Jospin announces his 'ambition for France'

French premier Mr Lionel Jospin, the socialist's presidential candidate, has unveiled what he called his "ambition for France…

French premier Mr Lionel Jospin, the socialist's presidential candidate, has unveiled what he called his "ambition for France."

If elected, he pledges to reduce dole queues by 900,000 inside five years, including a special effort to create 200,000 jobs for people over 50.

He has also set the goal of "zero homeless" with funds for "universal housing" and has proposed forgiving the debts of cash-strapped developing nations.

He also proposed a "European federation of nation-states."

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He said there is a need for the European Union to agree on a minimum level for corporate income tax to eliminate harmful tax competition inside the economic area. he claimed a floor tax rate "is a necessary antidote for the poison of fiscal dumping."

France has for many years been an outspoken critic of countries such as Ireland using low corporate tax rates to attract inward investment.

Mr Jospin said that, to foster a more cohesive economic policy in Europe, he will push for the election of the chairman of the Euro-group of EU finance ministers, rather than have the chairmanship rotate automatically.

If elected, he said he would overhaul France's income tax system to lighten the tax burden on labour while increasing the tax bite on capital investments.

Mr Jospin holds a slight edge over President Chirac in recent polls. Voting takes place on April 21st and May 5th.