France News Today

French news in English

Friday, April 4, 2025

Parents Vote to Relocate School Amid Drug Threat

Parents of students at the Émile Zola kindergarten in Saint-Ouen, near Paris, have voted to relocate four classes due to safety concerns. The school is located near a major drug dealing hotspot, and incidents such as drug packets found in the playground and a gas canister thrown through a window have raised alarm.

4 h

Education

France Divided Over Far-Right Protests

France is witnessing heightened political tensions following the sentencing of far-right leader Marine Le Pen to five years of ineligibility. Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of La France Insoumise, has condemned a planned rally by Le Pen's supporters, calling it a "seditious gathering of fascists.

18 h

Politics

Scandal Unveiled in French Catholic Schools

A parliamentary investigation in France has intensified scrutiny over state oversight and violence prevention in schools, particularly in Catholic institutions. On April 2, Philippe Delorme, Secretary General of Catholic Education, testified before the commission, marking a significant step in addressing concerns about transparency and accountability.

Yesterday

Education

Jean-Marc Aveline Leads French Bishops

Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, the Archbishop of Marseille, has been elected as the president of the French Bishops' Conference (CEF). The election, held on April 2 in Lourdes, saw Aveline secure over two-thirds of the votes in the first round, reflecting his widespread support among his peers.

Yesterday

Religion

Top Schools Shaping Student Success

The quality of a school can significantly impact a student's academic journey, from middle school to higher education. Recent rankings by Le Figaro Étudiant highlight the best public and private middle schools, emphasizing their role in preparing students for top high schools and beyond.

Yesterday

Education

François Ruffin Eyes 2027 Presidency

François Ruffin, a left-wing French MP, has officially announced his candidacy for the 2027 presidential election. Speaking to a crowd of 1,000 supporters in Montreuil, Ruffin launched his campaign under the slogan "Notre France.

Yesterday

Politics

France Redefines Sexual Consent Laws

French lawmakers have taken a significant step by adopting a bill that redefines sexual assault, including rape, as any non-consensual sexual act. The proposal, passed with 161 votes in favor and 56 against, aims to shift the focus from the victim's behavior to the perpetrator's actions.

Yesterday

Politics

France Passes Anti-Narcotraffic Law

The French National Assembly has passed a new law aimed at combating narcotrafficking, with 436 votes in favor and 75 against. The legislation, supported by the government and several political groups, introduces measures like a National Anti-Organized Crime Prosecutor's Office and stricter detention rules for dangerous criminals.

1 April, 17:08

Politics

Paris Migrant Camp Evacuated Amid Tensions

Young migrants who had been living in tents along the Seine in Paris were evacuated by police on April 1. This followed their earlier expulsion from the Gaîté Lyrique theater, where they had stayed for three months demanding proper housing.

1 April, 17:07

World

Le Pen vs Bardella: RN's Future

The political future of France's far-right Rassemblement National (RN) is under scrutiny as Marine Le Pen faces potential ineligibility due to legal issues. Some argue that it is tactically better for Le Pen to remain eligible for the 2027 presidential race, as her fourth attempt might weaken the party's chances compared to the younger and more promising Jordan Bardella.

1 April, 08:21

Politics

France-Algeria Relations Restart

France and Algeria are working to mend their strained relationship after months of tension. Presidents Emmanuel Macron and Abdelmadjid Tebboune held a phone call to restart cooperation on security and migration.

31 March, 23:18

Politics

Marine Le Pen Faces Political Ban

Marine Le Pen, leader of France's National Rally (RN), has been handed an immediate ineligibility sentence, barring her from running for office. This decision stems from the "parliamentary assistants" case, sparking international reactions.

31 March, 18:58

Politics

Michelin Stars Shine Bright in Metz

The 116th Michelin Guide ceremony in Metz celebrated the best of French gastronomy, awarding 78 new stars for 2025. Christopher Coutanceau and Hugo Roellinger were the highlights, each earning three stars for their exceptional culinary artistry.

