General

Stéphane Dion has a political future—in Paris

France introduces the dreaded carbon tax

Former Liberal leader Stéphane Dion should think about running for office in France. His ideas are all the rage over there. President Nicolas Sarkozy has announced plans for a new carbon tax aimed at combating global warming—the same idea that torpedoed Dion’s prime ministerial dreams. The French tax, 17 euros per tonne, will be introduced next year and will cover the use of oil, gas and coal. Two-thirds of French voters oppose the new levy, but Sarkozy insists it will help citizens cut their energy consumption and slash greenhouse gas emissions. He can only hope that, unlike Dion, it doesn’t equally cut down on his political ambitions.

BBC

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