User Comments

1. 

   2/06/09

   clioandme

   Wouldn't we need to turn to past crises to learn any lessons? Or are you talking about politics more than economics? In that case, I'm still not sure what I could learn from France, since it's political system and culture are so different.
   
   That said, I am very glad to hear about stimulus packages coming out elsewhere. Things will only get better if all the major economies get involved. That said, 26 billion euros doesn't sound like much for a country of France's size. Course maybe they're going to do this in increments.
   
   Tell me, will the EU be getting involved into the stimulus game as well? Haven't been following the European press recently.

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2. 

   2/06/09

   polybore

   www.ft.com/cms/s/0/b06891d2-e586-11dd-afe4-0000779fd2ac,dwp_uuid=70662e7c-3...
   
   The big partners, Germany, France and UK have already funded their stimulus packages. Those who cannot because fundamentally they don't have the money to do so, are in big trouble but will get help under the package detailed in the link supplied.
   
   Greece has recently had it's sovereign debt downgraded and Ireland could go the same way. Spain and Italy are in trouble. The new Eastern European partners are perhaps worst off with double digit inflation and civil unrest on the streets.

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3. 

   2/07/09

   clioandme

   What about all the Eastern European migrants in the UK? Is this putting pressure on them to go home (which would make things even worse in their countries of origin)?

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   1. 

      2/08/09

      polybore

      Yes a lot are leaving. One of the main reason for this is the weak pound (Sterling) which hits migrants when they exchange their wages in Sterling for their home currency (Euro, Zloty, Lat etc.)
      
      It is going to be a problem for the UK
      
      www.lga.gov.uk/lga/core/page.do?pageId=1493681