François Hollande: portrait of a president

France has elected a left-wing president. It's goodbye to "bling bling" and hello to "Mr. Normal". The Socialist François Hollande promises to boost growth instead of making more cuts. Nicolas Sarkozy, meanwhile, will pack his bags and make way for Hollande at the Elysée Palace next week.

THE WEEK IN FRANCE

Jessica Le Masurier

Presenter

16/04/2013 - THE WEEK IN FRANCE

Transparency policy: a turning point for French politics?

French ministers have revealed their net worth to the world. We break down who owns what and what it means for French politics. Next, while steelmaker Arcelor Mittal prepares to shut down its plant in Florange, we meet one of the union leaders who have been fighting to protect jobs. Finally, we take a look at Jacques Demy's enchanted world - a Paris exhibition is paying homage to the French filmmaker.

09/04/2013 - THE WEEK IN FRANCE

Cahuzac scandal: Hollande vows to clean up French politics

We bring you the latest on the tax fraud scandal involving France's former budget minister, Jérôme Cahuzac. Our reporters head to the Paris offices of Mediapart, the website which broke the story. Meanwhile, some opponents of the government's same-sex marriage bill turn to vandalism to get their voices heard.

02/04/2013 - THE WEEK IN FRANCE

Former budget minister admits lying about tax fraud

We focus on a scandal that has rocked the country. France’s former budget minister has revealed that he had money stashed away in a foreign account, despite his own calls to crack down on tax evasion. Next, we take a look at François Hollande's proposal for a mega-tax on companies that pay million-euro salaries. Finally, we take a listen to former first lady Carla Bruni’s new album.

26/03/2013 - THE WEEK IN FRANCE

L'Oréal heiress scandal: the former president and the billionaire

Former President Nicolas Sarkozy takes to Facebook to deny taking advantage of L'Oréal heiress Liliane Bettencourt to raise campaign funds. Next, the latest protest in Paris against gay marriage turns violent, this as the government's bill moves to the Senate. Finally, we give you a sneak peak of what the Eiffel Tower looks like from the inside.

19/03/2013 - THE WEEK IN FRANCE

Aviation: Airbus flying after record-breaking deal

This week, the French government hails a record order for European plane maker Airbus that will create thousands of jobs. Next, we look at the battle to be the next mayor of Paris, which is shaping up to be an exclusively female affair. Finally, the Musée du Luxembourg in Paris portrays Marc Chagall as a historian whose work chronicles much of the 20th century.