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‘Restore order’: France's new Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau signals rightward shift

Staunch conservative Bruno Retailleau has quickly shown his hardliner credentials as France’s new interior minister by taking a tough stance on immigration, crime and defending secularism.  http://dlvr.it/TDdsvy
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80 years on, French lake still polluted by World War II bombs

A French environmental group has found artillery shells dating back to World Wars I and II and even the Franco-Prussian war of 1870 in a lake in eastern France. Water samples from Gerardmer in the Vosges mountains show high levels of TNT explosive as well as metals like iron, titanium and lead. A major theatre of conflicts over the past century and a half, France is particularly afflicted by unexploded ordnance, which results in 10 deaths nationwide a year. http://dlvr.it/TDdshs

French maternity care: A postcode lottery?

For several decades now, France has been struggling with doctors leaving rural areas and people there not being able to access medical care. Maternity wards are also part of this trend, with 30 percent of them shutting down over the past 20 years. The health ministry wants to pool resources into larger, better-equipped maternity wards to protect patients’ safety, but medical teams and patients are worried. What consequences do mothers-to-be face when you have to drive an hour to give birth? And what health risks does this situation pose for newborns? FRANCE 24’s Claire Paccalin and Pauline Godart went to investigate for France in Focus. http://dlvr.it/TDdsTT

France's new govt convenes for first time and sets budget, migrant issues as top priorities

France's right-leaning new government convened Monday for its first formal meeting during which Prime Minister Michel Barnier vowed to address budget and migrant issues as the priority. Barnier is expected to submit a new budget bill to the European Union next month, and he has pledged to "control and limit" immigration.  http://dlvr.it/TDbMyj

Six new defendants take the stand in France's Pelicot mass rape trial

The mass rape trial that has shaken France on Monday moved into its fourth week by hearing the cases against six new defendants. Among them was Joan K., who was 22 at the time of the alleged assaults, suspected of raping Gisèle Pelicot on two occasions under the guidance of her then husband Dominique, who drugged her unconscious and filmed her sexual abuse by dozens of strangers for nearly a decade.   http://dlvr.it/TDb2yD

France's incoming interior minister vows to 'restore order' as new government takes over

France's new right-leaning government held its first meeting early on Monday, with Prime Minister Michel Barnier presiding over a working breakfast before a first official cabinet meeting at the Élysée Palace later in the day. Incoming Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau said that his priority would be to "restore order" as he took the reins of his ministry. http://dlvr.it/TDZhF0

French PM Barnier signals tax hikes on wealthy as new government takes over

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier on Sunday said he would avoid broad tax hikes, opting instead for tax increases for high earners, a day before his new government was set to take up its functions. Barnier's first major test will be to narrow the budget shortfall and submit a 2025 budget plan on France's financial situation next month.  http://dlvr.it/TDYzhK

France's new government under pressure on multiple fronts

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier's new government is already feeling the pressure from opposition politicians on both sides amid growing threats of a no-confidence vote in parliament. Barnier's first main task is to submit a 2025 budget plan that addresses what he called France's "very serious" financial situation.  http://dlvr.it/TDY3sL

France gets a more right-wing government after weeks of uncertainty

The French presidential palace unveiled a long-awaited new government Saturday dominated by conservatives and centrists. It came more than two months after elections that produced a hung parliament and deepened political divisions as France grapples with growing financial and diplomatic challenges. http://dlvr.it/TDXcRZ

France's PM Barnier appoints new government in shift to right

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier on Saturday unveiled his new government after months of political deadlock in the wake of inconclusive snap elections. The cabinet line-up marks a shift to the right as left-wing protesters took to the streets for a second round of demonstrations. Read FRANCE 24’s live blog to see how all the day's events unfolded.  http://dlvr.it/TDXcGJ

Environmental activists blockade Marseille port in protest at cruise ship pollution

Environmental protesters from Extinction Rebellion and Stop Croisieres blocked Marseille's cruise ship port on Saturday, protesting against the air, sea, and climate pollution caused by large cruise vessels. The protest, which involved a canoe blockade, disrupted ship traffic for several hours, forcing one vessel to dock elsewhere and delaying others before the port reopened later in the morning. http://dlvr.it/TDXc88

