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The number of referrals to the Ombudsman of energy increased 14% in 2011. At issue: payment difficulties. The Ombudsman proposes to introduce a general truce breaks from November 1 to March 15.

The cases of fuel poverty rose sharply last year in France, as a result of the crisis and rising energy bills and gas, says National Energy Ombudsman in his 2011 report published Tuesday. The Ombudsman, an independent administrative authority which began operations in 2008, saw its number of referrals increase by 14% last year, in 8044, it said in its annual report, up a bit weaker than the explosion recorded in previous exercises.

But of that total, the number of cases related to payment difficulties has increased by 80% compared to 2010, and represented over 15% of all referrals, calculated the Ombudsman. "The economic crisis and rising energy prices have compounded the problem of fuel poverty", that is to say, struggling to pay their electric bills or gas, and pushed more and more income households to seek mediation, the institution said. The Ombudsman recalls in passing that the regulated gas prices rose 25% in two years, and those of electricity by 8%.

The Ombudsman also proposes measures to better fight against the rise of fuel poverty, considering the schemes (such as social tariffs for electricity and gas, whose allocation has been made automatic for all eligible households ) insufficient, even if they are "in the right direction." It proposes the establishment of a general truce breaks from November 1 to March 15 for all consumers, on the model of the winter break of evictions (a truce energy cuts already applied but only for some consumers), and the establishment of an "energy check", which may be substituted for social tariffs.

The Norwegian sovereign fund, the first equity investor in Europe, on Friday urged European leaders to fully address the structural problems of the old continent, but said he voted against the restructuring program of the Greek debt.

Presenting its results in 2011, the Government Pension Fund Global (GPFG), fueled by oil and gas bonanza of the Nordic countries, said he would prefer re a solution to the Greek case which does not favor some creditors over others.

"We voted against for reasons of principle," he told reporters Yngve Slyngstad, CEO of Norges Bank Investment Management (NBIM), a division of the Norwegian central bank manages the SWF. 

"As long-term investor, we believe it is important to stick to principles."

He stressed that the exchange process of debt expected in the second aid plan for Athens had not put all creditors on the same plan since the European Central Bank (ECB) received a preferential status.

The fund has also stressed the need to solve the current difficulties of the old continent.

"Because more than half of the fund is invested in Europe, it is very important to us that the authorities manage to solve their enormous monetary and structural challenges", a de ; Yngve Slyngstad clared in a statement.

The fund had 3.NOK 312 billion (439 billion) at December 31, against 3.055 billion kronor in late September.

The share of the fund invested in equities reached 58.7% at the end of last year, against 55.6% at the end of the third quarter. Yngve Slyngstad said the fund held 2.25% of the total market share in Europe.

He reported the purchase of more than 150 billion kronor (19.8 billion) of European values ​​on the second part of 2011.

In the fourth quarter, the fund posted a return on investment of 4.4% in the fourth quarter, ending on a positive note one year 2011 where the return on investment has reached -2.5 %, a loss of 11.4 billion euros.

In the third quarter, the return on investment reached -8.8%.

Unemployment insurance has been reminded by the Supreme Court the obligation to provide full information to job seekers, particularly in access to benefits. She has no room for error in this regard. Which should cause it to reorganize its procedures. Agency employment center in Nice

This is a decision that may have serious consequences for employment center to the edge of implosion. The Social Chamber of the Supreme Court ruled on February 8 that judge as unemployment insurance has failed in its obligation to deliver a "comprehensive information" to a woman about jobless benefits she was entitled. This decision "at the expense of employment center a general duty of information for all job seekers," he told AFP Me Christelle Mathieu, confirming a report by France Bleu Nord. "Now the burden of proof shall be on the employment center," while far a job seeker who felt cheated had to prove its allegations, she said. "It will be the employment center to prove that he has informed the job seeker," she added.

An obligation to properly inform

Moreover, "the Supreme Court has said that employment center has an obligation to provide full information," said the lawyer. Brochures and flyers have indeed been declared inadequate by the courts. The question is will it involve in terms of organization for the employment center. "One can imagine that (…) it will be individual interviews with job applicants, but since depth interviews will need to define precisely what rights the job seeker", which is entitled to several benefits, Mr. Mathieu said. "When we have two possible allocations, employment center will guide the job seeker to one that is most advantageous to him," she said.

His client had requested a specific solidarity allowance (ASS) which was paid from 2004. But during 2005, she had learned "by chance", she could benefit from the retirement allowance equivalent (EAR), the more advantageous, according to his lawyer. She asked that the EAR, it could actually benefit since 2003, he be paid retroactively, as unemployment insurance refused him. She was then approached the court and obtained the High Court of Valenciennes, April 27, 2009, 14,774 euros in damages for the injury sustained, Mr. Mathieu. This judgment was upheld by the Court of Appeal of Douai 16 June 2010.

