France

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?? French shock

People gather at the Place de la République in Paris after yesterday's elections. Photo: Aurelien Morissard/AP French voters rejected a far-right advance and unexpectedly handed a leftist coalition the most seats in parliament after yesterday's high-stakes snap election. Why it matters: The results represented a major setback for the far-right National Rally, which was pushed into third place after dominating the first round of voting last week. No coalition won a majority of seats, plunging France into political turmoil weeks before the Paris Olympics. How the far-right lost ... Prime minister resigns.

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France election

 

Cheers rang out on the streets of Paris on Sunday after a left-wing alliance won the most seats in the French parliament, thwarting Marine Le Pen's far-right party. The stunning result from the second-round vote means France will avoid a far-right government but will plunged into political limbo, with no party reaching an absolute majority. The left-wing New Popular Front won 182 seats, while President Emmanuel Macron's centrist Ensemble alliance won 163 seats. The far-right National Rally and its allies slumped to third place due to tactical voting, winning 143 seats. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, Macron's protege, tendered his resignation today — but Macron refused to accept. The president asked him to stay on for now "to ensure the stability of the country."

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French high-speed rail network lines sabotaged hours before Games opening ceremony Hours away from the grand opening ceremony of the Olympics, high-speed rail traffic to the French capital was severely disrupted on Friday by what officials described as “criminal actions” and sabotage. Read more.

Recent developments: The incidents paralyzed several high-speed lines linking Paris to the rest of France and to neighboring countries, according to Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete. “Everything indicates that these are criminal fires,” he said. Three fires were reported near the tracks on the high-speed lines of Atlantique, Nord and Est.    Travel to and from London beneath the English Channel, to neighboring Belgium, and across the west, north, and east of France was affected by what the French national rail company SNCF called a series of coordinated overnight incidents. SNCF said it did not know when traffic would resume and feared that disruptions would continue “at least all weekend.”   Government officials denounced the acts, though they said there was no immediate sign of a direct link to the Olympics. National police said authorities were investigating the incidents. French media reported a major fire on a busy western route.

RELATED COVERAGE ➤ Live updates: French train network sabotaged hours before Olympics opening ceremony   How to watch the Olympics opening ceremony   Keep up with everything you need to know about the Games and the athletes by signing up for our daily Olympics newsletter: Postcards from Paris.

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French authorities arrest Telegram CEO Pavel Durov at a Paris airport, French media report

NICE, France (AP) — The founder and CEO of the messaging service Telegram was detained at a Paris airport on an arrest warrant alleging his platform has been used for money laundering, drug trafficking and other offenses, French media reported Sunday.

https://apnews.com/article/france-russia-telegram-paris-durov-arrest-63cd8e5663c6b6f3404745866d662954?

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Telegram's red flags

Illustration: Lindsey Bailey/Axios. Photo: Bloomberg/Getty Images

French authorities said they arrested Telegram founder Pavel Durov as part of an investigation into illegal activity on the platform, potentially including the distribution of child pornography and drugs, as well as money laundering. He has not been charged. ?️ Zoom out: Telegram is the closest thing there is to a real example of a "free speech absolutist" platform online — and Durov's arrest has already become a flashpoint in the legal and cultural debate over whether social media companies can or should be held liable for what their users post. Telegram is a critical communications tool for the Ukrainian military, and Russia has tried to ban it. Durov fled from his native Russia in 2014 amid a separate information crackdown. But the app was also a preferred communications tool for ISIS, and law enforcement agencies have said for years that its hands-off approach has allowed child pornography, money laundering, terrorist organizing and other highly illegal activity to thrive. ⚖️ The company has said it complies with the laws of every country in which it operates. But some cybersecurity experts have argued that both its CEO and its back-end logistics make it far less helpful in criminal investigations than other platforms. ?? What's next: French authorities have until Wednesday to decide whether they'll charge Durov with a crime.

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A French man admits in court to drugging his wife so that he and dozens of men could rape her

AVIGNON, France (AP) — A 71-year-old French man admitted in court Tuesday that for nearly a decade, he repeatedly drugged his unwitting wife and invited dozens of men to rape her while she lay unconscious in their bed.

https://apnews.com/article/france-rape-trial-drugged-pelicot-943400b83a8b111bcd42a0fb23a1cfda?

ps:Wow! Just wow!!

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Sensational mass trial shines a dark light on rape culture in France

AVIGNON, France (AP) — They are, on the face of it, the most ordinary of men. Yet they’re all on trial charged with rape. Fathers, grandfathers, husbands, workers and retirees — 50 in all — accused of taking turns on the drugged and inert body of Gisèle Pelicot while her husband recorded the horror for his swelling private video library.

https://apnews.com/article/france-pelicot-trial-rape-culture-b846c0258e90daed7989693ef308547c?