France set to announce new government after months of political deadlock

France is expected to finalise a new government by Sunday, with President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Michel Barnier negotiating a cabinet reshuffle that marks a shift to the right. After months of political stalemate following snap legislative elections, key positions such as foreign, economy, and interior ministers are set to be filled, while left-wing protests are already planned in response to the government's direction. http://dlvr.it/TDW3Zh

‘I was convinced it was a game': Defendants begin testifying at Pelicot rape trial gripping France

The trial of 51 men for the rape of Gisèle Pelicot began in earnest on Thursday as the first defendants took the stand. Their testimony included expressions of regret along with more ambiguous statements regarding their awareness of their victim’s vulnerable state. The recurring question was how the accused could not have been aware of a sleeping woman's lack of consent.    http://dlvr.it/TDT3sW

French PM Barnier presents new cabinet picks to Macron

Following a meeting with the leaders of French conservative and centrist parties and parliamentary groups, French Prime Minister Michel Barnier on Thursday presented his new cabinet choices to President Emmanuel Macron. The new premier, a seasoned politician, is attempting to end months of political deadlock following snap elections in July. It is now up to Macron to approve the new cabinet. http://dlvr.it/TDT3YF

Migrant women face ‘second trauma’ when reporting sexual abuse in France

A recent report from Amnesty International reveals that undocumented women in France face significant barriers when reporting sexual violence, often encountering hostility from the institutions meant to help them. French NGOs say law enforcement has increasingly threatened migrants with deportation, even going so far as putting them in detention centres when they try to press charges. http://dlvr.it/TDRqyl

‘I feel humiliated’: Gisèle Pelicot outraged by suggestions of complicity at France mass rape trial

In the courthouse in the southern French city of Avignon, Gisèle Pelicot spoke out once again on Tuesday about the rapes she suffered at the hands of scores of men while heavily sedated, assaults that were instigated by her husband over a decade. The victim expressed indignation at the defence's attempts to portray her as an "accomplice" of her husband, Dominique Pelicot.  http://dlvr.it/TDRqlQ

France's budgetary situation is 'very serious', new PM Barnier says

France has a "very serious" budgetary deficit, Prime Minister Michael Barnier said, weeks after France was placed on a formal procedure for violating European Union budgetary rules. Barnier, who was appointed to lead the French government on September 6 after months of political deadlock, has previously suggested tax rises to help stabilise finances. http://dlvr.it/TDNTk8

'I am a rapist,' says Frenchman accused of inviting scores of men to rape his drugged wife

Dominique Pelicot, the 71-year-old Frenchman accused of drugging and raping his then-wife Gisèle and recruiting dozens of other men online to come to their home and rape her while she was unconscious, told a hearing Tuesday morning that the 50 defendants in the mass trial "all knew" that they were being invited to sexually assault her. Gisèle requested that the trail in the southern city of Avignon be made public to raise awareness about the use of drugs to commit sexual abuse. http://dlvr.it/TDKrfC

The other D-Day: France's forgotten colonial troops and the Provence landings

It's one of the untold stories of World War II: how France whitewashed its colonial troops during the liberation from Nazi rule. On August 15, 1944, experienced fighters who came from all corners of the French empire landed in southern France and won key battles to liberate the nation. But because of the colour of their skin, up to 20,000 African riflemen were replaced by untrained, White members of the Resistance. As the country celebrates 80 years since the end of the Nazi occupation, FRANCE 24 pays tribute to these long-forgotten soldiers and highlights their key role in the Provence landings.  http://dlvr.it/TDKrQb

French jihadist linked to Charlie Hebdo attackers stands trial for terrorism-related offences

French jihadist Peter Cherif, who was in regular contact with the brothers who carried out the 2015 attack on satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, went on trial in Paris Monday. Cherif, who has not been formally charged over the attack, is on trial for terrorism-related offences allegedly committed between 2011 and 2018 as well as the kidnapping of three French aid workers in Yemen. http://dlvr.it/TDHykL