Now, what will happen to employment center? Unions never fail to complain about a lack of resources and personnel and a degradation of services to job seekers, since the merger of the ANPE and UNEDIC. This lack of resources also derive worse working conditions for staff of employment center, whose workload has exploded and that no longer benefit from 1,800 additional posts in CSD granted when the crisis erupted.

Airbus officials, airlines and engine manufacturers in Europe have written to the Old Continent's political leaders urging them to resolve the dispute caused by the introduction into the European Union a tax on carbon emissions.

The signatories believe that retaliation from China and other countries opposed to the European level of taxation of carbon emissions (ETS) have serious consequences for the sector, of bitter ; s a statement released Monday by Airbus, a subsidiary of aerospace consortium EADS.

The aircraft manufacturer, China has already suspended $ 12 billion (9.14 billion) of orders, which could lead, according to him, the destruction of over 1,000 jobs in-house and at least 1,000 in additional subcontractors. 

The nine general managers signed the letter addressed to Prime Ministers English, French, Spanish and German Chancellor expect that the list of cancellations of orders continues to s' thicken.

They ask the urgent opening of negotiations at the European Council and with third states opposed the carbon tax, while the situation becomes, they say, "intolerable for the sector of the Aviation ".

"The aim must be to find a compromise solution and to stop these punitive measures before it is too late," say company executives quoted in the press release.

"We always thought that only a global solution would be adequate to solve the problem of aviation emissions."

The tax on carbon emissions is an added cost of about two euros per passenger for a path between the Europe and China

. Airbus addition, the letter is signed by the heads of British Airways and Iberia, the two components of International Airlines Group, Air Berlin, Air France, Lufthansa, Virgin Atlantic, Safran and MTU Aero

. pre Entrepreneurs ; advocates of the opening of negotiations with the states concerned in the Aviation Organisation (ICAO), a UN entity

… A GLOBAL SOLUTION …… STILL EXPECTED

In a separate letter sent to the President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, Airbus CEO Tom Enders deplored the "serious situation" caused by the threat of retaliation from China and other states. 

"It seems that these threats are now becoming very real and translate into concrete actions, which begins to have serious consequences on the European sector of the aviation, "he says in this letter, which Reuters had access.

Friday, the Environment Ministers of 27 EU countries have reaffirmed their support for the carbon tax.

The European Commission has called for its forced to act unilaterally, unless a viable proposal and applicable globally from ICAO.

"Nobody would be happier than the European Union" if ICAO could provide a solution that is at least as good as that of the EU assured Connie Hedegaard, European Commissioner for Action climate. 

"We are fighting for this since 1997," she told Reuters last week. "We work very hard internally with ICAO."

China, where the aviation market is experiencing its strongest growth, is a major customer of Airbus and Boeing.

Beijing seeks to control aircraft in large quantities, through a central purchasing, before allocating the units to different airlines. Its final green light is necessary for the delivery of the aircraft.

PSA Peugeot Citroen does not exclude the future of cross-shareholdings with its new partner General Motors, which will take 7% of its capital as part of the alliance unveiled last week by the two groups.

The strategic partnership between the first French car manufacturer and the largest U.S. and world provides a common purchasing and the further development of common platforms.

The operation was not accompanied by an exchange of equity interests, as is often use to seal such a reconciliation, but a stake in GM in one way PSA, through a capital increase of one billion euros from the French group. 

"Now the time for us is probably not advisable to start with cross-participation because we need money to develop projects in which we invest with GM," de ; clared Philippe Varin, CEO of PSA, during a press conference at the Motor Show of Geneva.

"Nothing is excluded for the future, but it will not change the content of our alliance," he added.

Another big merger between two manufacturers, the Renault-Nissan has built from 1999 on equity cross – Renault now owns 43.4% of Nissan, Nissan 15% of Renault. The enlargement of the alliance in 2010 to Germany's Daimler was also accompanied by an exchange of capital, but more symbolic than at 3%.

"We think we cross-holdings are the best way to cement the win-win spirit of collaboration between the teams," said Carlos Tavares, Executive Director Officer of Renault, interviewed on Tuesday announced an alliance with its competitor.

"PSA as GM have a challenge in Europe in terms of their industrial overcapacity, both having the same problem I wonder how they will learn from each other to solve , "he added. 

COMPLEMENTARITY ON FUTURE PLATFORM

Philippe Varin declined Wednesday to discuss the implications of future common platforms for staff and two groups of plants in Europe. The first vehicle produced by this new architecture is programmed for 2016, which means starting construction next project.

The chief executive of PSA simply repeated today, the alliance had no impact on PSA overcapacity in Europe, a problem that the group intends GM solved separately in two years.