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Paris will deploy 4,000 police officers for France-Israel soccer match following Amsterdam violence

PARIS (AP) — Paris police said Sunday that 4,000 officers and 1,600 stadium staff will be deployed for a France-Israel soccer match to ensure security in and around the stadium and on public transportation a week after violence against Israeli fans in Amsterdam.

https://apnews.com/article/france-israel-soccer-match-police-violence-amsterdam-b8af08c49988d19eb1daa7ae935f0597?

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For the first time, France’s Macron calls 1944 killings of West African troops by French army a massacre French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday for the first time recognized the killing of West African soldiers by the French Army in 1944 as a massacre in a letter addressed to the Senegalese authorities. Read more.

Why this matters: Macron’s move, on the eve of the 80th anniversary of the World War II killings in Thiaroye,on the outskirts of the Senegalese capital of Dakar, comes as France’s influence is declining in the region, with Paris losing its sway in the former French colonies in West Africa.   The letter comes weeks after the Senegalese legislative elections, in which the ruling party PASTEF secured a definite majority. The win granted newly elected President Bassirou Diomaye Faye a clear mandate to carry out reforms which include more economic independence from foreign companies, including French ones, which are heavily invested in the country.   France still has around 350 troops in its former colony, mainly in a supportive role. Asked about the presence of French forces, Faye alluded that it would not be something Senegal would want.

RELATED COVERAGE ➤ Chad ends a defense cooperation agreement with its former colonial ruler France   France’s new premier postpones election in New Caledonia until next year

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France’s government looks on the brink of collapse. What’s next?

PARIS (AP) — France’s minority government appeared to be in its final hours Tuesday as opposition lawmakers from the left and the far right vowed to topple Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s Cabinet.

https://apnews.com/article/france-government-crisis-no-confidence-26555d5c435340bd97f422942f258a0e?

French lawmakers vote to oust prime minister in the first successful no-confidence vote since 1962

PARIS (AP) — France’s far-right and left-wing lawmakers joined together Wednesday in a historic no-confidence vote prompted by budget disputes that forces Prime Minister Michel Barnier and his Cabinet members to resign, a first since 1962.

https://apnews.com/article/france-government-collapse-no-confidence-barnier-3b408ee1ac4c502541a56fbe3a230479?

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France’s Macron vows to stay in office till end of term, says he’ll name a new prime minister soon

PARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron vowed Thursday to stay in office until the end of his term, due in 2027, and announced that he will name a new prime minister within days in efforts to overcome the political deadlock following the resignation of ousted Prime Minister Michel Barnier.

https://apnews.com/article/france-macron-government-collapse-24681982fc526ffdafd57e53773ef855?

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President Macron names centrist ally Bayrou as France’s next prime minister

PARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday named centrist ally François Bayrou as prime minister in an effort to address the country’s deep political crisis, after a historic parliamentary vote ousted the previous government last week.

https://apnews.com/article/france-macron-bayrou-2e7cbdab53426354c440dda59c93ce65?

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Gisèle Pelicot speaks after ex-husband found guilty of rapes, sentenced to 20 years in France

AVIGNON, France (AP) — Gisèle Pelicot spoke of her “very difficult ordeal” after 51 men were all found guilty Thursday in the drugging-and-rape trial that turned her into a feminist hero, expressing support for other victims of sexual violence whose cases don’t get such attention and “whose stories remain untold.”

https://apnews.com/article/france-gisele-pelicot-rape-trial-verdicts-2b25791099f785fabb3c46123d30d9f9?

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France’s military is being ousted from more African countries. Here’s why

DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — It’s been a tumultuous month for France and its relationship with former colonies in Africa, as its influence on the continent faces the biggest challenge in decades.

https://apnews.com/article/france-chad-military-senegal-sahel-russia-85f2cf5066033db4b0bd044a7ed80438?

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France’s anti-terrorism court convicts 8 people of involvement in the 2020 beheading of a teacher

PARIS (AP) — France’s anti-terrorism court on Friday convicted eight people of involvement in the beheading of teacher Samuel Paty outside his school near Paris four years ago, a horrific death that shocked the country.

https://apnews.com/article/france-teacher-beheading-trial-paty-c03c4c29bef324fbe6dc3095a425ba9a?

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France has a new government, again. Politics and crushing debt complicate next steps

PARIS (AP) — France’s president and prime minister managed to form a new government just in time for the holidays. Now comes the hard part.

https://apnews.com/article/france-macron-bayrou-government-budget-96bb8e0e1740bdaf49d98cece0fac28a?

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France hands over last military base in Chad

N’DJAMENA, Chad (AP) — France handed over its last military base in Chad to local authorities on Thursday, two months after the former French colony in central Africa broke off its defense cooperation agreement with Paris.

https://apnews.com/article/chad-france-military-bases-withdrawal-bd1c1e5a075f3a4b0dba01801c081728?

