AP News, May 4th, 2007
Key policies of French presidential candidates Nicolas Sarkozy and Segolene Royal:
SARKOZY
ECONOMY: Would cut taxes and payroll fees, and loosen hiring and firing rules. Though generally pro-market, also supports state role in industry, including Airbus and strategic energy giants.
35-HOUR WORKWEEK: Says it's not creating jobs as intended but would not abolish it. Wants to make overtime pay tax-free to encourage people to work more, and earn more.
EUROPEAN CONSTITUTION: Would postpone controversial issues in favor of adopting a simpler constitution by 2009. First trip as president would be to Brussels and Germany for talks on European Union's future.
RELATIONS WITH UNITED STATES: Embraces moniker "Sarko the American" and gladly shook hands with President Bush. Admires American "energy" and opportunity _ but calls Iraq war a mistake.
CRIME: Would prosecute 16- and 17-year-olds as adults. Wants a "Marshall Plan" for the poor urban districts hit by riots in 2005 to get youths into jobs or training programs.
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ROYAL
ECONOMY: Would raise the monthly minimum wage and create new taxes. Proposes state bailout of Airbus and other state intervention to shore up French companies.
35-HOUR WORKWEEK: Says it has had benefits and drawbacks. Would preserve it but wants talks to fix its problems and generalize it where possible.
EUROPEAN CONSTITUTION: Wants to negotiate a new treaty and subject it to a referendum. Says the EU should ensure Europeans across-the-board social protections. First trip would be to Germany to discuss Europe.
RELATIONS WITH UNITED STATES: Calls the Iraq war a "catastrophe" but says she doesn't confuse the Bush administration and its policies with the United States as a whole.
CRIME: Would create neighborhood police forces and boost social programs for poor districts. Proposes boot camp for juvenile delinquents and holding parents more responsible for young troublemakers.
