Dans un effort visant à rapprocher les citoyens de la gestion budgétaire, le gouvernement français lance une initiative ambitieuse. Le but est d’impliquer davantage les Français dans la compréhension et la prise de décision concernant les finances du pays. Amélie de Montchalin, responsable des Comptes publics, a déclaré son intention d’améliorer la transparence et de clarifier les enjeux budgétaires pour tous. Cette démarche vise à combattre les idées reçues et à promouvoir une conversation équilibrée sur ce sujet complexe.
Pour répondre aux préoccupations liées au déficit public, une série de mesures concrètes sera mise en place. La ministre collabore avec Eric Lombard, son homologue à l’Économie, afin de présenter un plan d’action qui garantira que les objectifs fixés soient atteints. L’accent est mis sur une collaboration étroite avec les parlementaires, qui seront associés à chaque étape de la réalisation du budget 2025. Des réunions régulières sont prévues tout au long de l’année pour évaluer l’état des recettes et des dépenses, permettant ainsi une intervention rapide en cas de besoin.
Cette ouverture sans précédent vise à restaurer la confiance entre les citoyens et leurs représentants. En partageant des informations claires et précises, le gouvernement espère favoriser une participation active et constructive de tous les acteurs concernés. Cette approche inclusive contribuera à une meilleure compréhension des défis économiques et encouragera une prise de décision plus collaborative et responsable, renforçant ainsi le lien démocratique entre l’État et la société civile.
Embracing New Horizons After Adversity
Unexpected Displacement and Career Uncertainty
In June last year, what was supposed to be a brief return to England for a funeral turned into an unforeseen ordeal for Casey Stoney. The former England captain and her family found themselves stranded in the UK after she was unexpectedly dismissed from her role as head coach of San Diego Wave, an NWSL club. This sudden termination left Stoney and her partner, Megan, along with their three children, facing immediate visa complications and potential homelessness.Stoney had been at the helm of San Diego Wave for nearly three years, guiding the fledgling franchise to impressive heights. Despite leading them to top positions in the league and reaching semi-finals twice, her third season saw a dip in performance. However, this minor setback did not justify the abrupt nature of her dismissal, which left her questioning her future in football. During this tumultuous period, Stoney faced one of the hardest times in her life. Her children were unable to return to school in San Diego, and she had to take on home-schooling responsibilities. The emotional toll on her family was immense, especially on her young children who missed months of education and stability. Yet, it was through this adversity that Stoney discovered resilience and a renewed sense of purpose.Healing Wounds and Reflective Growth
After four grueling months, Stoney and her family managed to secure new visas based on her consultancy work, allowing them to return to the US. During this time, Stoney engaged in deep self-reflection and visited various clubs to reassess her priorities. Initially, she hesitated to re-enter the game due to the emotional scars left by her dismissal. However, the opportunity to visit former clubs like Arsenal reignited her passion for coaching.The turning point came when the position of Canada’s national team coach opened up. Initially unsure about transitioning to international management, Stoney was impressed by the thorough interview process and the organization’s commitment to player development. She admired the leadership of Kevin Blue, CEO of Canada Soccer, and the culture of the team. Importantly, the offer allowed her to continue living in California, providing much-needed stability for her family.A Fresh Start with Canada Soccer
Taking over a team ranked sixth globally, Stoney acknowledges the recent challenges faced by Canada, including the fallout from the 2022 Olympics. Despite these setbacks, she sees immense potential in the squad. Her first interactions with the players during the Pinatar Cup in Spain reinforced her belief in their capabilities. Canada emerged victorious in the tournament, defeating Chinese Taipei 7-0, Mexico 2-0, and drawing 1-1 with China.Stoney is particularly excited about the talent within the team and their ability to thrive under pressure. She emphasizes the importance of building a strong foundation and fostering a positive environment. With the 2027 World Cup on the horizon, Stoney is committed to leading Canada to greater heights and showcasing the true potential of women’s football.Prioritizing Family and Passion
Throughout her career, Stoney has always prioritized her family. The impact of her dismissal on her children was a significant factor in her decision-making process. Now, as the coach of Canada, she feels confident that she can balance her professional ambitions with her family life. Living in California allows her to maintain stability for her children while pursuing her passion for coaching.Stoney’s journey from uncertainty to leadership exemplifies her resilience and dedication. As she embarks on this new chapter, she remains focused on creating a legacy of success and inspiring future generations of female footballers.In a season filled with thrilling matchups, No. 4 USC secured an impressive sweep over No. 2 UCLA, clinching the Big Ten regular-season title. The standout performance came from USC’s JuJu Watkins, who delivered two remarkable outings against the Bruins. Despite UCLA’s otherwise undefeated record in games not involving Watkins, the Trojan star single-handedly altered the course of these contests. On February 13th, Watkins scored 38 points in a decisive 71-60 victory, followed by another stellar performance on Saturday, where she contributed 30 points in an 80-67 win. Her dominance was evident, and it played a pivotal role in USC’s success.
The stage was set at a packed Pauley Pavilion in Westwood, where Watkins led the charge for the Trojans. Her first-half brilliance saw her scoring 23 points, helping USC build a commanding 14-point lead by halftime. The Trojans' aggressive start set the tone for the game, but UCLA refused to back down easily. In the second half, the Bruins mounted a comeback, narrowing the gap to just four points late in the third quarter. However, a crucial run in the fourth period reestablished USC’s control, allowing Watkins to enjoy a well-deserved rest with a minute left on the clock.
Watkins’ all-around performance was nothing short of spectacular. She finished with 30 points, shooting 10-of-22 from the field and adding five assists, three rebounds, three blocks, and two steals. Her ability to impact the game on both ends of the court was instrumental in USC’s victories. Over the past four encounters, Watkins has consistently delivered, scoring at least 30 points in each game and boasting a 4-1 record against UCLA. Her performances have not only earned her recognition as a frontrunner for National Player of the Year but also admiration from legends like Cheryl Miller, who was in attendance alongside her brother, UCLA alum Reggie Miller.
On the other side, UCLA’s National Player of the Year candidate, Lauren Betts, faced significant challenges. USC’s defensive strategy, which included aggressive double teams, limited Betts to just 11 points and five turnovers. Kiki Rice, another key player for the Bruins, struggled with a shooting percentage of 3-of-13. As a team, UCLA shot 36.1% from the field and committed 16 turnovers, which hindered their offensive momentum. Despite these setbacks, UCLA remains a formidable force, having been ranked as the top team by the NCAA tournament committee. Meanwhile, USC’s win secures them the No. 1 seed in the Big Ten tournament and puts them in prime position for a potential No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament. The rivalry between these two teams promises even more excitement as they may face off again in the upcoming postseason.
The triumph over UCLA solidifies USC’s status as a top contender in women’s basketball. With Watkins leading the way, the Trojans have demonstrated their capability to dominate under pressure. As both teams prepare for the next stages of competition, the anticipation builds for what could be another epic confrontation between these rivals. Watkins’ exceptional performances have not only elevated USC’s chances but have also highlighted her as one of the most impactful players in the sport.