french-politics

Profile: The battle of France's young political hopefuls

France's newly appointed Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, 34, is the youngest ever - and first openly gay - head of the French cabinet.

Jordan Bardella, 28, leader of the far-right Rassemblement National, is positioning himself for the role of prime minister in the future if Marine Le Pen wins the presidency in 2027. [ more ]

www.theguardian.com

A paradigm shift': will Jordan Bardella finally normalise Le Pen's far right?

Jordan Bardella, the young politician of France's far-right party, is using his charm and TikTok following to soften the party's image and gain unprecedented support in polls. [ more ]

www.france24.com

Macron's coalition blasts far right at EU election campaign launch

Macron's allies link far-right with Kremlin

Centrist alliance campaigns for European Parliament elections [ more ]

www.theguardian.com

New French PM seeks to send strong message on law and order

The new French prime minister, Gabriel Attal, visited a police station on his first day in office and promised to deliver security to the French people.

Attal aims to counter the rise of Marine Le Pen's far-right party by appealing to voters who have turned to the far right or abstained from elections. [ more ]

www.france24.com

The Debate - Succession? Macron picks Gabriel Attal as youngest French prime minister

France's youngest-ever president, Emmanuel Macron, has named Gabriel Attal, the country's youngest-ever prime minister.

Attal has held various political roles and is seen as charismatic, but the prime minister position in France does not carry as much power as in other European countries. [ more ]

www.dw.com

5 months ago

Tens of thousands march in Paris against antisemitism DW 11/12/2023

Tens of thousands of people marched in Paris against rising antisemitism in France.

The rally was attended by Marine Le Pen, representing the far-right National Rally (RN). [ more ]

www.thelocal.fr

Inside France: The French invasion, Rwanda shame and Macron's reckoning

Macron's government faces challenges with potential credit rating downgrade and poor performance in European elections. [ more ]

www.france24.com

Macron to give live TV interview after uproar over Ukraine ground troops comment

Macron's controversial statement on Western ground troops in Ukraine

French political landscape amidst conflict with Russia [ more ]

www.thelocal.fr

Macron's camp blasts far right at EU election campaign launch

Far-right National Rally criticized for anti-Europe stance

Macron's camp aims to counter the rise of the far right in upcoming elections [ more ]

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www.france24.com

Le Pen's far right served as mouthpiece for the Kremlin, says French parliamentary report

RUSSIAN INFLUENCE Dogged by accusations of proximity to the Kremlin, Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally party had hoped to clear its name by setting up a parliamentary inquiry to investigate foreign interference in French politics.But a draft report on the committee's findings, which was leaked to the press this week, shows the move backfired spectacularly, finding instead that Le Pen's policy stances sometimes echo the official language of Putin's regime.

www.theguardian.com

The Guardian view on ruling by decree in France: deepening the trust deficit | Editorial

A few months before sweeping to power in the 2017 presidential election, Emmanuel Macron published a memoir-cum-personal manifesto, Revolution.In it, he made the case for rebellion against allegedly outmoded institutions and ideas that were holding back France.Six years on, it is the popular revolts against Mr Macron's own policies which have taken centre-stage.

East Bay Times

France awakens to a newly resurgent far-right

PARIS - France awakened to an ecstatic Marine Le Pen on Monday after her party's far-right candidates for parliament sent shockwaves through the political establishment and helped deny President Emmanuel Macron's centrist alliance an absolute majority.

Nytimes

World politics

Pro-Macron Forces Expected to Prevail but Face Left-Wing Challenge

The French president's party and its centrist allies were neck and neck with a left-wing alliance in France's first round of parliamentary elections.

Nytimes

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Europe news

Pro-Macron Forces Expected to Prevail but Face Left-Wing Challenge

The French president's party and its centrist allies were neck and neck with a left-wing alliance in France's first round of parliamentary elections.

parliamentary-elections

www.nytimes.com

World politics

Here's what to expect in Monday's no-confidence vote in France.

