Paris condemns Moscow's record Kyiv barrage as the Senate right opens a referendum front on end-of-life
Emmanuel Macron called Russia's overnight barrage of nearly 1,500 drones and missiles on Kyiv 'the largest in four years' and 'hypocritical' after the May 9-11 ceasefire, while Friedrich Merz, accepting the Charlemagne Prize in Aachen, rebuffed the Kremlin's offer to deal with Europe only through Gerhard Schröder. In Paris, Senator Francis Szpiner of Les Républicains opened a shared-initiative referendum push on the assisted-dying law a day after the Senate rejected the bill for a second time, escalating a months-long standoff with the Lecornu government.
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Macron and Merz call Russia's record 1,500-drone Kyiv barrage a rejection of peace talks
French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned Russia's overnight strike on Kyiv — nearly 1,500 drones and missiles, the largest 24-hour barrage of the war — as a deliberate rejection of the peace process. Macron called the attack 'hypocritical' so soon after the May 9-11 ceasefire and said Moscow was 'bombing civilians' because it 'is running out of solutions on the military front.' Merz, speaking at the Charlemagne Prize ceremony in Aachen, said the strikes 'speak a different language' than negotiation, and rebuffed a Kremlin offer to deal with Europe only if former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder represented the bloc.
French Senate right-wing pushes referendum on end-of-life law, escalating standoff with government
Senator Francis Szpiner (Les Républicains) filed a bill on May 13 to launch a shared initiative referendum (RIP) on the end-of-life law, one day after the Senate rejected the assisted-suicide text for the second time. The move escalates a months-long standoff with the government, which may give the final word to the National Assembly, where the bill enjoys majority support. The RIP procedure requires at least 185 parliamentary signatures and 4.8 million citizen signatures, a threshold never reached since the mechanism was created in 2008.
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Every other event tracked in France, with a one-line preview.
fr33French parliamentary report criticizes Louvre security failures and calls for reforms
A French parliamentary report, following a €88 million jewel theft at the Louvre, finds that security concerns were repeatedly sidelined for prestige projects and rising visitor numbers. It criticizes the Ministry of Culture's oversight and proposes governance reforms, increased security funding, and questions the feasibility of the 'Louvre Nouvelle Renaissance' expansion plan.
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French parliamentary report criticizes Louvre security failures and calls for reforms
A French parliamentary report, following a €88 million jewel theft at the Louvre, finds that security concerns were repeatedly sidelined for prestige projects and rising visitor numbers. It criticizes the Ministry of Culture's oversight and proposes governance reforms, increased security funding, and questions the feasibility of the 'Louvre Nouvelle Renaissance' expansion plan.
A French parliamentary report, following a €88 million jewel theft at the Louvre, finds that security concerns were repeatedly sidelined for prestige projects and rising visitor numbers. It criticizes the Ministry of Culture's oversight and proposes governance reforms, increased security funding, and questions the feasibility of the 'Louvre Nouvelle Renaissance' expansion plan.
fr30French documentary maker Antoine Védeilhé expelled from Hong Kong
Award-winning French documentary filmmaker Antoine Védeilhé was detained at Hong Kong International Airport and expelled by authorities while attempting to enter the city to produce a documentary about life under Chinese rule. He stated the incident proves Hong Kong is no longer the same city. He completed the documentary, titled "Hong Kong Doesn't Answer Anymore," using secret filming and interviews with dissidents abroad. The film is set to air on French television.
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French documentary maker Antoine Védeilhé expelled from Hong Kong
Award-winning French documentary filmmaker Antoine Védeilhé was detained at Hong Kong International Airport and expelled by authorities while attempting to enter the city to produce a documentary about life under Chinese rule. He stated the incident proves Hong Kong is no longer the same city. He completed the documentary, titled "Hong Kong Doesn't Answer Anymore," using secret filming and interviews with dissidents abroad. The film is set to air on French television.
