In extremis. The Crazy Horse dancers got back this Thursday night on stage at the famous Parisian cabaret to ensure representation of the show "Fire" is currently showing. On strike since Tuesday, young women have reached an agreement with management late in the day for better pay and recognition of their stage performances.

As requested, they get an increase of 15% of their wages subject to "flexibility on development operations," said Philippe Lhomme, one of two owners of the tavern, told AFP, without giving further details.

Young dancers lamented a monthly salary averaging less than 2000 euros net for two shows nightly, 5 to 6 days a week. Management refused to comment on this strike is the first ever for the Crazy Horse since its inception in 1951.  

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It is late. But, for once, it's not his fault. Whereas in Berlin Tuesday to 18 h 30, Francois Hollande has landed 45 to 19 h. Struck by lightning, the presidential plane was forced to return to land at Villacoublay.

As he arrives on the doorstep of the Chancellery, Angela Merkel is there to greet him. They exchange a handshake. No hug, as did Nicolas Sarkozy in 2007, destabilizing his interlocutor. A little stiff, President novice discovers the protocol: a hand gesture, the Chancellor guide when passing in review the troops. It seeks its mark next to it and lack of hustle on the red carpet.

Just invested as president, Francois Hollande, like its predecessor five years ago, was keen to stress the symbolic importance and challenge of the Franco-German dedicated to Angela Merkel's first visit as head of state. "I did not know her, even if his reputation had long since crossed the border," he said after a meeting of more than an hour before a working dinner.

The Chancellor had not wanted to meet the Socialist candidate in the campaign to mark its defiance vis-à-vis the renegotiation of the budgetary stability pact. The subject was included in the course of the game menu. "I said in the campaign, I repeat again today, I wanted to renegotiate the treaty to include a dimension of growth", said Francois Hollande.

Before his election, he threatened not to ratify the text if it was not amended to include a revival of European growth. Tuesday, he paved the way for a compromise: "The method that we have agreed is to put all ideas, all proposals on the table and then see what are the translations for legal format." Everything has opposed priori attached to the socialist revival and conservative buttressed by fiscal discipline. But, obviously, the head of state does not rob his partner immediately. "We have different approaches to achieve growth, but we will share our ideas to see what are the different ways to stimulate growth," replied the Chancellor. Francois Hollande evoked improving competitiveness and Eurobonds payday advance lenders. To reassure the Germans, he said he was concerned about the "seriousness of the budget." But, he said, "it's because I'm for serious budget I am for growth."

Time was not on Tuesday, the settlement of underlying problems that have accumulated. "This meeting was intended to know us better, build a relationship, establish a working method," said the French president. Among the burning questions, the crisis in Greece could not be avoided, in a context where it leaves the euro area is now considered. "The Greeks must know that we will come to them to enable them to secure their place" in the eurozone, Holland assured. "I agree that Greece must remain in the Euro Area", completed Merkel, hoping, for his part, "structural reforms".

Sentenced to agree

The Head of State and the Chancellor will meet on Friday at the G8 summit at Camp David, then, in the process, that of NATO, in Chicago. Above, both meet again May 23 for an informal summit of Heads of State and Government in Brussels European. And in late June, the European Council, "French and Germans will jointly present their ideas for growth in Europe," Merkel promised.

Despite their differences, the new couple Merkel Holland was sentenced to agree. At the edge of its mandate, the French president can not afford to fail on one of its most ambitious promises, the reorientation of the European Union. For his part, Chancellor, one year of law, is obliged to strengthen its position against an opposition Social Democrats who redoubles criticism against the policy of austerity. In the presidential entourage, it is noted that the electoral victory of the SPD in North Rhine-Westphalia on Sunday, depriving Angela Merkel a majority in both Houses of Parliament

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After signaling his desire for conciliation, the Chancellor is not prepared to cede from the start to his new partner on the bottom. However, Berlin wants to avoid disagreements come to light Tuesday when the president recently invested will travel to Berlin for his first official visit abroad.

Angela Merkel had announced it would host Holland "open arms" despite their differences on the European Stability Pact. Having hammered firmly its position on the need to continue the policy of fiscal discipline in Europe all week, the Chancellor expressed confidence Saturday about the possibility of installing a "stable partnership with the new French president." "We have known for the creation of the Federal Republic of Germany as a good Franco-German relationship is just very important for both countries," Merkel stressed.