France's Breton resigns as EU commissioner in public clash with Ursula von der Leyen

French European commissioner Thierry Breton announced he was standing down from his role effective immediately Monday, publicly accusing EU chief Ursula von der Leyen of having tried to block him from being reappointed. Breton, one of the most influential figures in Brussels, has taken a strong line against some of the world's largest tech titans, including publicly tussling with Elon Musk over content moderation on social media. http://dlvr.it/TDHyW7

‘We believe you’: French demonstrators rally in support of mass rape victim

Waving banners and flags, demonstrators in cities across France on Saturday joined rallies in support of Gisele Pelicot, a woman who was allegedly drugged by her ex-husband for over a decade so that she could be raped by several men. The case has shocked the nation and Pelicot has become a symbol of France’s fight against sexual violence following her decision to forgo a private trial. http://dlvr.it/TDDspz

'More than a show, a big thank you': Paris stages lavish Olympic Games farewell

Paris bids farewell to the 2024 Olympics with a grand parade on the Champs-Élysées on Saturday celebrating athletes and volunteers, followed by a concert featuring artists from this summer's ceremonies. Romain Pissenem, the creative mind behind the Paralympic closing ceremony, spoke to FRANCE 24 about the unifying spirit of the Games. http://dlvr.it/TDDscg

France to bid final farewell to 2024 Olympic Games with Champs-Elysees parade, concert

France will bid a final farewell to the 2024 Paris Olympics on Saturday with a grand parade along the Champs-Elysees followed by a concert featuring artists from the opening and closing ceremonies. Organised at the request of President Emmanuel Macron, the event will also see the decoration of many French medal winners with the country's top award, the prestigious Legion d'Honneur. http://dlvr.it/TDDsMW

Why so many French teachers are calling it quits

French teachers are quitting in record numbers, overwhelmed by low pay, crowded classrooms and increasing demands. Despite successive reforms by previous governments, staffing shortages persist. And leaving the profession is often a difficult process. With the announcement of a new education minister just around the corner, will France’s public education crisis finally ease up? http://dlvr.it/TDDs8C

Pope calls sex abuse ‘demonic’ amid revelations about revered French priest Abbé Pierre

After recent sexual abuse revelations concerning the Abbé Pierre, one of France's most revered public figures,  Pope Francis said the Abbé was “a man who did so much good, but he’s also a sinner". He added:  “Abuse is in my judgment is something demonic, because every type of abuse destroys the dignity of the person.” http://dlvr.it/TDCd32

Macron makes rare appearance with ex-PM and Élysée hopeful Edouard Philippe

French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday made a rare public appearance with his ex-premier Edouard Philippe in Le Havre to commemorate the port's 1944 liberation from Nazi occupation. Philippe has criticised Macron's decision to call for snap legislative elections and last week announced his intention of running in the 2027 presidential election. http://dlvr.it/TDBjY0

Are the French happy?

In this week's show, we focus on a stereotype about the French, backed up by statistics: that they are the world champions of pessimism. That cliché seems to have been turned on its head by the 2024 Olympics, when the notoriously cynical French seemed to turn into a celebratory, fun-loving people. It begs the question: are the French suddenly happy? And if not, what are they so glum about and why? http://dlvr.it/TD8TJh

French PM Barnier promises to form new government next week

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier said on Wednesday that he will name his government next week. President Emmanuel Macron last Thursday chose Barnier, a 73-year-old conservative and former Brexit negotiator, to lead the government after two months of political turmoil following snap elections that saw no party winning an outright majority in parliament.  http://dlvr.it/TD6CPB

Frenchman in mass rape trial again excused from testifying due to ill health

Dominique Pelicot, the Frenchman on trial for enlisting dozens of strangers to rape his wife Gisele after he drugged her into unconsciousness over a period, was on Wednesday excused a second time from attending a hearing due to ill health, the presiding judge said. If his condition improves, Pelicot could be summoned to speak on Thursday afternoon in connection with the case of one of his co-defendants, identified as Jean-Pierre M. http://dlvr.it/TD6C76

