Jack de Vries: Helping or Saint Nicholas statesman

jack_de_vries.jpgIn the realm of State Secretary Jack de Vries (Defense, CDA), the sun never. At least, that you would think judging from the smile on his face which is always carved. More so than in other state secretaries hanging around De Vries the smell of help Santa Claus. That is because he is long-term confidant of the prime minister a year ago was interim appointment.
Today, the budget of Defense discussed and De Vries, a firm scolding of the Second Chamber activities. That has to do with his headaches file: the purchase of new fighter aircraft of the Air Force. It is about the Lockheed F35 Lightning II, better known as the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). Cost 6 billion euro, final decision is 2010. State in the coalition.
De Vries headed in a while on a hard collision with the Court. Not because he's been a busy year, smiling to the parliament the American fighter aircraft by the throat pushing. No: it has incorrect information.
Here the reader in mind hears sirens wail, because "false information" is tantamount to a political mortal sin. That means empty bench, box, plant them: Go. Why is this a political mortal sin "? Since the Second Chamber, care should be confident that the information from the government is correct: only thus can the people representing the ministers and state secretaries check. Cabinet shows incorrect information, then that trust is at issue.

But that has happened. De Vries is still there - the smile on his face screwed. What is wrong? As part of the endless series of salami slices in which the Defense JSF project has changed, wants De Vries that the Court authorizes least two test aircraft from Lockheed to buy. Entirely free, of course.

Meanwhile, the Court may consider whether the best Swedish Saab Gripen Next Generation perhaps better or cheaper. The fractions of PvdA and Christian Union in the Room, which the government support, now have the fucking huge noise that makes the F35 (two times more than the F16) as an opportunity to leverage the purchasing decision. De Vries said on October 30 that was not yet known whether the Next Generation had a quieter engine than the F35. Well, Saab left by return mail apekool know that this was incorrect information.

information about the driver of the Saab was incorrect. When Jack de Vries still just spin doctor of Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende was, he thought of all the basic principles of his box. Line 1 was: "Never Lie" (Image). Rule 2: 'Give only that which is good for you. " Short said the half-truth is better than a whole lie.

And he does now as State Secretary. In the letter De Vries writes that the Defense organization knows what engine in the new unit of Saab's. But as Secretary of State that he "personally unaware" would have been, so he compared the process of candidates can not influence.

The Court is all not very happy with De Vries. He wants a little bit more useful. That he should at least pay with the loss pace. The Government of PvdA and CU groups like the decision on the purchase of the test aircraft three months. Yesterday was a motion adopted.

And that is also better. Defense is examining at the moment what the military needs in 2020 and what it should cost. In 2010 opt for the JSF project means that the 'strategic reconnaissance' is not taken seriously.

It is nice that officials explore the future but about choices for the future of the Armed Forces
Julius Caesar

Julius Caesar

should political parties in their election decision. It is a crucial part of the government: on international aspirations, the Dutch image, on membership of NATO, on peacekeeping operations, on European defense. About Dutch men and women who fight in foreign parts. There must be citizens judge can give. Instead of avid performer of the desire of its officials would Jacques de Vries process that can give direction. He could graduate from aid Sinterklaas to seriously reign person.

"The interest rate may be higher, but not down '

Let the banks lowering their mortgage rates, now that the European Central Bank (ECB) interest rate has also scaled down. A majority of the Lower House wants Finance Minister Wouter Bos of the banks to issue calls, now that the variable mortgage rates not go down, while they previously had equal with the European left interest rates rise.

The ECB has interest in a short time with a full percentage decreased. Officially juggles the bank, responsible for the conduct of monetary policy in the euro area, with only the interest rate to curb inflation. Stimulating the economy with the 'interest rate weapon' was more an American thing. Now there lies an economic motive behind the interest rate cut. The central bankers want a deep recession prevent or alleviate.

"The rate cuts are intended to stimulate the economy and not the pockets of the banks' coffers," had Consumentenbond know Monday. "The banks have the advantage of interest rate cuts to consumers." The association accuses the abuse of the banking institutions cheaper funding.

From CDA to SP sounds the call for action. The PvdA calls on banks to start lending to the margins and not to get too screws. The VVD advocated restraint in the demand for cheap credit.

The banks left their storage on the average European rate by almost 2 percent increase, calculated the Consumer Association. Postbank recently reduced the variable mortgage rates by more than 1 percent, "and this indicates that there is much room in the margins that banks apply to the mortgage."

A good story of the Consumers' Association, says Jasper Maes, director of mediation chain The Mortgage Advisor. "Without external pressure that bank interest rates do not go down."

The banks are abuse of the situation, find Maes. "What's now easier than addressing more margin as interest rates fall? They also know the customer can with the current housing market difficult road. Who gets his house now quickly lost if he wants his loan off? "

The banks now into perspective the importance of European interest. The cost of attracting money have risen sharply, according to them. Will money borrowed in the European context, it must be paid a cash storage, which would be significantly increased. The margins would have proved equal, despite a lower central rate.

Fix economy by 2009 '

The first tentative recovery of the world economy will only occur at the end of 2009. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) warns, however, in the latest report on the world economy that this recovery is largely dependent on the speed with which the crisis in the financial markets to resume.


The longer the unrest by raging, the longer the recovery has been delayed. The whole world economy will, however, first by a deep valley should go. It is also the emerging economies are not spared. Even in China will enhance economic growth, according to the World Bank next year to fall to its lowest level since 1990.

According to new forecasts from the OECD, the Dutch economy next year for the first decline since 1982.

Pleas appeal Fortis find sales on Thursday

There will be argued Thursday in the appeal procedure in which certain small shareholders of Fortis have been launched following the decision of the Brussels commercial court. Those are the parties agreed Monday on an introductory session.

"Helicopter Ben" nickname does honor to

And again the U.S. government is investing 800 billion into the banking system. This time, however, the aid is free.

Why should we now already 800 billion dollars in the American banking system be pumped?

The Bush administration this time had no other choice. Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, the two largest mortgage banks in the country, are de facto nationalized early September. Since then, the government guarantees all the debts of these mortgage giants, which together half of U.S. mortgages are financed.

Fannie and Freddie have many bad loans on their balance sheets and credit crisis by the dozens or perhaps hundreds of billions of losses. Alone in the third quarter, when the real crisis was only beginning, she joined members a loss of over 50 billion dollars.