"This is a problem that every European competitor must address, it is not just a question for PSA, is a question for all European manufacturers," added Philippe Varin.

"It depends, for each manufacturer, the life cycle of its models. We, like others, will make decisions in a timely manner, "he added

. In the range of PSA, both models fueling questions about the future of sites that produce the Peugeot 207, produced in Madrid, near the end of life. Then comes the Citroen C3, also made in Madrid but also in Aulnay-sous-Bois, where management refuses to discuss the post-2014.

On the type of vehicle that will launch the first platform PSA-GM, the French group simply noted that the small car B segment, which includes the new Peugeot 208 presented e for the first time in Geneva, the alliance would draw on the expertise of the French group, while another segment of the priority of the alliance – the D, that of road – the U.S. would bring more.

PSA relies on this combination to continue its strategy of moving upmarket and internationalization of its sales, the financial difficulties that appeared last year against a backdrop of falling sales in Europe were likely to hinder . 

"The alliance allows us not to delay some projects that we would have been forced otherwise to delay," said Philippe Varin.

PSA has always perform 50% of its sales outside Europe in 2015, and two-thirds in 2020.

Universal Music, a subsidiary of Vivendi, has requested a green light from European authorities to buy back the recorded music division of the British label EMI, said Monday the European Commission on its website.

The operation of some € 1.4 billion would allow the first record company to add to its global catalog Coldplay and Katy Perry for example. But it may be a long and careful consideration of the competition authorities.

In November, Universal said hold 26.5% of global recorded music. By merging its operations with those of EMI, the group would control, in some European countries, over 50% of the market.

The European Commission, guardian of competition in the Union, was given until March 23 whether to grant the green light for the operation.

GDF Suez on Thursday posted an increase in operating performance in 2011, thanks especially to the takeover of Britain's International Power since February, and said target a net recurring at least stable in 2012.

The French energy company and table for the current year on a recurring net income group share of between 3.5 and 4 billion euros (against 3.5 billion in 2011) on the gross investment of about 11 billion and an ordinary dividend equal to or greater than that paid for 2011. 

But he cautioned that these objectives were based on a particular impact of its total procurement costs on regulated gas prices in France, while they were partially frozen in 2011, hurting its gross operating profit (EBITDA).

GDF Suez also table at 2015 on a recurring earnings, Group share, of the order of 5 billion euros "to mean climate control and stable", with a level of gross investment of about 9 to 11 billion euros a year and a stable or increasing dividend over the period 2013-2015.

GDF Suez in 2011 recorded a group net profit of 4.003 million euros (-13.3%), EBITDA of 16.525 million (+9.5%) and sales of 90.673 million (7 , 3%). 

The consensus reached by the editor of Reuters and Thomson Reuters I / B / E / S, analysts on average expected a net profit of 4.599 million euros, an EBITDA of 16.511 million and a turnover of 90.004 million.

GDF Suez proposes an ordinary dividend of 1.50 euros per share for 2011, unchanged compared with that paid in respect of 2010.

Post held an extraordinary board Thursday on the topic of financing local government, while negotiations on the resumption of Dexma, a subsidiary of French bank Dexia during dismantling lement, seem to enter their final stretch.

The holding of the Board, initially reported by a director representing the CGT in the public group, was confirmed by a spokesman for The Post.

"An extraordinary Board of Directors of La Poste Group is convened for tomorrow Thursday, February 9 to 16 hours," said Bernard Dupin, the administrator CGT, in a statement specifying that the funding local authorities will be on the agenda. 

The board of directors "will be preceded for employee representatives in a meeting with Mr. Philippe Wahl, chief executive of Bank PO," said Bernard Dupin.

The Deposit must meet on Wednesday its supervisory board to review the case Dexia. The CDC, which had already participated in the rescue of Dexia in 2008, and The Post Bank should take over from the Franco-Belgian bank in this market with the launch, scheduled for mid-2012, a new public bank dedicated to local governments.

Agreement on the resumption of Dexma (Dexia MA), specializing in refinancing loans to local authorities, is crucial in the context of drying of loans to community s French local.

SARKOZY HOLD A CONFERENCE

During question time in the National Assembly, the minister in charge of local authorities reported that the head of state Nicolas Sarkozy Friday held a conference on local finances. 

"The president meets this Friday, February 10 a conference on local government finance which will deepen these topics with associations of local authorities, particularly the partnership with the Deposit and Consignment Office, which must again be examined, "he said and Philippe Richert.

Estimates of Dexia Credit Local, some 10 billion euros in 2012 could fail to secure the financing that French local authorities have required banks deserting the market due of the crisis and the new prudential rules.

In this context, some local governments are forced to abandon or postpone their investment plans. 

The construction group Vinci also does not exclude a decrease in orders from local authorities in the coming months while the new bank created by the Post Bank and the CDC has put in place .

