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Spring 2011 is the warmest spring (+2.6 ° C) since the beginning of the twentieth century, surpassing 2007 (+2.1 ° C) and 2003 (+1.8 ° C). The lack of rainfall between March and May 2011 (deficit of 55%) is also the largest before 1976 (46%) and 1997 (40%).

Result: the vine is ahead. Flowering, key moment, arrived three weeks early. According to the adage, the harvest takes place one hundred days later, the Beaujolais expects to harvest around 15 August, the Bordeaux and Burgundy in late August.

First question: the heat and drought are they harmful to the vine? In principle, no. The vine is a perennial plant with long roots, sometimes over 10 m, which are immune to the vagaries of weather: it is only the first foot of land that are dry.Only the vines suffer not worked and amended with very shallow roots.

We therefore takes a great vintage? Is going a bit far, because spring is not only the result. Moreover, in recent vintages hot, 2007 has not left a great memory, because the summer was wet and ruined the great hopes of the Champagne, Bordeaux and Burgundy, among others. Everywhere, 2007 are to drink, and only Sauternes and some great Rhone wines, especially side Chateauneuf-du-Pape, save the reputation of the vintage.

As for the 2003 vintage, with its very short growing season, it remains a curiosity, because with the hot clouds an average but the wines are of low acidity. At birth, the great Bordeaux had raised the enthusiasm of a few tasters, especially overseas, and prices had skyrocketed.But today, the big bottles are rare, first quantitatively, because the harvest was reduced, and they do not shine by their qualities. Those who blindly follow the sirens Bordeaux were fooled. It goes back to 1893 or to 1811 for a hot high quality, but primarily because the weather was dry.

Lower yield

Drought, it should not be confused with heat, produces other effects personal loans for bad credit. The concentration is generally at the rendezvous, but with diminishing returns. The year 1976, which is included in the collective unconscious with his "drought tax" does not figure in the pantheon of great vintages, came too late because the rain has swelled the grapes. In contrast, small droughts have resulted in some recent vintages, like 2005 and 2009.But not too much should not, because it can harden the wines, as in 2010.

For now, the drought of 2011 is not worrying at all, and the vine does not suffer. All the more she has spread the bloom in some places, which is still not a good sign for the quality of the vintage. If it lasts for another month or two, the vine will slow its growth and lead to smaller bays, resulting in a lower yield.

However, "until there is no rain, no need to treat, philosopher producer. The vines are planted on soils with good moisture capacity, which saves them. "Because, contrary to conventional wisdom, it is not enough sun and heat to make great wines, and even wine while short, seeing as Australian producers, who had been seduced by the warm valleys they are forced to abandon due to lack of water.Even with irrigation, there are no great wines in the deserts.

In the New World, the science of irrigation, source of many theses and a large number of studies, has made tremendous progress, but not enough to work miracles. Good wine, let alone the great wines, the result of a complex alchemy between the sun, temperature and water from the sky just as we must, with consummate skill and suspense.

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LVMH invited the General Assembly of Hermes and is a sensation. With its 20% stake acquired last fall, the group Bernard Arnault has publicly responded to very hostile statements by the family heirs of Hermes. Through the voice of his vice-president, Pierre Gode, the second largest shareholder of Hermes tried to convey a "message of peace" after six months of conflict.

The meeting was opened Monday afternoon at the Palais des Congres de Paris, in a further demonstration of muscle vis-à-vis this new shareholder. After his interview Monday in Le Figaro, Bertrand Puech, spokesman for the families Hermes, repeated his charges on "a series of aggressive moves against our house started to weaken and destabilize.""I want to say how pleased I am shocked at the methods used against our people and our families to invite them to join a company with which we are universally hostile." He once again reiterated the commitment of the family "who wants to keep control of the jewel."

At the opening session of questions, Pierre Gode has seized the opportunity to "denounce the trial of facts to LVMH for" with "force if not violence." The right arm of Bernard Arnault said LVMH's position in the capital of Hermes was "perfectly legitimate what anyone says," and that "in no case it can not be questioned." Bertrand Puech had asked the group Monday to sell half its stake. "LVMH has invested at Hermes for the long term and not meant to be a passive shareholder but not a shareholder activist and active but peaceful."As evidence, he pledged to vote on resolutions proposed at the meeting. He also assured that LVMH had never tried to destabilize Hermes, which would be "madness", "absurd" and put "anyone challenged to provide any evidence." "It is my hope that the bickering stop artificial, baseless and fruitless," he said.

The heirs of Hermes and officers have received more than freshly intervention. Ironically, Bertrand Puech has "taken note" of this "new era". Already tense, the atmosphere is therefore became somewhat rough. A small shareholder speaking then laid a new charge against LVMH and her boss, described as "predatory," "cynical" and "disingenuous." This has pushed back its representative, who asked officials at the meeting to maintain order and prevent about "defamatory".The meeting was also marked by the attempt of another individual shareholder, Patrick Repplinger, to deprive the family of Hermes voting rights because of its proposed holding heritage together a majority shareholding which, he said , amend the Control of Capital. This shareholder, whose application was rejected, is already causing an appeal against the decision of the AMF to authorize the project.

Ingenico is a giant step into the world of contactless payments. The world's leading payment solutions announced on Friday its participation in the Google Wallet, presented yesterday by the Internet giant. This mobile application allows mobile users to pay at once, by housing credit card information in their phone or powering a prepaid card, but also enjoy special offers from merchants, and validate cards fidelity.

"Our common payment solution will transform the traditional payment terminals to an outlet into a true point of care and thereby improve the purchasing for consumers," says Philippe Lazare, Ingenico's CEO in a statement."This new solution will allow consumers not only pay with the electronic purse but Google also benefit from a range of value-added services," he adds.

For Google, this partnership makes sense. With an installed base of more than 15 million handsets worldwide, Ingenico has a large strike force. The French group will therefore support its customers' in the implementation of the electronic wallet based on its new generation of terminals Telium secure. "

At the Paris Bourse, investors welcomed the news. Around 9:30, the track takes off from Ingenico 5.39% to 32.25 euros on a market up 1.28%. He signed the largest increase in the SBF 120.

Ensuring security

In addition, Ingenico, Google has partnered with Mastercard, the bank Citigroup and First Data encryption specialist.The application they offer is only for smartphone Android, including Nexus S designed by Google, equipped with an NFC chip, which transmits the data bank without contact. To finalize their purchases, customers will get their phone while in the merchant's payment terminal. Security level, the application will be locked by a code and the system will be disconnected whenever the screen is off. In case of loss, a call should be enough to disable all the payment function.

With geotagging, merchants partners will alert consumers bargain of the moment. These can be transferred with one click on their phone to benefit at the time of payment. Google will receive a commission on sales, as is already done community sites Facebook and Groupon.In contrast, the Internet giant would levy any commission on the payment themselves.

Google Wallet, currently in testing, should be accessible to mobile users in New York and San Francisco this summer, before an extension to the entire U.S., then Europe and Asia.

Welcome to the "era of Mo Lo

While the experiences of contactless payment multiply without achieving truly convincing, Google hopes to attract consumers and merchants to the technology. "This is a problem of the egg and the chicken. We plan to present convincing arguments that people are getting into, "said Osama Bedier, head of payments at the Internet giant. "We believe that 2011 and beyond will be the era of Mo Lo: Local trade with the Mobile Internet," says Stephanie Tilenius con side, Google sponsors activities related to trade.Google estimates that in 2014, less than half the mobile phones will be equipped with chips to transfer data without contact.

With this application, the Internet giant will gain valuable information on the consumption patterns of mobile users. Like the merchants who benefit from a powerful marketing. But fears about breaches of privacy might just be the main obstacle to the development of this technology.

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In the United Kingdom, the austerity spared any sector, not even the cellar of Her Majesty's Government, which provides for eighty years banquets and official functions. "I seriously considered deleting the cellar, but all indications are that we will save taxpayers by preserving and reforming it in order to finance the purchases of sales of some raw targeted," said Secretary State for Foreign Affairs, Henry Bellingham, charged with managing the cellar official.

"Sales of targeted stocks of high value" will save half a million pounds – 571 000 – in five years. The cellar of 38,000 bottles British government account, whose value is estimated at one million euros.

Reassured by the denial of Greece about extra help the European Union, the CAC 40 closed up sharply Tuesday. The stock market continues to move in the rebound for good performance on Wall Street Tuesday and Asian stock markets Wednesday morning. The Cac 40 rose at the opening of 4,062.43 points to 0.23%.

