INSIDE INFORMATION.

Reference a letter in the British press this week from an expat, namely John Fordyce, who lives in the South of France, and is married to a French wife. Having lived there since 1984,  he is, therefore, well placed to reflect on France and the appalling performance of their economy. None of the following would be mentioned by that amateurish outfit, the British Broadcasting Corporation.

Most Brits are aware that the socialist regime under President Hollande is scaring the wealthy French, so much so that many are fleeing the country to avoid punitive taxes. What doesn't appear to be mentioned very often is the civil unrest, along with strikes. Striking we understand is very much a French activity, or inactivity, depending on which side of the fence you wish to stand. Peugeot has recently closed one of its plants, which has seen 4,500 workers lose their jobs.

Mr. Fordyce recommends that the purchase of property in France is not a particularly wise move, as that property needs to be retained by the owner for at least 30 years, otherwise the owner is subject to capital gains tax of 27%. Strangely, I do agree with the principle of this aspect of property ownership.

FRANCE IS ON THE BRINK.