France

French parliament head stresses stability ahead of no-confidence vote

French parliament head Yael Braun-Pivet emphasised the importance of maintaining stability as lawmakers prepare for a no-confidence vote against PM François Bayrou. She highlighted key priorities such as the budget and upcoming legisla

La Lettre: Paris Olympic Games athletes return medals over quality issues

Over 100 Paris 2024 Olympic medals were returned due to quality issues linked to EU regulations and an untested varnish formula. The IOC has pledged to replace all defective medals.

Two trams collide in Strasbourg, dozens injured

At least 20 people were injured when two trams collided in Strasbourg in eastern France, French media said on Saturday.

President Ilham Aliyev highlights unspoken issue about France in TV interview

President: If there is a consensus in French political circles, it is a consensus only on Azerbaijanophobia

First case of new Mpox variant reported in France

France has reported its first case of the new mpox clade 1b variant, linked to a global health emergency declared by the WHO, with health authorities investigating the source and tracing contacts in the Brittany region.

French farmers continue protests against EU-Mercosur trade deal

French farmers protested near Paris against the Mercosur trade deal, demanding fairer pay and decrying threats to rural livelihoods, while police blocked their convoys from entering the city.

Blinken heads to South Korea, Japan and France

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit South Korea, Japan, and France from January 4-9 to address regional security, Indo-Pacific cooperation, and global challenges.

German, French foreign ministers to meet Syria's new rulers in Damascus

German and French Foreign Ministers visit Syria for historic talks with new rulers, signaling EU's readiness for a new political beginning after years of conflict.

Giselle Pélicot: France's inspiring person of the year

Giselle Pélicot, a 72-year-old survivor of a harrowing mass rape, has been named France's Person of the Year in a decision that reflects the nation's admiration for her courage and dignity. Her story moved millions, outshining political leaders in a survey conducted by the Odoxa-Mascaret Institute.

Macron offers mea culpa on early elections in New Year speech

French President Macron admits his decision for early elections in June led to political instability, taking full responsibility for the consequences and calling for greater European independence.

New French PM vows to restore power, ban shantytowns in storm-hit Mayotte

French PM Francois Bayrou pledges full power restoration in storm-hit Mayotte by January, bans shantytown rebuilding, and unveils "Mayotte Standing" emergency plan after Cyclone Chido devastation.

Parisians skeptical of new French government

Parisians are voicing skepticism about France’s newly formed government, unveiled by Prime Minister Francois Bayrou, as concerns grow over its ability to address the nation’s mounting political and economic challenges.

France holds day of mourning for Mayotte, island devastated by cyclone

France observes a national day of mourning for Mayotte after Cyclone Chido, the worst storm in 90 years, left devastation and a disputed death toll, with flags at half-mast across the nation.

France extends Olympics surveillance measures to Christmas market

A Chechen refugee’s challenge to France’s restrictive MICAS orders highlights growing concerns over civil rights. Despite no criminal record, Khaled faces limits on movement amid heightened security for Strasbourg’s Christmas market. Courts call the measures excessive.

Cyclone Chido: thousands feared dead in Mayotte

President Emmanuel Macron faced mounting criticism during his visit to Mayotte. Residents, grappling with the devastating aftermath of Cyclone Chido, demanded more aid and attention from the French government.

Dominique Pelicot jailed for 20 years in landmark French mass rape trial

French court convicts Dominique Pelicot and 50 others in a harrowing case of spousal abuse, drugging, and rape spanning nearly a decade. Victim Gisele Pelicot hailed for her courage, hopes the verdict sparks change for all survivors of sexual violence.

Husband found guilty in Gisele Pelicot rape case that horrified the world

A French court finds Dominique Pelicot guilty of drugging and raping his wife for a decade, exposing shocking abuse. Victim Gisele Pelicot becomes a symbol of courage and resilience.

France's top court upholds Sarkozy's conviction

The Highest court in France has upheld a corruption and influence peddling conviction against former President Nicolas Sarkozy, brushing aside his appeal.

Sarkozy conviction upheld by France's highest court

The Cour de Cassation, France's highest court, upheld the conviction of former President Nicolas Sarkozy for corruption and influence peddling.

Cyclone Chido leaves Mayotte in ruins: residents demand swift aid

The French overseas territory of Mayotte is grappling with widespread destruction in the aftermath of Cyclone Chido, described as the strongest storm to hit the archipelago in over 90 years. Striking over the weekend, the cyclone raised concerns about disaster preparedness and response efforts.

Algeria Claims France Tries to Harm Its Sovereignty

Algeria has called in French Ambassador Stéphane Romatet to express its disapproval over what it described as "hostile plans" by the French intelligence service, according to Algerian media.