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Tension rises again between EDF and Areva. While both companies blame each other for the failure of the French nuclear industry in Abu Dhabi – where she was a candidate to build four reactors – a new apple of discord has arisen. For several days, Areva no longer transport of spent fuel – from EDF plants – towards its reprocessing plant at La Hague.

To explain this position, Areva said that the contract for the management of spent fuel over the period 2008-2012, which should have been signed before the end of the year, still is not. And that lack of a contract prevents the proper conduct of operations.

Yet, on the La Hague plant, things had started quite well with the ratification of a framework agreement on the period 2008-2040.But when it came to writing the contract in every detail, the situation has deteriorated (see our December 27 editions).

Today, out of this situation, the group led by Anne Lauvergeon requires arbitration of the state. "Frankly, we expect the new contract, and it's been a little too much time discussing it. There was an arbitration of the state and we expect that the arbitration rule applies, "said the boss of Areva on RMC.

Until this incident, although it does not prevent the proper operation of French nuclear power, is very symptomatic of the pernicious climate prevailing between the two groups.

Plant availability

Just took office at EDF in the fall, CEO Henri Proglio had triggered the war, explaining that the creation of Areva, the fruit behind the rapprochement between Cogema and Framatome, was a mistake.At the same time, the new chairman of the electrician had not hidden his interest in the activity of a reactor that EDF Group has always considered its supplier. In an interview with Le Monde on Monday, Anne Lauvergeon recalled the findings of Jean-Cyril Spinetta, chairman of the supervisory board of Areva in June 2009 on the subject: "Any reconciliation between the two capital would Areva for a loss of customers , EDF's competitors. "And in the wake remove all the" rumors of industrial Meccano "who also married his group Alstom.

The president of Areva also said to have "look forward to working with EDF and its new president, including the fleet availability of the electrician, whose poor figures have recently been highlighted."Why not apply in France efficient methods of Areva that maximize uptime reactors", ironically asks Anne Lauvergeon.

These tensions between the two groups involved, while the former President of EDF, Francois Roussely, was charged by the Elysee a report on the future of the French nuclear industry. In other words, the organization's most effective to implement.

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"2009 has been loaded, 2010 will be equally dense" warned Friday Nicolas Sarkozy during the presentation of its wishes to the social partners. After congratulating unions and employer representatives for their "spirit of responsibility in the crisis, the head of state has listed the main projects of 2010 on social issues.

Unemployment in particular, "will be at the heart of our action in 2010," he announced, as well as the management of addiction, "fifth social risk. The job priority for the coming year, so even if the head of state welcomed the positive results already achieved in this area. "Unemployment, with the exception of Germany, grew everywhere more than France.I do not satisfy, but if it was the opposite, which would be responsible? I have an idea … "

"The major problem of our social protection

As previously announced, 2010 will also be an opportunity to address pension reform. "It's been 50 years that we gain a quarter of life expectancy per year. This progress requires us to make decisions, "he said. Moreover, "the French are not mistaken, three quarters are concerned about their retirement. In this area, the head of state warned it will take account of the arduous work. "It's a defect French confusing equality and uniformity," he explained, suggesting that retirement may not be recognized for all the same.

The Head of State had previously commended the social partners for their spirit of responsibility during the crisis.A speech already supported by Francois Fillon during his vows to the press, and a way to encourage social partners to continue this work in 2010 for the implementation of further reforms, and in particular, thorny pension . "I do not believe in our social history, we've already had a social dialogue as dense," he noted as well. "Rather than fan the flames, everyone had to heart to find solutions to the ills that affected the French," thereby achieving "a form of maturity of our democracy." "Our duty is to tell us" he meant well.

The diary of Eric Woerth, Minister of Budget, Public Accounts of the Civil Service and State Reform, is very busy. In an interview published Tuesday lexpress.fr, Eric Woerth said that "the reduction of public deficits is a priority" for the Elysee. Nicolas Sarkozy has also convened a conference of public finances that will preside over the end of January. "Today, in France, the level of public expenditure per capita of 16,500 euros. This figure increased from 500 to 600 euros per capita annually, "said Eric Woerth.

Budget Minister ensures that the government does not want to raise taxes. How, then reduce the budget gap? Several scenarios are possible. Meanwhile, Eric Woerth will visit Germany January 18 to meet Finance Minister Wolfgang Schauble.The opportunity to take a look at the German rule, namely "inclusion in the Constitution of a maximum percentage of public deficits. A rule that proved beyond the Rhine, said Eric Woerth. And that Thierry Breton, former finance minister and CEO of Atos Origin, has recently defended the airwaves of BFM.

Cutting waste must "accelerate"

"Too often in France, we ask that the rules are not respected," says Minister of Budget, citing in particular the "non-replacement of staff on both." If this solution does not apply "so stupid and nasty, it is necessary to control spending. Eric Woerth noted that France has removed 100,000 civil service posts in three years. "For the first time in decades, we have decreased – from 1% – the cost of running the state." To walk it, this effort must be "collective".The Minister said in passing the responsibilities of local authorities in reducing deficits.

Other topics will quickly come to the table, especially the reform of pensions or health insurance. "Our system is good. Simply, it is too expensive, "said Eric Woerth about care reimbursements. As for the carbon tax, another burning issue of the New Year, Eric Woerth ensures that large polluting enterprises will be subject to taxation "during the transitional period, until 2013.

The "fight against fraud" continues

The budget minister also back on his winning move at the end of 2009: the adjustment of tax evaders. Cell regulation, now closed, has indeed "get around 700 million euros to 3,500 people reported".These remittances are "twice as a full year of fiscal controls, or 70,000 childcare places," said Eric Woerth with pride. "The movement is initiated and will continue." Returning briefly to the case of HSBC list, Eric Woerth think Switzerland has met its commitments, lifting banking secrecy. "France has a say on what its taxpayers," he says, gently but firmly.

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There was just one year. The 2009 edition of the great rendezvous of the American automobile, known for its Hollywood shows with pom-pom girls and champagne was a disaster. General Motors and Chrysler were in agony. The exhibition, snubbed by six manufacturers – including Nissan, Mitsubishi and Porsche – seemed deserted.

"2009 is the year of living dangerously, predicted at the time Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Renault and Nissan. No manufacturer will not leave unscathed. "The result has proved him right. As expected, Americans were most affected. GM and Chrysler have been placed for a few months in bankruptcy. Equally unimaginable, the federal government, which granted 50 billion dollars in aid to U.S. number one, now holds 61% of its capital. As for Chrysler's future is in the hands of Italy's Fiat, which took 20% of the group.During this annus horribilis, it has passed that 10.4 million cars in the U.S. – its lowest level since 1982 – against an average 16.8 million between 2000 and 2007.

This year, the atmosphere is more breathable in Detroit, although still austere. GM and Chrysler have finally survived. "There will be a market recovery, even if it remains modest," said George Pipas, manager of sales analysis at Ford, which provides between 11.3 and 12.3 million cars sold this year in the USA.

Reducing costs

Especially, the "big three" will seek to prove that they now have the means to recover. All have massively reduced their costs, but their situations are vastly different. Ford alone has escaped bankruptcy, is in better shape. He managed to gain market share in the United States by reducing its volume down to 15%.The Dearborn Group, largely in the green in the third quarter, expects a "solid profitability in 2011 but remains cautious this year. It is particularly penalized by the cost of its debt.

With its period of bankruptcy, GM was in turn significantly restructured its financial position, reducing the number of its dealers and getting rid of most of its debt. "GM has reduced its breakeven to adapt to a market of 10.5 million vehicles," said Xavier Mosquet, director of the office of BCG in Detroit. The group also plans to make profits this year. It will mean regaining the confidence of consumers last year, its sales have plummeted 30% in the United States.

