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The long pause between colleagues at lunch time lived. The increased pace of work was right in this traditional division, whose length has been reduced to a trickle in the last twenty years. While employees willingly stopped for over an hour and a half to sustain themselves in the 1990s, they now spend no more than 22 minutes on average to this ritual.

"The lunch break has become the adjustment variable of the workday, says Anne-Sophie Godon, director of prevention within the group of social protection Malakoff Médéric, who published a study Tuesday on the subject. The content of the day was densified, while the distance between work and home tends to increase. In this context, employees have no choice but to cut back on the lunch break. "Women are more concerned than men, many of them prefer to take the shortest time at noon in hopes of starting earlier work, says Odile Fox, medical officer in Paris.

Employees bring their lunch more

With less time spent at lunch, it is the nature of the meal that has changed. A perceptible change in the last few years yet, the study said. Since 2009, the number of employees who go home for lunch has been declining (29% of respondents in 2011 against 34% in 2009), as well as those who go to a restaurant business (19% instead of 22%). In contrast, the share of those who swallow a sandwich as a meal is still growing by 2 points in 2011 compared to 2009.

Shortening the length of the lunch break is not always synonymous with "junk food".The proportion of employees who bring their pittance to work after having prepared at home is steadily increasing. Nearly a third now say do it frequently, women are over-represented again. "The French are trying to eat more balanced, it is a serious sociological trend. Provide meals is a way to control your diet. It's also a way to save money, "says Anne-Sophie Godon. The crisis is over there.

Decreased concentration

Sandwich and dish prepared in advance, reducing the dwell time has nevertheless perverse effects. "When you eat quickly, no time to feel full. Satiety occurs only after a quarter of an hour. And when we eat at his computer, it's worse: it does not even pay attention to what you swallow.Result, we tend to snack in the afternoon, "said Patrick Serog, doctor. In 2011, 39% of employees admit to regularly snacking, two points more than in 2009. "Making a real pause, three-quarters of an hour, is crucial, says Odile as Fox. Without this cut, the stress builds up. "

The health of the employee is not only involved for the company either, the lunch break is not wasted time. An employee who does not stop and does not cut even if it's only twenty minutes with their working environment is an employee who may lose concentration. "Attention has its phases. It can be really careful for forty five minutes or an hour, but rarely more. If we restore his normal work environment at his office, for example, the concentration decreases even faster, and we made mistakes, "warns Patrick Serog.This did not include an office where you eat according to host Monster 400 times more bacteria than the toilet normally maintained.

"Testimonials – And you, do you take time for breakfast? Prepare your meals in advance or do you buy close to your work? Share your experience in comments below or by email at temoin@lefigaro.fr.

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The case of the fraudulent trader at UBS will ultimately cost his position to the Director General of the Swiss bank. The institution announced in a statement Saturday that the departure of Oswald Grübel. "Today, the UBS Board of Directors has accepted the decision of Oswald Grübel, Group Chief Executive, to retire from office. The Board asked Sergio Ermotti to assume this interim position. This appointment is effective immediately, "said UBS.

The board of directors of the group was convened in plenary session Friday in Singapore. Initially, Oswald Grübel had yet to defend him. According to press Helvetic, he had to enjoy a visit to the Singapore sovereign fund GIC, which holds 6.41% of UBS, to ask the Board of Directors of the bank vote of confidence.He wanted to get his approval to remain in power until early 2013 and to complete the restructuring of the banking and wealth management at UBS.

The extent of the fraud trader in London, Kweku Adoboli, has had because of this determination. "The Board regrets the decision of Oswald Grübel. The latter considers it his duty to take responsibility for the recent case involving unauthorized trading operations. " This case was discovered on September 15, caused a stir in the world of finance. Rating agencies Standard & Poor's and Moody's immediately placed under review with negative implications the debt rating long-term 'A +' the Swiss bank.

Reputation under pressure

First estimated at $ 2 billion, losses due to fraudulent transactions conducted by Kweku Adoboli were revised upwards three days later business card.They eventually reach $ 2.3 billion (1.66 billion euros). An internal investigation was opened. UBS tracking the failures of its system of risk control. The gendarmes of financial markets in Switzerland and the UK have also launched independent investigations into the circumstances of the losses suffered by the bank. "The board is deeply disappointed by the loss from unauthorized transactions and fully support the independent investigation. Furthermore, it will ensure that support measures are in place to prevent such cases could occur again in the future, "promises UBS.

