France News Today

French news in English

Friday, January 17, 2025

Controversy Surrounds Le Pen's Death

The death of Jean-Marie Le Pen, cofounder of France's far-right National Front, has sparked mixed reactions across the country. While some political figures, including Prime Minister François Bayrou, praised him as a "visionary," others highlighted his controversial legacy of racism, antisemitism, and homophobia.

Yesterday

Politics

Influencer Faces Trial for Hate Speech

Sofia Benlemmane, a Franco-Algerian influencer with over 300,000 followers, has been charged with hate speech and death threats. Arrested in Lyon, she faces accusations of inciting violence and public insults targeting ethnicity, sexual orientation, and nationality.

Yesterday

World

Documentary Reveals Hidden Abortion Stories

A new documentary, "Il suffit d’écouter les femmes," directed by Sonia Gonzalez, sheds light on the harrowing experiences of women who underwent clandestine abortions in France before the 1975 legalization. Released to mark the 50th anniversary of the Veil Law, the film features testimonies from women across different backgrounds, recounting the fear, pain, and resilience they endured.

Yesterday

Culture

France-Algeria Diplomatic Rift Deepens

Tensions between France and Algeria have escalated following the prolonged detention of Algerian influencer Boualem N. in France.

Yesterday

Politics

Bayrou Faces Crucial Censure Vote

French Prime Minister François Bayrou's government faces a critical motion of censure this week, just a month after his appointment. The motion, led by La France Insoumise (LFI), has gained support from other left-wing groups, though the Socialist Party remains divided.

Yesterday

Politics

French Left Divided Over Budget Talks

The French Socialist Party (PS) faces internal divisions as it navigates tense negotiations with the government over the 2025 budget and pension reforms. While the PS demands significant concessions, including a suspension of the retirement age increase to 64, the government has only offered vague promises of renegotiation.

Yesterday

Politics

France's First Trans Mayor Resigns

Marie Cau, the first transgender mayor in France, has resigned from her position in Tilloy-lez-Marchiennes. Elected in 2020, Cau cited a lack of support for rural mayors and personal challenges as reasons for her decision.

Yesterday

Politics

France's Pension Reform Standoff

France's pension reform debate has reached a critical juncture as Prime Minister François Bayrou faces mounting pressure from left-wing parties. The Socialists, Communists, and Greens demand a six-month suspension of the retirement age increase from 62 to 64, seeking time for renegotiation.

15 January, 21:25

Politics

French Farmers Vote Amid Crisis

French farmers are heading to the polls from January 15 to 31 to elect representatives for the country's 88 agricultural chambers. This election, held every six years, comes at a critical time for the sector, which is grappling with rising costs and disease outbreaks.

15 January, 21:25

Politics

France's Cocaine Crisis Escalates

France is ramping up its fight against drug trafficking as cocaine use in the country has nearly doubled in six years. A recent report by the French Observatory of Drugs and Addictive Trends revealed that 1.

15 January, 21:25

Politics

Controversy Surrounds Ukrainian Brigade

The Ukrainian "Anne de Kiev" brigade, partly trained and equipped by France, is under scrutiny following allegations of desertion and mismanagement. Reports claim that 1,700 soldiers deserted, with 50 leaving during their training in France.

7 January, 03:06

World

Sarkozy Faces Historic Corruption Trial

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy is on trial for alleged corruption and illegal financing of his 2007 presidential campaign. The case centers on accusations that Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi provided millions in illicit funds to support Sarkozy's campaign.

6 January, 18:15

Politics

Storm Floriane Disrupts France

Storm Floriane swept across France on January 6, bringing powerful winds and heavy rain. Gusts exceeded 100 km/h in many areas, with peaks of 180 km/h recorded in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques.

6 January, 13:41

Weather

Golden Globes Spotlight 'Emilia Perez'

The 82nd Golden Globes celebrated Jacques Audiard's musical drama "Emilia Perez," which emerged as a major winner with four awards, including Best Musical/Comedy and Best Foreign Film. The film, a French contender for the Oscars' Best International Feature, also secured accolades for Best Supporting Actress and Best Original Song.

6 January, 04:52

Entertainment

Sarkozy Faces Historic Corruption Trial

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy is on trial for alleged corruption and illegal campaign financing tied to Libya. The case, which began on January 6, examines claims that his 2007 presidential campaign received funds from Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi.

6 January, 00:37

Politics

Marine Le Pen Visits Cyclone-Hit Mayotte

Marine Le Pen, leader of the Rassemblement National, has begun a three-day visit to Mayotte, an island recently devastated by Cyclone Chido. Her trip aims to show solidarity with the Mahorais, who have faced immense challenges, including 39 deaths and thousands injured.

5 January, 15:55

Politics

Anne-Marie Comparini Passes Away at 77

Anne-Marie Comparini, a prominent French politician and close ally of François Bayrou, has passed away at the age of 77. She died early Sunday at Lyon's Edouard-Herriot Hospital after being admitted on December 31.

5 January, 15:55

Politics

Algerian Influencers Arrested for Violent Threats

Two Algerian influencers, "imadtintin" and "zazouyoucef," have been arrested in France for inciting violence through TikTok videos. Imadtintin, followed by over 70,000 users, called for acts of violence and supported zazouyoucef, who had earlier been detained for similar threats.

5 January, 11:19

World

Claude Allègre Dies at 87

Claude Allègre, a prominent French scientist and former Minister of Education, has passed away at the age of 87. Known for his bold and often controversial opinions, Allègre served in Lionel Jospin's government from 1997 to 2000.

4 January, 17:54

Obituaries

Farmers Rally for Urgent Reforms

The Coordination Rurale, France's second-largest agricultural union, is mobilizing farmers to protest in Paris and across the country. The demonstrations, set to begin Sunday, aim to pressure the government into taking concrete actions to address the ongoing agricultural crisis.

4 January, 17:54

Politics

France Braces for Snow and Ice Alert

Météo-France has issued an orange alert for snow and ice in 16 northeastern departments of France. This warning is due to a winter weather event expected to begin on Saturday evening, January 4, 2025.

4 January, 09:00

Weather

Hostage Crisis Ends Peacefully in French Prison

A tense hostage situation at the Arles prison in southern France ended without injuries after nearly five hours. A 37-year-old inmate, known for severe psychiatric issues, held a prison guard and four healthcare workers hostage in the prison's medical unit.

3 January, 15:29

World

TikTok Influencer Arrested for Violent Threats

An Algerian TikTok influencer, known as "Zazou Youcef," has been arrested in Brest, France, after inciting violence against opponents of the Algerian regime. The 25-year-old, followed by over 400,000 users before his account was banned, posted videos threatening attacks and mimicking violent acts.

3 January, 15:29

Crime

Police Officers Face Trial in Paris

Three police officers in Paris will stand trial for involuntary manslaughter in the death of Cédric Chouviat, a 42-year-old delivery driver. Chouviat died in January 2020 after being restrained during a police stop, repeatedly saying "I can't breathe" before collapsing.

3 January, 15:29

World

Bayrou's Government Faces Early Challenges

François Bayrou, France's new Prime Minister, is navigating a rocky start just weeks into his tenure. His government, formed shortly before Christmas, faces criticism over its composition and early decisions.

3 January, 06:28

Politics