The return of the dog…
Claude Gisselbrecht, Metz (Moselle)
In May 1958, General de Gaulle entered Matignon and, inheriting a chronic budget deficit, decided as a priority to clean up the economy and public accounts… Showing exemplary political courage, he finally succeeded, going even to the point of mentioning a “miracle”! Today, no miracle on the horizon, but an incredible political imbroglio, where “every man for himself” wins hands down, ignoring a hypothetical “sacred union”! While our country must face all kinds of difficulties, many elected officials, whose incompetence and irresponsibility no longer need to be proven, unfortunately, allow themselves to stage their differences and their resentments, thus delaying the implementation necessary progress at all levels… For the moment – but for how much longer? –, this is strangely reminiscent of the Fourth Republic, of sad memory. (“I am ready for all scenarios: Emmanuel Macron, the secrets of a tormented president”on lexpress.fr).
Notre-Dame: an informative article
Jean Paul Delafenêtre, Esclauzels (Lot)
These few lines to thank Agnès Laurent for her very informative article on the underlying story of the reopening of Notre-Dame de Paris (“Notre-Dame de Paris, the battles behind the reopening“, L’Express of November 21.)
Retirement: long live capitalization!
Bernard Lipp, Dole (Jura)
Thank you, Nicolas Bouzou, for your advocacy for the partial capitalization of pensions, a taboo subject in France. It would be time to seriously discuss it when our pay-as-you-go system is increasingly unbalanced and threatened by increasing life expectancy and falling birth rates. The adjustment variables that constitute the increase in the retirement age, the increase in the number of years of contributions or even the illegal participation in state financing cannot be proposed by politicians forever. A little courage before it’s too late ! (“Pensions: capitalization. A true Marxist dream!“, L’Express of November 28.)
Putin has already lost
Patrick Bardinon, Villemoyenne (Aube)
Vladimir Putin’s failure is obvious. Despite enormous expenditure, the “special military operation” was a failure. The Russian economy has entered “stagflation”, which will weigh heavily on the standard of living of the Russian people and therefore on their popularity. Finally, let’s not underestimate the reactions of the 500,000 mothers who lost their sons in combat. The international community must continue to support Ukraine in order to prevent Vladimir Putin from turning to other targets that are close first and then distant. As for his ranting about the use of nuclear weapons, let us observe them with hindsight. Putin therefore knows that it would bring about the immediate destruction of Moscow, of himself. So he has no choice. He has already lost the Ukrainian war; now he will have to negotiate peace. (“Moscow prepares the next move“, L’Express of November 28.)
Let’s limit the right to strike at the SNCF
Volker Koettgen, Marseille (Bouches-du-Rhône)
The strike announced at the SNCF before Christmas is a form of blackmail, which plunges travelers into great distress. Either the strikers don’t care, or they cynically calculate that this will put pressure on their management. And the worst part is that the debts of the SNCF are paid by the State, that is to say by all taxpayers! Italian legislation prevents work stoppages during periods when the population moves a lot. I think this would be an excellent example to follow.. (“SNCF, how did we get here? The real assessment of the Jean-Pierre Farandou years“L’Express of November 28.)
Education: the keys to finding your bearings
Each year, registrations on Parcoursup, which begin at the beginning of January, give rise to debate and concern among families. How can we be sure not to make a mistake when we know that there are some… 23,000 training courses in France? To guide you, you will find in the center of this issue a special notebook with the necessary instructions so as not to miss any step and the advice of the best experts. This supplement is part of a more general policy of the group which has just launched L’Express Éducation. The principle: a dedicated site, lexpress-education.coma real virtual fair allowing schools to interact with students and their parents. At the same time, podcasts, video conferences and prizes, annually rewarding the most influential players in the world of education.