At the London Stock Exchange, the FTSE 100 was stable at 6015.88 points and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, the DAX 30 is 0.33% to 7526.56 points.

On the macroeconomic front, companies in the manufacturing sector have revised upward their forecasts for investment this year and now expect a 15% increase, according to the quarterly survey conducted by INSEE and published on Wednesday . In the previous survey in January, business leaders the industry planned to increase investment by 14% in 2011.

United States, are on the agenda: foreign trade in March (1430), the weekly oil inventories (16:30) and the figures of budget execution in April (20 hours).

On the podium of the largest increases include LVMH's Cac 40 (1.25% to 121.80 euros), EADS (0.81% to 21.69 euros) and France Telecom (+0.48% at 15, 78 euros).Conversely, Accor (-0.72% to 29.83 euros), Alstom (-0.50% to 42.54 euros) and Saint-Gobain (-0.43% to 46.93 euros) display largest declines.

Good results for ArcelorMittal, Dexia disappoint those

Dexia 2.33% to 2.64 euros

The Franco-Belgian bank Dexia has reached the first-quarter earnings of 69 million euros, down 68% year on year largely as a result of the transformation of the group, according to results released Wednesday.

ArcelorMittal: -0.55% to € 25.15

ArcelorMittal on Wednesday a net profit of 1.07 billion dollars in the first quarter and revenue up 27.3% year on year to 22.2 billion dollars, and aims to improve its profitability in the second quarter.

Hermes: 1.42% to 164 euros

Hermes reported on Wednesday sales rose 25.5% in the first quarter to 637.1 million euros.The luxury house has confirmed its growth target of 8% to 10% of its sales throughout the year.

BNP Paribas 0.28% to 54.28 euros

BNP Paribas is expected to announce on Wednesday on the occasion of its General Assembly (1530) Michel Pebereau replacing the current chief executive Baudouin Prot, which will take effect in December according to Le Figaro.

Michelin: 0.21% to 67.93 euros

The group of tires for the first time opens the door of his leadership to a non-member of the Michelin family, according to the daily Les Echos. Current CFO, Jean-Dominique Sénart be officially named general partner, on Friday.It could succeed Michel Rollier, CEO of the company and cousin of Edouard Michelin, his predecessor, great-grand-son of the founder accidentally disappeared in 2006.

TV rights: Canal + continues with NHL ruby

Canal +: -0.48% to 5.57 euros

Canal + has reached an agreement with the National Rugby League (NRL) to retain the rights to broadcast the Top 14 over the next five seasons for a total of up to 158.5 million euros.

Eutelsat: 1.34% to 30.17 euros

Eutelsat, which states have visibility "very strong" on the end of 2010-2011, noted on Tuesday its annual sales target and found it well placed to exceed its forecast EBITDA of light one quarter growth of 10%.

Nexity: -0.27% to EUR 36.30

Nexity, which holds its general meeting on Wednesday, confirmed Tuesday its annual targets, despite the fire on a building site in Defense in March, after rising 2% of its backlog during the first quarter.

Maurel & Prom: 0.98% to 14.87 euros

Maurel & Prom has reported a quarterly revenue up sharply thanks to the rise of production of the oil in Gabon and the restart of its well Ovhor-2 in Nigeria.

Turnovers: Thales after-hours trading

Alten: -0.05% to 28.24 euros

Alten raised its forecast for organic growth in turnover for the whole of 2011 after posting a jump in its business in the first quarter, driven by increased investments in its markets.

Assystem said Tuesday organic growth target of around 10% of its turnover in 2011 after a strong first quarter marked an acceleration in France.

Bourbon: 4.31% to 34 euros (largest increase in the SBF 120)

Bourbon reported Wednesday a turnover up 23.8% in the first quarter 2011 with the commissioning of 55 new vessels and the gradual recovery of the market.

Thales will publish its first quarter sales and Meetic, its quarterly results after-hours trading.

Besides BNP Paribas, Eramet, JC Decaux and Nexity hold their general meeting on Wednesday.

