Sarkozy says if re-elected, will freeze France's contributions to EUApril 5, 2012 - 19:59 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Nicolas Sarkozy has unveiled his economic manifesto for re-election as president of France, less than three weeks before the first round of voting. He promised spending cuts and a new law committing France to balanced budgets, BBC News reported. Mr Sarkozy also promised to freeze France's contributions to the European Union budget, saving 600m euros ($790m; Ј497m) annually. And he added: "I won't go back on the proposals I made on the fiscalisation of dividends, minimum taxes for big businesses and taxing tax exiles, withdrawing working tax credit (a state subsidy for the low paid) which will bring in 8bn euros ($10bn; Ј6.5bn) to the state's budget." His Socialist rival Mr Hollande supports higher taxes on the rich. On Wednesday he promised a freeze on fuel prices and a 30% cut in salaries for the president and cabinet ministers. According to the three most recent opinion polls available, Mr Sarkozy leads Mr Hollande by an average of 1.8 percentage points in the first round but trails him in the second by an average of seven points. Voters first go to the polls on 22 April, with the run-off scheduled for 6 May. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |