Bob,
I do agree with you (for once!), on the fact no one opposes growth.
(Well actually, we have some ecologists who call for degrowth, arguing that if we the earth has finite resources, so humanity can not exploit them with an exponential growth for ever. If we don't decide to degrow now, we will havoc to do ti in a more panful manner in the future.)
Now, Hollande is not in a position to oppose austerity. All European states are heavily indebted, so we will do what creditors want. In addition, the lastets EUropean treaty is signed and ratified, and besides Hollande, no ones to get into another negotiation round that could take months or years.
Hollande said he would renegotiate the Treaty, which will not be feasible. A probable way to save face for everyone will be to draft an additional agreement to the TRetay. Now, the issue is how to fund growth. I'm afraid there is only one said to restart the economic engine : by public spending. And as states are heavily indebted, public spending is to be financed by tax increases, which in turn might slow the growth or halt it altogether. The equation is not easy: the government's objective is to fund the economy enough to fuel growth, but not too much not to kill it. I'm not even sure there is a solution.
We will see if the right balance can be found.
Marseil.
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