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The Week in France

Claude Guéant, the man behind the controversy
07/02/2012 - THE WEEK IN FRANCE

Claude Guéant, the man behind the controversy

French Interior minister Claude Guéant has sparked controversy yet again with his recent comment that "not all civilisations are of equal value". Meanwhile, in these times of austerity, French taxpayers want to know where their money is going. Left-wing MP René Dosière has made it his mission to find out. Finally, racy posters for Jean Dujardin’s latest film have just been banned in France. There are fears that the scandal could derail the actor’s Oscar hopes.
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Sarkozy goes German
31/01/2012 - THE WEEK IN FRANCE

Sarkozy goes German

During a TV appearance on Sunday night, President Sarkozy showed off a perhaps new-found love - for France's economically stronger neighbour Germany. Next, we meet the lingerie factory workers fighting to keep their jobs. Their plight is becoming a rallying point against industrial decline for politicians on both left and right. Finally, we take a look at the bitingly satirical comic books that are proving hugely popular in France.
Hollande outlines his vision for France
24/01/2012 - THE WEEK IN FRANCE

Hollande outlines his vision for France

Socialist presidential hopeful Francois Hollande outlines his vision for the country in his first major speech. Meanwhile, France gives New Zealand back 20 Maori heads. They were brought to France by colonialists almost two centuries ago and kept in a museum as a cultural curiosity. Finally, bartering is back in Paris. If the crisis has left you short of cash, why not just start swapping instead of buying?
French credit rating: opposition blames Sarkozy for downgrade
17/01/2012 - THE WEEK IN FRANCE

French credit rating: opposition blames Sarkozy for downgrade

Nicolas Sarkozy shrugs off the loss of France’s triple-A credit rating, but the opposition blames the president for it. Meanwhile, with less than 100 days to go before the presidential elections, we take a look at which way the vote could swing. Finally, French film "The Artist" scoops three prizes at the Golden Globes in the US. We take a closer look at the film's star, Jean Dujardin.
Sarkozy speeds up reforms before presidential election
10/01/2012 - THE WEEK IN FRANCE

Sarkozy speeds up reforms before presidential election

Nicolas Sarkozy passes economic reforms in an attempt to boost his ratings before the April elections. Former footballer Eric Cantona moves from the pitch to politics, rallying support for a presidential bid. But he doesn’t actually want to run the country. Finally, the man at the heart of the breast implant scandal admits using industrial silicon, putting women’s health at risk.
Can SeaFrance be saved?
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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France slips into recession
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.
Dominique de Villepin joins the presidential race
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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Germanophobia on the rise
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.
Dominique Strauss-Kahn case: was it a conspiracy?
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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