This is a realization of a long-term project that must be born earlier this week. The association Optics solidarity launches on Monday the "pass glasses." A device that should allow seniors whose financial resources are too thin to allow them to purchase a mutual good, to provide appropriate spectacles from their view. 8,000 to 10,000 people, aid recipients in the complementary health throughout France, and should soon receive a voucher to enjoy a fitness trail at cost, including consultation with the ophthalmologist, and the purchase glasses with progressive lenses from an optician.

No low cost

"We are working on this project for three years," says Xavier Subirana, ophthalmologist and president of the Optical solidarity. He says the idea inspired by the HEC Chair "Social Businee / Enterprise and Poverty" as co-chairs Martin Hirsch has mobilized the entire industry. "Danone is one of the pioneers of social business, but in this case we thought it was much more efficient to use the entire industry as a business." To date, 13 additional health (including AG2R La Mondiale, April, Groupama …), 500 opticians, Essilor as industrial and ophthalmologists have concentrated their power to facilitate the implementation of the concept. "It's not a charity that requires a donation. Here people pay for their glasses, "says Nicolas Lambert, owner of Essilor France. Ultimately, the patient should spend at most a few dollars instead of 300 euros today. "This is an innovative business model where one neither gains nor loses money. And this is not the low cost, says Xavier Subirana, people buy the raw material and technology. Everything else is covered by the efforts of the margins at various levels by the industry. The doctor's visit is to be discounted fully refundable. " For now, Nicolas Lambert admits even Essilor making losses. To produce the lenses, and assemble the eleven models of glasses offered by the pass, the company is including operated its plant in Toulouse outside normal production hours.

140,000 persons concerned

But to make the project a success, we must know the device. Tested later this year in Marseille, the "eye pass" has proven its usefulness but also revealed the difficulty of reaching the target. "We know that some seniors throw good because they think it is an advertisement," lamented Xavier Subirana. As such, the role of complementary health is important because it is they who must identify people who can benefit. "The more mutual partners in the project will increase the more we can touch people," says association president. Discussions are also underway with new complementary. The first patients in the Paris region should get their equipment in early June. It will be a little longer for the province because of the smaller number of ophthalmologists. Then a second phase will be launched by the end of the year. Eventually 140,000 people should benefit from "pass glasses." In addition, the partners hope that their initiative will give ideas to other sectors.

Wal-Mart is no stranger to litigation. The last internal investigation by the world's largest distributor could well become a new folder in the long term. In a document submitted to the U.S. stock market authority and revealed Friday, the group admitted that the corruption scandal that it faces is not only its Mexican subsidiary. The case was initiated by an article in The New York Times on April 22, which stated that Wal-Mart had concealed having used the large-scale corruption to grow in Mexico.

Fines, injunctions, orders of suspension …

The board of directors of Wal-Mart seeks in particular to determine if the group has broken the law on foreign bribery (Foreign Corrupt Practices Act). "Although the company does not currently believe that these problems can have a significant negative impact on its operations, given the uncertainties inherent in such situations, the company can provide no assurance that these problems will not have to substantial impact on its activities in the future, "admits Walmart. The retailer believes it can be of "one or more lawsuits on this issue", which could result in "judgments, settlement agreements, fines, injunctions, orders termination, sentencing and other criminal penalties."

"The complaints of shareholders could result in judgments against its directors and current and former officials named in these proceedings," he says. One of the key executives of Wal-Mart, Eduardo Castro-Wright, is particularly targeted because he led the rapid expansion of the teaching in Mexico and would have paid $ 24 million in bribes, kickbacks to local officials. Thursday, Wal-Mart announced a net profit of $ 3.7 billion in the first quarter, up 10% thanks to higher sales in Brazil, the UK and also in Mexico.

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Right in his boots but educational. Thierry Thuillier, head of information of France Televisions, did not intend to change its course despite the confidence motion addressed to him by writing nationale de France 3 on Tuesday night. The latter accused the group of "systematically favor France 2 on the pool coverage of political events and international." Similarly, she worries about the consequences of "pooling of resources between the two shooting strings."

If he does not deny the importance of the message, the strongman of the information of France Televisions prefers to explain without giving up the strategy adopted two years ago. "There is unease should be dispelled," he concedes. "Every two years, part of the national drafting of France 3 raises the question of its identity and its future and concludes with a confidence motion. However, our strategy can not evolve because it is consistent and the results are there. "It reaffirms that" there is no question of reducing the national writing because we are already at minimum staffing possible nor to remove these editions essential if only for a matter of status for France 3 ". Moreover, he recalls, "hearings are" 19-20 "are above the 17% audience share. More than double the average chain. In two years on this installment, we gained 400,000 viewers while everyone loses. "

An editorial in France own

3 When the "12-13", accused of "making of Jean-Pierre Pernaut" Thierry Thuillier advance even numbers: "He is accused of making too many news items? But this represents only 5% of these newspapers, "he says cash advance now. Thierry Thuillier continues to claim the editorial line-up to France 3: "It may not be the same as that of France 2. Because it is the color of the chain, we decided to focus the second parts of JT on proximity and daily life of the French. I do not think about transportation, education and all issues that cross the life of the French in the sub-word! "He said that" France 3 teams also cover major international events. "

There remains the puzzling question of bad election nights of hearings on France 3. For the leader, "the real political event in the chain regions is less presidential than legislative. With 24 regional editorial, it would be wrong not to enjoy it! ". Finally, inherited Thierry Thuillier, on his arrival two years ago, a unique company already under way and a pooling of resources "theory, but to achieve": "The latter, he says, has helped create more than 200 reports over three minutes, and reduce by half the subjects redistributed.

Moreover, the shootings have in common the last month shown that 10-15% of the subjects of France 3. In all cases, the budget gives the group does not return to the system yesterday when France Televisions reached five cameras on the same press conference, "he concludes.

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It is a blow to Angela Merkel. German Chancellor has lost Sunday night for its closest ally to win against its European partners in managing the crisis of the euro. The defeat of Nicolas Sarkozy, she has supported all the way, is also a bit his. However, his political career attests: Merkel is good at adapting to new realities. It's been several weeks since his team is preparing for a possible victory of Francois Hollande. The Socialist no longer afraid to Berlin. His first phone call on Sunday night was to be for the Chancellor.

Francois Hollande was pretty irritated the Germans during his campaign by promising not to ratify the treaty in the state of budgetary discipline. The Socialist candidate would include a component of measures to support growth, including on the funding at European level of environmental or industrial projects. Merkel replied curtly that there would be no renegotiation of the text, regarded in Berlin as the culmination of his vision of a Europe steeped in the "stability culture" Germanic. Before making a small step towards Holland stating that the EU was preparing a "growth agenda" for the top end of June

Holland, who said he wanted to be part of the Franco-German tradition by making his first trip across the Rhine, is expected in Berlin this weekend or early next week, following his inauguration. It is expected to meet informally with the Chancellor of how to amend the treaty. Merkel wants to prevent the initiatives to support growth would delay its ratification. To circumvent the risk of isolation, she has already joined the Italian Mario Monti. And it seeks to gather around their tandem a significant number of twenty-five countries signed the treaty to ratify the text without waiting for France.

Berlin wants to believe qu'Hollande will find a "pragmatic solution", according to a memorandum of discussions between the team of the socialist candidate and German diplomats, quoted by the media across the Rhine. "Holland and his team want to be part of the continuity of the Franco-German working for Europe," said the note. For several weeks, Michel Sapin, author of the economic project of Holland, and Jean-Louis Bianco try to reassure the Chancellor through contacts with his closest advisers. On both sides of the Rhine, we want defuse "hiccups" that perfect storm of the euro, would be immediately punished by the markets.

Of "painful truths"

Merkel's entourage insisted on the red lines of the Chancellor. The introduction of Eurobonds is still a taboo in Berlin. As a stimulus to growth by an extensive program of public spending. Germany believes that its model of structural reforms is the role model for Europe. And she hopes qu'Hollande be satisfied with a symbolic boost to growth. For Berlin, the Socialist candidate's campaign promises are not set in stone. And he would realize that he will announce "painful truths" to the French early in his term. Germany feared above all that the arrival in power of Holland bury any desire for reform in France. And having to wear one at arm's Europe and the single currency. Holland "judge superfluous needed economic reforms, pension and labor market, laments the Bild newspaper in an editorial. The French economy unscrews. If Holland looks away, she will continue to fall. While Germany is alone without strong partner with a big question mark next to the euro. "

Somewhat reassured by his contacts with the Dutch team, led by Berlin is one hope: that economic realities and uncompromising market pressure will convince the French Socialist turning into a Social Democratic German inspired.

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In Norway, one of the richest countries in the world, the housing bubble never ceases to blow. Prices have doubled in less than ten years. The increase has further accelerated in the last quarter of 2011, fueled by falling interest rates. The Norwegian Central Bank, like its neighbors Sweden and Denmark, has changed its monetary strategy in December to counter the appreciation of his crown. "The monetary authorities are faced with a dilemma. Their priority now is to boost exports in a less favorable international context, the risk of maintaining the housing bubble, "says Caroline Newhouse of BNP Paribas.

