Latest update: 26/10/2012 

- François Hollande - French politics - Jean-Louis Borloo - Socialist Party (France) - UMP


New centrist party: can it take centre stage?

The Union of Democrats and Independents, or UDI, is a new French centrist party launched last weekend. Headed by popular former minister Jean-Louis Borloo, the party presents itself as a potential ally of the conservative UMP. But it does not hide its ambition to actually become the leading opposition party. Is this just a fantasy, or can the centre really take... centre stage?

By FRANCE 24

On the set:

  • Mathieu DOIRET, IPSOS polling institute;
  • Charles BEIGBEDER, UMP party;
  • Alain DOLIUM, UDI party.
France: is the country bankrupt?
31/01/2013 - POLITICS

France: is the country bankrupt?

Is France bankrupt? Daring to say so is a major no-no for French politicians. Labour Minister Michel Sapin has just experienced this after he said so during an interview, prompting an immediate and fierce denial from the government. So is France's political elite hiding the truth, or is France better off than some would think?
War in Mali: is France alone?
24/01/2013 - POLITICS

War in Mali: is France alone?

Since January 11th, France has a new president - a warrior president. On that day, François Hollande decided to send French troops into Mali, first in the air and now on the ground, and for quite a while it seems. At first, most political parties rallied around the flag and supported the war, but it now appears the consensus is starting to crumble.
French intervention in Mali: a turning point in Hollande's presidency? (Part 1)
18/01/2013 - Politics

French intervention in Mali: a turning point in Hollande's presidency? (Part 1)

Friday January 11th, French combat helicopters flew into northern Mali to stop the advance of islamist fighters who control the north of the country, and that includes the local branch of Al Qaeda. And France is now waging war in the Sahara desert, to rid Mali and the entire region of these groups. How does this impact the Hollande presidency? Will it define his political future?
French intervention in Mali: can France sustain its military efforts? (Part 2)
18/01/2013 - Politics

French intervention in Mali: can France sustain its military efforts? (Part 2)

Friday January 11th, French combat helicopters flew into northern Mali to stop the advance of islamist fighters who control the north of the country, and that includes the local branch of Al Qaeda. And France is now waging war in the Sahara desert, to rid Mali and the entire region of these groups. How does this impact the Hollande presidency? Will it define his political future?
Gay marriage: the new culture war?
10/01/2013 - POLITICS

Gay marriage: the new culture war?

The Socialist government will soon present a bill allowing same-sex marriage. It thought this would be easy, given the support of a majority of French people for the measure (60% according to the latest polls). But the furious reaction from the Catholic Church and conservative parties, expected to culminate during mass demonstrations this Sunday, has surprised even its promoters. Will gay marriage become a new culture war here in France?

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