On July 14th 1789, a group of French revolutionists stormed into the French Bastille prison. This assault symbolized the Old Regime’s fall, as well as the beginning of a new time period: the French Revolution, which would later lead into an actual Democratic system. July 14th has since then marked the day the French celebrate the Federation Party, in which they commemorate the Bastille Storming.

After Miterrand left the Presidency in 1995, there has not been any socialist President of the French Republic until recently, due to President Hollande, so the Federation Party had the incentive of seeing a left wing President again.

Two months have already passed since Francois Hollande came to power. He reached it with a lot of nice words and promising speeches. Today, these words have not evaporated, and he continues with his positive speeches. On the 14th of July the French President spoke on TV, reminding all that his economic policies will remain different from those that are obliterating the European Welfare State, especially from Spain and Italy. These are countries that keep on taking austerity measures instead of boosting the economic growth. “My mission is to help France recover and give it a future. Jobs are my priority,” said Hollande.

But if anything has marked this July 14th, it has been Peugeot’s announcement of closing their company in France, which will leave 8.000 french workers without jobs. Hollande accused the automobile company of misconduct and said that this restructuring plan cannot be accepted, especially after the company received important financial help months ago. “The plan is not acceptable as it stands and therefore it will not be accepted,” said Hollande on TV.

On the 14th of July celebration, the President also pointed out all of what he has done in the first eight weeks of his term. They have been eight weeks in which he has spent most of his time “defending France interests in the international appointments, and respecting the promises made during the political campaign,” remembering that the pillars are still “justice, growth and employment.”

Hollande seems to face the crisis calmly, without following the manual that Brussels dictates. Social dialogue, justice, common sense and transparency prevail for Hollande over the liberal demands of Europe.

“We owe a debt of 90% of GDP, have 10% of unemployment and a foreign trade deficit of 70,000 million euros,” he said. “We must make a pact to improve competitiveness productive, well-studied labor costs. We will put all our resources into play, imagination and intelligence. And we will make a major tax reform for the rich contribute more, unlike what happened with the previous government.”

On July 14th of 1789 a group of French revolutionaries made a huge step into history. Who knows if Hollande French President policies of boosting economic growth will turn Europe’s tide.

Image Courtesy of  Parti socialiste

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About the author

Francisco Fajardo
Journalist graduated from the Navarra University, he has worked on newspapers and radio in Spain. His passions are sports, history and politics. Now he is part of the Toonari Post team.