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French PM Lobbies US on Weak Economy

In Washington, Fillon seeks alliance to spur Chinese revaluing

By Jason Farago, Newser Staff

Posted May 2, 2008 8:07 AM CDT

(Newser) – While Nicolas Sarkozy struggles with the sputtering French economy at home, his prime minister has traveled to Washington to spur international action. François Fillon will meet with Ben Bernanke and Hank Paulson today, where he is expected to press the US on the subprime crisis, the weak dollar, and the need for an appreciation of the Chinese yuan, reports the AP.

In an interview with the New York Times, the French prime minister said that the US and Europe have to work together to get China to revalue its currency. The recent protests during the Olympic torch relay in Paris have stoked anti-French sentiment in China, making collaboration more important than ever. "There is political pressure to be put on China, with more chance of success if we’re united," Fillon said.

French Prime Minister Francois Fillon gestures as he speaks during a debate at the French National Assembly in Paris, Tuesday, April 1, 2008. The French PM is in Washington for economic talks. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)

French Prime Minister Francois Fillon, foreground right, gestures as he speaks during a debate at the French National Assembly in Paris, Tuesday, April 1, 2008. The French PM is in Washington for economic... (AP Photo/Francois Mori)

French President Nicolas Sarkozy, right, chats with Prime Minister Francois Fillon. The French PM is in Washington for economic talks. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

French prime minister Francois Fillon is in Washington for economic talks. (AP Photo/Keystone, Alessandro della Valle)

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French PM Lobbies US on Weak Economy

In Washington, Fillon seeks alliance to spur Chinese revaluing

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Sarkozy's Party Trounced in Local Elections

French voice opposition to president's reforms

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Sarko Backs Down on Public Sector Cuts

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Ex-Chirac official is also president's jogging buddy

Sarkozy Seeking 5 More Years

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French PM Lobbies US on Weak Economy

In Washington, Fillon seeks alliance to spur Chinese revaluing

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Nicolas Sarkozy • France • yuan • Francois Fillon • weak dollar

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Sarkozy's Party Trounced in Local Elections

French voice opposition to president's reforms

Sarko's First Budget Offers No Big Shakeups

Eschewing austerity, France set to run another huge deficit

Sarko Backs Down on Public Sector Cuts

Retreats from promise to trim French civil servant rolls by 50%

Sarkozy Taps Close Adviser to Be PM

Ex-Chirac official is also president's jogging buddy

Sarkozy Seeking 5 More Years

Rival shrugs as president officially launches bid

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Newser By Users

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