M&S unveils plans for European expansion Following the success of its flagship Champs-Elysées store, Marks and Spencer announces plans to create more stores across France and Europe
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Limousin May 2014 - Issue #55
France gets a new Prime Minister
France has a new look government following a major cabinet reshuffle. The shake-up comes in the wake of a poor performance by the governing Socialist party in the recent local elections and continued stagnation of the French economy.
F
ollowing the recent municipal elections and the beating taken by François Hollande’s Socialist government, the political landscape has changed significantly. First to go was the prime minister, Jean-Marc Ayrault, replaced by the former interior minister, Manuel Valls. The new prime minister then caused a degree of surprise and shock with the subsequent cabinet reshuffle and his choice of ministers to form the country’s “combat government”. Back to front-line politics came Ségolène Royal, the 2007 presidential candidate and one-time partner of the president, François Hollande, with whom she has four children. Ms Royal was given the ecology, energy and sustainable develop-
ment portfolio. Perhaps the most surprising announcement, however, was the naming of the left-wing Arnaud Montebourg, from the opposite side of the Socialist party to Valls, as economics minister. Montebourg and Valls had previously fought bitterly in a bid to become the socialist candidate in the 2012 presidential elections in the end they both lost out to Hollande. The appointment of Montebourg has caused some concern in other European capitals. “Monsieur Made in France”, as he is known after urging economic patriotism, has previously voiced antiglobalisation views when serving as France’s minister for industrial renewal, and he leans towards protectionism. Many will now worry if
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INSIDE > > > NEWS - Julie Gayet wins Closer damages Gossip magazine Closer has been ordered to pay €15k in damages to actress Julie Gayet following publicity of her alleged affair with President Hollande >>Page 7
NEWS - First rabies death in 11 years
A man has died in France of rabies for the first time in over a decade, although it is believed the disease was contracted abroad >> Page 8
PRACTICAL - Tax return guide
We team up with Siddalls to bring you a quick guide to filling out your 2013 tax returns >> Page 15
The Bugle Business Directory
Chambon-sur-Voueize has been chosen to represent the Limousin as France's favourite village >> Page 3
Develop a habit that saves you money!
8 pages of listings for local English-speaking businesses - your essential guide to finding just what you’re looking for >> Pages 20-27
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