"Connecting"

The two leaders should discuss the crisis in the euro area and bilateral relations. Francois Hollande wants to reopen negotiations on the pact of fiscal discipline to include measures of growth, to which Germany is strongly opposed. Berlin doubt that Francois Hollande is willing to compromise before the evening of the second round of legislative, June 17 Tuesday, the Chancellor is focused upon how far Holland is determined to cling to his request for "renegotiation". "It will be a meeting to get acquainted. But I think there will grow a good job of cooperation, "she said to defuse the expectations of decisions.  

Friday, Berlin responded by opening a fake requests for Francois Hollande presenting a six-point plan to support growth in the euro area. This recalls the initiatives supported by Germany: better management of funds, redeployment of structural funds to finance projects with growth potential, improving the efficiency of the European Investment Bank (EIB) to finance SMEs, investment infrastructure projects in Europe, improving the functioning of the internal market, strengthening free trade agreements. But any formula which would help to raise its deficits, or mentioning a renegotiation of the existing treaty, is totally taboo in Berlin.

The president of the Bundesbank, Jens Weidmann, has cropped tightly Saturday who were able to suggest a shift in his doctrine of orthodoxy, and he launched warnings to Francois Hollande. "A modification of the statutes of the ECB would be dangerous," warns former economic adviser to Angela Merkel, referring to proposals for Francois Hollande to leave the ECB to take steps to support the economy or lend directly to States. He added that "it was not until the final program of the government" the French president. "It is clear that we must reject his claim of campaign, to unravel the European fiscal pact," he decided. Although in reality, the candidate Holland spoke instead to complement it.

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"It was like in the 1970s," said Senator Sabina Rossa, daughter of a trade unionist killed by the far-left terrorist group Red Brigades. Like Greece, Italy, suffocating under the pressure of austerity. Some do not hesitate to use violence to express their anger. So much so that the country is afraid to relive the dark days of the 1970s and 1980s, called "years of lead", with the rise of violent political activism.

Target of these attacks, the symbols of austerity. Saturday morning, two Molotov cocktails were thrown against an agency's office of tax collection Equitalia in the city of Leghorn (northwestern Italy) easy pay day loans. The previous day, clashes broke out before another agency's office in Naples. Last week, an official of Equitalia had been held hostage for several hours by a trader before he did make to the police.

Risk "escalation" is

Equitalia an agency in Rome where a threatening letter was received. Photo credits: Domenico Stinellis / AP

China's middle class has not yet sailed, but the billionaires, they have sailed. In Hainan Rendez-Vous, which in the great South Island has become the main lounge of the Chinese luxury – be they boats, jets or cars – yachts are gone this year as ravioli . For western manufacturers, China has become a vital source of growth.

On the pontoons of Sanya, the size of boats on display is impressive. As usual, China looks like a "market upside." We start with the big, big, high-end. "The market has stalled on large powerboats, and more than 70 feet, said Francois Rodrigues, head of China Bénéteau, this is the only segment that real progress. For the rest, including sailboats, this is not going as fast as hoped and thought. "The Chinese craft is still struggling to democratize.

0.3% of Chinese have a rich recreational boat

For now, China is the Mecca for yachts. Or will be soon. "China has huge potential but has not yet expressed," said Sebastiano Fanizza, Asia-Pacific Director of Azimut Yachts. Chairman of the Corporate Executive Board Rodriguez, Eric de Saintdo says that "for 90% of people who are there, China remains an unknown. But in terms of shrinking European market, this is the place to be. " More than 500,000 Chinese already have over a million dollars. They should be nearly 800,000 in 2013. And the number of billionaires jumped 30% last year.

But, according to the Italian Trade Commission (ITC), only 0.3% of those rich Chinese have a recreational boat. Owners of 1500, against 600,000 in Britain and 19 million in the United States. This number could increase to 100,000 in the coming decade. "China is the place in the world that has the greatest potential, confirms Iain Lawrie, responsible for China Southern Princess, the manufacturer of yachts belonging to the British Louis Vuitton. Within five years, China will surely be our largest market. "He said the right size of boats between 70 and 100 feet.