By pushing through its plan to overhaul pensions and raise the national retirement age by two years to 64, the French government has exposed itself to no-confidence motions that could bring down President Emmanuel Macron's cabinet an outcome not seen in half a century of French politics.While predictions suggest that a no-confidence motion is unlikely to pass, recent statements from legislators who are seen as critical swing voters indicate that the outcome could be closer than expected.

the Guardian

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World news

Elisabeth Borne becomes France's first female prime minister in 30 years

Élisabeth Borne, the French minister for labour, has been appointed prime minister - the first woman to hold the post in more than 30 years and only the second female prime minister in modern French history.

www.theguardian.com

1 week ago

France has turned against Macron. Will Europe set the stage for President Le Pen? | Paul Taylor

Emmanuel Macron calls for EU military power transformation to avoid decline. [ more ]

www.thelocal.fr

2 weeks ago

OPINION: A European disaster for Macron could lead to messy autumn elections in France

The paradox of Macronism is evident as his young revolutionary image attracted older voters, but they are now deserting him, impacting his support and potentially future election outcomes. [ more ]

www.theguardian.com

2 weeks ago

French PM criticised over crackdown on teenage violence

French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal facing criticism for proposed crackdown on teenage violence, suggesting treating offenders under 18 as adults and implementing strict measures in schools. [ more ]

www.france24.com

Former French PM Philippe's mayoral office searched in corruption inquiry

Former French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe is cooperating with authorities in a preliminary probe into possible corruption.

The investigation involves charges of influence peddling, favoritism, misappropriation of public funds, and psychological harassment. [ more ]

www.thelocal.fr

Inside France: Fantasy Paris, landmark laws and 'irritating' politicians

Political dynamics between Prime Minister and President in France can be complex.

Public popularity of officials can influence political relationships. [ more ]

www.thelocal.fr

Why France's Versailles palace is more than just a tourist attraction

The Palace of Versailles has both historical and political significance in France.

The Palace of Versailles hosts joint parliamentary meetings for significant constitutional changes. [ more ]

The Nation

1 week ago

Education

The Occupation and Reoccupation of Sciences Po

Students globally protest Israeli assault on Gaza, seizing universities. Sciences Po sees historic police intervention during student occupation. [ more ]

Digiday

Dining

Como luchan los republicanos franceses contra Shein y Temu

Republican French politicians using TikTok to promote "fast fashion tax" bill

"Loi 2268" law promotes sustainability by rewarding durable clothing and penalizing carbon-heavy, less transparent products. [ more ]

www.aljazeera.com

Europe news

Russian Time': How Burkina Faso fell for the charms of Moscow

Russia increasing influence in Burkina Faso amid French disillusionment.

Visible signs of Russian influence in Burkina Faso, including cultural events and political symbolism. [ more ]

www.france24.com

Europe news

French parliament to vote on Macron's Ukraine strategy

French President Macron's Ukraine strategy faces symbolic vote in parliament's lower house.

The vote gives political parties a platform to express positions on Macron's Ukraine strategy. [ more ]

www.france24.com

France to enshrine abortion rights in country's constitution

Enshrining right to abortion in French constitution is a global first with strong public support.

France aims to protect the right to terminate a pregnancy in its basic law, following the US Supreme Court's decision to restrict abortion rights. [ more ]

www.theguardian.com

Virile' exchanges expected as Macron heads to annual French farming show

French leaders participate in the Salon d'Agriculture to connect with farmers amidst protests.

Frustrations among farmers in France are high, leading to tense interactions between government officials and union leaders. [ more ]

www.france24.com

French interior minister Darmanin cannot be prosecuted for rape accusations, top court says

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin cannot be prosecuted for accusations of rape made by a woman for years, France's highest court ruled on Wednesday.

The Cour de Cassation ruled that a lower court was right to reject the complaint due to a lack of evidence. [ more ]

The Nation

The Rise of Authoritarian Journalism in France

The French government and mainstream media have expelled the left-wing La France Insoumise (LFI) while embracing the far-right Rassemblement National (RN).

The RN has been rehabilitated due to its alliance with the Israeli government and is no longer considered beyond the pale. [ more ]

www.france24.com

French court acquits Macron ally, ex-justice minister Bayrou of fraud charges

Francois Bayrou, a former minister and ally of French President Emmanuel Macron, has been acquitted of fraud charges.

