“Chernobyl déjà vu?”

In today’s press review, we look at the aftermath of the earthquake and the tsunami that hit Japan over the week-end. Many French newspapers wonder how France would have coped in such conditions.

IN THE PAPERS

The natural disasters that have hit Japan over the week-end are on the front page of most French newspapers, including L’Humanité, Libération and 20 minutes.

The Christian daily La Croix reports about the fear of a radioactive leak, as some of Japan’s reactors have been affected by the earthquake and the tsunami.

Les Echos and Le Figaro wonder if Japan is a déjà vu of Chernobyl.

According to La Tribune, the nuclear industry is growing, providing 14% of the world’s electricity.

And finally, Le Parisien and France Soir analyze the situation in France, which has 58 reactors compared to 55 in Japan.

23/04/2013 - IN THE FRENCH PAPERS

'Gay marriage: long live the newlyweds!'

FRENCH PAPERS, Tues. 23/04/13: French papers react to the impending vote in Parliament to legalize gay marriage. Liberation says this is proof that progress is not dead. Right-wing politicians say they’ll repeal the law if they return to power. But Catholic paper La Croix points out that this would be tricky. Le Parisien says the first gay weddings could take place in June.

22/04/2013 - IN THE WORLD PAPERS

Earthquake in China: five years on, the lessons have been learned

INTERNATIONAL PAPERS, Mon. 22/04/13: International papers react to Saturday’s deadly earthquake in Sichuan Province. China Daily applauds the country’s swift response to the disaster. Also, Indian papers react to the horrific rape of a 5-year-old girl, while US papers are still reeling after the Boston Marathon bombings. And the Wall Street Journal looks at the marijuana business in the US states where it is legal.

22/04/2013 - IN THE FRENCH PAPERS

Ordinary homophobia vs. friendly atmosphere

FRENCH PAPERS, Mon. 22/04/13: French papers react to demonstrations yesterday for and against same-sex marriage. Left-leaning Libération says the anti-gay marriage camp is becoming more and more homophobic. Right-leaning Le Figaro says that although the movement is become more political, the atmosphere is friendly. Also in the papers: labour reform and Italian politics.

19/04/2013 - IN THE WORLD PAPERS

Most Senators who opposed Gun Control were 'Paid by Gun Lobby'

Our journalistic gaze remains fixed on the United States – and it is not a pretty picture. It’s easy, it seems, to make bombs but hard to draft legislation, particularly gun control laws.

19/04/2013 - IN THE FRENCH PAPERS

'Moralising' French Politics: Noble, or Nonsense?

Le Monde wonders why opponents of same-sex marriage are so few and yet manage to come out in such force. But they are just one item of many in President Hollande's rapidly expanding to-do list. Libération looks at his attempts at "moralising" French politics, not least, prohibiting ministers and MPs from accumulating non-governmental posts that could constitute conflicts of interest. He's been at this for a while, and many remain opposed.