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James CREEDON

'But they're all liars!' says Cahuzac
10/04/2013 - MEDIA WATCH FRANCE

'But they're all liars!' says Cahuzac

The disgraced former Budget Minister who was turfed out of the Government and the Socialist Party for tax evasion still hopes to hold onto his parliamentary seat. His reasoning, according to ‘Le Canard Enchaîné’? Well, he’s not the only liar! Hardly reassuring! Also, as politicians answer questions about their assets in a new spirit of transparency, we take a look at some unexpected answers.
The face of homophobia
09/04/2013 - MEDIAWATCH FRANCE

The face of homophobia

A vicious assault on the streets of Paris has given a face to homophobia. Wilfred de Bruijn was badly beaten up last weekend simply for holding his boyfriend's arm, this in the midst of an increasingly radical and violent movement against gay marriage. He posted a photo of his swollen face on Facebook and within 24 hours it had spread like wildfire across the media. Could Wilfred's face provide the focus for a backlash?
The day that Thatcher dies
08/04/2013 - MEDIAWATCH FRANCE

The day that Thatcher dies

Margaret Thatcher is dead and while some pay tribute to her economic legacy online, there is much celebration on the passing of the Iron Lady. We take a look at some tweets, songs and blogs that suggest many don't miss Maggie that much!
Camel stew
05/04/2013 - MEDIA WATCH FRANCE

Camel stew

We take a look at the tragic story of what happened to François Hollande's camel (title may give the ending away....) The French President was offered a camel by Mali's Interim President during a visit there in February. First though, more crooked details from the career of disgraced former Budget Minister Jérôme Cahuzac. We finish with a diplomatic spat between Argentina and Uruguay.
Might Cahuzac be the first domino?
03/04/2013 - MEDIAWATCH FRANCE

Might Cahuzac be the first domino?

The Jérôme Cahuzac scandal could be just the beginning - so say journalists working for Mediapart, the website that broke the story on the tax-dodging former budget minister. The opposition UMP party has already called for Finance Minister Pierre Moscovici to stand down amid claims he tried to cover up the scandal. Moscovici denies the claims. Also, who could benefit from the crisis? Finally, one politician's passionate lambasting of Cahuzac wins plaudits.
Cahuzac's day of reckoning
02/04/2013 - MEDIAWATCH FRANCE

Cahuzac's day of reckoning

François Hollande's former Budget Minister is disgraced. After months of vociferous denials and outright lies, Jérôme Cahuzac has admitted he does indeed possess a Swiss bank account. The man in charge of limiting tax evasion turns out to have been guilty of it himself. Also, Interior Minister Manuel Valls is slammed for supporting Barcelona in tonight's big game between Paris Saint-Germain and the Spanish side. Valls originates from Catalonia.
Nude Angela Merkel: April Fools' or the real deal?
01/04/2013 - MEDIAWATCH

Nude Angela Merkel: April Fools' or the real deal?

It's April Fool's Day so we take a look at some of the best and worst jokes in the media. Also, Angela Merkel in the nip, circa 1970 - a joke or the real deal?!
A kiss is not enough
29/03/2013 - MEDIAWATCH FRANCE

A kiss is not enough

Hollande did not manage to convince two thirds of French people during last night's televised interview, this despite a kiss of encouragement from Valérie Trierweiler. Is there a connection? No. Also, the Harlem Shake was not quite as spontaneously viral as one may think - we look at the corporate influences behind the online phenomenon.
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Online reactions to Hollande's prime-time interview
28/03/2013 - MEDIAWATCH FRANCE

Online reactions to Hollande's prime-time interview

Twitter users react to François Hollande's TV interview - a crucial opportunity for the president to raise his popularity ratings which are at an all-time low. Also, the judge in Nicolas Sarkozy's case receives an anonymous threatening letter. Finally, we look at unflattering art featuring Dominique Strauss-Kahn.
Carla's crocodile tears?
27/03/2013 - MEDIAWATCH FRANCE

Carla's crocodile tears?

Carla Bruni got all emotional on French radio this morning as she spoke of her husband's legal woes. Some say she was playing it up! Meanwhile, Nicolas Sarkozy himself was in Brussels discreetly poking fun at the French tax system. Also, gay marriage becomes a battle on Facebook.
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