It let fall of the banks is not an option, because then all debts to the government rightly so. To prevent this and also to ensure that Freddie and Fannie continue to provide mortgages - given the free fall of the house-price is sorely needed - Freddie and Fannie have their bad mortgage loans are redeemed.

The U.S. government is actually paying 600 billion to its own banks? That sounds absurd.

No. That does not exactly public. In that case, the budget deficit to 600 billion increase, and taxpayers will suffer. Now pay the Fed, the American System of Central Banks. Those finance the takeover of the debt by printing money.

Bijdrukken just money? Just as in Zimbabwe or the Weimar Republic?

They were indeed their economic problems to tackle money by the press ever harder to run. The result was that inflation quickly ran into the thousands of percent.

The U.S. currently do not be afraid of a sharp inflation. The risk of deflation, a fall in prices is much larger. Deflation also has a lot desastreuzer effect. If prices fall, wages will fall, allowing the U.S. debt mountain proportionately only widens.

As long as deflation threatens, central banks may therefore unlimited money the machines running.

According to Ben Bernanke, the current Fed president, well. Deflation is never a problem, he concluded in 2002. If necessary step you with a stock of banknotes in the helicopter and that you sprinkle over the country, saying the prices go up. Bernanke owes it to his nickname Helicopter Ben.

Now equally seriously.

This is serious. You can also another way to determine that the step of Americans do not have to be so unwise. The credit crisis, all banks to shorten their balance sheets. In plain English: they borrow less. This is in essence that they have money to the destruction. This has stalled the flow of funds, the lubricant of the economy and threaten the economic engine to run all the way down. There is so much to say that the Fed directly inject oil into the system and not as usual through the detour of interest rate cuts - which now barely more help.

The Fed has also already decided to print 200 billion to that - through the banks - to students, car buyers, small businesses and credit card holders can be borrowed. It takes the Fed, in essence, the money-creating role of the banks.

Five hundred pounds of fireworks seized

Following an anonymous tip is called the Regional environmental teams of police-Noord Brabant and people of Customs Monday morning made a raid on two locations in Heusden. In a premises to the Parallelweg, four rolls illegal fireworks were found.

In a premises to the Grotestraat, by the same owner, were 25 boxes of illegal fireworks were found. The stock is seized five hundred pounds. The Customs found 30 cartons of cigarettes on which no duty was paid on. A 24-year-old resident of Heusden is interrogated as a suspect. He gets both facts for a Minute.

U.S. Army is investing $ 50 million in "games for training"

The American military wants the next few years a lot of money investing in games. These games are designed for soldiers who are prepared for a possible war or mission. From 2010, the "games for training" program. Until 2015, is fully invested in the program and its own games.

The game 'DARWARS Ambush "is one example. This game was launched in 2006 and is now used by soldiers in training. It also wants the army to retain the current game market and therefore also look at the technical developments of commercial games. Lt. Col. Gary Stephens, the manager of this project, says the following:

"The Army takes this seriously. We own gaming for the Army - from requirements through procurement."

But the game industry has now become a large market. Will the army who would benefit?

"We want to take advantage of that, but we do not have the intent to become a competitor with the commercial gaming industry. We do not have the intent or capability to be a commercial house game."

Banks are still not safe

The banks seemed stable after the aid of the government. But new blows threatening.

The banks seemed inhibited by all governmental action, then why did Citigroup many billions needed?

Citigroup was not the first financial institution for the second time in the U.S. government had to knock. AIG, the largest insurer in the world, the bank two weeks ago already.

The first round of aid operations took place before the recession in the U.S. economy with full force struck. The damage was still mainly caused by the fall of Lehman Brothers on Sept. 15. Since then, the American economy hard to shrink. In the fourth quarter will shrink 5 percent - on an annual basis - amounts, Goldman Sachs estimated Friday. That means that more Americans their mortgage and their credit card debts can no longer pay. Meanwhile, the house-price is still hard down, allowing the banks with greater outstanding remain seated.

Citigroup has a large proportion of its total assets (of 2 trillion dollars) invested in U.S. real estate market and U.S. credit cards. These investments quickly lose their value. Citigroup's equity capital is too small, so the American public now feel compelled again to invest 20 billion dollars. At the same time, Citigroup effort to refinance its debts. For investors able to get the U.S. government now guarantees mortgage loans with a total value of 306 billion dollars.

Has the U.S. government this enough money?
Henry Paulson, the Minister of Finance, has 700 billion dollars set aside for all rescue operations. He had hoped that he would only half format, so the other half to his successor, Timothy Geithner, could pass. That hope is lost. It is not strange to expect that the entire 700 billion dollars have already been through, when Barack Obama takes office on January 20.

That is not a disaster. Obama is probably even more reserve money. The debt is the last thing Obama is worried about having to make. He has only one mission: prevent the U.S. economy collapsing, during which all lawful means. Moreover, it will him little trouble in the short term debt to finance the costs. By the turbulence in the financial markets are looking for everyone a safe harbor. U.S. government bonds are still as - relatively - safe.

Wouter Bos also must soon re-help at ABN Amro / Fortis, ING or any of the other banks?
That can certainly not be ruled out. The Dutch housing market has much more stable than the U.S. and the recession here is also a bit slower start, but it's not said that it continues. Moreover, ING has 47 billion euros in the U.S. housing market are. If the bank-insurer must go write off sharply thereafter, new capital injections seem inevitable.

Banks may also be difficult as existing bonds expire and they should refinance their debts. In that case, the banks, just as car Leaseplan, rely on government guarantee on debt. That should investors still on the pull stroke.

Fortis and ABN Amro have a big advantage. Their debts are already largely financed by the Dutch state. Forest has it in early October a bridging loan of 35 billion euro. It is not clear when that credit is repaid.

JIP and Janneke official language helps citizens

Officials must not communicate with citizens in JIP-and-Jane language. That does not help.

That opinion was given the servants of the public Monday during a debate of the Dutch Language Union in Amsterdam.

Communications Specialist Ted Sanders of the University of Utrecht told not to believe in a greatly simplified language, with only short sentences and simple words. This so-called JIP-and-Jane language texts on complex subjects would be less intelligible. What helps, according to Sanders, is clarification of the relationship.

