In spite of the catastrophic Opinion Polls during 2014 President Hollande has not yet abandoned the idea of standing for a second term in the Presidential Elections in May 2017 !
With this in mind and with the aim of improving the performance of France in the eyes of the EUROZONE critics, particularly Angela Merkel, he appointed Manuel Valls as Prime Minister in May, and Emmanuel Macron as Minister of the Economy. They both appear to be "right wing Socialists" which strikes fear in the hearts of some die hard members, while others applaud them ! It has split the Socialist Party !Changing or just modifying traditional Socialist principles is not easy. Martine Aubry, who introduced the 35 working week in 1991 in an effort to reduce unemployment, will fight any ideas to change this law. She will be backed by Trade Unions !
At present Valls and Macron are testing the reactions of the French electorate but also those of the EUROZONE partners ! They are just nibbling at the major problems. Both know that France as a country must reduce its overheads. This means streamlining the Civil Service but also reducing the cost of Social Benefits and their cost to Employers. Will anyone dare to change the age of retirement which is also an option ?
If Hollande decides not to stand for a second term Valls, now aged 52 appears to be a creditable candidate for the job ! It could become a case of "out with the old (Socialists) and in with the new" !
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