Is a VAT raise going to help or hinder?

http://www.lefigaro.fr/flash-actu/2012/01/28/97001-20120128FILWWW00390-sarkozy-va-annoncer-dimanche-une-hausses-de-la-tva-de-16-point.php


Who thought this one up,Loonytunes?

Political suicide and ammunition Hollande et al

Basically it is going to hinder. In the sense that this will be the ultimate blow to the hopes of the UMP to deliver the next president. Who the hell came up with this idea?