The citizen is not so much that there are too many incomprehensible words and phrases in government texts, but that are so impersonal. The official would be less need to write from an organization and more thinking along with his readers, so it was clear from the survey of the public Taalunie.

Officials are well aware of them. A survey of the Dutch Language Union show that they are more critical about their own texts than the average citizen.

0900-number closed after fraud complaints

Telecom Waakhond Monday OPTA has a 0900-number of Scrappy's Electronics from the air reached on suspicion of abuse and fraud.

Dozens of people in Singapore had complained about a bill of 166.15 euros for the delivery of 100 blank DVDs, that's the last weekend Scrappy sent.

The amount would automatically be amortized. For more information was referred to a 0900-length number. The police recommends that the refuse collection.

Netherlands large investor Interest in Turkey is exploding.

When a trade mission that seven years ago went to Turkey, there were only twenty companies present. In 2004, Minister Brinkhorst (Economic Affairs) a trade mission, which consisted of 34 companies.

This week presents Netherlands in Turkey under the slogan "Pioneers in international business with no less than 104 companies and 40 other representatives of municipalities and educational institutions. A total of 144 participants.

The Netherlands was not only one of the largest foreign investors in Turkey, but in recent years was also one of the largest. In 2006 and 2007 invested companies, including ING and Fortis, 11 billion dollars in Turkey.

Turkey is the fourth - U.S., Russia, Switzerland - main trading partner outside the Netherlands-EU countries.

The Netherlands has more trade with Turkey than with thirteen EU countries.

"Tourism in Amsterdam running back '

Tourists have at least three percent this year, fewer nights spent in Amsterdam than last year. It says the Amsterdam Tourism & Convention Bureau (ATCB). For next year the ATCB a decline of two percent.


The decline comes according to the agency by the financial crisis. Because the economies of America and Britain strongly to the stock prices are linked, ATCB expects a sharp drop in the number of American and British visitors.

The agency tries with a campaign to attract more visitors. In the total cross desk 2.6 million euros in the theme year Amsterdam City Art 2009. The campaign is focused on Great Britain, Germany and Belgium. From these countries would be much more able to come visit. Also for visitors from their own country, the campaign intended.

Still expected from the agency before 2010 weather an increase in tourist nights. Next year and in 2010 several possible audience tractors open the doors. Thus, the Hermitage and Stedelijk Museum from next year to visit. The Maritime Museum is open again from 2010.

Reliable nationwide figures on tourist nights are not there yet, as late as the Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions know. "This year, the number of overnight stays at least one percentage declined," says a spokesman. "But that figures showed that ran until July. In August the decline was even greater."

The 350 hotels in Amsterdam have together forty thousand beds. The hotels last year received 4.9 million guests. They were together accounted for 8.8 million nights. Compared with 2006 the number of guests has increased by over five percent. The number of overnight stays increased last year by over two percent.

Amsterdam attracts about 14.3 million visitors from home and abroad within a day leave. There are 4.6 million visitors who stay longer, on average four days. In total, according to the Office of visitors accounted for a turnover of nearly five billion euros and create 48 thousand full-time jobs as possible.

Darling stimulates economy with one billion package of GBP20

Alistair Darling, the British Minister of Finance, has unfolded a plan Monday to protect the economy through a package of measures to GBP20 billion.

The money should be used to reduce taxes and spending in an effort to stimulate economic shrinkage to a limit.

Darling, who indicated that the package about 1% of gross domestic product (GDP) is worth, announced in addition to VAT reduction to 15% from 17.5%. The reduction applies from December 1, 2008 until the end of 2009.

"In this extraordinary economic circumstances, I would like reasonable and responsible steps to both companies and people to protect," said Darling.

Darling was to be expected that the economy in 2008 is growing by 0.75%, but declining by 0.75% to 1.25% in 2009 and by 2.0% to 2.5% in 2009.

Tokyo closes significantly higher

De beurs in Tokio is dinsdag met flinke winst gesloten, vooral onder invloed van de sterke koerswinsten op Wall Street een dag eerder. De bankensector in Tokio kon fors profiteren van de reddingsplannen voor de Amerikaanse bank Citigroup.

De Nikkei-index van 225 hoofdfondsen sloot 413,14 punten (5,2 procent) hoger op 8323,93 punten. Dat is de scherpste koersstijging in twee weken. Maandag bleef de Nikkei dicht wegens een feestdag. De Kospi in Seoul steeg 1,4 procent en de beurs in Sydney won 5,5 procent. De Hang Seng in Hongkong sloot 3,4 procent in de plus.

Beleggers op de Aziatische beurzen waren goedgestemd door het reddingsplan van de Amerikaanse overheid voor Citigroup. Vooral bankfondsen wisten zich op te trekken aan dit nieuws. In Tokio won Mitsubishi UFJ, de grootste bank van Japan, 2,9 procent. Mizuho Financial steeg 9,2 procent en Sumitomo Mitsui ging 11,5 procent omhoog.

Choice is limited to working hours

Minister Piet Hein Donner of Social Affairs opts for a limited opening of the arrangements for working hours. Companies that the credit crisis by at least 30 percent less turnover, can knock him for support from the unemployment fund. They have until January 1, 2009 the time. Donner sets up 200 million euros available for the scheme.

Depending on the size of the decreased production, a portion of the temporary staff receive an unemployment benefit. This period may take up half years, as Donner made known Monday. Until January 1 next year companies working hours because of the credit crisis applications, unless the 200 million euros have already been upgraded soup. So far, around fifty companies with a total of three thousand workers filed a request for shorter working hours.

The employers' associations VNO-NCW and MKB-Nederland are pleased with the plans. ,, It is an experiment that has not previously been screened. The coming month will show whether it works and is feasible for SMEs'', said the organizations. The measures do not help, then they would talk again with Donner.

FNV trade union is pleased that the scheme is in any case has come. However, it believes the driver Vilnius Wind deadline for companies to submit a request to be very short. Chairman Henk van der Kolk Allies of FNV, the largest union of the Netherlands, will find it a step in the right direction but is critical. A company must have been nearly bankrupt, it would qualify, he said in an initial reaction. He thinks like the Wind short term. Companies that after January by the kredietrisis in trouble, then fall off the boat.

