Dominique de Villepin, the suave and sophisticated former PM, is now yet another presidential wannabe. He has the charisma, but does he have the votes? His bid means many of President Sarkozy's allies fear a splintering of right-wing votes. Also, we travel to Nîmes to find out how previous presidential promises to protect purchasing power have proved to be ineffective.
FRENCH PAPERS, Wed., 20/4/2011: Sarkozy’s slogan for his 2007 Presidential campaign was “Travailler plus pour gagner plus” or “Work more to earn more”. Increasing purchasing power was another promise. Now, Sarkozy is introducing measures that he hopes will make these electoral rally cries sound less hollow.
Yesterday French president Nicolas Sarkozy convened a so-called "social summit" with the main workers' and employers' unions to discuss measures put in place last year to boost purchasing power. But is a government austerity drive around the corner?
In tough economic times, and with small retirement benefits, many French pensioners are forced to go back to work to make ends meet. But finding a job is no easy task when you're over 60.
Most adults in Europe's 5 largest countries and in the US believe their purchasing power has declined in recent years. As a result, they are spending less, a Harris Interactive / FRANCE 24 / International Herald Tribune poll has found.
Pensioners took to the streets on Thursday to defend their purchasing power, one of Nicolas Sarkozy's key campaign promises, on which the government has so far failed to deliver.
purchasing power 