There is also an effect "euro zone", the economist added: foreign capital sought refuge in the Nordic economies, spared by the European crisis and healthier financially. To say in the Norwegian case, the country has with its sea-kissed gas and oil a budget surplus of 10 to 15% of GDP on average and a sovereign fund with 400 billion euros. Boosted by exports and investment, in 2011 Norway experienced a growth of 2.5% of GDP and unemployment fell to 2.7% in February.

All positive factors that stimulate consumption and real estate credit. "The ratio of household debt to disposable income has grown very large: it rose from 125% in 2000 to over 200% today," says Caroline Newhouse instant personal loans guaranteed.

Back in Denmark

In early February, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned against the risk of bursting of the housing bubble and its consequences on the banking system, the situation of households, and more generally on the country's economic health. The IMF, which considers house prices overvalued by 15 to 20%, slightly revised down its growth forecast to 2.2% of GDP for 2012.

It must be said that the real estate bubble burst in early 2011, after the rise in interest rates, no end to wreak havoc on the small Danish economy has plunged into recession in the second half of the year. Prices continue to fall and foreclosures have reached their highest in 17 years.

In Sweden, the landing is smoother, "the year 2011 was marked by the gradual turnaround in the housing market," said Nathalie Dezeure Natixis. All indicators – start of construction, residential investment, transaction volumes and property prices – are down but still at high levels. Concerned about the phenomenon, the Riksbank has commissioned several studies. It turns out that the movement is less speculative than structural, linked to a shortage of supply becomes problematic in central Stockholm.

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Two types of life insurance contracts. The life insurance policy and monosupport linked life insurance contract.

The life insurance policy monosupport is backed by one or more funds in Euros. These are financial products such as government bonds or Treasury bills. Also, the life insurance contract does monosupport in principle no risk: investments are safe and guaranteed capital.

The linked life insurance contract is backed by one or more funds in Euros as well as units of account. These are financial products such as shares in property companies or units or shares of collective investment in transferable securities (mutual fund units). Also, the linked life insurance policy may pose risks vary depending on the arbitrage between the different units of account.

Monosupport life insurance: the risk of bankruptcy of the insurer

Regarding the life insurance contract monosupport, the main risk is the failure of the insurer. Although this risk of failure is extremely rare, the European sovereign debt crisis helps to strengthen it. While some European countries were to fail and therefore not to honor their commitments vis-à-vis their creditors, it could affect insurers exposed to the debt of these countries.

However, if the insurer were to fail, the capital is partially protected by a guarantee fund which allows a maximum coverage of € 70,000 per insured. Regarding risks, it is necessary to clearly identify the insurer's life insurance policy that you subscribed. Indeed, it may be different from the distributor.

Linked life insurance: market fluctuations

The linked life insurance contract is exposed to the risk that the life insurance contract monosupport but also a risk associated with units of account. Indeed, the value of these markets may vary in large proportions. There is therefore no guarantee for the investment.

Limit the risks to life insurance

To limit the risks of life insurance, it is available for purchase life insurance policies from different insurers. Thus, in case of bankruptcy of an insurer, your investments are only partially affected. The guarantee ceiling of € 70,000 provided for contracts of life insurance is per insured and all contracts. Multiply insurers therefore does not increase the overall ceiling of guarantee.

Contractual mechanisms also exist to limit losses on contracts multichannel. This is particularly the case for the stop-loss, from a certain level of loss, to transfer the capital to support less risky.

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Literary phenomenon – 26 million books sold worldwide-, future successful film, Hunger Games has already rewritten the way the studios are promoting their films. The film should make the best start to the year in the U.S. and pocket this week between 82 million and $ 140 million. What hair briskly to post another fad adolescents film of the moment, Twilight. With a budget of $ 45 million, a team of 21 persons (where an envelope of 100 million and 100 people are the norm), the Canadian studio has fueled a fierce curiosity about the saga of Suzanne Collins, delicate yet for sale : Hunger Games follows 24 teenagers killing each other in an arena at game shows, in a post-apocalyptic America. Even before the triumph of Hunger Games, Hollywood hails a clever marketing plan.