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Macron says he’ll confer with allies on protecting Europe with French nuclear deterrence French President Emmanuel Macron said Wednesday he will discuss with European allies the possibility of using France’s nuclear deterrent to protect the continent from Russian threats, amid concerns over potential U.S. disengagement. Read more.

Why this matters: France is the only nuclear power in the European Union. Macron, in a televised address ahead of a special European summit Thursday, described Russia as a “threat to France and Europe,” and said decisions on the use of France’s nuclear weapons would remain only in the hands of the French president. “Europe’s future does not have to be decided in Washington or Moscow,” Macron said.   Macron’s move comes in response to a push by German election winner Friedrich Merz, who recently called for a discussion on “nuclear sharing” with France. EU leaders will discuss nuclear deterrence, among other topics, during the Thursday summit in Brussels focusing on support for Ukraine and European defense. European NATO allies have for decades counted on the powerful U.S. deterrent.   Macron said Russia is now spending 40% of its state budget on military spendings, with plans to expand its army by 2030 with 300,000 additional soldiers, 3,000 tanks and 300 jet fighters. “Who can believe that today’s Russia will stop at Ukraine?” Macron asked.

RELATED COVERAGE ➤ France steps in to provide military intelligence to Ukraine as the U.S. freezes vital information   Live updates: EU leaders hold emergency Ukraine talks after Trump suspends aid   Romania detains 6 on suspicion of plotting a coup in collusion with Russia

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Eurostar

An unexploded Word War II-era bomb found outside Paris brought a halt to Eurostar train travel in London and northern France today. The bomb was discovered by workers along railway tracks in the Paris suburb of Saint Denis. A security perimeter was immediately established, leading to the disruption of the intercity and suburban lines from the Gare du Nord station. A spokesperson for France's national state-owned railway company described the bomb as "really huge" and confirmed that a demining team is at the site. Gare du Nord is a major European transit hub, serving international destinations north of France as well as the main Paris airport and many regional commuters.

 

WWII bomb disposal operation in Paris causes hours of travel chaos and Eurostar line closure

PARIS (AP) — The disposal of what Paris police called an “excessively dangerous” unexploded World War II bomb caused hours of transportation chaos Friday on rail and road networks in the French capital, including the suspension of high-speed train links with London and Brussels.

https://apnews.com/article/france-paris-gare-nord-unexploded-bomb-d76871a93baee768df2a225922f12d89?

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More than 30 nations will participate in Paris planning talks on a security force for Ukraine

Military officials from more than 30 nations will take part in Paris talks on the creation of an international security force for Ukraine, a French military official said Monday. Such an international force would aim to dissuade Russia from launching another offensive after any ceasefire in Ukraine comes into effect. Read More.

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From France comes a call for Trump's America to return Lady Liberty. Here's why it won't happen

The comments from Raphaël Glucksmann, a member of the European Parliament and co-president of a small left-wing party in France, reflect the broad shockwaves that U.S. President Donald Trump’s seismic shifts in foreign and domestic policy are triggering in France and elsewhere in Europe. Read More.

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Luxury ride

France’s national railway operator unveiled its next-generation high-speed trains, and they’re equipped with stylish interiors that include double-decker dining cars. Take a look inside.

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Far-right leader Marine Le Pen banned from 2027 presidential race, throwing French politics into disarray

French far-right figurehead Marine Le Pen has been banned from running for political office for five years after being found guilty of embezzling European Union funds, in a politically explosive ruling that has shattered her hopes of winning the presidency in 2027.

https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/31/europe/marine-le-pen-embezzlement-trial-verdict-france-intl/index.html?

French far-right leader Marine Le Pen barred from seeking office for 5 years, a political earthquake

PARIS (AP) — A French court on Monday convicted Marine Le Pen of embezzlement and barred her from seeking public office for five years — a hammer blow to the far-right leader’s presidential hopes and an earthquake for French politics.

https://apnews.com/article/marine-le-pen-france-far-right-trial-verdict-f3da0614e9a6fc24c87eb33d5b873409?

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French court sentences pedophile surgeon to 20 years in jail for abusing hundreds of patients

A 74-year-old pedophile and former surgeon was given a maximum 20-year prison sentence on Wednesday by a French court for the sexual assault of hundreds of patients, mostly children, over more than two decades

https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/28/europe/france-surgeon-child-abuse-trial-joel-le-scouarnec-intl?

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The world’s most-visited museum shuts down with staff sounding the alarm on mass tourism

The Louvre, the world’s most-visited museum and a global symbol of art, beauty and endurance, has withstood war, terror, and pandemic — but on Monday, it was brought to a halt by its own striking staff, who say the institution is crumbling under the weight of mass tourism. Read More.