Chairman Jan Kamminga of organization FME-CWM for industrial metal and engineering companies, that criticism. The 200 million which the government makes available suggests, is equivalent to approximately 20,000 full-time workers who may temporarily in the WW. 'This means that companies are encouraged to apply for working quickly, because otherwise she's just fishing.''Many technical and industrial metal companies are facing a sudden omzetdip, but know that the demand gains momentum. They prefer not to lay off staff because it is already difficult for skilled workers to come good. CDA and PvdA are pleased with the cautious attitude of Donner. Second Chamber Jacques Tichelaar (PvdA) pointed out that the scheme really only intended for''acute situations, where the expectation is that companies in a short time back.

D66 is afraid that employees of the rain drip into the boards. Companies that support will not adjust to economic developments. ,, We keep workers from companies which have no future, whereas now there are many vacancies in companies that are performing well'', said Fatma Koser Kaya.

BHP Billiton draws on miljardenbod in Rio Tinto

The Anglo-Australian mining group BHP Billiton has its bid on Tuesday branchegenoot Rio Tinto repealed. BHP says to waive the bid by the deteriorating market conditions and the turmoil in financial markets.


"The board of BHP has decided that completion of the bid is no longer in the interest of the shareholders of BHP is. We have concerns about the continuing deterioration of global economic conditions and the lack of certainty about how long it will take before the situation improves, "said BHP Chairman-Argus Thursday.

The biggest mining group in the world in February brought a hostile bid in its own shares on the also British-Australian Rio Tinto. The bid was rejected by Rio Tinto because it was too low. The decrease in share price of BHP, the value of the bid down from more than 150 billion dollars earlier this year to around 58 billion dollars (45 billion euros) currently.

Worry about debt

BHP is worried that a takeover of Rio Tinto an accumulated debt would pose too great a risk for the company. BHP also pointed to the sale of parts by the European Commission as a condition for a merger with Rio Tinto has been enforced. The EC would decide early next year on the acquisition. Earlier already gave the Australian and U.S. antitrust authorities the green light.

The acquisition would have led to one of the largest producers of iron ore in the world. Many steel companies had therefore objections to the proposed acquisition because they were afraid that the merged company would gain too much influence on the iron ore market.

Declining commodity prices

Because of the concerns about the weakening world economy, the price of commodities fell sharply this year. Due to the weakening world economy, the demand for raw materials and builders have a lot of my suffering.

The withdrawal of the bid for Rio Tinto is unexpected for many analysts. "There was certainly no indication that BHP would do this, it comes as a surprise," said an analyst in Sydney. On the stock market in London BHP shares rose more than 16 percent. However, Rio Tinto plummet 40 percent.

Labor after military death

There is talk right, the widow of last year's accidents Former military Bossche Michel Meijers.
Her husband died during the opening days of the army in Wezep, when he reached a rope from a helicopter was dragged to the ground and hit. A 40-year-old flight engineer of the navy, which had to visually check the rope from the helicopter, yesterday received 200 hours of labor of the military chamber of the court in Arnhem.

That punishment was similar to the requirement.

Lawyer mr Bas Martens: "My client wanted the suspect something is not personally charged. But it is important that it is established that the error was in not visually check whether her husband was separate from the rope."

Martens behalf of the widow is currently in discussion with the Ministry of Defense on a claim. "There is a man with his family away. We see now how the injury must be calculated."

Meijers except his wife had two young children behind.

Profit-European exchanges

European stock markets lower Tuesday off came after the jubilant mood on the show floor the previous day.

After a few minutes, the AEX trade, the key index in Amsterdam, 1 percent lower at 243.06 points. The stock exchanges in London, Paris and Frankfurt lost 0.9 to 1.2 percent.

The stock market indicators shot up Monday around the world, including the rescue plans for the U.S. bank Citigroup and the composition of the economic team of the upcoming U.S. presidential Barack Obama.

The electronics group Philips was the largest in the AEX Daler with a loss of 3.3 percent. Royal Bank of Scotland has advised its customers to share sales.

Catering 'true' inflation for ten years

The Dutch catering prices in the past decade more than inflation over the same period.

This is demonstrated by figures from the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS). Since 1998, the prices in the catering industry with over 40 percent up, while inflation (the average price increase) in the same period amounted to about 25 percent. The increase in the catering industry was also the last 10 years almost always higher than inflation.

The total amount that households spend in the catering industry, growing since the third quarter of 2007 no more. In the second and third quarter of this year, the expenditure decrease. That, according to the CBS mainly due to the deteriorating economic situation.

Banks will learn from crisis

The Dutch banking sector explains itself under the magnifying glass. A special committee will examine how the financial sector in the future should see. That will include looking at issues such as remuneration, monitoring and codes of conduct to which banks must now hold. That way the banks want to draw lessons from the credit crisis.

Next year, the committee with recommendations are made the Dutch Association of Banks (NVB) disclosed yesterday. NVB-chairman Boele Steel expects that the committee not only to the banks themselves will look, but also the political will act in concert. The work of the committee will conduct new and appropriate legislation directing, expects Steel.

The committee is headed by Cees Maas, former financial director of ING. The choice is remarkable because ING recently by the state had to knock for support to strengthen its buffers. Maas earlier led an international commission to deal with the credit crisis arc.

According to NVB-President Steel is the high time for 'self', also from politics because it is called. The committee must include dealing with the question of how much money a bank can lend to someone and how much risk it stuck.

Cees Maas except sit in committee, the former bankers Tom de Swaan and Wim van de Goor Bergh and professor of economics Sylvester Eijffinger.

ABN Amro and Fortis sold separately but not together

ABN Amro and Fortis Bank Nederland will not be merged. Minister of Finance Wouter Bos will today announce that the two banks over time may be sold separately. Several insiders who say that the plans of Forest know, against the Volkskrant.

Forest wants with his decision to end the dormant uncertainty about the future of ABN Amro and Fortis Bank Nederland. Since the nationalization of both banks botert no longer between the management and employees. The Works of Fortis accuses the summit of ABN Amro for example, an arrogant attitude.

Works of both companies also insist on the cessation of integration.

A major reason for the already deployed integration of both banks to stop, which is the job loss that goes with it. There were almost eight thousand jobs disappear. Such a reorganization on the eve of a severe economic recession would Bos and his PvdA political damage.

