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For his arrival in France, Banana Republic offers a prime location: the Champs-Elysees. At the bottom of the avenue, sunny side, work has just begun. The Gap Group, owner of the sign, hoping his inauguration in early December naviral Admiral Paris, next to the shop and in front of the Adidas Abercrombie & Fitch.

"After the success of our new stores in London and Milan, we found the right time and the right location for us to launch in Paris," says Sonia Syngal, who oversees Gap's European operations. On two floors and 1,500 square meters, the brand of "affordable luxury" – as this group – will present its Ready-to-wear for men and women in chic and classic style, at prices close to those of Sandro and Maje , signs in French of the moment.In the mid-dresses (from 85 euros) and trench coats (from 189 euros), guests will find the same accessories and care products.

With a multilingual concierge and personal stylists, "This store has the ambition to become a major destination for Parisians and visitors from France and abroad," says Stephen Sunnucks, President of Gap International Group.

Born in 1978 in the United States, five years later bought by Gap, Banana Republic is still little known on this side of the Atlantic. Since October 2010, the French and the inhabitants of 24 European countries can also purchase the pants and shirts of the brand on the Internet. But the first European Banana Republic store was opened in early 2008 in London, in the shopping of Regent Street.Five other outlets have been opened since Britain, and other launches are planned this year and in 2012. Banana Republic has also planted a flag second in Italy last November. The store in Milan is a great success by group, who does not wish to provide figures. He expects the same home in Paris, but it is "too to think about other openings in France," said Sonia Syngal, which has not yet finalized the launch of marketing operations.

Seven new countries by the end of the year

Struggling in its home market for years, Gap, which also owns brands Old Navy, Piperlime and Athleta, setting internationally to find a second wind. Only 20% of $ 14.7 billion in sales in the group of clothing last year came from abroad.By the end of 2013, this share should be increased to 30%, counting both the activity of physical networks Gap and Banana Republic and that of its other subsidiaries on the Internet.

In late June, the group had shops in 34 countries and could be delivered in 114 countries. "We enter seven new countries by the end of the year, the highest number for a single semester ever," said Glenn Murphy, CEO of Gap, in the presentation of interim results .

LE FIGARO. – Economic activity appears to be a brake brutal. How do you explain it?

Laurence Parisot. – The slowdown is due to meet two sets of causes: the United States, an economic and political situation that was deteriorating, and in Europe, the States that crossed the red line in terms of debt. Once you overcome these difficulties, we find a strong growth and job creation but do not mistake in the analysis of what we experienced this summer. The situation was tense when China began to lecture the U.S. on their debt. The Americans probably wanted then iron the mistigri to Europe. There has been a kind of psychological warfare and an attempt to destabilize the euro area. The markets have overreacted, being by nature very sensitive to rumors, even organized.The moral of the story is that we should not be naive and fall for the autodisqualification: if Europe were attacked, not because it is weak but because it is strong, and if it is envy, because it is enviable.

Who was behind this conspiracy?

I call it an "orchestration" overseas challenges of Europe. See the rumors about the French banks, which were released immediately when they were absolutely unfounded. Our banks are among the strongest in the world. Some of the U.S. media yet announced the death of a particular and even the end of the euro area.We went from attacks on Spain in attacks on Italy and then France, until rumors of degradation of Germany last week! When American publications widely read by investors and financial analysts on false ads headlined drama, questions arise.

The accumulation of debts of the States, however, is a reality …

Certainly. The debts are no longer tenable. They must be absorbed quickly. As shown by the measures taken last week, the government was quick to hear the warning.

You are therefore in favor of the gold back to a balanced budget?

The principle of the golden rule would consolidate the reputation of our country and facilitate the work of any government.Many countries are engaged in it, it would be strange that we're not able to do French.

Ten billion of additional levies for a billion expenditure savings, is this the best way to fight against the deficit?

We had to quickly adjust the situation, the government has. But you are right, this is not enough, and the state must also accelerate the decline in spending. Ideally, a ratio of 1 to 2: twice as many savings on expenses for upward social and fiscal revenues. Measures such as pension reform and the non-replacement of an official two-point in this direction.Going further will require further structural reforms: focus on local communities and to decline the RGPP; work as health, including public hospitals (why does bill over to the insurance sector private for the same benefits?), and finally develop across the public-private partnerships and public service delegations. These channels have the immense advantage of not touching our social model.

François Fillon he had the "SME attitude" that you keep advocating in his anti-deficit plan?

