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Row over French carsharing app that lets smokers buy cheap cigarettes in six EU countries
Products such as tobacco and alcohol are less expensive in neighbouring countries
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French pharmacies attract American visitors with their lower prices
Pharmacists say some tourists are buying medication in France - both prescription and over-the-counter - to save money
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French authorities pause EES questions for travellers in UK
Questions, especially at kiosks, were feared to cause confusion; change affects ferries, Eurostar and Eurotunnel
Lagarde named 'star' of finance
Financial Times says French economy minister is the best in Europe for her work dealing with the crisis
CHRISTINE Lagarde has been named the best economy minister in Europe for her work getting France out of the recession.
The Financial Times said Lagarde had "become a star" and the panel of judges "loved her performances on the international stage when it came to regulation and the future of banking".
"The French government’s swift fiscal action was important in averting an even deeper recession," the newspaper said.
Europe's economy minsters were judged according to their political skills and how well their country had performed.
France surprised economists by announcing in mid-August that it had exited the recession. The rest of the Eurozone followed this month.
Lagarde said at the time that the government's car scrapping scheme, the prime à la casse, and a rise in exports had helped.
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France comes out of recession
Photo:Remy Steinegger