How the Olympics opening ceremony triggered a debate on ‘woke ideology’ in France

How the Olympics opening ceremony triggered a debate on ‘woke ideology’ in France

By Alexandre Frambéry-Iacobone, Université de Bordeaux France was hurt, divided and in need of a great federating event after recent elections. And Emmanuel Macron framed the Olympic Games as an opportunity to “unite around a France that welcomes the world”, calling for a “political truce” during that time. Conservatives, however, believe that the great moment of national cohesion has yet to take place. From the Republican […]

August 8, 2024 26

World

French PM poised to take caretaker role in deadlocked France

By Jurgen HECKER French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal was set to resign but stay on as head of a caretaker government Tuesday, officials said, with no replacement in sight as divided parliamentary groups succumb to infighting. President Emmanuel Macron is expected to accept Attal's resignation after Tuesday's cabinet meeting -- the first since his allies got roundly beaten in a snap National Assembly election called […]

July 16, 2024 12

World

France’s Macron has gambled. Can he win?

By Clare BYRNE In the seven years since he swept to power on a mission to rejuvenate France's jaded political landscape, President Emmanuel Macron has developed a reputation for risk-taking. But in calling snap legislative elections after a trouncing in the European elections at the hands of the far right National Rally (RN) he has taken his biggest gamble yet. And one, according to analysts […]

June 20, 2024 9

World

French voters scramble for proxy votes

More than 550,000 proxy-vote applications have been submitted so far in the build-up to the French general election. The second round of the vote falls at the start of the French school summer holidays. Ross Cullen reports.

June 19, 2024 18

World

French bosses fear far right’s vague economic plans

By Katia Dolmadjian French business leaders have been pitched into fresh uncertainty by snap elections called by President Emmanuel Macron that risk strengthening the far right. Federations are treading lightly with their public comments, aware that they could be sitting across the table from National Rally (RN) ministers if the party scores a major breakthrough in the June 30 and July 7 ballots. […]

June 11, 2024 17

World

Macron urges French to make ‘right choice’ in poll gamble

By Alice Hackman and Stuart Williams President Emmanuel Macron said Monday he was confident the French would make the "right choice" in snap elections he called after the far right crushed his centrist alliance in Sunday's EU ballot. His surprise move came after mainstream centrist parties kept an overall majority in the European Parliament in Sunday's poll, but the far right notched up a string of […]

June 10, 2024 14

World

Gabriel Attal appointed as France’s new Prime Minister

Gabriel Attal has been named France's next prime minister, as Emmanuel Macron aims to revive his presidency with a new government. He will now have the task of leading the French government into important European Parliament elections in June. Attal replaces Élisabeth Borne, who resigned after 20 months in office. He will also be the first openly gay occupant of Hôtel Matignon. He has a civil partnership with another Macron […]

January 9, 2024 96