It must be said that the bank is under pressure, as he tried in recent years to restore its reputation tarnished by the crisis "subprime" in 2008.The Federal Housing Finance Agency, the U.S. federal agency to oversee the mortgage market, accuses him of having sold $ 4.5 billion of toxic assets to mortgage refinancing agencies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and is seeking to return $ 900 million. The Swiss bank is also under investigation in France on suspicion of using tax evasion. Anxious to maintain the confidence of its customers, it manages the fortunes, the bank sent them a letter last Saturday. "Your assets are safe with us," she assured.

For its part, Kweku Adoboli, the trader, 31, was detained, following his appearance before a London court Thursday. The boy will remain jailed at least until his next hearing on October 20, announced the judge.

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After starting the session in the green on Tuesday, following information about a possible takeover of Italian debt by Beijing, the CAC 40 is pressed far into the red on Tuesday. One hour after opening, it lost 2.86% to 2773.07 points, after starting the session up (1.53%). The other European financial centers remain hesitant: the Footsie-100 from the London Stock Exchange down 0.11%, the Dax in Frankfurt rose 0.26%, the FTSE MIB in Milan down 0.11% and the IBEX 35 Madrid is at -0.13%.

According to a report in the Financial Times, had asked Italy to China to perform major purchases of its sovereign debt.Senior Italian officials told the newspaper that Lou Jiwei, the chairman of China Investment Corp (CIC), was the head of a delegation that went to Rome last week to meet with Finance Minister Giulio Tremonti and as responsible for the Cassa Despositi e Prestiti. After starting the session in the red, Wall Street has ended the session in the green Monday, the Dow Jones gained 0.63% on the session. This morning, Asian stock markets also popped up slightly. The day before, the Paris Bourse had ended the session on a sharp decline dropping 4.03% to 2854.81 points (their lowest level since April 2009), weighed down by banking shares.However, market rumors suggest that Beijing now hear is not finally ready to buy bonds in Italy.

Result: the banking sector is left in the red zone, having been literally massacred on Monday. For the record, the U.S. agency Moody's announced it would lower a notch notes BNP Paribas (-10.26% to 23.44 euros) and Credit Agricole (-2.01% to 4.73 euros) and two notches that of Societe Generale (-6.10% to 14.62 euros) because of their exhibits to Greece.

Investors are particularly concerned about the situation in Greece, including the possibility of bankruptcy is no longer excluded for many politicians. An output of Greece to the euro is now considered by many economists.To this must be added about this Monday, Jean-Pierre Jouyet, chairman of the Financial Markets Authority (AMF), which estimates that Greece may have to undergo further restructuring of its debt. "What is likely to be more pronounced restructuring of the Greek debt," he said on iTV. German side, Angela Merkel is trying to catch up about his Economy Minister Philipp Rösler, who spoke Monday the event of a default of Athens.In a radio interview BBB, the Chancellor found it necessary to "avoid any uncontrolled process in the euro area."

Oil prices mixed

On the foreign exchange market, the euro was down slightly Tuesday against the dollar and the yen on Monday after falling $ 1.35 for the first time since February and the lowest for 10 years against the yen, and the voltage was strong, the markets fear more a possible failure of Greece. Around 8 am, the single European currency was worth 1.3665 dollars against 1.3680 dollars on Monday in 23 hours.

As for oil prices, they were mixed, helped by a relative weakening of the dollar-weighted but the latest projections of OPEC anticipates a lower than expected growth in demand for crude because of the nervousness of the markets.In early electronic trading, a barrel of "light sweet crude" for delivery in October gave himself 80 cents to 88.99 dollars a barrel while Brent North Sea crude for delivery in October, more sensitive to economic conditions in Europe, gave 52 cents to 112.25 dollars. "We see that oil has a weaker dollar," said Ker Chung Yang, an analyst at Phillip Futures commodity in Singapore.

On the front mécroéconomique, the consumer prices in France rose 0.5% in August from the previous month, said Tuesday the National Institute of Statistics (INSEE).This increase resulted mainly from the late summer sales but also reflects the higher prices, also seasonal, tourism-related services, these increases are offset by the seasonal decline in prices of fresh produce, INSEE said.

In addition, the current account deficit widened from France in July to 4.5 billion euros against 3.4 billion in June, due to an increase in the deficit of trade in goods, announced Tuesday Bank of France.

United States, the import price will be announced in late afternoon.

Values ​​to follow

Accor (-4.77% to 20.48 euros)

The hotel group announced on Tuesday a target for 2011 operating profit of between 510 and 530 million euros during the presentation of its new strategic objectives.