First, the studio has provided a solid foundation. For a faithful adaptation, it instructed the novelist Suzanne Collins to write itself a preliminary scenario. The project budget was generous: $ 80 million, almost three times more than the first Twilight. Distribution also. Upon completion, Gary Ross (Big, Pleasantville), four time Oscar nominee, winning the bet, the end of 2010 bad credit payday advance. For the role of the heroine, Katniss, Lionsgate hesitates between rising stars, including Hailee Steinfeld (True Grit) and Jennifer Lawrence (X-Men The beginning, Winter's Bone), cited at the Oscars 2011. Lawrence is finally chosen. These primary choice made, Lionsgate takes out his slow campaign plank on which he since 2009 and must make the fever Hunger Games for a year.

Fake websites, fake ads

First axis: social networks. A chronology established by matrketing services, which states hour by hour, platform by platform exclusives to reveal. In March 2011, the film's Facebook page distills the names of players who embody the tributes of the 12 districts of Panem. As in the book, they are advertised in pairs. Very popular, this page has more than 3 million subscribers. French equivalent totals, him 50,000 followers. In August, Lionsgate on Twitter encourages users to explore the site thecapitol.pn (the Capitol is the venue of the Hunger Games, ed) and to produce an identity card. 800 000 "citizens" meet present and elect their mayors in November.

The stylist Cinna (played by Lenny Kravitz) touts an eyeliner

The tension mounts trade with Beijing. The European Union, the United States and Japan have initiated a complaint against China on the issue of "rare earth", the raw materials it has a virtual monopoly and export it rationed in favor of its own high-tech industry.

The proceedings before the WTO, with the support of Barack Obama noticed, shows a profusion of subjects friction. For Europe, they will lock the recent Airbus sales to a recurrent refusal to open government procurement in China. Combined a complaint about the "rare earth" could lead to sanctions. But it may not arrive until after several years.

The political objective of the triple "consultation request" filed Tuesday in the WTO is to press China to immediately deal on quotas, tariffs and other barriers it erected on the export of 17 " rare earth "and two metals, tungsten and molybdenum. Brussels is still no illusions: "The received signals from Beijing does not allow for an early lifting of restrictions," said an official of the file.

Although the People's Republic denies it, there is clearly a "violation of international trade rules," according to the EU. The Chinese restrictions "to be lifted, insists Karel de Gucht, European Commissioner for Trade. They are damaging to European industry and consumers, including in the areas of advanced and green technologies (…) China leaves us no choice. "

For "rare earth", Europe is dependent almost 100% of a global market controlled more than 90% by the People's Republic. The restrictions imposed by Beijing, from June 2010, caused the fever on the course, with increases exceeding 500% on some of these elements.

Relocation of industries of the future

Inflation affects all sectors of high technology, mobile phones, batteries, light bulbs to wind turbines, optical medical equipment. The Pentagon has recently expressed concern about the impact – and a potential shortage – for advanced military applications, including alloys.

Rationing orchestrated by Beijing may also be seen as a subsidy to the industry established the People's Republic, at the expense of its competitors located abroad. The courses go from single to double when the "rare earth" cross the Chinese border, they say in Brussels. This advantage, contrary to the rules, could be the spring of sanctions to come to the WTO.

The EU is worried about more fallout: tariffs and other non-tariff measures would accelerate the relocation of industries of the future, always seeking the lowest cost. "In the field of high technology, supply chain switches still more to China," said the European official. Ultimately, it's about jobs, an argument that has not escaped the United States, or France, both countries launched at full speed towards a presidential election

.

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With just over six months behind on the Social Agenda 2011-2012 defined at the beginning of last year, the social partners began yesterday a social debate on the quality of work life. The eve of International Women's Day, "a symbol that owes nothing to chance", says Benoit Roger-Vasselin, the leader of the negotiating employers and HR group Publicis. The purpose of this discussion for hours without issue? Achieve a common finding and a "joint diagnosis" before embarking on July 1 negotiation in good and due form and reach a national agreement. Trade unions and employers have arrested three "integrated themes" for this deliberation: reconciling work and family life, working conditions and professional equality between men and women.

Each party begins the discussion with different objectives. The chamber, which agreed to the union's request not to focus discussions on the single issue of equality in the workplace, primarily due to progress on a proposal that advocates Laurence Parisot past year: the establishment of a leave Mandatory paternity. To boost the career development of women, constrained by motherhood, the boss of bosses suggests shortening the leave given to birth mothers and share this time with fathers. "It would encourage them to share, from day one, family work," argues the president of MEDEF who wishes to see the issue of inequality between men and women become one of the stakes of the presidential campaign. "If political parties were becoming aware that this is a real political issue, things budge," she said Monday in Le Parisien / Today in France.

