Embarrassing U-Turns by French government

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The French government was forced into an embarrassing climb-down this week on two key initiatives. 

Firstly, the scope of the new Edvige security database has been narrowed, after widespread opposition.  The database will no longer hold details about an individual's sexuality and health, and it will no longer routinely hold details of public figures such as politicians, union activists or religious figures, unless they are considered a threat to national security.  The scope changes have pacified some, but union leaders are still unhappy that the police can collect data on people aged 13 or above, if they are a perceived threat to security.  Opponents may still protest on 16 October, Saint Edwige's day in the Roman Catholic calendar. 

Prime Minister Francois Fillon stepped in yesterday to head-off controversy over a new eco-tax announced by Environment Minister Jean-Louis Borloo on Tuesday.  Dubbed the "Picnic Tax", the new initiative was to raise taxes on throw-away plates, cups and cutlery, to encourage people to buy more environmentally friendly products.  Opponents believe that the government should be raising revenue from the well-off rather than penalising ordinary people enjoying a day out.  The U-turn is an embarrassment for the Environment Minister, who has introduced a range of measures to make the French economy more eco-friendly.  Taxes aimed at heavy-polluting cars have already been introduced, and Le Figaro newspaper this week claimed that the government has agreed on a list of other items they plan to target, such as fridges, washing machines, televisions, batteries and wooden furniture.  Fillon denied that there is a list.