François Fillon was appointed by President Nicolas Sarkozy on 17 May 2007. He has been in Prime Minister position for 4 years now. Although I do not really follow much about France economy, I do know that the controversial 35 hours working determination and his suggestion to increase sales tax from 19.6% - 21.2% will not be a good idea. This is just like to squeeze the last drop of blood from the bleeding population. I think what he should focus on is how to create jobs so that the civilians are able to spend and then raise all the tax you want if you wish.