Long-term entitlement overhaul, including steps to shore up Social Security by curbing benefits and increasing payroll taxes, represents only part of the equation.
He suggested that two of Cameron's key demands – curbing benefits and increasing the role of national parliaments – "are matters for national parliaments".
At the UMP, a flurry of other controversial ideas affirmative action for ethnic minorities, curbing benefits to restore a culture of work is promised.Mr Sarkozy's hyperactivity suggests that he has the energy to pursue all this.
This is unpopular with many, as it could mean some natives lose their entitlement too.Mr Duncan Smith has asked countries he hopes are like-minded, including Germany, to meet to discuss curbing "benefits tourism".
At some point early next year there will be a debate on a bill curbing benefits and Ed Miliband will have to decide whether Labour votes against (which the Tories want) or whether it abstains or votes in favour (which would trigger a massive internal row within Miliband's party).
Although he maintained that New York City and State pensions are among the countrys best funded, he later bemoaned how little flexibility either jurisdiction has in curbing benefits even in fiscal emergencies.
The ruling opens the way for EU countries to curb "benefit tourism".
In August the work and pensions secretary, Iain Duncan Smith, duly promised to curb benefit tourism and stand up for Britain.
Additionally, he said, a new 12-month limit will be imposed on long-term jobless benefits, and measures will be taken to curb benefit fraud.
It is a victory in the sense that it supports the British government's drive to curb benefit abuse by EU migrants.
