Hollande wants new economic treaty
French presidential front-runner Francois Hollande will ask other European leaders to renegotiate a treaty aimed at reducing debts across the continent if he is elected.
Mr Hollande said he would send a letter the day after the May 6 election to other leaders with a proposal for a “growth pact” to add to the existing treaty, which focuses on tightening budgets.
He wants the pact to include jointly issued euro bonds to finance infrastructure projects.
Polls suggest he will win the election, unseating conservative President Nicolas Sarkozy.
Mr Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel led the push for Europe’s budget treaty.
Mr Hollande said he is “ready to open this discussion ... with Madame Merkel.”