The verdict could potentially lead to Bayrou's return to the cabinet or another run for the presidency. [ more ]

www.theguardian.com

Karim Benzema sues French minister for defamation over Muslim Brotherhood claims

Karim Benzema has filed a defamation suit against the French interior minister Gerald Darmanin for accusing him of having links with the Muslim Brotherhood

The legal challenge argues that Benzema has no connection with the organization [ more ]

www.theguardian.com

Macron criticised from all sides after reactionary' press conference

Emmanuel Macron faced criticism after a press conference aimed at reinvigorating his second term.

Macron's government has been accused of shifting into conservative territory. [ more ]

www.france24.com

4 months ago

'Contradictions of Macronism': French government fights to save face after immigration bill debacle

The French government is facing a political crisis after its immigration bill was rejected by lawmakers

Opposition politicians are calling for the dissolution of the government [ more ]

www.theguardian.com

Nicolas Sarkozy to wear electronic tag after losing corruption sentence appeal

A French appeals court has upheld a prison sentence against the former president Nicolas Sarkozy for corruption and influence-peddling maintaining he should serve one-year's detention at home with an electronic bracelet.Sarkozy was originally convicted in 2021 of trying to bribe a magistrate in exchange for information about a legal case in which he was implicated.

www.france24.com

French prosecutors seek new trial for Sarkozy over Libya financing claims

Issued on: 11/05/2023 - 18:46 Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy, pictured in a Paris court in December last year, has faced a string of legal woes since leaving office in 2012.Francois Mori, AP French prosecutors on Thursday demanded that former president Nicolas Sarkozy, who has been embroiled in legal troubles since leaving office, face a new trial over alleged Libyan financing of his 2007 election campaign.

www.france24.com

France's new culture minister says will run for Paris mayor, just days in the job

Rachida Dati, the new culture minister of France, plans to run for Paris mayor in 2026.

Dati's appointment as culture minister was a surprise and caused her exclusion from the opposition conservative LR party. [ more ]

euronews

Macron lays out vision of 'stronger' France amid far-right challenge

Macron advocates tax cuts and national anthem education

Macron challenges far-right National Rally [ more ]

www.thelocal.fr

Four reasons Macron's new government has caused uproar in France

The new French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal aims to bring together members of the right-wing Republicans to form a majority in parliament.

Two key ministries - education and health - will be merged under the leadership of Amelie Oudea-Castera, causing disagreement among teaching unions. [ more ]

english.elpais.com

Macron moves against lame duck syndrome with appointment of Gabriel Attal

Macron is trying to avoid being a lame duck president by appointing a young and dynamic prime minister.

Gabriel Attal is the youngest ever prime minister of France and the first openly gay politician to hold the office. [ more ]

www.france24.com

In the press - 'Macron's doppelganger': French and foreign papers react to new PM Attal

Gabriel Attal's rapid ascent in French politics

Challenges faced by Donald Trump in court appearance [ more ]

Washington Post

France's new prime minister is 34. Here's what to know about Gabriel Attal.

French President Emmanuel Macron appointed Gabriel Attal, his 34-year-old education minister, as prime minister

Analysts view this move as an attempt by Macron to reinvigorate his presidency and solidify his legacy [ more ]

Queerty

France's new gay prime minister makes us wanna pack up & move to Paris!

Gabriel Attal is the youngest prime minister in French history and a popular politician.

Attal is openly gay and considered one of the most attractive politicians in the world. [ more ]

www.thelocal.fr

OPINION: Macron's gamble is an opportunity and a curse for new French PM Attal

Macron has taken a double gamble by appointing a young prime minister, Gabriel Attal, who may either fail and sink Macron's second term or succeed and make Macron look outdated.

Attal is a talented politician who has been more successful than Macron in creating a narrative of rapid action and success. [ more ]

www.france24.com

Macron to name new French prime minister after Borne resigns

French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to name a new prime minister in a cabinet reshuffle.

Education Minister Gabriel Attal is the favorite to succeed the outgoing prime minister. [ more ]

www.thelocal.fr

LATEST: Macron names Gabriel Attal as France's youngest ever prime minister

Gabriel Attal, aged 34, has been appointed as France's new prime minister after Elisabeth Borne resigned.

Attal was previously the government spokesperson and is considered a staunch ally to Macron. [ more ]

www.france24.com

4 months ago

French PM Borne resigns as Macron seeks to revamp a troubled government

French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne has resigned as President Emmanuel Macron looks to bring new momentum to his second term.

