Latest update: 15/02/2013 

- Economic crisis - Economic growth - François Hollande - French economy - GDP - government - unemployment


Economic crisis: can the Socialists stop the fire?

It was a sacred cow, the holy grail. France's budget deficit would not, repeat not, exceed 3% of its GDP. It was etched in stone; the Socialist government had taken drastic measures to cut the deficit down to that magic number. But the financial markets, the IMF, the EU, neighbouring countries and probably the average French person knew that this was mission impossible due to sluggish growth. This week, the government finally admitted the sad truth.

By FRANCE 24

On the set:

  • Richard Yung, Senator, Socialist Party;
  • Franck Margain, Vice President, Christian Democratic Party.

Prepared by Marc Perelman and Léa Berdugo

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?
François Hollande: is he up to the task?
03/01/2013 - POLITICS

François Hollande: is he up to the task?

It's a new year and hopefully a new chapter for François Hollande. His first six months in office were tough. With unemployment relentlessly on the rise, his popularity at a record low and a humiliating rebuke by France's Constitutional Court of his bid to slap a 75% tax rate on the super-rich, the Socialist president is struggling. Some, and not only in the opposition, are wondering whether he and his team really have what it takes to run the country.

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