In Paris, investors want to turn the page on Tuesday, while the day before the European and U.S. indices were trembling face the prospect of lowering the debt rating of long-term United States from the rating agency Standard and Poor's. At the opening, the CAC 40 gained 0.48% to 3899.68 points. The index has increased its Paris flagship gains the whole morning to show an increase of 0.79% to 3919.11 points in mid-day. The goal of returning to 3900 points is atteint.Un threshold is exceeded after the opening happily in the green on Wall Street. At 16 pm, the CAC 40 is trading at 3920 points (1.02%).

In Germany, the DAX index of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange at mid-session gaining 0.43% to 7057 points and in the UK, the FTSE-100 index gaining key values ​​0.61% to 5905 points.

The session is facilitated by a series of publications.This morning already, Essilor, Faurecia and Zodiac unveiled their quarterly sales figures. Tonight, one of L'Oréal is expected. Side economic figures in France, activity in the private sector has increased sharply in April, supported by the services, whose growth reached its fastest pace for over ten years, according to preliminary results of the survey Markit among purchasing managers released Tuesday.

European side, new registrations of passenger cars fell 5% in March on a year within the European Union (EU), show figures released Tuesday by the European Association of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (ACEA). However, sales have increased in most European markets, notably Germany and France, which recorded a sales gain of 11.4% and 6.1% respectively.

Current accounts of euro area were in deficit by 7.2 billion euros in February, seasonally adjusted data, according to figures released Tuesday by the European Central Bank.

In the U.S., housing starts stand at 549,000 annual rate, while the market was expecting 520,000 after 512,000 in February (revised from 479,000). They display and a recovery of 7.2% over one month after a decline of 18.5% in February.

On the currency front, the euro fell sharply against the dollar on Monday night, however briefly falling below $ 1.42, weighed down by renewed concerns over the debts of the most fragile countries in the euro area, although United States have themselves received a stern warning.On Tuesday morning, the euro resumed at 0.11% 1.4243 dollar.Le oil also fell back after a warning from Standard & Poor's, but the situation in the Arab world will continue to drive prices upward

Faurecia and fly Zodiac

Side values, EDF (5.35% to 28.06 euros) headed the CAC 40 in mid-session. The redemption price of electricity to EDF's competitors is set at 42 euros on 1 January 2012. Eric Besson, Minister of Industry has confirmed the news Tuesday morning on Europe 1.

Faurecia is gaining 4.57% to 25.83 euros.Le group saw sales rise by 24% in the first quarter versus the first three months of 2010, an increase of 15% on a comparable basis.

Zodiac climbed 5.40% to 52.87 euros.Zodiac Aerospace announced Tuesday it raised its forecast operating margin for the year 2010-2011 after having almost doubled in the first half thanks to the recovery confirmed the aviation sector.

LVMH (4.24% to 114.40 euros) saw sales growth accelerate in the first quarter despite the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan on March 11, while analysts had forecast a slowdown Growth of global luxury goods giant.

Michelin (2.01% to 60.88 euros) announced Monday the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Chinese groups and Double Coin Huayi for the creation of a joint venture dedicated to the production of tires for the Chinese market.

Essilor advance slowly from 0.80% to 55.13 euros.Specialist ophthalmic equipment has confirmed its annual targets by announcing Tuesday an increase of 13.4% of its turnover in the first quarter thanks to its good performance in Asia and Latin America.

Archos tumbles

Edenred (-0.79% to 20.17 euros) announced an increase in its turnover and volume of issuance in the first quarter thanks to strong performances in Latin America, while those in Europe are more mixed.

Soitec (+0.09% at 10.66 euros) reported an increase of 34.4% of its turnover in 2010 thanks to a rebound in demand in the fourth quarter and expects a EBIT "slightly positive" for the year.

The manufacturer of glass bottles Verallia, a subsidiary of Saint-Gobain (+0.38% at 43.80 euros), announced Tuesday it had filed with securities regulators its core document, the first stage of its introduction on the TSX Paris.

Audika (1.88% to 20.55 euros) has confirmed its target of annual sales by announcing an increase of 8.6% compared to the first quarter of 2011.

Guyenne & Gascogne (0.90% to 94.95 euros) posted a turnover up 4.5% in the first quarter of fiscal 2011, mainly supported by higher fuel prices in during the period.

