Latest update: 19/12/2008 

In the papers
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France 24's journalists bring you a round-up of what's in the international press.
By Clovis CASALI (text)

 

Liberation (France)
 
 
The Bernard Madoff scandal has affected all kinds of people, from small investors to celebrities such as Steven Spielberg or writer Elie Wiesel. According to these investors Madoff had a special technique to lure them. He had the reputation of being very picky: not everyone could be his client. Those who did enter this very select circle felt privileged. Little did they know…The former Nasdaq President even took the money of friends such as Richard Spring, a 73-year old former trader who’s known Madoff for over 40 years. He lost 95% of his wealth, believed to be worth 11 million dollars. He now says he’s devastated and still in a state of utter shock.
 
Le Temps (Suisse)
 
 
In Greece some demonstrators have become rioters and Swiss newspaper Le Temps wonders if the anger will spread. It’s the wish of the demonstrators who’ve called other European youths to take it to the streets. They feel they’re all in the same boat. In the European union 38.5 % of the unemployed are young people. Le Temps questioned sociologists who don’t believe this anger can spread.
Though this generation is stressed out and frustrated, youths define themselves nowadays as individuals first and foremost. According to the Le Temps article, they only care about their own future.

The Moscow Times (Russia)
 
 
Political analyst Yevgeny Kiselyov says that under a new amendment regarding the law on treason (sent to the Duma for approval) this article could earn him 12 to 20 years in prison. The definition of an act of treason is so loosely defined that prosecutors can interpret it in any way they want. Human rights advocates are appalled and Kiselyov is particularly concerned by the mention of “suspicious contact with a foreigner”. It reminds him of the Soviet era when it was strictly forbidden to talk to foreign diplomats or journalists.
He points the finger at Vladimir Putin who’s “like a steam-roller gaining speed and force on a downhill slope”
 
L’Equipe (France)
 
The French sports newspaper takes a look at the greatest basketball player of all times: Michael Jordan. Apparently the former Chicago Bulls star is not the best of all bosses; he’s better with the ball than on the bench. He’s now co-owner of the Charlotte Bobcats but the team isn’t doing well at all. Many blame Jordan. He’s picked several players who’ve been disappointing. Still, Jordan says, he’s ready to invest more money and take over the Charlotte Bobcasts.
 

 

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