Apart from tax increases, not a lot occurs on the European mainland. Maybe that is about to change, at least the seeds of some new thinking could be propagating. Firstly we have the situation in Germany, where Angela Merkel has, due to unpopularity in the polls, been forced to make a statement on misguided multiculturalism. Differing systems forced upon a nation will always trigger some problems; new laws imposed to support the immigrants are bound to create resentment among the indigenous population. We, in the UK, could be cynical here, thinking that any newcomer to Europe will always plump for the softest option, Britain.
Two other items concern France: Initially we have that rare situation of thinking logically about the Union; the thinker is Hubert Vedrine, a former French Minister. He's now recommending that Brussels draws back from this race to federalism, and retain sovereign nation states. This is like a breath of fresh air, which I hope that our politicians start to breathe in, to conform more with the British electorate. The other news from the other side of the Channel is a little more disturbing: The French, who retire at 60 years, are rioting following President Sarkozy's insistence upon an increase to 62 years. In addition to the ludicrous actions of the students, who would have no understanding of economics, the carnage imposed on innocent people is utterly disgraceful.
We, in the UK, should be particularly aware that we retire some five years later than the French, and are considering a similar extension to the working life, with the exception of those employed by the state. What is more important, we contribute much more to European coffers than the French, therefore easing their pension contributions. It is high time to reconsider our position regarding this waste of money.
WHY ARE WE IN THIS FOOLISH CLUB?
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