Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

While US Dallies, France Spends Its Stimulus

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 7, 2009 7:44 AM CDT

(Newser) – France has a reputation for stifling bureaucracy and long vacations, but when it comes to stimulus spending, the country is racing ahead of the US. This summer, workers are completing massive renovation projects not just for roads and rails, but to museums and cathedrals, and royal palaces. According to the New York Times, France could emerge from recession as early as this quarter.

France's economy was mocked through the boom years for holding back growth, but in lean times the centralized system dispenses funds far more efficiently than the US. Many projects funded by the Obama administration's stimulus won't begin until next year, while France plans to spend 75% of its stimulus money in 2009. "America is six months behind," boasts the French minister overseeing the stimulus. "It has wasted a lot of time."

Nicolas Sarkozy speaks with workers as he visits a construction site in Paris.
Nicolas Sarkozy speaks with workers as he visits a construction site in Paris.   (AP Photo/Philippe Wojazer,Pool)
Nicolas Sarkozy is joined by workers and officials on a tour of the construction site of France's first new generation nuclear reactor in Flamanville, northwestern France, Friday, Feb. 6, 2009.
Nicolas Sarkozy is joined by workers and officials on a tour of the construction site of France's first new generation nuclear reactor in Flamanville, northwestern France, Friday, Feb. 6, 2009.   (AP Photo/Michel Euler, Pool)
Nicolas Sarkozy speaks with workers as he visits a construction site in Paris.
Nicolas Sarkozy speaks with workers as he visits a construction site in Paris.   (AP Photo/Philippe Wojazer,Pool)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

House Panel Subpoenas White House Solyndra Docs

Another US-Backed Energy Company Goes Bankrupt

Green Jobs Program Coming Up Short on Jobs

We Might Be Doomed, Debt Deal or Not

Bernanke: We're Prepared to Dole Out More Stimulus


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne