France: War Has Led to Economic Fallout

ap ^ | March 23, 2003

[sarcasm]

PARIS (AP) -- The economy minister said Sunday that he believes the worst French economic fallout from the war in Iraq had already taken place.

``In the last year, or rather in the last six months, I think the Iraqi events have already created negative consequences that France regrets now,'' Francis Mer told LCI television and RTL radio.

``I'm not saying that to deny the intensity of the Iraqi problems, but the main part of the negative consequences from the Iraqi crisis is behind us,'' he said.

According to a survey by the IFOP agency published Sunday in the French newspaper Le Journal du Dimanche, 46 percent of French people worry the war will aggravate economic and other problems in France.

The French unemployment rate held steady at 9.1 percent in January, the most recent figures released. Consumption fell 0.2 percent that month, suggesting that the French economy got off to a weak start in 2003. Also in January, France's consumer confidence index dropped five points to reach its lowest level in five years.

[evolved_rage]

And they can't even cut down on their use of soap to save money..tsk..tsk...

[Mamzelle]

Thanks for the encouraging news. On a day like today, I could use a French cur handy for a good kicking. Tell me that the Vichy Chicks are having to hock their instruments and I might actually smile...

[EaglesUpForever]

Are they joking? The economic effects have yet to hit.

[KansasCanadian]

Yeah, France's source of extra funds was suddenly cut off last Wednesday night, when the arms shipments were delayed by the liberation of Iraq

[Polybius]

The "War" will not create any economic problems for France.

Chirac's anti-American crusade most certainly will.

[Free Vulcan]

Translation: The US focus on Iraq made it too diffcult to sell WMD manufacturing equipment to them, effectively cutting off our gravy train.

[Ron H.]

.... but the main part of the negative consequences from the Iraqi crisis is behind us,'' he said. ....

Sounds more like wishful thinking than a sober analysis our once froggy friend.

[Wissa]

``In the last year, or rather in the last six months, I think the Iraqi events have already created negative consequences that France regrets now,'' Francis Mer told LCI television and RTL radio. ``I'm not saying that to deny the intensity of the Iraqi problems, but the main part of the negative consequences from the Iraqi crisis is behind us,'' he said.

We shall see, Francis. We shall see.

[DannyTN]

That sounds like a lot of wishful thinking. It didn't work with Iraq, and it won't work with their economy.

My guess is they are just starting to see the economic fallout and this was a feeble attempt to put some confidence back into their economy.

Lots of luck.

[Black Agnes]

Ding Ding Ding. You win the prize. France/Germany/Russia/China don't want us in Iraq because they know most of the stuff Saddam isn't/wasn't supposed to have has 'Made in China/France/Germany/Russia' marked on the bottom.

[The Great Satan]

France: War Has Led to Economic Fallout

Somebody froze Jacques' Swiss bank account?

[Drango]

The economy minister said Sunday that he believes the worst French economic fallout from the war in Iraq had already taken place.

Dream on Frog face. Next time you go to the grocery store. be PRO-ACTIVE. Ask to see the store manager and then request that they not purchase/stock any French items.

[Liberals are Evil Socialists!]

More examples of failed socialism. When you tax the capital producing segment of society out of existence, there is no capital to create and drive new business, investment and industry. This is a prime example of the thin line between what will be coming to America as Demonrats take more power.

Don't forget that the Demonrats in America are still Public Enemy #1 to America's continuation and growth of its way of life.

[John123]

And they can't even cut down on their use of soap to save money..tsk..tsk...

And the French women cannot even cut back on razer blades for personal hygiene...

[Carry_Okie]

Yup, the worst fallout is what didn't happen: their expectation of being able to print reserve petro-currency without inflationary consequence, while simultaneously forcing inflationary petro-dollars home to the US.

I'd bet they were looking to pick up US assets on the cheap in a down market.

[Ragirl]

``I'm not saying that to deny the intensity of the Iraqi problems, but the main part of the negative consequences from the Iraqi crisis is behind us,'' he said. Sure...The song "We've only just begun" comes to mind...rot in hell france!

[tet68]

They ain't seen nothing yet!

[Pushi]

Not so. I have been needing Coivossier (my French ain't too good) for several weeks. Not going to buy any. My freeloading friends are just going to have to lump it.