France News: Steve Jobs, Socialists Rising, Sarkozy Sinking, French Economy

6 October 2011 by Karen Fawcett    515  
France News: Steve Jobs, Socialists Rising, Sarkozy Sinking, French Economy
Death of Steve Jobs dominates news stories in France The lead story in the French news this week was about the death of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. To read a most eloquent commemoration, the French newspaper Liberation said it all. Sarkozy popularity at all-time low The current French President’s popularity is at an all-time low and according to a recent poll, if the presidential election were held today, he would lose. The Socialists won control of the Senate last month for the first time since World War II. Besides the economy, Sarkozy is being plagued by rumors of corruption and “les affaires” and is busy touring the globe to demonstrate his strength as a peacemaker. According to Bloomberg News, Sarkozy’s problems are bearing down on him. Even though people assume he will run for a second term, he has yet to declare. Who will be the Socialist Candidate? Today is the first run-off election to see who and if one of the six candidates will win the first round. François Hollande is considered the leading candidate but one never knows. If he doesn’t win 50% of the vote, there will be a run-off between the two leading candidates on October 16. To read more about the French Socialist contenders and the elections, access the Wall Street Journal. Investors urging France to reduce deficits France is under heavy pressure by international investors to rein in chronic budget deficits to reassure investors that the country won’t be contaminated by the sovereign-debt crisis roiling Greece and other Southern European nations. Germany and Greece signed an agreement this week aimed at boosting investment in the debt-drowned country and getting its economy growing again. To read more extensive coverage, consult the Wall Street Journal’s article. Cops and robbers Deputy police chief of Lyon, Michel Neyret, 55, has been suspended from the force because he’s under official investigation for having compensated informants with confiscated drugs and helping them to sell them. According to the Telegraph, police also suspect him of helping a wanted international drug runner escape arrest. Neyret faces a ten-year prison sentence if convicted. France Bans Ketchup in School Cafeterias In an effort to promote healthful eating and, it has been suggested, to protect traditional Gallic cuisine, the French government has banned school and college cafeterias nationwide from offering the American tomato-based condiment with any food but—of all things —French fries. According to the LA Times, this is unAmerican. And the world goes on. © Paris New Media, LLC [email protected] BonjourParis Premium Members only: Save 15% on OpenSkies flights to and from Paris-New York (Newark)* BonjourParis Premium Members can now save 15% on flights to and from Paris-New York on OpenSkies, the airline for Smart Flyers. Terms: Flights must be booked prior to December 31, 2011. Travel must be completed by March 31, 2012. Flights must be booked online at the OpenSkies website with a code provided exclusively for BonjourParis Premium Members. Limited availability based upon available seat inventory controlled by OpenSkies—hurry, inventory is limited. 15% discount code is non-transferable and may be used only by BonjourParis Premium Members with active memberships from date of booking through December 31, 2011 or after. 15% discount is applicable to OpenSkies Biz Bed or Biz Seat available at time of booking. Check the OpenSkies website for flight availabilities. Not yet a BonjourParis Premium Member but you want to save 15% on your OpenSkies Paris travel? Enroll today and get your BonjourParis Premium Membership for $34.95/year and you’ll be entitled to your OpenSkies 15% discount coupon per terms and conditions noted above. Don’t delay—seating is extremely limited and seats will fill quickly. Shop direct at Amazon.com (and merci for using our direct link—your support allows us to publish BonjourParis) and check our Francophiles Favorites loaded with French-themed items for travelers and Francophiles. Choose your category at the right edge, then click the category’s last page number to browse the latest listings. Short-cut to our 100 TOP SELLING ITEMS (please wait for widget to load—updated daily)               Paris Quiz: How Well Do You Know Paris? 400 questions to challenge any Parisphile Taste le Tour: Regional French Cuisine 100 provincial French recipes by Frenchman Gabriel Gaté, this beautiful book is a must have for lovers of French cuisine. Cooking with Chocolate: Essential Recipes & Techniques (Book & DVD in English) by Clay McLachlan, Pierre Hermé, et al  coming Oct. 18, 2011—order now & get 39% discount for advance orders One Hundred and One Beautiful Small Towns in France: Food & Wine Right Bank hotels near the Louvre and Champs-Elysées:
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By Karen Fawcett