Le Noble Age (-2.80% to 14.92 euros) has reported a 11.3% increase from its operating revenue in 2010 to 179.9 million euros and said it expects to 2011 on an increase of 7% at constant perimeter.Its operating profit gained 30.3% to 17.2 million while the group of nursing homes and health facilities was counting on $ 16 million.

April Group (+0.40% to 21.30 euros) on Monday announced the acquisition of the Elco, based in Montreal, a broker specializing in risk of damage for which the activity represented 10.5 million euros the last year. Elco, which employs 80 employees, will be consolidated into its accounts from 1 April.

Theolia (-5.63% to 1.34 euros) announced Monday it had charged an operating loss in 2010, hit by a major disposal plan that has sealed its production of electricity for its own account.

The French designer and distributor of consumer electronics Archos (-14.77% to 7.33 euros) will launch a capital increase of 26 million euros to support its growth.

L'Oreal will publish tonight after the close of trading in its quarterly revenue and Spir Communication, and Transgene aufeminin.com.

The Barroso Commission is preparing a great tussle tax: it was unveiled on Wednesday a proposed carbon tax that would raise the price of diesel and coal, raising the ire of Berlin, London and the annoyance of reservations in Paris.

Reform, touted as essential to put the tax in accordance with the fight against global warming, is especially transport fuels and fossil fuels for heating. The minimum tax rate based on two parameters. CO2 emissions at a price of 20 euros per tonne to reduce harmful emissions.And energy content to promote the most efficient (9.60 euros per gigajoule for fuel and 0.15 euro for fuels).

"This is to encourage clean energy, biofuels and help reduce dependency created by imports of imported diesel," says Algirdas Semeta, Commissioner of Taxation. The unanimity of the Member States and a vote of the European Parliament will be needed to approve it, which is far from won, as recognized by José Manuel Barroso.

Diesel and fuel oil, which currently taxed, would be more. It would also be true for coal. The minimum rate for diesel would increase from 330 euros to 412 euros per m3 in 2018, an increase of 8 cents per liter. In essence, it would remain unchanged at 359 euros.

Arrangements

The goal is a minimum tax is unique in Europe.It would force it to align countries with low excise duties on fuels, such as Luxembourg or Eastern European countries who purchase Russian diesel. States that are above the floor could maintain their tax unchanged or even decrease.

This carbon tax would apply to transport, building and agriculture, responsible for 60% of the 4.9 billion tons of CO2 and other greenhouse gases emitted each year by the EU. The professionals of the sea would be exempt. Heavy industry and aviation are not affected because already incorporated a mechanism for allocating rights to pollute (ETS). Electricity is regarded as clean, is not affected at the stage of delivery.

Many improvements and grants are drawn. The dual mechanism proposed by Brussels to be operational in 2023.But he faces sensitivities as varied as the uses of energy. Germany, champion of the automotive and diesel engine, responded within the hour: "Reform is in the interest of neither citizens nor the auto industry, or subcontractors, or the environment, "said Minister of Economy, Rainer Bruederle.

France, supported in principle, fear the displeasure of its farmers and its roads. The United Kingdom, which already has a national tax, was opposed in principle to any tax imposed by Brussels. Ireland is on the same line, such as Luxembourg. Large consumers of coal, such as Poland, are finally hostile to any penalty.

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The bad blood between the two parliamentary channels: LCP National Assembly and Senate Public. The case is of such magnitude that it is on the menu for breakfast Tuesday morning, between Bernard Accoyer, president of the National Assembly, and Gérard Larcher, the Senate. These two senior figures of the Republic should even decide to convene the Board of harmonization and Arbitration, a body set up last year and charged with settling disputes between the two chains. This will be a first.This council brings together the presidents of both chambers, the two chairpersons of committees of Communications, Catherine Vautrin, Catherine Tasca, the CEOs of the two chains and six parliamentary deputies and six senators.

Why such a show of force? The spark that ignited the powder is the decision of the Senate to pass a public partnership with the AFP for its political program "Proofs by three," by Michel Grossiord and broadcast on Wednesday at 18 hours. This new partnership has angered Gerard Leclerc, CEO of LCP YEAR. For the AFP since 2006 is already associated with the issuance policy Questions info, "presented by Frederick Haziza on LCP YEAR. "Matters of info is also posted on Wednesday, but at 19 h 30. Gerard Leclerc Gilles Leclerc criticizes his Senate counterpart Target, taking the same partner for a political broadcast aired the same day.A veritable casus belli.