Netherlands nationaliseerde both banks on October 3 and it paid 16.8 billion euros for. Until that time was the then-listed holding company engaged Fortis ABN Amro shares - which bought it a year earlier - in their own organization to integrate. They were big cultural difference between the Dutch bankers ABN Amro and the new Belgian colleagues from Fortis to light. The integration was syrupy.

Fortis fell in early October in parts from each other and there was no longer an integration of ABN Amro in Fortis, but vice versa. Nout Wellink, President of De Nederlandsche Bank, created in the nationalization announced that the integration process have been deployed by simply had to go. The much larger ABN Amro would be the parent party and not Fortis.

On the future of some specific parts of the two banks - such as banking and Mees Pierson HBU - final decision has not yet been taken. Forest would be no hasty steps would continue with Fortis and ABN Amro. The openly in the showcase securing business would bring too much unrest and scare away customers of the banks.

Wolthoorn cafe for pride of place in Top 100

Groninse cafes do well in the Top Cafe 100. The winner of last year, the state Wolthoorn the next three years in the Hall of Fame Misset Horeca. The tenth place is The Pint Lier. Last year they were still on the fourteenth place.

Top 100 listed together to seventeen judges visited the past year four hundred cafes throughout the Netherlands. That was anonymous and the pubs were assessed for hospitality, atmosphere, quality of drinks served, hygiene and appearance.

Jos cafe in Nijmegen is the best pub of the Netherlands and may be called Café of the Year. In second place is Proeflokaal In the Uiver in Haarlem. Number three is The New Big Dries in Utrecht.

Crisis hits including Air France-KLM hard

Growth of the world economy falters and there has also Air France-KLM lot of burden. Unlike many competitors knew the Franco-Dutch airline in the past six months over from the red to continue. However, profit significantly compared to last year. Air France-KLM posted in the first half of its fiscal year broken a net profit of 196 million euros, against 1.15 billion euros a year earlier. That figure is more like a write-fuel options of 361 million euros processed. Without non-recurring items profit was 385 million euros, almost half less than last year. In order to absorb price buys Air France-KLM strategic fuel in the longer term. That offered protection when oil prices rose strongly, as in the past summer when a record of 147 dollars per barrel was reached, but in the current situation with a sharp drop in oil prices earlier disabilities. The company looks at whether its fuel policy to adapt to market conditions. Satisfied top Despite the sharp profit decline, the top of Air France-KLM satisfied. Operations Director Pierre-Henri Gourgeon, who in January CEO Jean-Cyril Spinetta, the latter said the results, significantly, given the difficult economic circumstances''. The company expects profit in the year to close, although its growth has had to significantly adjust downwards. Spinetta himself stressed that his company the deteriorating economic climate better than the main offers many competitors. ,, Air France-KLM is on the squad'', he said. ,, We have everything in the house for stronger from the current crisis and to put less affected than our competitors.''He pointed to include the strong network of Air France-KLM, which operates many different markets. Austerity Air France-KLM savings this year or 260 million euros extra to keep it. To execute a more cautious and personnel, the purchase of new computers and vehicles from. ,, Al, I realize that we contribute to the misery''said KLM CEO Peter Hartman. ,, It is not the first crisis, a special''said Hartman. But he said that the malaise also offers opportunities for Air France-KLM. ,, Others to fall, that opens opportunities for us.''

Ryanair avoids Maastricht 20-11-08

The tower of the airport of Maastricht (photo: Reuters) Ryanair stops flights from Maastricht-Aachen Airport. The Limburg airport from January to tread because of the flight fee. For flights within Europe since this summer in the Netherlands € 11.25 be paid. Airline Ryanair says it no longer profitable to fly. The airline flies from Maastricht few times a week on the Spanish cities of Alicante and Barcelona. The Netherlands is the only country that removes fly fee. Passengers depart from it increasingly to airports in Belgium and Germany.

Executive Action moons government workers to hurry

expected to fifteen hundred employees of companies like Nedcar and DAF come to the square Friday morning in The Hague. The government should speed up measures against the effects of the credit crisis to prevent large groups of workers have overcome the field, reads the message.

The main trade union chairmen Agnes Jongerius (FNV), Rene Easter (CNV) and Richard Stone Borg (MHP) wearing a fire letter to the Cabinet. The branch trade unions and their unions want the government quickly comes with a temporary measure for working hours.

Tuesday showed that a majority of the Lower House's proposal for Social Affairs Minister Piet Hein Donner (CDA) supports the companies that arguably suffer from the credit crisis to enable their employees to work temporarily less. The workers are paid with the money that is intended for unemployment benefits. The cabinet will look next week with concrete proposals that the impact of the credit crisis must limit. First is discussed between the concerned ministers, employers and employees. Any help is only for healthy companies that can be shown by the credit crisis in the problems hit.

The government has under the activists in a weekend billions allocated to the banks. But when it comes to 'the workplace' is, according to the ministry, the activists at each other. The action lasts from 09.30 to 10.30 hours.

Insist on bond market

The European governments, which have spent billions to banks and businesses to support, thus hindering their ability to attract money. It is becoming more pressing for the bond market.