Renault (-2.69% to 23.33 euros)

The manufacturer has officially launched Monday in Maubeuge mass production of the Kangoo Zero Emission (ZE), which accounts for between 30,000 and 20.OOO vehicles per year.

PSA Peugeot Citroën (-2.91% to 16.04 euros)

The CEO of PSA Peugeot Citroen confirms Philippe Varin Tuesday in our columns his will "accelerate cost reductions," including employment.While ensuring that no significant slowing in demand was observed, explaining that the group wants to "guard against a possible market downturn."

Total (-2.29% to 31.38 euros)

The oil company announced Monday that he wanted to continue the search for shale gas in the southeast of France, while pledging not to use the method known as "hydraulic fracturing" now banned.

Interparfums

The group specializes in the design and marketing of fragrances, posted first half net profit up 33% to 17.1 million thanks to sales, according to a statement released Tuesday. This result should the "lead to revise upward its forecast for sales in 2011," added the group.

Year after year, the situation is more bitter and alarmist. The Chinese market is becoming less hospitable to foreign companies. In its annual report, the European Chamber of Commerce in China believes that despite promises, Beijing multiplies the obstacles. "Recent measures limiting further opening the market to raise questions about the desire to create for all market players sustainable opportunities," says the EU document.

Catalogue of Foreign Investment released this year by the Chinese government is full of examples. Notably in the "green" high priority posted in Beijing. Foreigners are worried about being de facto excluded from the promising area of ​​"clean energy".Thus, the joint venture manufacturer of components for cars running the "new energy" power in the first place can not be held at 50% maximum by foreigners. The same goes for offshore wind turbines. In a more general, significant obstacles still exist in the sectors of construction, automotive, financial services and telecommunications.

A perfect expertise

If the Speaker of the House, Davide Cucino, welcomed the objectives of 12th five year plan endorsed this year by Beijing, which focuses on the development of domestic consumption and services, he regretted that "some of these priorities will not reflected in the texts governing foreign investment. " And, while "European companies have a perfect expertise and technology" to address these areas of effort.Surveys of members of the House reflect the anxiety room. Some 43% of them believe that the measures taken by Beijing are discriminatory to foreign firms, against 33% last year. And 46% – against 36% last year – believe that this situation will continue at least in the next two years.

At a time when the general economic downturn makes the dynamic even more indispensable terrain Chinese, Europeans and Americans want Beijing transforms good intentions into action. As for improving market access for public bids – estimated at one trillion dollars annually, which is slow in coming, as deplored by Davide Cucino.

Caution on the Cac 40. In the wake of the Asian stock markets and the day after a sharp drop on Wall Street, investors should not take any risks. According to market operators, the Cac 40 and may open down.

Markets are waiting with some anxiety the president's speech to the U.S. central bank, Ben Bernanke, the outlook for the U.S. economy. An hour and a half ago, the U.S. government has released its second estimate of GDP for the second quarter. The consensus growth overseas could fall by 0.2 point to 1.1% from the first estimate. On Thursday, weekly jobless claims declined.Causing a sharp decline in U.S. stock markets.

On the corporate side, the ball results Essilor continues with the program on Friday morning.

Essilor International reported first half sales of 2.06 billion euros, up 6.9%, the band announced via a press release issued in the edition of Les Echos to appear Friday payday loans lenders.

Financials

The ban on short selling financial stocks on Thursday was extended to France, like Italy, Spain and Belgium, and the Financial Markets Authority (AMF) said it would review its position by late September.

Total expected to present a reorganization in the fall of scale of its operations downstream, with a planned merger of its refining and petrochemicals, according to Les Echos, citing union sources.

As for oil, prices were mixed Friday morning during electronic trading in Asia, in a sluggish market, before the highly anticipated speech of the head of the U.S. central bank (Fed). In morning trading, a barrel of "light sweet crude" for delivery in October gave 10 cents to 85.20 dollars per barrel of Brent North Sea crude for October delivery took 19 cents to 110.81 dollars.

While the public debt crisis shakes the euro area, France announced a new set of austerity measures. Goal: save 1 billion euros in 2011 and 11 billion in 2012 and thus reduce the public deficit to 3% of GDP in 2013. The government has set itself the "new challenge" to reach a deficit of 4.5% of GDP instead of 4.6% initially referred to "secure our path against any additional hazard growth and take care not to break the engine of growth, "said Prime Minister Francois Fillon.

The government downgraded its growth forecasts: this year, French GDP to increase by 1.75% against 2% originally planned. The same progression, 1.75%, is expected in 2012 against 2.25% previously expected.

The new measures

To achieve these objectives, Prime Minister François Fillon unveiled on Wednesday a new set of austerity measures. Most were expected. But Fillon said part of some key measures announced and others that had not been discussed so far.

– A tax on high incomes: it will be 3% income tax reference (capital and labor) from 500,000 euros.

– Increase of 1.2% of payroll taxes on capital income. Until now, property income (interest, dividends, life insurance products) were subject to social security contributions up to an overall level of 12.3%. This rate will increase to 13.5% and will apply to income in 2011."These households are mainly those whose standard of living is higher," insists Matignon.

– Overtime: The government has decided to reinstate the overtime in the Schedule of nationwide reduction of "maintaining the specific tax and social benefits," said the Prime Minister. Specifically, this measure will not change for employees whose net pay is not reduced and that the tax will not be increased. For employers, they will continue to benefit from the exemptions from overtime under declared but will have their planed reduce charges on low wages.

"This is not in any way to challenge the law Tepa who works overtime an instrument for business flexibility and purchasing power of employees," said François Fillon.This provision will be included in the draft budget law for 2012 Social Security to be debated in Parliament in the fall. It shall come into force on 1 January next year and will generate 600 million euros in revenue from additional contributions.

– Changing the taxation of real estate capital gains: is the measure that will bring the most in 2012 with an estimated saving of 2.2 billion euros. It is a measure that will bring the most to the state. It affects the owners of second homes, rental properties, building land or vacant. Until now, capital gains realized on the sale of immovable property (excluding principal residence) are taxed at 19% (plus payroll taxes). But the gain was undergoing a reduction of 10% per annum from the fifth year of detention.In the end, beyond 15 years in prison capital gains realized on the sale of these goods were therefore exempt from taxes. The government decided to abolish this reduction of 10% and derogatory "to tax real estate gains actually realized, after controlling for inflation no teletrack payday loan." Specifically, a tax of 19% will therefore apply to the capital gain, derived from the inflation recorded since the date of acquisition. Small clarification: This measure takes effect from the sales made after August 24, that is to say … Today!

– A new "movement of the plane" 10% of the score of tax loopholes already reduced much of last year.Are concerned and niches favoring certain investments overseas, investment in rental housing (Scellier) or the tax credit on equipment green.

– The rising price of tobacco, alcohol and soft drinks: Tobacco prices will increase by 6% in October and again in 2012. Taxes on spirits will be increased by 90 cents per liter. Wines, rums and regional productions are not affected. With the same public health argument, a tax 'anti-obesity "on soft drinks will be introduced next year, the benefit of the social security. Mentioned several times over the past years, this project had so far been held in check by the food industry.

– The complementary health will be more severely taxed to report 1.1 billion euros in 2012.Even non-existent a year ago, the tax which perform mutual and private insurers on Contracts for additional "responsible" will double to 7%.

Contracts for Health "responsible" people do not pay deductibles (1 euro per visit, 50 cents per box of medicine …) or supplements for consultations with specialists outside managed care, and do not set their contributions according to the health of the insured. They represent over 90% market share. There is no doubt that further protest and say forced to raise their prices after this. To maintain a – small – incentive for this type of contract, the contract tax "not responsible" will she, range from 7% to 9%.

– The corporate tax will be amended to harmonize the rules with Germany.The government will propose the harmonization of the report deficits in terms of corporate taxes with the rules in force in Germany. Paris and Berlin had already announced their intention to create a "common corporation tax" in 2013.

– Increased social package of 6% to 8%. The social package is a levy paid by the employer on the amount it pays its employees under the employee savings plan (participation, sharing …). Currently 6%, this package will be raised by 2 points, rising to 8%. The social package was created in 2009 and raised by 2 points every year since. This should bring 400 million euros in savings.

These measures will be proposed to parliament next week for debate in early September and be implemented quickly.

The case of addiction, however, should suffer from this new austerity plan."Addressing this issue in the economic and financial climate is not responsible," said the Prime Minister.

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Greece seriously concerned about new markets. First because of its new economic forecast alarming: the finance minister, Evangelos Venizelos, admitted yesterday that the austerity plan would cause a recession than expected, with a decline in GDP is now estimated at 4.5% " at least "in 2011 against 3.8% prior.

But mainly because the second plan with 158.6 billion euros, concocted by the Heads of State on July 21 and has yet to be ratified by all members of the euro area, has been seriously shaken by Finland.