It has indeed been attentive to small businesses but we must do more. Among the SOHO-SME-ETI today are the CAC 40 companies in 2030: they must get the best possible environment in order to grow.That's why we call for an extensive program to délégiférer and deregulate the legal system that encircles the neck to the small and medium enterprises. It should also reduce their taxes. It is shocking that the corporate tax (IS) actually paid by the SOHO-SME is (relative to the operating surplus) of about 39% against 19% for large companies. Among other reasons, the latter deduced from their result the interest on loans, while the SOHO-SME do not because of their reduced ability to borrow. That's double trouble! There is also a reduced rate of corporation tax (15%) for companies whose turnover does not exceed 7.6 million euros. Medef request that the ceiling be raised to 10 million.

Sixteen top managers were willing last week to be taxed more.Do you agree with the exceptional tax on high incomes will be instituted?

We see very high incomes in athletes, actors, professionals: it is not an issue specific to some entrepreneurs. I understand the principle of a special tax to a special moment, but the tree should not hide the forest and make us forget the need for moderation in executive compensation. Also, do not confuse everything. There would be demagoguery to compare the incomparable and put in the same bag annual revenues of 250 000 euros and 2.5 million.Let us ensure that future developments of the threshold does not affect the middle class, including the upper middle classes, which are the engine of the economy.

The inclusion of overtime in the calculation of reduced charges on low wages is not likely does not increase the cost of labor and destroy low-skilled jobs?

There are of course in this action plan that we like less than others. We also deplore the passage of the social package 6 to 8%: it penalizes the profit-sharing that we want to encourage. But all part of a clear logic of debt and that, we salute.

Are you concerned about the evolution of unemployment in the coming months?

We can stop the recent deterioration. Understanding that in TPE-PME is the greatest employment potential and the fostering.Working on better employability of job seekers, integrating strong mutations trades, adapting in real time training.

The precarious employment with the proliferation of part-time, Temporary … How about it?

As part of the agreement on unemployment insurance signed earlier this year, we will create with the unions a working group on the evolution of modes of compensation. We have also provided a social debate on the labor market. I want to bring these reflections to improve the overall employment-unemployment-training. The procedures surrounding the employment contract must further progress: as such, they are blocked by their length and excessive legalism. Fear of hiring is the biggest problem for companies.Should be conducted with the collective labor disruptions that have been done with individual outs. We do not say enough that breaking conventional setup for the first time in France "flexicurity" and everyone wins.

What is the menu of your negotiations with the unions in the second half?

The priority in the coming days is to implement the employer-union agreements in the first half of youth employment. We will also continue negotiations on the value and the modernization of the peer. We will also discussions on the social well-being at work and professional equality between men and women, in which we will include paternity leave.

What is your strategy to get your ideas during the presidential campaign?

In 2007, we published a book, Need air that marked the campaign.We prepare "Need air 2" due out in early January. "Need air 2" propose structural reforms but also bring a great European project. Some time ago, it happened that I meet entrepreneurs who admitted to having voted no to the Maastricht Treaty, now I see those same business leaders confident, enthusiastic and ready to move resolutely towards European federalism economic and social development. France will remain in France if and only if Europe is united, united and powerful.

Credit Agricole took over the Cac 40. The title wins more than 6% at the Paris Stock Exchange to 6.60 euros. Investors welcomed the results of the second quarter of the group, better than expected.

In July, Crédit Agricole said that the participation of the bank in terms of aid to Greece and the operations of its subsidiary Emporiki, the country would have an impact of up to 850 million euros on its performance in the second quarter. Finally, the load is lighter than expected: Greece does not cost "only" 640 million euros on quarterly Credit Agricole. A load that is distributed as follows: 202 million euros (146 million after tax) for impairment of securities of the Greek states and 494 million for the goodwill of the Emporiki Bank (2006).However, the debt problem gecque led the market value of Crédit Agricole in a dramatic decline: its stock has lost nearly 35% of its value since the beginning of the year.

These results confirm the long-term goals

As for results, the bank has indeed announced Thursday a net profit after minority interests fell by 10.6% to 339 milion euros in the second quarter versus the same period in 2010. But this is higher than expected by analysts who had forecast a quarterly profit of 193 million euros. BNP Paribas and Societe Generale were published at the beginning of the respective benefits of 2.12 billion euros and 747 million.

According to the CEO of Crédit Agricole Jean-Paul Chifflet, these results confirm a positive underlying trend at the operational level of the bank, in the 2014 strategic plan, presented last March. The group aims to achieve a return on equity of 10% to 12% by 2014. The bank would also surpass the 25 billion euros in net banking that date.

