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François Hollande

Protests against gay marriage bill: a political revolution?
25/04/2013 - POLITICS

Protests against gay marriage bill: a political revolution?

On Tuesday, after heated debates in parliament and violent scuffles in the streets, the National Assembly passed a bill legalising same-sex marriage and adoption. No surprise there, since the Socialist party holds a strong majority in parliament. But what no one expected was the emergence of a strong and novel protest movement, made up of people who rarely take to the streets. Was it just an epiphenomenon, or does it portend a new era in French politics?
Same sex wedding: calm after the storm?
25/04/2013 - FACE-OFF

Same sex wedding: calm after the storm?

It was supposed to be a cakewalk. But it turned out be a wild ride. The gay marriage bill that was adopted this week ignited a wave of protests and controversy. Will it stop now that the bill has been passed? Also this week, the cabinet examined a bill proposal to moralize public life in the wake of the scandal over the Swiss bank account of the former budget minister. But it seems the ruling socialists are reluctant to embrace the move.
Hollande the salesman visits new Chinese president
25/04/2013 - CHINA

Hollande the salesman visits new Chinese president

French President Francois Hollande has become the first foreign head of state to be received by new Chinese leader Xi Jinping. While his predecessor irked China over issues such as Tibet, Hollande is seeking to forget the past and start relations afresh - not least to boost the French economy. His hopes of launching new trade ties are helped by the fact that Shanghai is home to the largest community of French expatriates in China... and that the Chinese love all things French.
Human rights: François Hollande's silence
25/04/2013 - IN THE FRENCH PAPERS

Human rights: François Hollande's silence

IN THE FRENCH PAPERS - 25/04/13: French papers react to François Hollande's first ever visit to China. Libération says Hollande is wrong to remain silent about human rights abuses there. Meanwhile, Les Echos says the government's refusal of a bill put forward by the Communist party marks the divorce between the Socialists and the far-left.
China says it will buy 60 Airbus planes from France
25/04/2013 - FRANCE-CHINA

China says it will buy 60 Airbus planes from France

China announced Thursday during a state visit by French President François Hollande that it had signed a letter of intent for the purchase of 60 Airbus planes from France. Hollande’s visit is meant to boost economic ties between the two countries.
Clashes erupt in Paris after gay marriage legalised
24/04/2013 - FRANCE

Clashes erupt in Paris after gay marriage legalised

Clashes broke out between protesters and riot police near France’s lower house of parliament late on Tuesday just hours after the country legalised gay marriage, with opponents of the law hurling projectiles at police, who responded with tear gas.
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France legalises same-sex marriage in face of protests
23/04/2013 - FRANCE

France legalises same-sex marriage in face of protests

It's an issue that has divided French society for months, but this Tuesday, the National Assembly finally approved a bill making France the 14th country in the world to allow same-sex marriage. The bill also grants gay and lesbian couples the right to adopt children. But the past months have been marred by widespread demonstrations, for and against, and even a spate of violent homophobic attacks. We look back at the debate and division leading up to Tuesday's historic vote.
Passage of gay marriage act 'reminiscent of the Terror during French Revolution'
23/04/2013 - MEDIA WATCH FRANCE

Passage of gay marriage act 'reminiscent of the Terror during French Revolution'

The French Parliament has approved gay marriage. A constitutional challenge is in the offing but, barring a huge surprise, the first gay weddings will take place in the summer. We look at one gay couple, married in a ceremony in 2004, who now have a chance to make their match legal. Meanwhile, in the anti-gay marriage camp, Prince Henri de France is up in arms - where is democracy going? he asks. Join us for Media Watch.
French parliament legalises gay marriage, adoption
23/04/2013 - FRANCE

French parliament legalises gay marriage, adoption

The French parliament has approved a bill legalising gay marriage and adoption for same-sex couples in its final vote on the legislation. The landmark reform has been the source of months of heated debate and demonstrations.
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Car bomb destroys French embassy in Libya
23/04/2013 - FRANCE - LIBYA

Car bomb destroys French embassy in Libya

French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius vowed to track down those responsible for Tuesday's "heinous attack" on France's embassy in Tripoli after it was targeted by a car bomb that injured two guards and damaged surrounding buildings.
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