Manuel Valls, the Prime Minister of the Socialist Government of France visited the British Prime Minister David Cameron in London and then addressed a selection of Businessmen from the City.
One can summarise the message he brought by saying that Monsieur Valls regretted that British Businessmen did not invest more in France ! He said France is "pro- business". What he really regretted was that Andy Street the Managing Director of John Lewis had the affront to say "France is finished..." This really hurt the Prime Minister of the second most important Member Country of the EU !
France today has a number serious problems and these must be solved rapidly in 2015, not in 2016 and following years ! Brussels will point this out officially when the French Budget is submitted shortly. What needs to be done to correct previous errors ?
1) Direct long term Investments by the Government to reverse the monthly increase of the Unemployed.
2) Contain the power of Trade Unions who legally over-protect employee rights and in this way strangle employers ! (A modern day Margaret Thatcher is required !)
3) Redefine the application of the 35 hour Working Week so that French Companies become more competitive !
4) Revise the conditions of the Social Security benefits.
5) Streamline French Government Departments.
6) Encourage the revision of the Schengen Agreement to limit Immigrants and their rights !
France has applauded the 10% devaluation of the Euro against the US dollar, but this alone will not cure its Balance of Trade deficit and the mounting National Debt.
Finally, Manuel Valls should not ignore the fact that the British do love France and the French way of life ! Tourists visit and explore France every year. History also has noted that in times of need Britain has been a loyal ally on several occasions !
Vive L'entente Cordiale !
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