“Bettencourt case turns into political and media war”

In today’s press review, we compare the Bettencourt coverage in left and right-leaning newspapers. It seems the family dispute that turned into a political scandal is now triggering a media war.

IN THE PAPERS

By Aurore Cloe DUPUIS

The right-wing newspaper Le Figaro openly defends the Government, describing Claire Thibout’s testimony as a “boomerang”. Bettencourt’s former accountant told the police she was misquoted by the website Mediapart. She denies saying that President Sarkozy received cash-stashed envelopes.

On the other hand, Libération takes Thibout’s side, saying the reason she partially reacted her accusations is because she has been under political pressure.

According to a survey published in Le Parisien, 62% of the French say they don’t trust Nicolas Sarkozy.

And finally, Libération celebrates the opening of the Arles Photo Festival.

10/05/2010 - IN THE PAPERS

“Mega Plan to save Europe”

The EU’s emergency fund has made the headlines in the international press.

10/05/2010 - IN THE PAPERS

“The EU or Absurdistan”

In today’s French press review we focus on the European Union’s 500 billion euro emergency fund.

07/05/2010 - INTERNATIONAL PRESS REVIEW

Conservatives lead but hung Parliament likely

The front pages of the British press reflect the general confusion of the results in yesterday’s UK election. While the Conservatives claim that Labour has lost its mandate, Gordon Brown clings on in hope of a coalition with the Liberal Democrats. FRIDAY, 6th MAY 2010

06/05/2010 - INTERNATIONAL PRESS REVIEW

British press warns against ending up like Greece

As Britain goes to the polls with the wind in the Tories’ sails, several right-leaning papers say that the “burning issue” is avoiding a Greek-style deficit crisis. Elsewhere a Guardian poll gives the Conservatives an eight point lead over Labour while The Independent lauds a campaign that “could change Britain forever”. THURSDAY, 6th MAY 2010

06/05/2010 - FRENCH PRESS REVIEW

Marseille seals French championship victory

The old cliché “Greek tragedy” is trotted out on the front page of Libération although this time with three deaths during a protest in Athens yesterday, it’s perhaps justified. Dominique Strauss-Kahn’s possible bid for the Presidency in 2012 is also making the papers today as well, of course, as Olympique Marseille being crowned winners of the French football championship. THURSDAY, 6th MAY 2010