Syndicate content
UMP

Nicolas Sarkozy under investigation: a political vendetta?
28/03/2013 - POLITICS

Nicolas Sarkozy under investigation: a political vendetta?

This week, former French president Nicolas Sarkozy spent a whole day answering questions from an investigating magistrate, who then placed him under investigation for taking advantage of France's richest woman. The judge suspects Sarkozy obtained illegal financing from the elderly L'Oréal heiress Liliane Bettencourt for his 2007 presidential campaign.
François Hollande: a crucial TV interview
28/03/2013 - FACE-OFF

François Hollande: a crucial TV interview

With his popularity at rock bottom, zero growth and record unemployment, the French president finally speaks out on prime-time television to try to show his fellow countrymen that despite the rough weather, there is a captain who knows where he is heading. Also, what was supposed to be a mere parliamentary by-election ends up as a show of force for the far-right National Front.
Socialist government: from bad to worse
21/03/2013 - POLITICS

Socialist government: from bad to worse

This week, we witnessed the first formal battle in the French Parliament, with the conservative UMP party putting forward a motion of no-confidence against the Socialist government. It had no chance of passing, but it allowed each camp to lay out competing arguments on how best to get the country back on its feet.
François Hollande: looking for the magic touch
14/03/2013 - FACE-OFF

François Hollande: looking for the magic touch

Hollande hit the road this week, spending two days in Burgundy to try to reconnect with the French as his polling figures hit record lows. Also this week, the president has decided to drop one of his campaign promises: to grant the right to vote to foreigners in local elections.
A right to 'sexual citizenship'
08/03/2013 - IN THE FRENCH PAPERS

A right to 'sexual citizenship'

French papers, Friday 8 March 2013: International Women’s Day makes the front pages of most French papers this Friday. Le Croix looks at the disparity of seats between men and women in the European parliament; there’s an interview with the French Minister for Women’s Rights in Aujourd’hui en France; and Libération calls for ‘Sex for All’ and says France needs to more open about sex therapy for people with disabilities.
François Hollande: the unpopular president
07/03/2013 - FACE-OFF

François Hollande: the unpopular president

François Hollande has done better than his predecessors: after just ten months in office, he is the most unpopular president in the history of the Fifth Republic. Also this week: two years after battling a reform of the pension system put in place by the conservative government, the Socialists are now considering...a similar reform.
Sarkozy...Will he or won't he?
07/03/2013 - IN THE FRENCH PAPERS

Sarkozy...Will he or won't he?

French papers, Thursday 7 March 2013: Libération leads with the death of Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez and asks if the revolution he inspired is over; 20 minutes looks at the French government’s most ambitious building project so far; Le Figaro asks if there could be a return to French politics of a very familiar face; and finally, in Aujourd’hui en France there’s good news for Paris football fans.
Mali: 'War at a turning point'
04/03/2013 - IN THE FRENCH PAPERS

Mali: 'War at a turning point'

Concern for French hostages held in Africa dominates after reports of the killings of two Islamist commanders, Abou Zeid and Mokhtar Belmokhtar. Papers argue the French government's silence - aside a statement it cannot confirm the deaths - is fuelling anxiety among families and friends of the hostages. Also, at least 500,000 French people have bought e-cigarettes in recent months. What are they? And would you try one?
Family policy: the French taboo
21/02/2013 - POLITICS

Family policy: the French taboo

When it comes to efficiency, France generally pales in comparison to Germany. But if there is one thing that works better here, it is family policy. France has a much higher birth rate than its mighty neighbour, thanks to generous benefits for parents and children. But with zero economic growth and a commitment to slash debt and deficits, the government is considering reducing a number of welfare programmes, including the sacrosanct family benefits.
(1) comment
Institutional reforms: will Hollande keep his promise?
21/02/2013 - FACE-OFF

Institutional reforms: will Hollande keep his promise?

Politicians in France have for decades held multiple positions at the local and national level. During his campaign, François Hollande pledged he would put an end to such a tradition. But now that he is in power, he is not in a hurry to fulfil his promise. Also on the programme, the explosive issue of jail sentences is once again in the spotlight as the government explores alternatives to prison.
Close