Yet both Leclerc, Gérard and Gilles, both appointed in 2009, know, talk and appreciate. A big change from the era Jean-Pierre Elkabbach (Public Sénat) and Michel Richard (LCP AN) who ignored each other superbly and cordially hated. But even for two people of good will, the daily management is complicated and the disagreements on slots multiply. Because both channels share the same channel TNT in 2005. Their schedules are completely interwoven with a dozen flip from one channel to another day. Consequently, viewers become confused.

Merger of two chains

In each conflict, the substantive issue resurfaces. Should we merge the two channels? A question that arises from the creation of two parliamentary channels in 1999.But today Accoyer insists and says publicly that he regrets not having succeeded in 2007 to persuade the Senate president at the time – Christian Poncelet – to conduct a merger.

It must be said that the two chains are also jealous of their independence are the two Houses of Parliament.

However, they each have a tiny annual budget: EUR 16.1 million for Public Sénat and 15.9 million for LCP NA, directly from funds of the two assemblies. Advertising is prohibited on both channels. They define themselves as both political and news channels following an editorial line very close. Finally, they each claim a cumulative audience of twenty million viewers per month.Shake the specter of the merger will perhaps bring a semblance of harmony.

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"Participation is beyond anything we dreamed. It's fantastic. It is the largest event in a generation in London, "enthused the general secretary of Unite union, Len McCluskey. "There is a palpable anger in this country and hundreds of thousands of people came here to say overnight pay day loans. According to police, there would be almost half a million people, "he said.

Protesters across the Waterloo Bridge. Photo credits: Paul Hackett / Reuters

Rising energy prices could rise even faster. EDF, controlled nearly 85% by the State, public authorities have offered to pass on higher energy prices on the individual invoice. The increase in electricity prices would range between 5.1% and 6.5% per year until 2015, including inflation, reports Les Echos. At EDF said this morning it had not formally asked the government increased tariffs. On the government side, it also denies the information.

The Energy Minister, Eric Besson announced in effect a "slight increase" in electricity prices this summer. Before the National Assembly, he added that the government did not study "no significant increase" of these awards, underlining that "EDF did not transmit the request to increase rates corresponding to the ranges cited.He had said this morning: "In any event, a document emanating from EDF does not commit the Government." According to Eric Besson, "future pricing decisions will be made with a view to protecting the purchasing power of French people should continue to benefit from electricity 40% cheaper than the average of other European countries, thanks to the nuclear .

Increase between 28% and 37% in five years

The minister however said in February that the increase in electricity prices was "inevitable" in France to finance investments in nuclear power and renewable energy development. And this increase is expected to reach between 28% and 37% in five years, says Les Echos.

The increase in electricity prices depend on the price of Arenh (regulated access to nuclear power history).As part of the liberalization of Europe's electricity, law Nome, EDF is forced to sell up to 25% of its production of nuclear energy to its competitors prices Arenh no fax pay day loan. This rate has not been fixed and is continuing to debate. GDF Suez campaign for a level of 35 euros per megawatt hour (MWh), where the group chaired by Henri Proglio claims 42 euros in 2011 and steady increases to reach 46 euros in 2015. For now, the Regulatory Commission of Energy recommends a redemption price of 37.20 euros and the Champsaur report favors him a price of 39 euros.

Two scenarios

Eventually, the Nome Law provides that the cost of nuclear power in the rates converge to the price of Arenh 2015. But the cost of megawatt is estimated at 35 euros today.So to mitigate rising electricity prices on the invoice particular, EDF has scaffolded several scenarios, reports Les Echos. The electrician tricolor believes that the rise may reach 4.7% per year above inflation to 6.5% including inflation. However, if the government agrees to a modification of certain taxes, including the ability to finance renewable energy, the annual increase in rates could be limited to 3.3% above inflation to 5.1% with inflation.

At the debates on nuclear safety and the needs of investment in nuclear power seem to dominate after catastrophe Fukushima, appeals to higher energy prices could be heard. Still, the context is already loaded for the French who are with increases in fuel and gas.These potential increases could well fuel a new controversy and the fourteen months of a presidential election.

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