PARIS - Tens of thousands of supporters of leftist parties marched through central Paris on Sunday to express disappointment with President Francois Hollande's first year in power, criticizing the leader for reneging on his promises to rein in the world of finance and enact economic stimulus. Hollande, a Socialist, rose to the presidency last May, promising to spare France the austerity measures imposed elsewhere in Europe. And the French government has largely avoided the deep spending cuts, big tax hikes and the wide-ranging reforms of many of its neighbours.

French President Francois Hollande said Wednesday Germany and France must work together whatever "sensitivities" might arise, as ties between the eurozone's top two economies cool over an ideological split between belt-tightening and investment-fuelled growth. Hollande was speaking at a press briefing after talks with Italy's new Prime Minister Enrico Letta, who called for a EU banking union to be established without delay. burs/mbx/ric

His government has been damaged by a major scandal, his country's economy is stagnant and his popularity at a record low, but French President Francois Hollande has vowed to "hold firm" and not to be "intimidated". As the one-year anniversary of his election nears, opinion polls show the Socialist leader, perceived by some as indecisive and meek, has become deeply unpopular at a time of economic and social malaise in France.

PARIS (Reuters) - President Francois Hollande will propose next week easing entrepreneurs' capital gains tax, an official in his office told French media on Friday, as the Socialist leader struggles to win the confidence of business owners. Hollande's government had planned last year to hike capital gains tax on business owners early in its mandate, but backed down after a high-profile revolt and warnings the move would drive start-up companies abroad.