More "lounge" that sun

Also according to the ITC, the amount of Chinese imports of yachts from 91 million in 2010 to 150 million in 2011 and is expected to reach 250 million in 2014. Factors still limit the growth. Taxes, first, about 43% for vessels over 8 meters. The absence of a true service chain, then. And finally the lack of education of owners, who see buying a boat as a luxury car, without imagining that behind maintenance.

Carla Demaria, it can not but welcome the Chinese adventure. The boss of Monte Carlo Yachts, the prestige brand created four years ago by Beneteau – which she is also board member – has a hit in Sanya. Four vessels 65 feet or 76 sold. "China is my primary focus now, says she, and we respond to local expectations, with for example an outdoor design more" lounge "as sunbathing. For here, we receive more of these boats that can not spell at sea "All manufacturers are now offering to convert the cabins in karaoke rooms and mahjong cash advance no fax. "The main use is to make networking, receiving clients or friends, confirms Sebastiano Fanizza, not from fifteen days at sea with family."

Marinas designed by the French

This is one created by a French SME which now draws nearly three-quarters of Chinese marinas. NDA (New Design Associates) has invested the "maritime territories at large", as says his boss and founder Emmanuel Delarue. Marinas, as well as shipyards or tourist sites. This architectural firm and design moved to Shanghai in 2002. And the maritime sector represents 60% of its activity. "There was an explosion of marinas projects between 2008 and 2011," he says. The Italian Trade Commission estimates that 90 marinas are operational or under construction on the coast of China. Only 35 are large. A hundred others would be in the cards. NES has 70% market share, and its turnover has tripled in four years.

"We bring extensive expertise"

"After this madness, we reach a certain maturity and people are looking for a business model," said Emmanuel Delarue. Long, marinas have been seen as mere stooges of real estate projects. "It is not enough, and they seek how to turn this into real economic activity, and this is where we bring a lot." More architect, NDA wants to "developer." Persuading developers to think pleasure a consumer, not just elitist. It must also consider the attractiveness of the coasts, with water quality. Sanya, NES has completed a strategic plan for 250 km of coastline.

"Our advantage is that the Chinese want the very best, and we bring extensive expertise, particularly on environmental issues," says Laura Qiu, Vice President of NES, brilliant Chinese woman who just passed by Insead. The company has been recognized for a conference center in Dalian – China hosting the Davos – which includes new treatment technologies for energy, with heating and air conditioning seawater She has also be awarded by the French Chamber of Commerce in China. The story is even more beautiful than NES has brought with it another small French, Poralu, French market leader for the pontoons. "After five years of implementation, we have 30% market share in China, says Virginia Segura, head of Asia Poralu, and a 25% growth per year."

Today, NES is redeploying abroad from China, whether in the Gulf or even in Europe. "We have gained experience here that gets lost a little with us, Emmanuel continues, the management of very large projects."

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The theme of housing has not been central to this campaign. However, Francois Hollande noted that the French were infuriated by the lack of available goods and soaring prices that ensued. In its program, the new president has presented a battery of measures in this regard. One of them caught the attention of the general public: rent control, "when prices are clearly excessive," he says. One way to stop him according to the price increase that reaches over 20% in the center of major cities.

Specifically, Francois Hollande plans to establish reference prices, city by city. And rents proposed at the first location or relocation of property will not exceed this limit.

"In the tense areas, the idea would be to limit the level of rent at 80% of average prices," said Thierry Repentin, Senator PS in charge of housing the team in Holland. This proposal faces strong opposition from real estate professionals. "If the measure is applied, a large number of owners who rent their apartments withdraw from the market, prognostic Laurent Vimont, General Manager of the branch network, Century 21. So, there will be fewer goods for rent. And ultimately, it will cause higher prices. "

A new ceiling of the booklet

Another commitment: Francois Hollande wants to multiply social housing. He expects the construction of 150,000 social housing per year against 90,000 in 2011. To achieve this it intends to play on several mechanisms.

