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Food prices in France to increase 4-5% due to war in Middle East, says consumer association
Transportation, packaging, and hydro-carbon usage in products all leading to increase
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Family of US airman shot down over France and saved by Resistance continue lifelong bond
World War Two acts of bravery led American to keep photo in his wallet all his life
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Receive a book and a rose: France prepares to celebrate its independent bookshops
The 28th edition of the Fête de la librairie indépendante will take place on April 25
€5bn to help economy in small towns
New government plan aims to fund housing developments and create new jobs
The government has unveiled a €5bn plan to boost the economies of France’s small and medium-sized towns.
Territorial cohesion minister Jacques Mézard said the towns, which are home to almost a quarter of the population (23%), provide 26% of the country’s jobs and have an ‘‘essential role to play in the French economy’’.
A fifth of the fund for the five-year Action cœur de ville campaign will be used to improve housing in rundown towns. The rest will be used to fund a range of schemes including cutting unemployment particularly among young people, boosting healthcare and improving town centres by introducing new rules for out-of-town businesses.
