the first quarter (numbers of notaries), the house prices have stalled this summer. "We anticipated a slowdown of rising prices later in the year 2011. The events give us reason Fortunately, "says Bernard Cadeau, president of the branch network Orpi. The peaks in June, with the ceiling of 8000 euros per square meter happily burst, combined with the gradual rise in lending rates, have affected the volume of sales since the beginning of 2011. It made sense that eventually, prices undergo an adjustment. For more than a drop, it is a market correction it is.
Drain excess
"If there is downward, this concerns the very large apartments of 100 m2 which the price had been overestimated in the euphoria of late 2010 and early 2011," said Gilles Ricour of Bourges, president of the FNAIM Paris. "The capital market is a very individual who has self-sustained higher prices. Many potential purchasers already own their homes had postponed their plans because of the crisis in 2009. In 2010, when prices started to increase, they came with very important contributions. In addition they have changed their behavior. Rather than sell their home before buying another, they started buying in a market that climbed before to bear part of the price of their new acquisition to the purchaser, pushing prices up, "says Laurent Vimont, Chair of the Century 21 network cash advance loan no fax."Today, we purge the excesses," he adds. A correction that he says will not exceed a slight decline in the order of 1%.
The threat of taxation
"The summer months are not representative of normal activity in the sector. It was not until September which is traditionally an important month for the volume of transactions, "said he. "Always be careful. Paris concentrates all the ills of the market immobilieravec a very high demand and low supply, "said Bernard Cadeau. A shortage that could he said to go to … amplifying with assistance from the government. "There is very little construction in the capital, and with the new tax measures, are discouraged sellers put their property on the market," said he. "Since August 25, and the announcement of the taxation of capital gains to 32.5%, many sellers have withdrawn their products," alarmed Gilles Ricour Bourges."It would be unfortunate if these new measures will undermine the stabilization of prices," he concluded, as a warning to members who are currently planing tax loopholes.
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While many companies publish their results on Wednesday, so good for Vivendi. The group of telecommunications and media has indeed released the results broadly in line with market expectations for the first half and confirmed its outlook for 2011.
On the occasion of the publication, the Chief Executive Jean-Bernard Levy said he "confirms the outlook annual adjusted net income in excess of 3 billion euros" against 2.69 billion euros in 2010, which will increase the dividend per share. The businessman says he is confident because of "operational indicators on the rise, despite a financial and economic disruption."
In the first six months of the year, the group has doubled its net profit after minority interests of 2.6 billion euros with a net gain of $ 1.2 billion related to the settlement of a dispute in Poland.Adjusted net income shows him up by 20.2% to 1.83 billion euros. As for the EBITA (operating income, net of amortization of goodwill), it stood at 3.36 billion euros, up 4.6% at constant exchange rates free online credit report. Group sales reached 14.25 billion, up 2.4%. The market on average expected a turnover of 14.24 billion euros, an EBIT of 3.31 billion and adjusted net income of 1.73 billion, according to estimates by seven analysts quoted by Reuters.
For businesses, the group's results were supported by the performance of Activision Blizzard and GVT. The developer and publisher of French-American game has achieved an operating profit of 833 million, up 34.4%.Over the past twelve months, the portfolio means of Canal + France recorded a net growth of 96,000 subscriptions.
Asked about the proposed IPO of 20% of Canal + agreed by the other shareholder of the group, Lagardère, and rejected the first time in March due to the nervousness of the markets after the earthquake in Japan, the CEO of Vivendi, Jean-Bernard Levy, kicked into touch. "As we all know the ball is in their court," he said. "We expect the recovery Lagardère decides whether or not what is now the right according to our agreements.
The speech will be delivered to a very limited audience, but it will be heard by the entire financial world. The head of the Federal Reserve, Ben Bernanke, will speak on Friday afternoon (French time) to his counterparts at the traditional central bankers in Jackson Hole Symposium, Wyoming.
While the U.S. economy slows dangerously, investors expect a tough response from the Fed. But they may be disappointed because, faced with two problems, the central bank runs out of ammunition.
Misdiagnosis
First, Ben Bernanke erred in economic diagnosis. He underestimated his own admission, the low growth in the first half and was counting on a rebound in demand in the second, which for now does not materialize.Problem with its main policy rate at zero since December 2008, the Fed has little room to revive again the supply of credit. Some members of the Monetary Committee refuses to go further. Among the reluctant, Richard Fisher, president of the Dallas Fed. It is estimated that on August 9 promises to continue until mid-2013 interest rates unusually low, the Fed made a mistake: the promise deters businesses and individuals to borrow quickly as they know that the rates are not nearly up cash advance america.
So what can Ben Bernanke promised? The resumption of purchases of long-term bonds the Treasury is the preferred option by the markets. But given the high level of inflation, the method is risky.In addition, low interest rates leaves little hope that this new "quantitative easing" has a significant effect on credit supply.
Ben Bernanke should focus on technical measures. The Fed could cut the compensation of bank reserves. It would be a way to push banks to lend rather than storing their cash with her. The second measure seeks to change more or less gradually the composition of its balance sheet, which reached 2.7 trillion dollars. To maintain long-term rates as low as possible, the Fed may decide to increase the proportion of its balance sheet invested in long-term securities, while reducing the one placed in short-term securities. The decline in long rates will encourage companies and individuals to refinance their debts and support the real estate.