Award-winning French documentary filmmaker Antoine Védeilhé was detained at Hong Kong International Airport and expelled by authorities while attempting to enter the city to produce a documentary about life under Chinese rule. He stated the incident proves Hong Kong is no longer the same city. He completed the documentary, titled "Hong Kong Doesn't Answer Anymore," using secret filming and interviews with dissidents abroad. The film is set to air on French television.
fr28Macron announces Paris funding conference for African Union peace efforts during Ethiopia visit
Background: French President Emmanuel Macron began a five-day tour of Egypt, Kenya, and Ethiopia, co-hosting the Africa Forward summit in Nairobi and visiting the African Union. During his visit to the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Macron announced an international conference in Paris by the end of 2025 to raise funds for the African Union Peace Fund, which currently holds about $400 million and aims to reach $1 billion. He called for implementing UN Resolution 2719 for mandatory contributions to AU peace operations, reaffirmed support for permanent African seats on the UN Security Council, and said he would raise mediation efforts in the eastern DRC conflict. Macron also announced that Kenya's President William Ruto has been invited to represent Africa at the next G7 meeting in France, and outlined an aid initiative for African countries affected by the Strait of Hormuz crisis, including support for alternatives to fertilizer dependence.
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Macron announces Paris funding conference for African Union peace efforts during Ethiopia visit
Background: French President Emmanuel Macron began a five-day tour of Egypt, Kenya, and Ethiopia, co-hosting the Africa Forward summit in Nairobi and visiting the African Union. During his visit to the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Macron announced an international conference in Paris by the end of 2025 to raise funds for the African Union Peace Fund, which currently holds about $400 million and aims to reach $1 billion. He called for implementing UN Resolution 2719 for mandatory contributions to AU peace operations, reaffirmed support for permanent African seats on the UN Security Council, and said he would raise mediation efforts in the eastern DRC conflict. Macron also announced that Kenya's President William Ruto has been invited to represent Africa at the next G7 meeting in France, and outlined an aid initiative for African countries affected by the Strait of Hormuz crisis, including support for alternatives to fertilizer dependence.
Background: French President Emmanuel Macron began a five-day tour of Egypt, Kenya, and Ethiopia, co-hosting the Africa Forward summit in Nairobi and visiting the African Union. During his visit to the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Macron announced an international conference in Paris by the end of 2025 to raise funds for the African Union Peace Fund, which currently holds about $400 million and aims to reach $1 billion. He called for implementing UN Resolution 2719 for mandatory contributions to AU peace operations, reaffirmed support for permanent African seats on the UN Security Council, and said he would raise mediation efforts in the eastern DRC conflict. Macron also announced that Kenya's President William Ruto has been invited to represent Africa at the next G7 meeting in France, and outlined an aid initiative for African countries affected by the Strait of Hormuz crisis, including support for alternatives to fertilizer dependence.
fr25French mayor Robert Ménard summoned to court for refusing to marry Algerian man under deportation order
Robert Ménard, the mayor of Béziers, has been summoned to appear before a criminal court on September 30 for refusing to marry a French woman and an Algerian man who is subject to an obligation to leave French territory (OQTF). The couple filed a complaint against him for obstructing the execution of the law. Ménard faces up to five years in prison, a €75,000 fine, and ineligibility. He expressed shock at the summons, arguing the man was in an illegal situation and had a criminal record. This case highlights tensions between local officials and national immigration enforcement in France.
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French mayor Robert Ménard summoned to court for refusing to marry Algerian man under deportation order
Robert Ménard, the mayor of Béziers, has been summoned to appear before a criminal court on September 30 for refusing to marry a French woman and an Algerian man who is subject to an obligation to leave French territory (OQTF). The couple filed a complaint against him for obstructing the execution of the law. Ménard faces up to five years in prison, a €75,000 fine, and ineligibility. He expressed shock at the summons, arguing the man was in an illegal situation and had a criminal record. This case highlights tensions between local officials and national immigration enforcement in France.
Robert Ménard, the mayor of Béziers, has been summoned to appear before a criminal court on September 30 for refusing to marry a French woman and an Algerian man who is subject to an obligation to leave French territory (OQTF). The couple filed a complaint against him for obstructing the execution of the law. Ménard faces up to five years in prison, a €75,000 fine, and ineligibility. He expressed shock at the summons, arguing the man was in an illegal situation and had a criminal record. This case highlights tensions between local officials and national immigration enforcement in France.
fr23French MP criticizes government transparency on hantavirus preparedness
In a televised interview, RN MP Thomas Ménagé criticized the government's lack of transparency regarding hantavirus preparedness, specifically the refusal to disclose stockpile numbers for masks and protective gear during a parliamentary hearing. He linked this to broader distrust stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic management. The interview also covered the RN's political strategy, including a proposed ban on veils in public spaces and Marine Le Pen's candidacy.