France reels from new sex abuse allegations against Emmaus charity founder Abbé Pierre

Charities set up by France’s most famous Catholic priest, Abbé Pierre, are distancing themselves from their founder following a fresh wave of sexual assault allegations against a man once best known for his fight against homelessness and poverty. Emmaus International – which has more than 400 organisations worldwide – announced Monday that it was looking into “some kind of compensation for victims” the same day that an investigation by Radio France raised questions about how long both the foundation and the Catholic Church had been covering up half a century of sexual abuse. http://dlvr.it/TD4FxP

Poll finds 52% are satisfied with Macron's choice of Barnier as French PM

An Ifop poll commissioned by the French weekly Journal du Dimanche found that 52 percent of respondents said they were satisfied with newly appointed Prime Minister Michel Barnier, who was named by Emmanuel Macron after two months of political deadlock. The poll, which had a margin of error of up to 3.1 points, also found that almost three out of four respondents believed the conservative prime minister would quickly be toppled by a no-confidence vote.  http://dlvr.it/TD1c8z

Speed limit on vital Paris ring road falls to 50km per hour on October 1

The speed limit on the ring road that surrounds and delineates the city of Paris will be limited to 50 kilometres (30 miles) per hour starting on October 1, the city's mayor announced on Monday. The decision, which immediately drew criticism for having been taken "unilaterally",  is facing pushback from the transport ministry and some opposition parties. http://dlvr.it/TD1brQ

Eiffel family to fight keeping Olympic rings on Paris tower

The family of the legendary engineer behind the Eiffel Tower has said they have spoken to a lawyer about blocking Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo’s plans to leave the Olympic rings on the Paris landmark. Gustave Eiffel’s descendants argue that the rings would go against “the neutrality and the meaning” of the monument and that they should be removed at the end of 2024, marking the end of the Olympic year. http://dlvr.it/TD1DNc

Le Pen denies playing a part in Macron's choice of Barnier as French PM

French far-right leader Marine Le Pen on Sunday said she played no part in the appointment of veteran conservative Michel Barnier as French PM, denying media reports that she assured President Emmanuel Macron her party would not back a no-confidence motion to topple the incoming premier. http://dlvr.it/TCzbVC

French protesters rage at ‘stolen election’ as Macron picks conservative Barnier for PM

Two months after snap parliamentary elections that threw France into political turmoil, thousands of left-wing demonstrators rallied in central Paris on Saturday in protest at French President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to name conservative Michel Barnier as prime minister in what they termed a “power grab” and a “stolen election”. FRANCE 24 reports. http://dlvr.it/TCyRzG

France to use frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine military aid

France’s defence ministry on Friday announced that it will use a share of €1.4 billion euros in revenue from frozen Russian assets to finance the purchase of military equipment for Ukraine. EU member states agreed in May to use the interest generated by seized assets belonging to the Russian central bank to support Kyiv, a decision Russia has denounced as "illegal". Read our blog to see how the day's events unfolded. http://dlvr.it/TCxSNJ

At least 17 more people allege sexual violence by French charity icon Abbe Pierre

More than a dozen more people have made accusations of sexual violence against the late French humanitarian monk Abbe Pierre, according to a report published Friday. With Pierre's once-saintly image already shaken by allegations of sexual abuse in July, these latest claims prompted his namesake foundation to announce that it would be changing its name and the Emmaus charity he also founded to announce the permanent closure of a memorial dedicated to him.  http://dlvr.it/TCw51M

Paris to honour slain Ugandan Olympic runner Cheptegei by dedicating sports venue

Mayor Anne Hidalgo announced on Friday that the city of Paris would honour the memory of murdered Ugandan Olympic runner Rebecca Cheptegei, 33, by naming a sports venue after her. Cheptegei, who finished 44th in the women's marathon during the Paris Olympics in August, succumbed to severe burns on Thursday after being doused in petrol and set on fire by her boyfriend at her home in Kenya. http://dlvr.it/TCw4fn