In the medium term, Crédit Agricole has no plans to increase the capital despite the market turmoil in July and August, denied the report, published Wednesday in the Letter of expansion of 1.5 billion euros, dedicated the recapitalization of its subsidiaries in Southern Europe. However, the group recognized that its goal of returning to profit for Emporiki Bank in 2012 would be compromised.

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The fall of 6.9% of GDP in the second quarter is not for nothing. While the empty streets of Athens with the approach of August 15, the Greeks are reluctant to take a vacation. According to a survey by the Consumers' Association, six out of ten Greeks will not go this year because of the crisis. Specifically, "46% do not go a week, and only 5% will go over two days," Gianna Karatyni analysis of the Consumers' Association. "Morale is not, but the wallet either. Now the Greeks think twice before leaving, especially when the price of ferry tickets, for example to go to Crete for a family of four with a car, is 600 euros, one quarter of household earnings. A luxury, "she says.

Yet the absence of the Greeks is not visible on the beaches of the islands of the Aegean Sea. And for good reason, this summer, tourists from around the world flock by the thousands.Travel agencies estimate that 20% increase in bookings compared to 2010. "The French are fighting the same record," adds Theodore Chartomatsidis, director of the Hellenic Tourism Office in Paris: "Applications abound every day with our services. The numbers prove it. There is, for now, an increase of at least 28% of French tourists in Greece this year, "says he. "That means they could exceed one million visitors, a figure that was the goal for three years. It is therefore encouraging because with few means of promotion, we have shown that there is another Greek than the economic crisis, like the food for example No teletrak payday loan. The French responded immediately, in solidarity, above all, "he adds.

A safer country as Tunisia and Egypt

In the port of Piraeus, boats, coming and going in the islands of the Aegean Sea, are met.Karine, a French tourist, who came with family, preparing to embark for the island of Kalymnos in the Dodecanese. Impressed by the number of travelers, she concluded that ultimately the economy will be beneficial to Greece: "I think people, especially the French, were frightened by the situation in Tunisia or Egypt. Greece remains a safe country, to which is attached without really knowing him. The holidays are enjoyable, even if sometimes small strikes, "said she. Like many tourists, Karine does not hide his desire to acquire a small house overlooking the sea "if prices fall with the crisis," she says. The property prices have not fallen but never mind, for some tourists, there is an incentive to come back next year.

The Greeks do not let themselves down so far.Some invade the beaches near the capital, while others go for short-haul and less expensive way, almost 30% of Greeks went beyond their prejudices to enjoy the beaches and rates of neighboring Albania.

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The timing could not be worse for Levi's. The king of denim, which had just launched its new global campaign "Levi's Legacy" earlier this week, was forced to turn back to the UK market. The spot, shot in Berlin before the events in London, reveals, in fact, scenes of young people in clashes with security forces. Demonstrations, riots, smoke: the images are too echoed the news, depending on the brand:

Called "Go Forth" (On the Move in French), signed by the advertising agency Wieden + Kennedy American, calls young people to take their destiny. The message is reinforced by the recitation of a poem by Charles Bukowski, The Laughing Heart, to the very explicit (your life is your life / do not be discouraged by a tender moist / Be on the lookout)."Because of what's happening in the UK, we have temporarily postponed the release in cinemas and on Facebook in the country," said a spokesperson for the brand with the Daily Mail. He added that "Go Forth to embody the energy and events of our time. She does not speak of a political movement or a specific theme, but rather evokes optimism, positivism and the entrepreneurial spirit. "

The spot has also been removed from the official Facebook page for the brand. "We have all witnessed the recent events that took place in London and other cities in England. It is difficult to see a glimmer of hope amid the violence. But looking good, you will see it paperless payday loans. Not one of the riots and chaos. But through its citizens who take the broom to clean up their cities. It is through their pioneering spirit that make change possible, "says Levi's on Facebook.

Stunt involuntary RIM

Although the jeans manufacturer is trying to detach events, riots in London have a real spotlight on its new advertising campaign. A promotion that seems to also affect involuntary RIM, the maker of BlackBerry. His courier BBM, which equips its phones, known for providing a guarantee of confidentiality of trade, is on everyone's lips. Indeed, it would play an important role in organizing the riots. The British press also devotes a large part in deciphering the events.

But this stunt could serve the image of RIM on the UK market.Already some voices calling for the closure of the service in England, prompting the direction of the Canadian manufacturer to announce, without further detail, cooperation "with local telecom operators, the police and government" of the country if so requested.

This collaboration could involve the closure of the service. The risk is important for the Canadian manufacturer that could alienate her young local clientele. According to a study released last week Ofcom, the BlackBerry is currently the favorite of the English smartphones of 16-24 years (37%) to the iPhone (25%).

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If tourists have their holidays ruined by this July "rotten", the farmers themselves are partly reassured by the rain. The drought, which promised to be catastrophic end of May, appears to be narrowly avoided. For the first time in several months, the rains approached normal in June, easing the dry surface soil. However, only the northern regions have truly benefited. The first half of July and greatly reduces the effects of drought on the eastern countries, such as Rhône-Alpes and Burgundy, where the normal monthly rainfall has been exceeded. The West remains in a difficult situation.

Ranchers are in trouble

These rains helped to clarify some of the grain prospects.The agency has adjusted FranceAgriMer last week its forecast of wheat production, providing 32 million tons instead of 31. What remains below the 2010 harvest, already one of the less good the last two years.

If rain has arranged grains, however, it comes too late for some farmers. Given the difficulties to feed their animals for lack of grass in the meadows, it has been prematurely cut down some of their livestock. For others, it was necessary to buy straw to grain. Contracts were signed with them, which helped to avoid speculation and keep the price around 25 euros per tonne.FNSEA has signed agreements with the SNCF for transporting the straw with the cost and highways to avoid tolls for trucks.

Despite these measures, the additional cost of purchasing straw will reach 10,000 to 50,000 euros per farm, according to the FNSEA. Some farmers will use a short-term loan from the Credit Agricole, at preferential rates (1.5 to 2%). This will allow them to wait until payment of the advance on the compensation of losses due to drought.

This advance, initially planned 100 million euros, has already been revised to 200 million and will be available by the National Fund for risk management in agriculture in mid-September. Nicolas Sarkozy also pledged to offset one year's repayments of loans to farmers in 2009.Christophe Chambon (Young Farmers) estimates that the measure "will give an impetus to helping farmers," but wants more: a deferred annuity of total loans.

Discussions intensified and meetings are multiplying as we approach the summit of Heads of State and Government of the euro zone on Thursday in Brussels. The challenge: to present a lasting solution to the Greek crisis by adopting a second aid plan. Despite the hesitation at the head of Europe, the markets want to believe a lasting solution. Paris wins Wednesday mid-day 1.45%.

Sign, however, difficult to finalize a common position, the meeting of finance officials of the euro zone has been extended from Wednesday night to Thursday morning. In turn, the summit will begin with an hour late, at noon instead of 11 hours.

"No great advances"

The postponement will allow a little more time to French President Nicolas Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel to resolve disputes between the two countries: they meet on Wednesday afternoon in Berlin.The two countries have different objectives. Angela Merkel has applied to shower expectations. There will be "no great progress," she said Tuesday. Before insuring, Wednesday midday, the German government will show good will. And she was "very confident" of finding a common position with France to achieve "good results" on Thursday.

Recognizing that markets will forgive a bad meeting for nothing, Paris wants instead a "durable solution" is found, insisted Wednesday the government spokesman Valerie Pécresse, after the Council of Ministers. It "passes through the Franco-German couple" she added, pointing out that the main resistance to the alternative of issuing bonds were European, according to the French Government, "a German resistance."

If Paris and Berlin hold the key to an agreement between European leaders, they always seem to oppose it on ways to involve banks in terms of aid to Greece. If the amount of effort required to banks of 30 billion euros, a consensus, the methodology to be divided. Paris wants, as the European Central Bank, avoid at all costs that Greece is found in default. Germany intends to take less care. She suggested including the development does not place a tax credit, which the industry sees an evil eye.

"Agreement on the fundamentals"

The French Minister of Economy, Baroin, wanted reassurance."There is a broad convergence of views, there is an agreement on the fundamentals, there is a desire to make more sustainable debt Greek and there is still some discussion on the part of private, but it's more a discussion of degrees and not a discussion of values, "he said.