The measures adopted will be tested

Unions, they are not quite on the same wavelength. "We'll wade for four months before returning to the drive, we are wasting our time," Judge Jean-Marc Bilquez, FO. "The existing legislation on these subjects and we need to start applying them before wanting to add a layer," Jean-Francois Naton abounds, the CGT. "I fail to see the final objective of these discussions," sighs meanwhile Jean-Michel Cerdan, the CFTC. Only the CFE-CGC and CFDT seem satisfied, including the integrated approach discussions. "The discussions that we will have will not only equality in the workplace," says Marie-Francoise Leflon, the central executive. "All subjects are interwoven, and we will work on an agreement, the measures chosen will be tested and evaluated before being generalized," said Patrick Pierron, of the CFDT.

Unions and management have agreed to meet once a month by the summer to discuss the three themes. Beginning of the real discussions on April 10.

Mobility: men and women unequal

Inequalities between men and women managers are not in the gender pay gap. In terms of mobility, too. The Association for the employment of executives (APEC) today released a study showing that both sexes are in fact not at all accommodated in the same boat. If their rate of mobility, internal and external, are strictly comparable, however, there are big differences. Women executives in, especially before thirty years, more precarious than men, they leave their companies more frequently following an end of CSD (14% of cases for the former against 4% for the latter). Result, levels of responsibility found following these mobilities are very different, with women less likely than men to keep the same level as before their departure (two-thirds of men against 57% for women). Their male colleagues have also promoted more often in cases of internal mobility (43% against 36%). Another consequence is that wage increases are less frequent after a mobility in women than in men, especially when the transition took place without any period of unemployment. 62% of men see the amount of their payroll advance, against 54% of women. As for the perception of the future, women have less confidence (65%), their mobility was internal or external, and want to move less than men in their company. They also fear more than being unemployed (43% against 36%).

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Although they are about to multiply the launch of new models at Geneva Motor Show, most manufacturers are concerned about a deterioration in their situation in Europe, where they lost money last year.

Weakened by the threat of recession, the European market is expected to decline for the fifth consecutive year, 3 to 5%, according to Euler Hermes. France is particularly affected, with a decline of 20% on the first two months of the year. Result, the price war with fierce brands to maintain their market share should continue. And the problem of excess production capacity, estimated at 20% in Europe, become more acute than ever. "These challenging conditions will persist in 2012, causing continued pressure on revenue and profitability for manufacturers," according to Fitch

Particularly pessimistic about market developments, the U.S. Ford expects to lose between 500 and 600 million this year in Europe, after recording a deficit of $ 190 million last quarter.

Faced with this crisis, all parties are seeking ways to reduce costs. Two of the weakest manufacturers in Europe, PSA Peugeot Citroen and General Motors have announced a strategic alliance, sealed by a stake of 7% of the American stake in French. The two groups hope to save 1.5 billion euros each year from 2016, sharing purchases, but also components, modules and vehicle platforms.

French is particularly desperate. Its automotive division, whose sales depend to 58% of Europe, has lost 500 million euros in the second half of 2011 and the group has burned 1.6 billion euros in cash in 2011. As for GM, whose European operations are supported by the German brand Opel, its losses totaled $ 600 million in the fourth quarter. A result that American "unacceptable."

Capacity reduction

In the short term, this alliance does not however solve the problems of both groups, particularly the low utilization of their production. General Motors, which has already closed the site of Opel Antwerp, suggested that capacity reductions were planned for "adjust to demand." Until 2014, the management is committed not to close the factory. But both sites are threatened, according to U.S. media, that of Bochum in Germany and Ellesmere Port in Britain. For its part, PSA casts doubt on the survival of the French site of Aulnay-sous-Bois after 2014. For now, the French multiplies the week of partial unemployment in France to reduce inventory and increase to the four-day week in May in its Czech plant of small cars.

In general, "continued weakness" in demand in Europe may lead other "draconian reactions" that PSA-GM alliance, as comparisons between manufacturers, restructuring or closing plants, said Fitch. Side partnership, Renault uses its alliance with Nissan and its strategic relationship with Mercedes to reduce development costs. As for Italy's Fiat, he put on his marriage with Chrysler to produce also economies of scale.

To limit the damage, however, builders rely on new products exhibited in Geneva. Ford will present his B-Max minivan, and its Fiat 500 L, a larger version of the famous city. PSA Peugeot will launch its 208 on which he plays big. For its part, Renault expects much of its low cost Lodgy minivan, sold in April from 10,000 euros. The French will also unveil its electric car Zoe, scheduled for October. It is nevertheless true that growth in car sales, which could reach 4% worldwide this year, will come again in emerging countries.

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