'The Week in France' is an in-depth look at the political and social events shaping France, hosted by Jessica Le Masurier. Watch the show on FRANCE 24 Fridays at 6.40 pm Paris time.
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.
It's not looking good for the French economy as national statistics indicate that France is now in a full blown recession. Paris could even lose its Triple-A debt rating. Meanwhile, philosophy is back in fashion. Michel Onfray’s free classes at the ‘Université popularie’ in Caen are proving a massive success. Finally, French film The Artist is taking over Hollywood’s awards scene. The movie is heading for the Golden Globes with six nominations.
France's former Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin has announced he'll run for president in next year's election. Meanwhile, divisions are starting to appear within the Socialist Party over a corruption scandal. Finally, controversy over a new film reveals deep divisions over the thorny question of independence in the French overseas territory of New Caledonia.
First, as the euro lurches from crisis to crisis, we consider the place it is occupying in the presidential campaign here in France. Next, we take a look at the country's hospitals - too few staff and deteriorating working conditions affect not just staff but patients too. Finally, we discover an exhibition which looks back on France's colonial past.
Was Dominique Strauss-Kahn the victim of a set-up? An article in the New York Review of Books suggests the former IMF chief's Blackberry and iPad may have been hacked on the day of his sexual encounter with a New York chambermaid. Meanwhile, the ruling UMP party is trying to undercut support for the far-right by addressing issues such as national security and immigration. Finally, antiques dealers at France's most famous flea market wage war against an English lord.
How should child murderers be punished? Many are soul searching in France following the brutal killing of a 13-year-old girl. We also look at whether Nicolas Sarkozy is making a comeback - the French president is gaining ground on his Socialist rival in the polls. Finally, we explore the extraordinary life of Danielle Mitterrand. The widow of France’s first Socialist president passed away on Tuesday at the age of 87.