The Dutch national debt is by all rescue operations in the financial sector has now become a record high of € 282.9 billion increase. On Prince, there was still talk of that debt next year would drop to around € 246 billion, or 39.6% of gross domestic product (GDP). In the coming years, the debt as a percentage of GDP even fall to the lowest level since 1815. The intervention of the Cabinet with banks and insurers, however, the situation has changed significantly. The state also guarantees that the market is flooded with new loans of reliable quality. This is the interest on loans from the state or semi-government such as municipal, industrial and water banks at a lower pitje States. To still generate enough money to continue, the coupon rate will continue to be attractive. The Ministry of Finance yesterday made known now € 12 billion would fetch through the reopening of four short-term loans with a maturity of three, four and five months. In our country appears to the semi-state to suffer from the hustle and bustle on the bond market. Thus, the Dutch Water Bank still to money, but above the rate of previous loans. The Bank of Dutch Municipalities (BNG) wild yesterday lost nothing of their loan conditions. Some countries have such huge amounts warranty available - such as Germany, with almost € 500 billion - that their own credit standing is weaker classified. In the line that leads also allow a higher remuneration to be paid less than it otherwise would have been. Sun will pay the German industrial bank Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW, a semi-government institution) is now 0.3% more interest on its bonds issued in October than was the case yet. In England were Royal Bank of Scotland, HBOS, Lloyds TSB and Barclays use of state guarantees, whereby the cost can reach 1% of the guaranteed amount. Also in the Netherlands there is a prop to come from companies who are only able to fund with government guarantees. Company car leasing company LeasePlan is the first by the government invoked the guarantee for loans. The request is for loans totaling € 1.5 billion, as did financial director Guus Stoelinga known yesterday. The car company already has fifteen years on a Dutch bank license. The company can rely on a system that Forest Minister of Finance last month has created for the guarantee of reciprocal loans from financial institutions. The government has previously made available € 200 billion. LeasePlan says the credit crisis to have difficulty to attract financing. "The capital market is still a half years. We could sing long, but now it's time for an application to serve, "said Stoelinga. Financial problems LeasePlan has indicated it will not. Stoelinga: "This is a normal financing. We have the € 1.5 billion needed for the new year to go. "LeasePlan in the Netherlands has a fleet of 126,000 cars. Until 2004, the company owned by ABN Amro. Car manufacturer Volkswagen now owns half the shares. Foreign investors, including from the Middle East, have the rest. LeasePlan has a total of thirty countries in 1.3 million cars on the road. Competitor and market leader Athlon Car Lease, a subsidiary of Rabobank, does not appeal to the guarantee for loans from the government. According to director Richard Crescent is the capital position of Athlon in order and therefore have no recourse to the scheme. Leaseplan expected within a few days of the Ministry of Finance to hear whether the application is successful. According to the company lies in an important signaling approval. "We are considered credit worthy," said Stoelinga. This stamp may, according to the finance director also lead to LeasePlan once again entitled to 'normal' funding. "In England Barclays was the first to use a guarantee. Then came ordinary loans also back on track. "Prime Minister Balkenende has recently made a call to the financial sector to make use of the loan guarantee for the movement to get things going again. Last week showed bancassurer SNS Reaal and bank NIBC able to consider making an appeal to do so. ING, which has received direct government, is also mentioned as a candidate to use the new money is guaranteed to be drawn. The ten largest Dutch banks have until the end of next year when the guarantee expires, for a total of € 86 billion in loans to repay and refinance. For all European banks together is that more than € 800 billion.

TMG-CEO: reorganization necessary - media

When the Telegraaf Media Group (TMG) is not reorganized, writes the company within two years of red figures. That suggests Ad Swartjes CEO of TMG in a letter to staff, which is held by RTL Nieuws. The letter states that the situation in TMG "serious" is. Swartjes indicates that the turnover under heavy pressure, and increase the cost by stating that "if there are no measures are taken" the company within two years of losses will be interminable. "It is a war raging in the media. We are convinced that TMG as one of the strongest survivors of the battle will come with a robust and versatile media portfolio. But in order to reach this position, we must now continue through the pillars for a future cost level. I urge you to critically and constructively to these consultations to participate. Let's clear this task together, "says the letter.

What you earn in 2009?

Now even an empty wallet? Soon there will be what. Photo: Morguefile By reducing the premium ww you have a chance that you will soon pay slip shows a higher amount. Want to know what you earn next year? Employment agency Randstad has developed a "salary check." Randstad has made an initial calculation of what workers will earn next year. The tax 2009, that yesterday evening in the Cabinet was discussed, is starting. Especially by reducing the ww-premium (to 0 percent), many workers there to get some money. Thus the employee to earn a gross monthly salary of 2000 euros next year net 16 euro more per month. And who now earn 2750 euros, will soon top 30 euro may count. For workers with an income of 3850 euro rises next year, the net monthly salary by nearly 52 euros. Calculate your salary from The WW premium for workers decline, is especially beneficial for higher incomes. This is because the impact of this reduction is higher as the worker in 2008 was due more premium. Do you want to calculate how much your net salary in 2009 in comparison with changes now? That may, at the site of Randstad HR Solutions.

AH cites exploding potato croquettes from the shelves

Albert Heijn has decided with immediate effect AH Potato croquettes with expiry date 04-2010 from the freezer retrieval. Reason for this measure is that the potato croquettes not meet our quality because the potato croquettes can prepare flop. Consumers are urged to AH Potato croquettes with expiry date 04-2010 from the freezer to retrieve and return them to the store. They received the purchase price return. From packing with another expiration date is the quality guaranteed. For further information, consumers can contact the Free Albert Heijn Search (0800-0305). Albert Heijn offers its apologies for the inconvenience.

Ahold white to deep red raven Damrak

On a deep red colored stock exchange in Amsterdam was supermarket group Ahold Thursday the white raven. The company had fair results presented in the third quarter and knew that the dance of falling rates to rise. The AEX index on the Damrak reached a new low for the year and noted at the lowest level since spring 2003. After the stock exchanges in New York and Asia by concerns about the economy were already significantly decreased, European investors also opted for the road down. Shortly before noon, the Amsterdam's main gauge in the minus 3.4 percent at 229.97 points. The Midkap index for mid was 4.3 percent lower at 304.56 points. The major European stock exchanges in London, Frankfurt and Paris fell 2-3 percent. Expectations exceeded Ahold has been with the earnings surpassed analysts' expectations. This was reason for investors to steps, the rate went up by 6.6 percent. Super de Boer, a competitor of Ahold, followed in the wake of a 2.7 per cent higher rate. The biggest loser in the AEX was steel group Arcelor Mittal with a minus of 10.2 percent. The commodity-related companies suffered further declines in commodity prices. A barrel of U.S. crude oil of 159 liters was 3 percent cheaper and cost 52 dollars. Lose The prices of oil group Shell and SBM Offshore platform builder fell by 2.3 and 2.4 percent respectively. Soil Researcher Fugro had fair trade message in a mid informed that the demand for its services remains high. Fugro's share price level. Insurer Aegon and ING bancassurer included in rates of 7 and 10 percent with the biggest losers. It was reported that Citigroup's share, by concerns about the survival of the American bank, during trading on Wall Street have diminished by 23 percent. Small funds In the small funds was TKH Group, the former Twentsche Cable, the largest Daler with a minus of 9.4 percent. The company had reported before trading may not be immune to the weakening economy and expect that this will see the effects. The euro stood at 1.2515 dollars, against 1.2595 dollars at the end of European trading on Wednesday.

