25 October 2008 - 08H33

In the papers
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France 24 journalists present a daily round-up of the international press
By Clovis CASALI (text)

 

The Independent (United Kingdom)
 
 
 
The UK economy shrinks for the first time in 16 years, and on page 2 the headline is rather dramatic: “Britain plunges into a once in a lifetime crisis”. The Independent quotes here the Deputy Governor of the Bank of England who actually believes this could possibly be the worst financial crisis of its kind in human history. In the inside pages there’s a picture of New York back in 1930 with men queueing for bread. Another picture taken yesterday on London’s Fleet Street shows dozens waiting outside a shop to get free burritos snacks. The parallel is clearly drawn between the current situation and the Great Depression…
 
 
 
Le Figaro (France)
 
 
 
For French paper le Figaro, world markets are being irrational and over-pessimistic. It also takes a look at Britain, saying it’s falling into recession. Economists didn’t expect such bad figures and after a decade of impressive growth, the country might soon have over 2 million unemployed. In London’s City alone, 62 000 people are expected to be laid off.
 
 
 
China Daily (China)
 
 
 
For weeks now, world leaders have been saying confidence is vital when facing this crisis. Well the China Daily says the same! More interestingly, in its editorial the paper says: "The spotlight might be on the ASEM” but not too much should be expected to come out of this summit. It can only serve as a platform for the two continents to exchange views. It’s a loose forum and no binding documents will be produced. For once the China Daily is far from being nationalistic. It says China might be a powerful and emerging economy but it can’t be expected to be the saviour, it can only contribute by keeping itself stable.
 
 
 
Libération (France)
 

 

 

It’s Libération's story of the day which is not particularly surprising seeing how critical the paper is of Sarkozy.
The French President has found out that voodoo dolls of him were behind sold on the internet. What's worse, they’re a huge hit: actually the best selling item on www.amazon.fr
The cost of these Voodoo manual kits is 12.95 euros which includes a handbook and 12 pins. The body is covered with his most famous or infamous comments such as "Work more to earn more.” Sarkozy is so angry that he’s suing the company making the dolls and has ordered the company to stop selling these voodoo dolls. The court judging the matter will give its ruling on Wednesday.

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
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