France News Today

French news in English

Friday, November 22, 2024

French Farmers Protest Mercosur Trade Deal

French farmers are mobilizing nationwide to protest the Mercosur free trade agreement, which they argue creates unfair competition. The FNSEA and Young Farmers unions have organized over 80 actions across France, targeting government offices to draw attention to their plight.

53 min

Politics

Court Orders Sciences Po to Host Controversial Talk

The Paris Administrative Court has ruled that Sciences Po Paris must allow a previously banned conference by Rima Hassan, a Franco-Palestinian MEP from La France Insoumise, to proceed. Initially prohibited due to concerns over public order, the court found no substantial evidence that the event would incite illegal actions.

53 min

Politics

France Battles Storm Caetano's Fury

France is grappling with severe weather conditions as Storm Caetano sweeps across the country, bringing heavy snow and strong winds. Météo-France has issued an orange alert for 51 departments, primarily in the north and the Alps, due to snow and ice, while 25 departments face warnings for high winds.

5 h

Weather

Major Crackdown on Marseille's DZ Mafia

In Marseille, a major crackdown on organized crime has led to the arrest of 26 members of the notorious DZ Mafia, a criminal organization involved in drug trafficking and extortion. The arrests were part of a large-scale operation by the Marseille judicial police and the Brigade for the Repression of Banditry.

5 h

Crime

Winter Storm Caetano Disrupts Western France

The winter storm Caetano has caused significant disruptions across western France, leading to the suspension of school transport and imposing restrictions on heavy vehicles. Despite the storm having moved on, 31 departments remain on orange alert for snow, ice, and wind.

5 h

Weather

France Braces for Tempête Caetano

France is bracing for a significant winter storm as Tempête Caetano sweeps across the country from west to east. Météo-France has issued an orange alert for 58 departments, warning of snow, ice, and strong winds.

18 h

Weather

Storm Caetano Disrupts France with Snow and Winds

France is grappling with the severe impacts of Storm Caetano, which has left approximately 270,000 homes without electricity, primarily in the western regions. The storm has brought heavy snowfall and strong winds, prompting Météo-France to issue an orange alert for 51 departments.

18 h

Weather

Franco-Algerian Writer's Mysterious Disappearance

Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal has reportedly been detained by Algerian security services after his arrival at Algiers airport from Paris. The 75-year-old author, known for his critical stance against the Algerian regime, has been unreachable for several days, sparking concern among his friends, publishers, and the French government.

18 h

World

French Rail Workers Plan December Strikes

French rail workers are gearing up for a series of strikes, starting with a 24-hour "warm-up" strike this Thursday, followed by a potentially indefinite strike from December 11. The strikes are organized by major unions, including CGT Cheminots and SUD-Rail, in response to concerns over the dismantling of Fret SNCF and the opening of passenger transport to competition.

Yesterday

Business

Trial Unveils Complex Web in Paty Case

The trial surrounding the assassination of French teacher Samuel Paty has revealed a complex web of influences and actions leading to the tragic event. Two former students of the Bois-d’Aulne school, Karim and Sami, admitted to identifying Paty to the attacker, Abdoullakh Anzorov, in exchange for money.

Yesterday

Crime

Pierre Palmade Sentenced for Tragic Accident

French comedian Pierre Palmade has been sentenced to five years in prison, with two years to be served, following a severe car accident he caused in February 2023 while under the influence of drugs. The accident, which occurred in Seine-et-Marne, resulted in serious injuries to three family members, including the loss of an unborn child.

Yesterday

Crime

France Braces for Severe Snowstorm

A significant snowstorm, driven by the depression Caetano, is set to sweep across France from west to east, starting Thursday morning. Météo France has issued an orange alert for 28 departments, warning of heavy snowfall and icy conditions that could disrupt travel.

20 November, 12:09

Weather

Pierre Palmade's Trial: A Nation Captivated

The trial of French comedian Pierre Palmade has commenced in Melun, drawing significant media attention. Palmade faces charges of involuntary injuries while under the influence of drugs, following a tragic car accident in February 2023.