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French MP criticizes government transparency on hantavirus preparedness
In a televised interview, RN MP Thomas Ménagé criticized the government's lack of transparency regarding hantavirus preparedness, specifically the refusal to disclose stockpile numbers for masks and protective gear during a parliamentary hearing. He linked this to broader distrust stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic management. The interview also covered the RN's political strategy, including a proposed ban on veils in public spaces and Marine Le Pen's candidacy.
In a televised interview, RN MP Thomas Ménagé criticized the government's lack of transparency regarding hantavirus preparedness, specifically the refusal to disclose stockpile numbers for masks and protective gear during a parliamentary hearing. He linked this to broader distrust stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic management. The interview also covered the RN's political strategy, including a proposed ban on veils in public spaces and Marine Le Pen's candidacy.
fr15French Sports Minister Defends Public Broadcasting Sports Budget Against Proposed Cuts
French Sports Minister Marina Ferrari has opposed a parliamentary report by Charles Alloncle that proposes cutting the public broadcasting sports budget by a third. In an interview on ICI Hérault, Ferrari emphasized the role of public service media in promoting less mainstream sports, including women's and parasports, and criticized the report's impact on national cohesion. She cited the successful coverage of the Paralympic Games in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo as an example of public service broadcasting's value.
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French Sports Minister Defends Public Broadcasting Sports Budget Against Proposed Cuts
French Sports Minister Marina Ferrari has opposed a parliamentary report by Charles Alloncle that proposes cutting the public broadcasting sports budget by a third. In an interview on ICI Hérault, Ferrari emphasized the role of public service media in promoting less mainstream sports, including women's and parasports, and criticized the report's impact on national cohesion. She cited the successful coverage of the Paralympic Games in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo as an example of public service broadcasting's value.
French Sports Minister Marina Ferrari has opposed a parliamentary report by Charles Alloncle that proposes cutting the public broadcasting sports budget by a third. In an interview on ICI Hérault, Ferrari emphasized the role of public service media in promoting less mainstream sports, including women's and parasports, and criticized the report's impact on national cohesion. She cited the successful coverage of the Paralympic Games in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo as an example of public service broadcasting's value.
fr13French parliamentary ethics report finds over 99% of deputy expense allowances properly used in 2025
The ethics officer of the French National Assembly, Rémi Schenberg, published a 2025 report indicating that over 99% of deputies' expense allowances were correctly used. All deputies were audited on the majority of their expenses, with less than 1% of funds requiring reimbursement. The report calls for stronger sanctions for serious or intentional violations and recommends reducing the threshold for expenses without receipts from €150 to €80 per week. One unnamed deputy was found to have misused funds for personal items and services, including taxis, clothing, children's meals, manicures, sports items, and ophthalmology fees, leading to a repayment of about €1,500.
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French parliamentary ethics report finds over 99% of deputy expense allowances properly used in 2025
The ethics officer of the French National Assembly, Rémi Schenberg, published a 2025 report indicating that over 99% of deputies' expense allowances were correctly used. All deputies were audited on the majority of their expenses, with less than 1% of funds requiring reimbursement. The report calls for stronger sanctions for serious or intentional violations and recommends reducing the threshold for expenses without receipts from €150 to €80 per week. One unnamed deputy was found to have misused funds for personal items and services, including taxis, clothing, children's meals, manicures, sports items, and ophthalmology fees, leading to a repayment of about €1,500.
The ethics officer of the French National Assembly, Rémi Schenberg, published a 2025 report indicating that over 99% of deputies' expense allowances were correctly used. All deputies were audited on the majority of their expenses, with less than 1% of funds requiring reimbursement. The report calls for stronger sanctions for serious or intentional violations and recommends reducing the threshold for expenses without receipts from €150 to €80 per week. One unnamed deputy was found to have misused funds for personal items and services, including taxis, clothing, children's meals, manicures, sports items, and ophthalmology fees, leading to a repayment of about €1,500.