France’s new PM Michel Barnier tackles challenge of forming a unifying cabinet

France’s new Prime Minister Michel Barnier on Friday got to work on the challenge of forming a cabinet of ministers capable of gaining majority support in parliament. The former EU Brexit negotiator was reported to be meeting with the leaders of President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist party and his own right-wing party, and is expected to set up meetings with representatives from the left and far right soon. http://dlvr.it/TCw4NM

Telegram chief Durov denounces French charges as ‘surprising’ and ‘misguided’

Telegram CEO Pavel Durov criticised France for his recent arrest over extremist content on the messaging platform. In his first public comment on Telegram, Durov called it "surprising" he was arrested for third-party actions, condemning the use of outdated laws to charge platform executives for user-generated content. http://dlvr.it/TCw42B

French woman says police investigation of mass rape trauma 'saved her life'

Gisele Pelicot, 71, whose husband has admitted to recruiting dozens of strangers to rape her while she was drugged, took the stand for the first time on Thursday and said that police had saved her life by uncovering the abuse. In almost 90 minutes of testimony, she recounted her mysterious health problems and a fateful meeting with the police in November 2020, during which she was shown images of the sexual abuse orchestrated and filmed by Dominique P.  http://dlvr.it/TCtH2k

🔴 Live: Macron names former Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier as PM

French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday named Michel Barnier, 73, as the country's new prime minister. The long-awaited announcement comes some two months after no party won an outright majority in snap elections, leading to an impasse in negotiations over who should lead France's government. Follow our liveblog for reactions to the announcement.   http://dlvr.it/TCsDgd

France’s newest nuclear reactor shuts itself down

France’s newest nuclear reactor automatically shut itself down Wednesday, a day after starting up for the first time. The state-owned operator said there was no need for concern and that shutdowns can happen during such “long and complicated” startup processes. The European Pressurised Reactor, which is the model for France’s new generation of power plants, was completed 12 years late and four times over budget. http://dlvr.it/TCrq5W

France still in political deadlock as Macron grapples with choice of prime minister

President Emmanuel Macron remained undecided on Wednesday on the choice of his new prime minister, with Conservative Xavier Bertrand and the former Socialist prime minister Bernard Cazeneuve both seen as frontrunners. Analysts speculated on Wednesday that Michel Barnier, a right-winger and the EU’s former negotiator on Brexit, could also take on the role of premier, adding to the uncertainty.  http://dlvr.it/TCqmdP

French husband kept detailed records of sexual abuse of his wife, court told

A Frenchman accused of orchestrating multiple rapes of his wife kept detailed records of the decade-long abuse, enabling police to compile a list of more than 70 men suspected of abusing her. Dominique P., is accused of drugging his wife with sleeping pills and then recruiting dozens of strangers to rape her between 2011 and 2020. http://dlvr.it/TCqVp5

Marseille fans cry foul as iconic pastis maker Ricard teams up with bitter rivals PSG

Dispirited fans of Olympique Marseille have vowed to stop drinking the beloved anise-flavoured aperitif after beverage giant Pernod Ricard announced a commercial partnership with football rivals Paris Saint-Germain, sparking a heated row that has drawn in the mayor of France's second-largest city. http://dlvr.it/TCqVYR

French former PM Edouard Philippe launches 2027 presidential bid

France’s former prime minister Edouard Philippe on Tuesday announced he would run in the 2027 presidential elections in a widely expected move. Philippe, who was Macron’s first prime minister, has remained a popular figure since he resigned in 2020, and has formed his own centre-right party, Horizons. http://dlvr.it/TCnw3c

Boat carrying migrants capsizes in English Channel, killing at least 12

A boat carrying migrants ripped apart in the English Channel as they attempted to reach Britain from northern France on Tuesday, plunging dozens into the treacherous waterway and leaving 12 dead, authorities said. http://dlvr.it/TCmwMv

Frenchman goes on trial charged with enlisting dozens of men to rape his drugged wife

A French pensioner went on trial Monday accused of recruiting dozens of strangers online to rape his wife after he drugged her into unconsciouness. Fifty other men are also being tried in the city of Avignon for allegedly participating in the abuse. http://dlvr.it/TCjSwJ