The change in prime minister comes after a year of political crises and ahead of European Parliament elections, where eurosceptics are expected to make gains. [ more ]

www.france24.com

4 months ago

French parliament set for vote on controversial immigration bill

The French lower house of parliament is debating a bill to tighten immigration rules, which has garnered criticism from both the far-right and hard-left.

The bill, originally proposed by Macron's government, now leans towards stricter enforcement measures after passing through the right-controlled Senate. [ more ]

www.thelocal.com

French Polynesia chooses pro-independence leader

Independence advocate Moetai Brotherson was elected president of France's Pacific territory of French Polynesia on Friday.Published: 13 May 2023 09:11 CEST French Polynesia's Member of Parliament Moetai Brotherson (L) is congratulated by a member of his party after Brotherson was elected president of France's Pacific territory of French Polynesia in Papeete on May 12, 2023.

www.aljazeera.com

Why are so many people in France angry about pension overhaul?

Protests intensify against President Emmanual Macron's plans to raise the retirement age.Changing France's state pension system to one that is more affordable for the government was a central plank of President Emmanual Macron's re-election campaign.However, the reform, which includes raising the retirement age from 62 to 64, has become the central issue in French politics and highly unpopular among the public.

Washington Post

Macron addresses a France in turmoil after retirement age raised

Dock workers face riot police as they stand in front of a burning barricade next the port of Marseille in southern France on March 22. (Daniel Cole/AP)French President Emmanuel Macron is addressing the nation Wednesday after his move to force through legislation to raise the retirement age ignited angry protests and strikes around the country.

www.thelocal.fr

OPINION: Macron, the government and France itself all lose from the pensions debacle

Emmanuel Macron likes to take risks.To insist on a hated but necessary pension reform at a time of crisis abroad and dissension at home was, from the beginning, a calculated risk.On Thursday afternoon afternoon the President found himself confronted, like one of the priggish heroes of classic French tragedy, with a choice between two great risks.

www.thelocal.fr

OPINION: Macron will risk anger on streets rather than abandon pension reform quietly

The massed ranks of opponents of pension reform were not so massed or so dense on the third day of nationwide protest yesterday.Only 757,000 people turned out, compared to 1,270,000 last Tuesday.Rail, Metro, school and energy strikes were also less powerful attracting, for instance only one in four rail workers, compared to one in two on the first day of action on 19 January.

www.thelocal.fr

OPINION: Emily and the Olympics reveal some uncomfortable truths about Paris

The day would be historic, we were told.France would be blocked or closed down and its economy brought to its knees.Demonstrations against pension reform would be the biggest for decades.Tuesday's day of action the sixth since the protests began in January was impressive enough.The official figure for the number of demonstrators nationwide 1.28 million WAS the biggest for decades but it was only a little higher than the turnout achieved on January 31st (1.27 million).

www.thelocal.fr

Bid to force UK-France ferry companies to pay French minimum wage

The day would be historic, we were told.France would be blocked or closed down and its economy brought to its knees.Demonstrations against pension reform would be the biggest for decades.Tuesday's day of action the sixth since the protests began in January was impressive enough.The official figure for the number of demonstrators nationwide 1.28 million WAS the biggest for decades but it was only a little higher than the turnout achieved on January 31st (1.27 million).

www.thelocal.fr

ANALYSIS: Macron's unrequited love affair with Africa

The day would be historic, we were told.France would be blocked or closed down and its economy brought to its knees.Demonstrations against pension reform would be the biggest for decades.Tuesday's day of action the sixth since the protests began in January was impressive enough.The official figure for the number of demonstrators nationwide 1.28 million WAS the biggest for decades but it was only a little higher than the turnout achieved on January 31st (1.27 million).

www.thelocal.fr

Thirty percent of flights cancelled due to French air traffic controllers' strike

The day would be historic, we were told.France would be blocked or closed down and its economy brought to its knees.Demonstrations against pension reform would be the biggest for decades.Tuesday's day of action the sixth since the protests began in January was impressive enough.The official figure for the number of demonstrators nationwide 1.28 million WAS the biggest for decades but it was only a little higher than the turnout achieved on January 31st (1.27 million).