Helsinki this week announced it has signed a bilateral agreement with Athens where, in exchange for his participation in the bailout, Greece to collateral ("Collateral") to Finland. This sum, which some analysts valued at 1 billion euros would be invested by Finland in risk-free assets.Interest earned will, in the end, to cover the amount loaned in the rescue plan. In other words, the Finnish government has made pledges to ensure against any risk of default of Greece.

Two-tier system

Technical in appearance, this agreement could have an impact politically devastating. Although this is a bilateral agreement, "Member States of the zone will validate this discussion between Finland and Greece," said a spokesman for the Commission, Amadeu Altafaj, ensuring that " Negotiations are already underway. "

But in Brussels, it does not hide his concern. If it is definitely validated the agreement between Finland and Greece could open a Pandora's box by allowing other countries to step into the breach. Austria, Slovakia and Slovenia are already tempted to do the same."We believe this agreement will exacerbate the problems of Greece and did not fall," warned yesterday the Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte. He said the solution is equivalent in effect to "resume direct" the money lent. However, the Dutch Prime Minister said that if the Finns get this guarantee, it should apply to all countries in the euro area quick cash.

Therein lies the problem. By creating a two-tier system, the agreement undermines the solidarity displayed by the leaders of the euro area on July 21. "The participation of Finland has been canceled," said one EU source, deploring an arrangement going "against the spirit of the agreement" for Seventeen.

Difficult, however, to reverse, the source added.Helsinki is indeed required to deal with the nationalist party of the True Finns since their breakthrough in the last legislative elections and their reluctance to come to the rescue baskets drilled in the euro area.

Markets are not fooled

Under the pressure of Finland, the Heads of State of Seventeen had included a short clause in their agreement of July 21, stating that "where appropriate, a security agreement will be established to cover the risk arising, for Member States of the euro area, the guarantees they have provided to EFSF. " The rhetoric is vague and leaves open to interpretation. Yesterday in Brussels, experts from the ministries of finance in the euro area came together to floor on the issue.

For the Commission, this development is not a surprise, and he emphasizes the urgency of ratifying the agreement of July 21.José Manuel Barroso had written to heads of state of the euro area from August 3 to ask them to speed up the timetable, and thus "avoid introducing excessive stress in terms of conditions or additional collateral." We understand better the rush now.

Athens wanted reassurance yesterday, indicating he had entered into negotiations with a pledge of Helsinki. But financial markets are not fooled: "If all countries in the euro area, each requiring a Trust Agreement, this will restrict all the help that will actually be available for Greece," say economists at Barclays Capital. This would imply de facto establishment of an additional third envelope.

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If prices continue to increase, rising interest rates tend to slow down on its side. The latest results of the Housing Credit Monitoring / CSA published Monday, the average rate charged by banks for getting a home loan rose to 3.90% in July, or 0.04 basis points over that in June.

It's much more at the end of 2010, where it reached a low of 3.27% on average, before rising sharply in the first quarter of 2011. In the early months of the year, interest rates have taken nearly 10 basis points per month, before slowing gradually to rise in the second quarter.

Because the factors that competed so far in the rise in interest rates now seem not to have to play. "The increase began in November 2010 was related to liquidity constraints imposed by the Basel III.To satisfy them, the banks have increased their margins on new loans payday loan lenders. Today, this adjustment – of around 70 points to 100 basis points depending on the establishment – is probably done, "said Michel Mouillart, an economist at Paris X-Nanterre.

Other factors, however, could take over. The cost of money, in particular, could rise because of uncertainties related to the amount of sovereign debt. For the moment, "this factor did not play," said the economist. But it is already expected that the three-month interbank rates and increasing to ten years until 2012, drawing upward those for mortgages. "The movement of rising interest rates should continue," predicts ultimately Eluère Olivier, an economist at Credit Agricole.

Increase the duration of loans

Photo credits: Jean-Christophe Marmara / Le Figaro

In launching his new business tuna in the Indian Ocean in 2007, Yannick Lauri, president of Sapmer rubbed to a less pleasing to fishing in Seychelles waters: the fight against piracy. Used to fight against illegal fishing in the Southern Ocean, its historical business, the second French fishing vessel owner must now deal with direct attacks against ships, conducted off the coast of Somalia, Kenya and Tanzania. "A real paramilitary organization," also describes the leader, the tuna-freezer Franche-Terre foiled a pirate attack in 2010.

