“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.

01/04/2010 - INTERNATIONAL PRESS REVIEW

Have you been fooled?

It’s April Fool’s Day and as tradition predicates, newspapers around the world are trying to fool their readers with stories weird and wonderful. Also, we take a look at coverage of the Haiti aid conference. THURSDAY, 1st APRIL, 2010

01/04/2010 - FRENCH PRESS REVIEW

Rachida Dati has her state car confiscated

French papers are reporting that former French justice Minister had her official car confiscated, allegedly by Nicolas Sarkozy. This was after a television appearance she made in which she criticized the UMP’s performance in advance of regional elections in France. This and other stories in today’s French papers. THURSDAY, 1st APRIL 2010

31/03/2010 - INTERNATIONAL PRESS REVIEW

American media focuses on Sarkozys’ hunger for hotdogs

Nicolas Sarkozy and Barack Obama made a joint call for tougher sanctions on Iran yesterday at the White House but the media seemed more interested in a Presidential trip to Ben’s Chili Bowl earlier in the day! WEDNESDAY, 31st MARCH, 2010

31/03/2010 - FRENCH PRESS REVIEW

While the cat is away, the mice will play

While Nicolas Sarkozy is in the United States, members of the UMP party are taking advantage of his absence to complain about one of his most criticized reforms, the so-called tax ‘ceiling’. WEDNESDAY, 31st MARCH, 2010

30/03/2010 - INTERNATIONAL PRESS REVIEW

Russian papers show graphic images from the “kamikaze train”

In today’s international press review we look at coverage in the Russian papers of yesterday’s double suicide attack in Moscow. Also, papers around the world analyse on Franco-American relations in advance of Nicolas Sarkozy’s visit to the White House. TUESDAY, 30th MARCH, 2010