Latest update: 29/11/2012 

- François Fillon - François Hollande - French economy - industry - Jean-Francois Copé - Nicolas Sarkozy - UMP - unemployment


Steel industry: the nationalisation card

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The whiff of the 1980s is in the air as the French government has issued a threat to nationalise a struggling steel plant in northern France if its Indian boss refuses to sell it. Also on the menu today, the never-ending saga of the leadership battle for the Conservative UMP party.

FACE-OFF
By FRANCE 24

On the set:

  • Philip Turle, Journalist, RFI;
  • Jean-Marc Gonin, Senior writer, Le Figaro Magazine.
Austerity measures: reaching the limit?
28/02/2013 - FACE-OFF

Austerity measures: reaching the limit?

The government had been adamant: there would be no more taxes in 2014. But now it says it needs to find an extra 6 billion euros. Also this week: François Fillon, who was Nicolas Sarkozy's prime minister for 5 years, announces his intention to run for president in 2017, a move that could hurt Sarkozy's own chances of a comeback.
Institutional reforms: will Hollande keep his promise?
21/02/2013 - FACE-OFF

Institutional reforms: will Hollande keep his promise?

Politicians in France have for decades held multiple positions at the local and national level. During his campaign, François Hollande pledged he would put an end to such a tradition. But now that he is in power, he is not in a hurry to fulfil his promise. Also on the programme, the explosive issue of jail sentences is once again in the spotlight as the government explores alternatives to prison.
Nicolas Sarkozy: looking for a comeback?
14/02/2013 - FACE-OFF

Nicolas Sarkozy: looking for a comeback?

Will Nicolas Sarkozy stage a comeback in French politics? The former president is keeping quiet, but others are talking for him, including one of his party's top leaders. Also this week, after the surprise resignation of the Pope, the French president's reaction has sparked controversy. This as the relationship between the Socialists and the Church is already being tested by the vote on a bill legalising same-sex marriage and adoption.
Europe: the Hollande strategy
07/02/2013 - FACE-OFF

Europe: the Hollande strategy

François Hollande, boosted by the war in Mali, plunged into European affairs this week; first with a major speech before the European Parliament in Strasbourg and now with a European summit in Brussels. Can he chart a middle ground between the UK and Germany? Also on the menu, layoffs continue unabated in France and unions are once again calling on the Socialist government to come to the rescue.
Gay marriage: will the government blink?
31/01/2013 - FACE-OFF

Gay marriage: will the government blink?

Gay marriage has arrived in Parliament. This week, French MPs began debating a bill allowing same-sex couples to marry and adopt children. The opposition conservatives have promised to fight the bill to the bitter end. Also, France is waging a war in Mali against Islamist groups, with little debate and few images. Is Hollande building his credentials as a real boss?

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