"Because of the lack especially of the great actor that was Dexia to finance local authorities and before the implementation of the actor who is being set up between the Deposit and Post Bank (…), it is possible that over the coming months we observe a decrease in orders from local authorities, "said Xavier Huillard, CEO of Vinci, during a press conference.

The main unions of pilots, stewardesses and stewards have issued a strike notice for four days starting Monday. Air France has said it already able to provide over 80% of its flights. Of passengers at the information board on flights at Charles de Gaulle

French unions aviation, including pilots of SNPL and the main organizations of hostesses and stewards, confirmed Friday their strike call from 6 to 9 February to oppose a bill regulating the right to strike in this sector.

Air France plans nonetheless provide at least 80% of its flights. But warns that the percentage may be reviewed depending on the number of employees that arise at work, they are not forced to declare strikers.

For its part, EasyJet does "no major disturbances" on its flights despite the strike call.

In addition to the pilots and flight attendants, federations FO, CFDT, UNSA and CGT have the air, after an inter-union, called the staff of companies and their service providers to mobilize. The bill "has been hardened to the Assembly and the government does not want to negotiate, the National Council of SNPL therefore confirmed the strike on Friday from 6 to 9 and decided it would be renewable, either directly after 9, or at another time, "he told AFP Yves Deshayes, national president of the SNPL, the main pilots' union, super-majority at Air France.

"In the action via other means"

"At the Inter, after our board meeting, it's the same with a strike from 6 to 9, and a few different versions according to the unions," said Yves Deshayes. "The three main trade unions of PNC (flight attendants), the SNPNC, the Unac and UNSA also call from 6 to 9, "said the driver. "The strike is held from 6 to 9," also said Franck Mikula, president of the Unac (CFE-CGC) at the conclusion of the Inter.

The SNPL said that among the ground staff would go on strike and some others would be "in action via other means." "We call for the strike in all French airlines, in metropolitan and overseas territories" , said Yves Deshayes.

Sales were flat compared to last year and prospects by the end of the operation on February 14 are bad. Winter sales, January 2010

Sales of the first half of the winter sales are stable, but the figures hide wide disparities in the types of stores, and prospects by the end of the transaction on Feb. 14 are "brittle" in the context of crisis. The French Fashion Institute (IFM), which refers, on Tuesday released the figures of the first two weeks of sales, traditionally the most active of the operation, lasting five weeks. On average, "it is not extraordinary, but it's not a disaster," said Gildas Minvielle, head of the Economic Observatory of the IFM, recalling that in 2011, the first half had balances resulted in sales between 0 and 1%.

For circuits, the figures are still "quite mixed," with a "bonus" to some shops downtown, he notes. Stores called "popular" category which essentially network Monoprix, sign the best performance with sales up 10% to 15%. Department stores, hypermarkets and supermarkets other retailers and mass market chains (which sell both clothing man, woman and child and are often on the periphery or Kiabi as La Halle) show an increase between 0 and 5%. But sales of independent multi-brand and specialty channels (type H & M, Zara …) fell between -5% and 0%. "The outlook for the remaining weeks of sales are weak" and 48% of Distributors expect a negative activity, says the IFM.

For their part, traders are more or less satisfied with the first two weeks of sales. – "Balance not good for the moment." Malls display an attendance close to last year (+0.3%), while revenue rose "in the order of 1 or 2%," according to Jean-Marie Silberstein, managing director of National Council of Shopping Centers (CNCC). "The purchases cheap work well in times of crisis, the consumer is on the lookout for bargains," said he. Side e-commerce, the sector federation announced for the first week sales jumped 14% (18% for sites mainly textiles).  

"Some of us are happy, others less," said Bertrand Morvan for his part, Chairman of the National Federation of clothing (FNH, independent). "We do not necessarily sold large pieces, perhaps does one sell from now with the cold snap. I think it will not be such a bad thought it," he predicts. "Cool weather will surely boost some sales, especially large pieces," added Jean-Marc Genis, president of the Federation of brands of clothing (FEH), which unites the chain, whose sales fell to about 2% over the first half. Francois-Marie for Grau, chief representative of the French Federation of ready-to-wear, "the record is not good for now".

Involved "essentially the problem of purchasing power experienced by consumers." Evidenced by sales of low end, suffer the most, is he. He also cited "the climate problem", with a cold came late, and the rise to power of "floating sales, promotions, private sales, and prices crossed on the internet." The Secretary of State for Trade Frederic Lefebvre said Monday in As part of the event Passion Commerce's decision to entrust a mission Crédoc on the issue of balances, balances floating, promotions, sales and private sales, said its services. This is to take stock, three years after the Act of modernizing the economy (LME), which governs the system of sales and promotions, and to determine whether changes are needed.