As the smallest of the Big Three, Chrysler's future remains a question mark. After a decline in its volume by 36% in 2009."He has no new products to offer and it will take some years before synergies with Fiat yield results," said David Cole, director of the Center for Automotive Research in Michigan. The group has also not planned press conference and share its exhibition stand with Fiat.

Stigmatized last year for failing to meet consumer demand for models more fuel efficient, U.S. manufacturers want to show their credentials. In the 2010 edition, will focus on hybrid and electric models, but also on compact cars. Ford will introduce its new Focus, a model designed in Europe and will be marketed on both sides of the Atlantic in early 2011. Objective: To tease the Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic, the two leaders of the segment in the United States. Smaller, the Fiesta will be launched six months earlier.For its part, GM will unveil its Aveo, a small city car to rival the Toyota Yaris. A revolution for the former owner of the huge 4 ? 4 Hummer! Launch planned for late 2011 in the United States.

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Those who advised the government not rush to rewrite the copy on the carbon tax have prevailed. The meetings are multiplying to write a new copy that will meet the requirements of the Constitutional Council, and the least we can say is that government officials are well aware of the technical difficulty to develop a new device and the political difficulty in getting this project ahead of regional elections.

President Nicolas Sarkozy, however, announced this morning by the Council of Ministers that the carbon tax would come into force in France "July 1" next, as the spokesman of the government, Luc Chatel.

The government originally hoped to send the new scheme of arrangement by the end of the week to the State Council, for consideration by the Council of Ministers January 20 as part of the supplementary budget. But this deadline will not be held."The text will not be ready this weekend and it will certainly settle for a communications cabinet at the date indicated," said a source familiar with the matter. A date that the Prime Minister, Fran?ois Fillon, was eager to give, immediately after the decision to cancel the Elders of green taxation scheme introduced by the government. And that Nicolas Sarkozy, himself, had taken her vows in French for a few days later.

Since then, prudence seems to set: the government knows that this time, no room for error.

The parliamentary debate is likely to take place after the regional.

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The British bankers fear the worst for 2010. "If you want a new banking landscape, I am afraid to disappoint you, I hope that 2010 is monotonous and boring, we had too much bombast and too populist statements this year," said Angela Knight, the CEO of the Association British bankers (BBA).

Wishes marked with bitterness against the British government it accuses of having "done more and faster than any other country" for reforming the banking sector for "political" reasons, a few months before legislative elections in 2010. BAA attacking the Labor Party, which she describes as "irresponsible" and "stupid enough" to respond as "emotionally", pointing to the recent establishment of a fee exceptional 50% Bonus over 25 000 pounds.A measure which it believes will lead to an erosion of competition in the sector internationally and an exodus of foreign banks.

"Other financial centers stand ready to retrieve the pieces of the wreck we will talk," protested Angela Knight, who warns against the killing of the banking industry, like those who once precipitated the end of the steel industry, shipbuilding and engineering. In total, the director general of the BBA calls for reform as a "a series of cautious steps".

No more optimism among British bosses. Richard Lambert, director general of the CBI, the first British employers' association, said that 2010 "will be a year of exceptional challenges for the United Kingdom.Among the risks, he cites "the international banking crisis, which is far from being resolved," with "business loans continue to decline and levels of investment remain very low."

Out of recession

Richard Lambert did not hesitate, either, to tap the government by stating he is "definitely not satisfied" measures taken by the Chancellor of the Exchequer. He said that Alistair Darling has promised to halve the budget deficit of 178 million pounds in four years, leaving aside the "structural measures necessary."

It also provides "big risk" with "pre-electoral frustrating when policies are decided by polls, and do not want to look much further than their noses."Only reason for hope: a way out of recession in the fourth quarter, GDP in the green in 2010 and "some opportunities" in these elections, which will bring "a new and revitalized government, with authority to take decisions necessary for rehabilitate public finances. "

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