The French papers focus on the latest political scandal 'Karachigate' as people wonder whether the dirt this time could stick at the highest level. Two of Nicolas Sarkozy's associates have been formally accused and the President has issued a swift rebuff saying he had no role. But the press is asking whether he doth protest too much. That's the focus for this look at the French press, Friday 23rd September 2011.
MEDIA WATCH FRANCE, Wed. 7/9/11: Sarkozy's ex-communication adviser insults the French Sports Minister and is subsequently suspended; the winner of France's Big Brother show makes a bid for the presidency; a film about miscarried justice not welcome in northern France; and how a low-sex marriage can pay dividends.
New Caledonia is hit by a deadly uprising, as protests over rising airfares turn violent in the French overseas territory. Also, French firemen are up in arms over a new European directive which may be about to change their status. Finally, the Elysée Palace gets a summer facelift, just in time for the return of the president and his cabinet.
French Junior Ministers Christian Blanc and Alain Joyandet resigned Sunday after becoming entangled in scandals over spending thousands of euros of taxpayers' money on a private jet and cigars. The pair had been in office since March 2008.
The French presidency’s new application-loaded “2.0” website was meant to broadcast a new, spiffy image, but its many faux pas have drawn jibes from visitors. For one, they say the site is a copycat version of the US government site Whitehouse.gov.
In his bakery stacked with warm bread, Djibril Bodian keeps a cool head after receiving the Grand Prize for the best baguette in Paris. His baguettes will now grace the presidential table for a year.
One day after a key Afghanistan summit in London, Hillary Clinton meets Nicolas Sarkozy in Paris. Among other things, the US Secretary of State and the French president are expected to discuss Hamid Karzai's plan to reach out to moderate Taliban. Are the Taliban ready to switch sides?
René Préval says he is back in control of the country and supports the implication of the American military in the rescue effort after the earthquake. This and other stories in today's French press review.
American actor and director Clint Eastwood can now add Commander of the French Legion of Honour to his list of achievements, after receiving one of France's highest honours from President Nicolas Sarkozy.
Elysee Palace 
