Latest update: 29/06/2012 

- Angela Merkel - Economic growth - François Hollande - French economy - French politics


French Economy : a time bomb for Hollande?

Pressure from Germany is affecting the new French president's flexibility on public finances. But on the domestic economy, he doesn't seem to have much wriggle room either. The national institute for economic and statistical studies published a sobering forecast on Tuesday evening. French GDP is set to grow just 0.4% this year. That's less than what Mister Hollande banked on for his budget. And consumer spending power could sink to 1986 levels.

By FRANCE 24

On set :

  • Philip Turle, journalist, RFI
  • Jean-Marc Gonin, senior writer, Le Figaro Magazine
European treaty vote: a win for Hollande?
11/10/2012 - FRANCE 2012

European treaty vote: a win for Hollande?

The European fiscal pact has been approved by France's National Assembly, or lower house of parliament. This was to be expected since both the ruling Socialists and the opposition right were in favour of the treaty. But it was still an important test for President François Hollande. Also on the show: why French politicians are up in arms over a chocolate pastry.
France's troubled suburbs: the same old story?
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France's troubled suburbs: the same old story?

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Foreigners' voting rights, gay marriage: will Hollande's campaign promises be kept?
20/09/2012 - France 2012

Foreigners' voting rights, gay marriage: will Hollande's campaign promises be kept?

Will foreigners soon be able to vote in local elections in France? This is what François Hollande promised during his campaign. Will he deliver or will he pass the buck because the mood is not ripe? Also on the menu, another hot-button issue: will same-sex couples soon be allowed to marry? Again, this is one of Hollande's campaign pledges, but it faces strong opposition from the Catholic Church.
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France: Is it a crime to be rich?

Is being rich an achievement or a burden? In any case, it is a matter of heated debate these days in France. With the Socialist government planning to hit those earning over 1 million euros a year with a 75% tax rate, coupled with news that France's richest man has asked for Belgian citizenship, the left and the right have been at loggerheads over the issue.
President Hollande: is he too soft?
06/09/2012 - France 2012

President Hollande: is he too soft?

François Hollande knew it would be hard. But the new Socialist president probably did not imagine it would be this hard when he was elected back in May. And yet, the bad news keeps piling up, with unemployment hitting the 3-million mark and Hollande's polling numbers down. The French are growing impatient with the new administration and wonder whether Hollande is up to the job. Is he too soft or can he rise to the challenge?

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