31 March, 18:58

Culture

Record Evictions Spark Housing Crisis Alarm

As France's winter eviction ban ends, alarming figures reveal a record 24,000 households were evicted in 2024, doubling the number from a decade ago. Advocacy groups warn of a worsening housing crisis, with over 4.

31 March, 18:58

Social Issues

Controversy Over Crépol Tragedy Book

The publication of "Une nuit en France," a book investigating the 2023 Crépol tragedy, has sparked outrage among the family of Thomas, the 16-year-old victim. The book, written by Jean-Michel Décugis, Pauline Guéna, and Marc Leplongeon, revisits the fatal stabbing during a village event but has been criticized for its narrative.

28 March, 10:00

Society

Sarkozy Faces Historic Corruption Charges

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy faces a historic trial over allegations of illegal campaign financing linked to Libya. The National Financial Prosecutor's Office has demanded a seven-year prison sentence, a €300,000 fine, and five years of ineligibility for Sarkozy.

28 March, 10:00

Politics

French Probe Targets Russian Oligarch

French authorities are investigating Russian billionaire Souleïman Kerimov over alleged money laundering and tax fraud linked to luxury villas on the Côte d’Azur. The Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed a rare raid at the Ministry of Economy and Finance, aiming to uncover details of a fiscal arrangement involving over €38 million.

28 March, 01:13

World

Allies Unite for Ukraine Peace

World leaders gathered in Paris to discuss a unified approach to achieving lasting peace in Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the importance of strengthening Ukraine’s military, announcing a €2 billion aid package that includes advanced weaponry and defense systems.

27 March, 16:16

World

Family Under Scrutiny in Missing Child Case

The investigation into the disappearance of two-year-old Emile Soleil in July 2023 has taken a dramatic turn. Emile vanished while vacationing at his grandparents' home in the Haut-Vernet, a remote hamlet in the French Alps.

27 March, 06:42

Crime

France Debates Low-Emission Zones

France's low-emission zones (ZFE), implemented in cities with over 150,000 residents since January 2025, are facing growing opposition. Critics argue these zones unfairly impact low-income drivers, as older vehicles are banned, leaving millions unable to afford replacements.

27 March, 06:42

Politics

Zelensky Seeks European Military Support

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is urging European nations to provide military aid and troops to bolster Ukraine's defense against Russia. In a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, Zelensky emphasized the need for increased drone production and air defense systems, highlighting Ukraine's disadvantage in artillery compared to Russia.

26 March, 21:59

World

Pierre Palmade's Prison Appeal Stirs Debate

French comedian Pierre Palmade, serving a five-year sentence for causing a serious car accident under the influence of drugs, has been granted a conditional release to serve his sentence under electronic monitoring. However, the Bordeaux prosecutor's office has appealed the decision, temporarily halting his release.

26 March, 17:40

Law

Depardieu Faces Courtroom Drama

The trial of Gérard Depardieu for alleged sexual harassment and assault during the filming of "Les Volets Verts" has sparked intense emotions and controversy. Actress Anouk Grinberg, who supports the accusers, was expelled from the courtroom after expressing outrage at the defense's conduct, calling the proceedings a "carpet of lies.

26 March, 17:40

Entertainment

Far-Right Leaders Attend Israeli Conference

In a historic move, Jordan Bardella and Marion Maréchal, prominent figures of France's far-right Rassemblement National, attended an international conference against antisemitism in Jerusalem. Invited by Israel's Minister of Diaspora Affairs, the visit marks a significant shift for the party, long associated with controversial antisemitic remarks by its founder, Jean-Marie Le Pen.

26 March, 12:59

Politics

Saint-Étienne Mayor Faces Sextape Trial

The mayor of Saint-Étienne, Gaël Perdriau, is set to face trial over allegations of orchestrating a sextape scandal to blackmail his former deputy, Gilles Artigues. The case, which has shaken the city since its revelation in 2022, accuses Perdriau of blackmail, misuse of public funds, and involvement in a criminal association.

26 March, 12:59

Politics