20 November, 07:39

Entertainment

French Leaders Face Budget Deficit Scrutiny

Former French Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne and other key political figures are under intense scrutiny following a Senate commission's investigation into the country's escalating budget deficit. The deficit, projected to reach 6.

19 November, 18:48

Politics

Restos du Cœur Prioritizes Vulnerable Families

The Restos du Cœur, a French charity founded by Coluche in 1985, has launched its 40th food distribution campaign, focusing on single-parent families and children under three. This initiative comes after the organization regained financial stability, thanks to generous donations from the public, including significant contributions from the Arnault family and the French government.

19 November, 14:13

Social Issues

France Resists EU-Mercosur Trade Deal

France is firmly opposing the EU-Mercosur free trade agreement, citing concerns over environmental and agricultural impacts. President Emmanuel Macron has reiterated France's stance against the deal, which involves South American countries like Brazil and Argentina.

19 November, 09:47

Politics

Gisèle Pelicot: From Victim to Heroine

Gisèle Pelicot, a 71-year-old woman, has become a symbol of courage and resilience after refusing a closed trial for her ex-husband, Dominique Pelicot, and 50 other men accused of drugging and raping her over a decade. The trial, held in the Vaucluse criminal court, has drawn international attention, highlighting the pervasive issue of sexual violence.

19 November, 09:47

Crime

Anne Hidalgo's Political Dilemma

As the 2026 Paris municipal elections approach, current Mayor Anne Hidalgo remains ambiguous about her candidacy for a third term. Despite her previous indication that she might not run again, her decision is still pending, leaving her political allies and opponents in suspense.

19 November, 00:53

Politics

Hospices de Beaune Auction Faces Challenges

The recent Hospices de Beaune wine auction, a prestigious charity event, fell short of previous records, raising €13. 944 million, significantly less than the €29 million in 2022.

18 November, 02:38

Business

SNCF Freight Faces Transformation Amid Protests

The French government has confirmed there will be no moratorium on the dismantling of SNCF's freight division, despite union threats of strikes. This decision aligns with European Union regulations aimed at liberalizing the rail freight market.

17 November, 13:36

Business

Record-Breaking Dinosaur Auction in France

A colossal Apatosaurus skeleton, nicknamed "Vulcain," has set a new record as the largest dinosaur ever auctioned. The 22-meter-long fossil, discovered in Wyoming in 2018, was sold for over 6 million euros at the Château de Dampierre-en-Yvelines, near Paris.

17 November, 00:38

Science

Hostage Drama at Family Pizzeria Ends Safely

In a tense standoff in Issy-les-Moulineaux, the son of a pizzeria owner took four employees hostage for three hours. Armed with a knife, the man, described as having a history of drug addiction and suicidal tendencies, barricaded himself in the family-run "Pizza L’Olivier.

16 November, 16:07

Crime

Limoges Mourns 'Man in Blue' Cyclist

In Limoges, nearly 300 people dressed in blue gathered to honor Jean-Marc Chatard, a beloved local figure known as the "man in blue," who tragically died after being hit by a car. Chatard, 74, was a familiar sight on the roads, always in his blue work clothes and rubber boots.

16 November, 16:07

Local News

Families Sue TikTok Over Harmful Content

Seven French families have taken legal action against TikTok, accusing the social media platform of promoting harmful content that contributed to severe mental health issues in their children. The lawsuit, filed in the Créteil court, claims that TikTok's algorithm exposes young users to content that glorifies eating disorders, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts.

16 November, 11:37

Technology

Mazan Trial Unveils Dark Web of Abuse

The trial of the Mazan sexual abuse case has revealed a disturbing network of exploitation orchestrated by Dominique Pelicot, who allegedly drugged and offered his wife, Gisèle Pelicot, to numerous men. Among the accused is Christian L.

15 November, 22:47

Crime