First, doubling the ceiling of the booklet A, currently set at 15,300 euros. One way to release funds because 70% of the collection of this financial product is used to provide low-interest loans to builders, housing agencies. Then tighten the SRU law (Solidarity and Urban Renewal), which requires municipalities to build 20% of social housing. The financial penalties for not complying with these cities obligations are quintuplets. Finally, give grounds to state housing agencies so that they are building housing at lower cost.

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The tone hardens in the conflict between marine companies between Corsica and the mainland. The strike called by the CGT Wednesday to demand the application of the same social laws to all shipping companies, including foreign competition, making these runs was renewed this Saturday. A decision that provoked the "anger" of the direction of SNCM (Société Nationale Corse Méditerranée), 66% subsidiary of Veolia Transdev. The South (ex-CMN) is also affected by the strike. The movement "is followed at 28% to SNCM, a little more to the CMN, but enough to prevent smuggling," said the leadership of SNCM.

The nine SNCM ships and the South (ex-CMN) assigned to services between Marseille, Nice and Corsica are therefore remained docked for the fourth consecutive day, some 10,000 passengers were affected since the conflict began. Many of them have changed their return by traveling on ships of the private company Corsica Ferries, Italian flag, which normally circulate. SNCM has expressed "outrage" because "this movement supposed to fight our competitors rather strengthen, beyond their expectations." Moreover, the director of the company for Corsica, Pierre-André Giovannini, expressed his "regret for the inconvenience to our customers, passengers and cargo carriers, and this new blow to the island economy." He said over the weekend of May 8 Bridge is "one of the most important pre-season tourist" for Corsica.

A bill filed by the PCF

The strikers will meet again Sunday morning to decide on the following movement. "So is the future of thousands of jobs in our profession," says the union in a statement. The strike comes as the ferries market suffered the turmoil of the crisis in recent years. Thus, since its passage in the private sector in 2006, SNCM has almost always been in the red. She was accused of operating losses of 15 million euros last year. Especially, the CGT sailors had already scored a major coup a year ago by stopping work for 47 days, never seen to SNCM. If it were to get bogged down, however this new strike is unlikely to change the trajectory of the group. The direction of the SNCM instead reiterated its "determination to rapidly modernize and evolve the company, in all areas." Last March, the chief executive, Marc Dufour, warned that SNCM would have to separate at least two car ferries and 800 employees in 1617.

In some election, this issue has naturally taken a political turn. Friday, a trade union delegation was received in Paris by representatives of different parties, including the national secretary of the PCF, Peter Lawrence. His party has tabled in the Senate on March 22 a bill to require all companies operating in France the first entry in register of ships, making them subject to French social laws. Sailors CGT also met the spokesman of the Socialist Party, Benoît Hamon, who is, according to the union, "clearly in favor of the adoption of this law," and a consultant Francois Hollande. In Marseille, finally, a delegation was received by the federation UMP.

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Broadcasting rights in Ligue 1 does not finish any talk of the town. After the thunderous arrival of al-Jazeera on the market of French football, it's the turn of the major Internet players out of locker rooms.

Google, through its YouTube platform, is currently finalizing its negotiations with the Professional Football League (LFP) to broadcast, from next season and for four years, summaries of the matches of the championship of France. The U.S. operator will share this with Dailymotion (whose capital is controlled by France Telecom), which has already signed several weeks ago, but also with the website of the newspaper L'Equipe. A first in the history of French football and a symbol of the announced arrival of new technologies in the world of television.

Five million

Admittedly, the contract would ultimately much less juicy than the previously signed with Orange, which reached 8 million per year. In total, the amount paid by the three contenders together would not exceed EUR 5 million. But each party is benefiting. The LFP can blow, since this lot had not found a buyer when the rights are on the market for almost a year. But the real satisfaction is obviously on the side of internet operators. "This is the best product possible, video on demand! The sport is even louder than the music, "enthuses a close case. In addition, future broadcasters can only rejoice in the duration of those rights. An eternity in terms of Internet time. "With a four-year period, we pérennisons our positions and our business," says one still on the side of operators acquirers. Specifically, they will have the right, on the Sunday evening, make available a summary of 5 minutes per league match – either fresh 50 minutes a week – incorporating the best actions and goals of each meeting. A format that fits perfectly in consumption patterns on the Web.

It only remains now to the LFP to negotiate the last batch, the famous mobile lot that still has no takers.

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