AEX need peace and stability

AMSTERDAM - The European grants will be relatively flat this morning to begin the trading day following a closed significantly higher Wall Street where investors acted cautiously to the positive words of the defining policy of America declared that there are signals that the $ 700 billion high bail out program to help the financial markets stabilize.


The AEX will try omkeerdag yesterday, with a lock on the high of the day at over 250, today further. Investors on the AEX have experienced it as positive that the Amsterdam yesterday, the main yardstick but persistent negativism is going to able to shake. The AEX would now spend a few days of relative calm and stability must undergo careful with higher rates. The volatility may well collapse as an absolute condition to provide a basis for further recovery in the coming weeks to end years.

Finally, some positive words spoken yesterday in the current climate of fear and pessimism by the Minister of Finance Hank Paulson, Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke and FIDC chairman Sheila Bair in an accountability session for the Finance Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives. A light in the darkness and an indication that the draconian measures taken of liquidity and capitalization of central governments and central banks cautiously effect.

Paulson found it necessary to emphasize that the bail-out program only the financial industry and is not a program for a variety of companies such as economic stimulation to serve. He wants to clear from that but everyone has recourse to bail out the program. What he is concerned, the big 3 car makers than any recourse to bail out funds from the program. The Big 3 car makers said yesterday on the verge of bankruptcy to it.

There will, in my view, absolutely a mode solution must be found for the car makers, because it let bankruptcy arrive, will direct and indirect result of fired three million people what the government alone the first year will cost $ 60 billion. There will be another government pot to be found or created from which can be tapped.

President elect Barack Obama has already hint that what he is concerned there is a structural solution which meets all its objectives for the future as regards the American auto industry to meet. He is strong for the middle class Americans, and in particular which is represented by the workers in America is so important, yet totally inefficient auto industry. Probably today will come to vote in the U.S. Congress how to proceed with the big 3 car makers.

A remarkable development during the day yesterday in the S & P500. For the first time since 1958 reached the average dividend yield of the S & P500 companies a height above the yield of the 10-year Treasury paper released. The average dividend of the S & P500-in was yesterday at 3.57 percent compared with a yield of 3.54 percent on 10-year Treasury paper. A clear indication of the attractiveness of equities relative to bonds at the moment.

Only investors need to be found in the current climate of fear and pessimism from their neck dare stabbing. We must again pass on any weakness will be bought instead of that on any short or larger rally sold. There is still a very long way to go but the stock exchanges in violent movements still seem reasonable to stabilize above the lows were dropped. A few days peace and stability will be able to do much good.

"Residues requires more than diet alone '

Who wants to waste permanently, must do more than just a diet. This is shown by research from the University of Wageningen.
Enlarge image Sonja Bakker proudly presents the glossy Sonja. PHOTO ANP
The Division of Human Nutrition at the University compared three diet concepts: the self-help formula of Sonja Bakker, a monthly visit to a dietitian and program with intensive supervision of Lady Line.

,, The weight loss was greatest when participants in the program of Lady Line,''says researcher Edith Feskens. , Who lost an average of twelve percent weight.''One obvious result according to her. ,, The women were accompanied by a personal coach and followed the movement therapy.''

Applicants who participate once a month by a half hours dietician sat, fell an average of seven percent off. The women who followed the self-help formula of Sonja Bakker saw their weight by an average of four percent decrease.


The results were not against Feskens. ,, A fresh weight loss of five to ten percent is the maximum achievable.''She was so striking that the participants in the last groups, compared with those in the first, did not move. 'Only write or say that someone must move, apparently not helping. The threshold should be reduced.''

According Feskens more attention should be moving. In consultation with the Dutch Association of dietician want them to see if the approach by nutritionists can not efficiently. ,, Perhaps through training.''


The high score of Lady Line looks suspicious, given a notice on the website of the company. It is reported that the companies' cooperation with the Wageningen University is working on scientific research. " Feskens: "We have received no money from Lady Line and not vice versa. The company delivered or personal coaches and equipment for the participants.''


Koen Lenting, the husband of Sonja Bakker, said the investigation yesterday in a first response "unsubtle." According Feskens scored Bakers' formula, although slightly less but not bad. , "We have not begun the investigation to Sonja Bakker to crack but because we are interested in what science afvallers like.''

The study was conducted with 39 overweight women between 30 and 65 years. Split into three groups followed them for 40 weeks a diet of the three concepts.

35 firms sign up for crisiskas Cabinet

35 Dutch companies, the government asked for financial aid to finance working hours. They want their staff temporarily sent home because of the impact of the credit crisis.

The Lower House is divided on the use of the unemployment fund for shorter working hours for companies. The leftist parties to the PVV sympathetic to the request made by trade unions and employers, but the government parties CDA and Christian Union with the opposition parties VVD and D66 hooks and eyes.

That showed last night in the Lower House during a debate on the impact of financial crisis. The government will later this week or early next week a decision on whether the regime also wants to use to reduce the impact of the credit crisis of individual companies to soften.

Employers and workers are waiting anxiously at the green light from politics for temporary working. That is according to the social partners are desperately needed now above the dark clouds Dutch economy pack.

Several companies, including Nedcar, DSM, Corus and Philips, already let their staff work shorter hours. Philips sends the staff of the razors factory in Drachten even a week with paid leave, provided they accept that, then other temporary work.

People are over a thousand employees atv mandatory five days to take, because the production by the credit crisis has collapsed. The personnel assigned to tweak the Mitsubishi Outlander, waiting for the end of this year, also ten 'flex days. " Once the production attracts, the workers three-quarters of the hours worked not catch up.

Many such companies may not pay out of pocket. 35 have been suffered by Minister Piet Hein Donner of Social Affairs and Employment called on the existing arrangements for working hours.

That is really meant for companies where it is clear that a sales decline, for example by burning of a factory, is of short duration. In such a case, temporary workers sent home with pay. The employer will receive compensation from the unemployment fund. The fund is now about nine billion euros WW premium paid by workers and employers.

Donner now review each company or the scheme. The minister wants to avoid too great a reliance on the WW-cash, especially since the Cabinet has decided the WW premium for employees with effect from next year to abolish.

Both Donner as Minister of Finance Wouter Bos said yesterday in the House that the scheme is not allowed to print that ailing companies and failing managers with WW-up money into account.

Two cars get a pay ...

It is so bad with the American auto industry that even a car dealer cars gift does for the symbolic sum of one dollar.