While the Franco-German leaders will finalize their position, the Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou will be in Brussels to meet at 17 hours, the president of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso. The aim of the summit is crucial on Thursday, insisted on Wednesday the spokesman of the Greek government: "We have tomorrow (Thursday) a peak in determining the future of the country and Europe, Prime Minister (George Papandreou ) engages in a battle to ensure that Greece will stand on two feet. "

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The employment contract is signed between Christine Lagarde and the International Monetary Fund. The new CEO of the institution will, in the words of the document published today, an annual salary of 467,940 dollars (323,257 euros). It will benefit in addition to 83,760 dollars per year (57,829 euros) for participation in expenses. In total, the director will receive 551,700 dollars (380,989 euros) a year, a net amount of taxes on income.

The remuneration of Christine Lagarde was up 1.1% compared with that of Dominique Strauss-Kahn as stated in the contract signed in 2007 when he took office. A parallel increase in inflation over the past four years. The price index for the Washington area, which serves as reference for the calculation of wages to the IMF, has in fact increased by 1.1% between May 2007 and May 2011.The remuneration of Christine Lagarde will be indexed to inflation, the IMF said, and adjusted each July 1.

In addition, like its predecessor, at the cost of business travel by Christine Lagarde will be paid by the IMF. With a change at the margin, however: even if not married Christine Lagarde, his companion will also be covered by these reimbursements. The IMF said the word "spouse" of the partner. Christine Lagarde, in fact, lives in concubinage with Xavier Giocanti since 2006.

The IMF has mostly benefited from the inauguration of Christine Lagarde to strengthen the code of conduct of the Director of the IMF, from the document signed by Dominique Strauss-Kahn in 2007. It is now clear that the new director should "avoid even the appearance of improper conduct," a phrase that was not before.It will also, as now all members of the IMF, training in ethics-the very word was not included in the document of 2007. Another addition, the French will see banned from participating in any political meeting, although it may remain a member of a party if it so wishes.

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Greece will operate at idle on Tuesday, the first day of a general strike of 48 hours. A movement to challenge the new austerity plan which must be passed by parliament before June 30 The unions and the opposition rejected the new tax increases and the waves of mass privatization included in this new plan.

And the movement promises to be monitored. As for transportation, airlines warned that Greek flights will be canceled and Athens, most buses, trolleys, interurban trains and trams will remain in port. Governments are also concerned. In hospitals, only emergencies will be provided, power cuts will be random and banks remain closed. The journalists will stop work for several hours. The outrage, the popular resistance movement apolitical, gathered on Parliament Square.

But despite popular discontent, the government maintains its plan, the adoption of conditions the release of a new tranche of loans from the European Union and the International Monetary Fund. Become indispensable aid to Greece to avoid a default. Prime Minister George Papandreou has even called yesterday to the "patriotic duty" of MPs urging them to vote in favor of the proposed budget for fiscal consolidation in the country. And voting will take place tomorrow and Thursday, promises to be particularly tight: the opposition and vote against certain member of the majority – that is up to five votes say they also opposed. If rejected, the Europeans have built up a "plan B", according to Reuters.It would be a plan in case of default anticontagion Greek, distinct from the French proposal, based it on a private sector participation.

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How to raise potential growth of France? The question for the Centre for Economic Analysis (CAE) – which depends on Matignon – trying once again to respond, this time taking a new dimension: the answer must now take account of financial and economic crisis that has struck down most of the world and considerably tightened budget constraints.

For France to regain competitiveness, the report – Philippe Aghion, Gilbert Cette, Élie Cohen and Mathilde Lemoine – start with going against the fashion of the moment: German copy. "The surplus comes from a German foreign competitiveness gained at the cost of wage restraint imposed over the past fifteen years.This experience is difficult to generalize to all European countries, "they wrote in the document presented yesterday to Secretary of State for Foreign Trade, Pierre Lellouche.

Spend wisely

The report calls for "focus on policies that have a strong effect on medium and long term." And it puts the focus once again on the traditional weaknesses of France: it must develop "a policy of investment in higher education and R & D", more flexible markets for goods and labor, secure career paths, and support the development of dynamic sectors, "such as healthcare, cleantech instant payday loan."

But the authors do not simply advocate new policies. They also raise the funding.Due to budget constraints, they provide should proceed "not a net increase in spending, but a shift of the latter." That's why they point the savings could be achieved by reducing or eliminating certain tax loopholes – the most expensive – and this "despite the inevitable discontent that such measures would generate." And include the reduction in VAT on the restoration and construction, as well as the tax exemption of overtime, which has "not had the desired effect in terms of job creation."

Spend yes, but smart. Intervene "targeted". It's "third way" – between austerity and high expenditure – proposed by the authors. A path that could, in their opinion, report three fourths of GDP per year in potential growth.