www.thelocal.com

France and Germany to host Charles III on first state visits as king

The day would be historic, we were told.France would be blocked or closed down and its economy brought to its knees.Demonstrations against pension reform would be the biggest for decades.Tuesday's day of action the sixth since the protests began in January was impressive enough.The official figure for the number of demonstrators nationwide 1.28 million WAS the biggest for decades but it was only a little higher than the turnout achieved on January 31st (1.27 million).

www.thelocal.fr

France's Macron takes Africa push to Brazzaville ahead of Kinshasa

The day would be historic, we were told.France would be blocked or closed down and its economy brought to its knees.Demonstrations against pension reform would be the biggest for decades.Tuesday's day of action the sixth since the protests began in January was impressive enough.The official figure for the number of demonstrators nationwide 1.28 million WAS the biggest for decades but it was only a little higher than the turnout achieved on January 31st (1.27 million).

www.thelocal.fr

Roadblocks and fuel blockades: What to expect from strikes if you're driving in France

The day would be historic, we were told.France would be blocked or closed down and its economy brought to its knees.Demonstrations against pension reform would be the biggest for decades.Tuesday's day of action the sixth since the protests began in January was impressive enough.The official figure for the number of demonstrators nationwide 1.28 million WAS the biggest for decades but it was only a little higher than the turnout achieved on January 31st (1.27 million).

www.thelocal.fr

France faces standstill' in protests against pensions overhaul

The day would be historic, we were told.France would be blocked or closed down and its economy brought to its knees.Demonstrations against pension reform would be the biggest for decades.Tuesday's day of action the sixth since the protests began in January was impressive enough.The official figure for the number of demonstrators nationwide 1.28 million WAS the biggest for decades but it was only a little higher than the turnout achieved on January 31st (1.27 million).

www.thelocal.fr

France's parliament votes on law to protect childrens' images online

The day would be historic, we were told.France would be blocked or closed down and its economy brought to its knees.Demonstrations against pension reform would be the biggest for decades.Tuesday's day of action the sixth since the protests began in January was impressive enough.The official figure for the number of demonstrators nationwide 1.28 million WAS the biggest for decades but it was only a little higher than the turnout achieved on January 31st (1.27 million).

www.thelocal.fr

French strike disruption snares UK travellers

The day would be historic, we were told.France would be blocked or closed down and its economy brought to its knees.Demonstrations against pension reform would be the biggest for decades.Tuesday's day of action the sixth since the protests began in January was impressive enough.The official figure for the number of demonstrators nationwide 1.28 million WAS the biggest for decades but it was only a little higher than the turnout achieved on January 31st (1.27 million).

www.thelocal.fr

French pension strikes: What to expect throughout March

The day would be historic, we were told.France would be blocked or closed down and its economy brought to its knees.Demonstrations against pension reform would be the biggest for decades.Tuesday's day of action the sixth since the protests began in January was impressive enough.The official figure for the number of demonstrators nationwide 1.28 million WAS the biggest for decades but it was only a little higher than the turnout achieved on January 31st (1.27 million).

www.thelocal.fr

Electricity cut off to hometown of French labour minister during pension strikes

The day would be historic, we were told.France would be blocked or closed down and its economy brought to its knees.Demonstrations against pension reform would be the biggest for decades.Tuesday's day of action the sixth since the protests began in January was impressive enough.The official figure for the number of demonstrators nationwide 1.28 million WAS the biggest for decades but it was only a little higher than the turnout achieved on January 31st (1.27 million).

www.france24.com

French town feminises name for 2023 to highlight gender inequality

A person reaches over a sign in the city of Pantin, in the northeastern suburbs of Paris, on July 30, 2022.Julien de Rosa, AFP A French mayor has announced that his town's name will take on the feminine form for a year to raise awareness about gender equality.Bertrand Kern, the socialist mayor of Pantin outside Paris, announced the move in a New Year's video message on Twitter earlier this week.

www.thelocal.fr

PODCAST: What's in store for France in 2023 from travel rules to political flare-ups

Our Talking France podcast is back with a festive special in which we look at what exactly makes a French Christmas - as well as the latest from parliament, meeting France's richest man, finding out why France has 12 time zones and why people are talking about a 'bromance' between France's president and its best footballer.

the Guardian