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

26/06/2012 - THE WEEK IN FRANCE

Socialist government faces budget headache

The new French government admits it needs to make major budget savings - we take a look. Next, after PSG football club and some major corporate deals, investors from Qatar are linked to some of France's top luxury hotels. Finally, the French wave goodbye to the Minitel, the device they say preceded the Internet.

19/06/2012 - THE WEEK IN FRANCE

The National Front family dynasty

Marion Maréchal-Le Pen is only 22 years old, but she's already a member of Parliament. The granddaughter of the founder of France’s far right movement does the Le Pen dynasty proud. Next, stripped of his presidential immunity Sarkozy faces a legal headache. Finally, France's best known ballerina reinvents her dance style.

12/06/2012 - THE WEEK IN FRANCE

Parliamentary elections: what do the first round results mean for French politics?

President Hollande's Socialists look set to obtain a majority ahead of the second rond of the parliamentary elections. Next, prostitutes in Paris' Bois de Boulogne fight for the right to stay off the street and in their vans. Finally, after fifty years of photographing celebrities, an exhibition of Daniel Angelis' work opens in Paris.

05/06/2012 - THE WEEK IN FRANCE

French Socialists aim for 'pink wave' in parliament

A month after clinching the presidency, the French Socialist party aims to extend its winning streak in parliament. Next, François Hollande poses for the cameras; his presidential photograph will be displayed in public administrations across France. Finally, the French film industry faces accusations of promoting tobacco and encouraging smoking habits.

29/05/2012 - THE WEEK IN FRANCE

French government: grappling with labour reform

No time to waste - the new French Prime Minister sits down with unions to find common ground on labour reform. Next, we look at how two foes from either end of the political spectrum are fighting for the same turf in upcoming parliamentary elections. Finally, Austrian director Michael Haneke nabs the top prize at the Cannes Film Festival for his stark tale about love and getting old.