Latest update: 18/02/2009 

- French politics - German politics - Guadeloupe - housing - Iraq - strike


In the papers
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FRANCE 24 journalists present a daily round-up of the world's papers.
By Clovis CASALI (text)

Libération (France)

Les revoltés de la Guadeloupe (Guadeloupe's revolts)

 
After a month of strikes, demonstrators have turned violent. Libération's correspondent says guerilla fighting is taking place in the capital city of Pointe-a-Pitre. The island is also paralysed by roadblocks. Some rioters say the government wanted “a Beirut-like situation, well now they have it.” Union leaders have accused police of violence and racist comments which has increased the anger of the young rioters.
 
Le Parisien/ Aujourd’hui en France (France)
 
One important issue is that the island’s politicians have lost the respect of the demonstrators. They’ve asked for the violence to stop but it obviously hasn’t worked. One of the reasons put forward by an observer in Le Parisien is the fact most of these politicians never speak Creole in public.
 
Le journal de la Réunion (France)
 
On the island of Reunion, another French overseas territory, tension is also rising but the newspaper doesn't believe riots will happen. A mass demonstration should however be taking place soon, just like the one planned in Guyana for Wednesday.
 
The Hindu (India)
 
President Sarkozy has now chosen to take up the overseas territories matter personally. According to the Hindu, Paris is worried the social unrest could spread to mainland France. A general strike is scheduled for February 19th and Sarkozy has an important meeting on Wednesday with all the unions.
 
The Independent (UK)
 
The property sector in Iraq is now the fastest place to make money. Prices are soaring by 50% while they’ve collapsed in the rest of the world and that’s because the security situation is calmer. Another factor is the return of refugees. Out of the 4.2 million who fled, the UN expect 500, 000 to come back this year but it will be hard for many to buy a house. A typical middle class house in Bagdad costs around 300, 000 US dollars. So for the Independent, the property boom may be a sign of the return of peace but it also underlines the wide gap between rich and poor.
 
Le Figaro (France)
 
German channel ZDF will be airing a new show in June called “Ich kann Kanzler”, in other words - who wants to be the next Chancellor? Anyone aged 18 to 35 can apply. The aim is to get youths interested in politics and discover new talent. The prize is a small sum of money and an internship at Bundestag, the German parliament.
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