Police crack down on drug-money laundering

We look at why a deputy mayor of one of Paris’ districts is under investigation for alleged money laundering. Next, France's education minister sparks controversy after he calls for cannabis to be decriminalised. Finally, Parisians hit by the economic crisis head to the public baths for free showers.

THE WEEK IN FRANCE

Jessica Le Masurier

Presenter

03/01/2012 - THE WEEK IN FRANCE

Can SeaFrance be saved?

In France, the "Karachigate" plot thickens as some continue to believe French President Nicolas Sarkozy could potentially be implicated in a scandal over illegal arms deal kickbacks. Next, SeaFrance employees are in a last-ditch bid to save their ferry company from collapse. Finally, a mini legal revolution is underway in the courts with the introduction of more citizen juries.

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20/12/2011 - THE WEEK IN FRANCE

France slips into recession

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.

13/12/2011 - THE WEEK IN FRANCE

Dominique de Villepin joins the presidential race

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.

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07/12/2011 - THE WEEK IN FRANCE

Germanophobia on the rise

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.

29/11/2011 - THE WEEK IN FRANCE

Dominique Strauss-Kahn case: was it a conspiracy?

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.

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