To avoid being faced with demands for ransom of up to tens of millions of euros, the group has had to adapt.After the first fishing season in September 2009 carried out without any protection, fleet Sapmer has adopted a "for the protection of its crews, under the strong incentive of the state," explains Yannick Lauri. The measures are rather restrictive and expensive …. The obligation to "binômage" (navigation of ships by two, alternating with fishing time) in effect reduces the effective time fishing and limits the free movement of ships. "Especially since we had to navigate a given speed, which has a significant effect on fuel consumption." This obligation has been reduced on June 1, but could be reconsidered in case of renewed attacks.

Insurers ship their bets

But the effect on fishing in itself is a first illustration of the additional costs incurred by piracy.Faced with these increased risks, insurers have been quick to react. "The coverage of these risks represent 10% of our insurance for our tuna fleet, about 75,000 euros for our fleet of three tuna," said Yannick Lauri.

Finally, a report by the Institute of Higher National Defence Studies (IHEDN) which participated Sapmer, released in June, estimates that several hundred thousand euros a year ship the additional security measures.

This cost may seem exorbitant, but due to the requirement for owners to use the personal protection of their ships. Cost is in addition to the measures on navigation, and insurance-costs. For example, Arnoult Gauthier, president of sales VNavy benefits of private military companies (PMCs) from 4000 to 9000 dollars (2800 to 6200 euros) per day per boat.For the heavier the device includes boarding protection teams on boats.

Armed men on board for the protection of marine

For shipowners flying the French flag as Sapmer, these are men from the bodies of state (marine commandos, marines, etc.). Who come to protect the crew. Five armed men complement the 33 sailors present on each of the three tuna of the group. Considering that their vigilance decreases after six weeks, the state imposes, by that time, a return to earth for five days of rest before returning to sea This is not consistent with the ten weeks during a campaign fishing, and induced costs of accommodation and logistics for tracking weapons.

If the teams are state bodies, is financially Sapmer "put to work" for the care of these men.Yannick Lauri, which does not specify the percentage of participation, while acknowledging the nature of effective protection measures by professionals.

To a use of private protection?

As for use of private companies, "this device is not yet approved for vessels under the French flag, although discussions are ongoing, and there is some legal uncertainty on the issue." Currently, MPI experiments with private companies to protect the devices that need to be as effective as the protection of embedded military teams, but technically lighter. But for now, no alternative "has not yet developed," says Yannick Lauri.

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The lack of consensus in Washington on ways to prevent a default by the U.S. Treasury in early August was still crying Friday. "We are clearly running out of time we have left. So I asked members of Congress to give me, within 24 to 36 hours, an indication of the plan that will raise the debt ceiling, "said Barack Obama. The American president has reiterated its willingness to accept adjustments in social programs, that number of elected its own camp, however, refused. But he asks the same time to give the Republicans on tax increases, or at least, on the elimination of tax loopholes, "The Republican voters are willing to (in) to accept," he said, citing recent surveys.

"We're not Greece or Portugal. We do not need to do something drastic, "said Barack Obama.The situation of the United States is indeed very different from the peripheral countries of Europe are grappling with the crisis of sovereign debt. Nevertheless: the absence of a congressional vote before August 2, the U.S. Treasury can no longer borrow as it has already reached the limit of its debt. It would be forced to stop paying some of its creditors.

"Golden Rule" Republican

Shortly before the intervention of Barack Obama, John Boehner, chairman of the House of Representatives, promised the adoption by his fellow Republicans of a "robust plan" to raise the debt ceiling to 2.4 trillion dollars. This text does not include any tax increases, cap on federal spending and also provides for the adoption of a constitutional amendment such as "golden rule" to prevent budget deficits. In other words, it is unlikely to generate a consensus in the Senate.Barack Obama has confirmed that he opposed it.

In the Senate, bipartisan negotiations, subtle and inventive, continue. The leaders of both parties hope to combine a reduction of expenditures in the order of at least 1 000 billion over ten years, raising the ceiling to be de facto delegated by Congress to the President.

The aim is to enable elected not to vote explicitly for raising the ceiling or to the tax increase. Increasing the cap would take place in three stages and maximum total amount would be 2 500 billion, just enough to allow the Treasury to pay all his debts until after the 2012 elections.

According to the proposed scheme, only two-thirds majority in both houses can block increases ceiling decided by Barack Obama. It does not say that this effort to succeed.Or that the elected House of Representatives accept the principle or detail. The installation is complicated as it may be associated with a new method of reduction in social health (Medicare) and retirement (Social Security). A bipartisan commission would draw up by the end of a list of savings to be realized.