When you buy a new Chrysler Pacifica worth some 40,000 dollars, the buyer for a dollar a PT Cruiser at present.

"It is so bad in the car that I should do something to still get customers," says Frank Mancari, a dealer from Chicago. "I still have my stock.

The chairmen of the three U.S. car manufacturers General Motors, Chrysler and Ford have insisted on financial aid to the ailing sector.

The car builders suffer from the financial crisis collapsed car. American car companies write it for months long red figures. GM, producer of among other things, Opel, warned earlier this month that the money in the autogigant by the summer of next year, if the current malaise in the car market persists.

Fighting by Fortis investors after major set back

Fortis Shareholders have their first battle against the dismantling of Fortis lost. Yesterday the Brussels commercial court decided Francine Tandt The sale of Fortis Bank to the French BNP Paribas not to suspend due to the credit crisis was overdue. Lawyer Mischaël Modrikamen is today appealed against the 'disappointing' ruling.


The verdict of The Tandt was not only a setback for the counsel and the 2000 shareholders he represents, but also for the Public Ministry. That suggested earlier this month that the sale only with the approval of the shareholders have happened.

Incorrectly, believes the Tandt, who also spoke again that the summit by Fortis politics was put out. Giving in to the demands of the victims, according to its means an "irreparable damage" for Fortis and would lead to mistrust in the financial markets.

In the packed courtroom investor mentioned many injured after a 'political' verdict. "So far I do not want to go," said Laurent Arnaut Modrikamen of the office. "But the political pressure from Prime Minister Leterme, the court certainly ingeboezemd fear."

Last week, the prime minister to joke that if the court blocked the transaction with BNP Paribas would stabbing, the government withdraws its support and a windfall for the budget occurs.

"A 'harmless' joke with a huge influence," said Arnaut, "because there came an immediate run on the bank' it. The politics behaves too much under the rules of politics. That also applies to the Dutch state. "Leterme itself pointed out yesterday at a press conference all been charged accusations of political pressure of the hand.

On appeal Modrikamen still hopes to reach that Fortis shareholders on the planned meetings beginning next month could decide whether the transactions with BNP and the Dutch state.

Opel Insignia is Car of the Year

The great middle class limousine Opel Insignia (cost from 24,900 euros) by an international jury of autojournalisten elected Car of the Year 2009. The Insignia achieved with only one point difference of the Ford Fiesta: 321 points against 320 points. The VW Golf was only 223 points.

Opel had to wait 22 years (Opel Omega) for a further won the coveted title. In 2007, the Opel Corsa with only two reports by the Ford S-Max.

The Insignia is a 4.8-meter long trolley suitcase as a classic model with four doors and a saloon is offered with five doors. There is also a break model Sports Tourer. He is the successor to the Opel Vectra. The Insignia is the first car that recognizes road signs and warns the driver. He also has headlights that automatically dim to the beam not to dazzle against. The headlights adapt their strength and direction to automatically obscure routes and in the town. (JMB)

Carrefour appoints new CEO

PARIS (AFN) - The French supermarket group Carrefour, the Swede Lars Olofsson as a new CEO. The food group Nestle coming Olofsson follows a January 1 Jose Luis Duran, who is under pressure from shareholders the field must overcome.

Carrefour in France has increasingly affected by cheaper competitors. In addition, the company has several major shareholders are reluctant to foreign takeovers. Carrefour's share this year already lost 44 percent of its value.

Olofsson was with Nestle responsible for international marketing and sales activities. He is the second top executives in a short time that the Swiss group on their heels. In September, Chief Financial Officer Paul Polman chairman at rival Unilever.

Aegon: Still no decision on U.S. use relief fund

Insurer Aegon NV has not yet decided whether it wants to make use of the U.S. fund for financial institutions. Also aware of a possible capital injection is not clear, says a spokesman for the group Tuesday against FD.nl / DJ.

Aegon has filed a request Friday to make use of the fund. "We would like to keep all options open in the current uncertain market conditions," said the spokesman. He adds that Aegon is currently no additional capital needs, but that the deadline for applications passed Friday.

Earlier Tuesday It Financieele Dagblad reported that the U.S. government Aegon for a capital injection of more than $ 1 billion requested, but the spokesman says that there is no request for a specific amount is made.

He adds that it is uncertain whether Aegon eligible for the program.

Aegon is in America owner of Transamerica Corporation. The group generates about two thirds of its profit in the U.S..

Internet company Yahoo! replaces Jerry Yang

NEW YORK - The Internet company Yahoo! continues its CEO and co-founder Jerry Yang (40) on the side. He will remain until a replacement is found. That made the American company known Monday. Yang remains at a high level by Yahoo!.

The move follows the failed takeover earlier this year of Yahoo! by software giant Microsoft. Many shareholders did not agree that Yang rejected an offer. Microsoft offered a total of 47 billion dollars for Yahoo! but not long negotiations eventually led to a takeover.

According to sources, there would be personal animosity arose between Yang and Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. Now Yang road, according to observers there would be room for renewed talks with the software giant.

In addition walked Yahoo! this autumn a lucrative advertising contract with Google as a result of a wrong decision of the U.S. competition authorities. The search was disclosed last month, 10 percent of the jobs, around 1,400 jobs, to be deleted as a result of the economic downturn.

Yang, the search engine founded in 1995 with fellow-student David Filo, was only the last one and a half years at the top of the board of the company. He left Monday night that the time has become Yahoo! to a new leader to leave.

Talk about lack of compliance with smoking ban

Minister Ab Klink (Public Health) consult Wednesday with Royal Horeca Netherlands branch on the poor enforcement of the smoking ban that applies since July 1. A spokesperson for Klink confirmed this Monday.


It seems that banning smoking less and less observed by mainly small outlet. "We discuss how we should handle it," said the spokeswoman.

Ignoring the smoking ban as an oil slick threatens to expand. Cafe owners in Den Bosch this week are from smoking in their case.

KHN has no precise figures on the number of entrepreneurs that the ashtray on the table sets, but "we see that it is expanding," said a spokesman Monday.

KHN said Friday that the smoking ban a "chaos" has caused in the small cafes. The trade association wants the smoking ban is maintained or otherwise trash the beginning. The organization provides emergency clock. The introduction of the smoking ban would be disproportionate to the implementation implications for especially small catering business lead.