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First came the exit polls. Then, less than an hour later: a second shock. On the heels of the French far-right’s record score in European elections, Emmanuel Macron dissolving parliament and calling surprise snap elections.
American composer and organist Kali Malone popped by FRANCE 24 to tell us about her new album "All Life Long" and how composing for an organ, a brass ensemble and a choir was a process that enabled her to reconnect with her own voice. We also check out new music videos by John Cale, Soprano and Billie Eilish.
Shock and gamble are the two words most frequently being used in newsrooms across France and Europe after French President Emmanuel Macron announced snap parliamentary elections. The first round will be held in less than three weeks' time, leaving political parties struggling to work out how to tackle such a short campaign. Macron made his announcement after the far-right National Rally scored over 30 percent of the vote in the European elections in France – twice as much as any other party there. In Perspective, we spoke to Andrew Smith, a French modern history expert and lecturer in liberal arts at Queen Mary University of London.
Three Americans appear in court over last month's botched coup attempt in DR Congo. The defendants could be facing the death penalty after being accused of terrorism, murder and criminal association. Also, pro-democracy activists in Sudan say the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have killed around 40 people in the city of Omdurman. Meanwhile, the African Union condemns the RSF for an attack on village in Al-Jazira state, which left 150 people dead, including 35 children. Finally, we see how on the Tunisian island of Djerba, one man is using AI to preserve his Muslim community's cultural heritage.
PRESS REVIEW – Monday, June 10: French President Emmanuel Macron stuns the country by announcing the dissolution of parliament, after his party is trounced by the far-right National Rally in the European elections. The papers in France are calling it an extraordinary gamble. The news also makes a splash internationally, with one German paper calling for Chancellor Olaf Scholz to follow in Macron's footsteps.
Saturday, June 8th, 2024: Alison Sargent brings you a roundup of French stories after a week dominated by commemorations in Normandy marking the 80th anniversary of the Allied landings—the presence of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky adding a layer of resonance. Meanwhile in Paris, the Eiffel Tower has been decked out with the Olympic rings ahead of this summer's games, and football star Kylian Mbappé confirms that he's signed on with Spanish club Real Madrid.
It’s been a week that’s seen world leaders gather on the beaches of northern France to commemorate 80 years since the Normandy landings. The moment that marked the start of the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi Germany. This year, Ukraine’s leader invited, Russian officials cold shouldered, we look at the politics of DDay diplomacy.
As a result of the war in Ukraine, millions of Ukrainian children have been scattered around Europe. These young refugees have seen their education heavily disrupted, with only between 30 and 50 percent of them enrolled in schools in their host countries. NGOs such as Junior Achievement (JA) Europe and UNICEF have teamed up to help offer 1.9 million hours of training and education over the course of the last year across 14 countries. Charles Pellegrin talks to Salvatore Nigro, the CEO of JA Europe.
Scientists are warning of the growing risk of tropical illnesses spreading due to global warming. As temperatures rise, many places are becoming more hospitable to Asian tiger mosquitoes, which are known to carry and transmit dengue fever, Chikungunya but also Zika. In France, record cases of dengue fever have been reported since the start of 2024. Most of them are in people who had travelled to French overseas territories. Authorities warn this could result in people getting infected in mainland France, in a wave of so-called native cases. The Down to Earth team investigates.
Top AI engineers at defence technology companies defended the need for autonomous weapons on Thursday, amid a push for a ban on so-called "killer robots". More than 115 countries and 250 non-governmental organisations are calling for an international treaty to ban weapons that use artificial intelligence to identify and engage human targets, technology which United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called "morally repugnant."
In this edition of Access Asia we're dissecting the results of the world's largest election. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has won a historic third term in office. However, things will be markedly different this time around as he finds himself with his wings clipped. Modi has been forced into a coalition after his BJP party failed to win an absolute majority for the first time in a decade. FRANCE 24's Delano D'Souza is joined by social activist and lawyer Trisha Shetty and Ashutosh Varshney, professor and director of the Saxena Center for Contemporary South Asia at Brown University.
Twenty-two years ago, the Indian state of Gujarat erupted in violence. For several weeks from the end of February 2002, inter-communal violence led to the deaths of around 2,000 people, most of them Muslims. Entire neighbourhoods were burnt down and families massacred. This outpouring of hatred was sparked by a fire on a train on February 27, 2002 at Godhra station. Fifty-nine Hindu pilgrims were burnt alive and dozens of others seriously injured. Hindu fundamentalist organisations in the region immediately accused Muslim extremists of attacking the convoy. It was the start of the worst religious riots in India since independence in 1947. Two decades later, our team returned to Gujarat, which is still scarred by the tragedy.
Among policymakers and business leaders, little attention appears to have been paid to one of the fastest-growing demographics; women who are choosing not to have children. Annette Young talks to Dr Caroline Magennis who's written a manifesto for childfree women. Also Claudia Sheinbaum becomes Mexico's first-ever female president. But the scientist and former Mexico City mayor is facing a host of challenges as the country reels from spiralling violence with drug cartels battling for influence. Plus we meet a rare breed. The French women deep sea divers who are plunging to new depths and breaking barriers as a result.
India is the world's biggest democracy and also has one of the biggest media landscapes. But some critics say there has been an illusion of choice. Politically the opposition is not on a level playing field and mainstream media are accused of being mouthpieces of the government. We speak to journalist Smita Sharma and Saurabh Shukla, co-founder of The Red Mike, an independent media outlet with more than half a million followers on YouTube.
The Impressionist painters, from Monet to Renoir, Pissarro and Morisot, are beloved around the world. This year, France is celebrating their very first exhibition – a show that was one of the most momentous exhibitions in art history 150 years ago. To mark the event, arts24's Eve Jackson takes us to the home of Claude Monet in Giverny just outside Paris – a place of flowers, fields and water bathed in natural light that inspired his most famous works.
In Ireland, high prices and a lack of sufficient homes mean it's difficult for many Irish people to find a place to live. Rents are soaring and first-time buyers are struggling to enter the market. Young people are particularly affected, with two thirds of under-30s forced to stay with their parents. FRANCE 24's Julien Sauvaget and Clovis Casali report from the capital Dublin and its neighbouring towns.
In China, the ruling Communist Party encourages women to focus on motherhood and the home, rather than self-emancipation. While some Chinese feminists have tried to denounce the inequality and discrimination they face, their numbers are dwindling amid a crackdown by authorities. Our correspondents report.
PRESS REVIEW – Friday, June 7: We begin by looking at how Lebanon could get caught up in Israel's war against Hamas. The Italian dailies hail a golden era for Italian tennis, with players reaching the women's final (Jasmine Paolini) and men's doubles final (Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori), as well as Jannik Sinner becoming world number one. Plus: a fascinating article about Greek researchers who recreated 15th-century battle conditions to test the durability of the Dendra panoply. Finally, the winners of the Comedy Pet Photo awards are announced!
In this week's edition of Destination Paris we look into one of the most exciting names in swimming, with French hopes high that Léon Marchand can earn gold in his home games. We also visit the neighbourhood of Dakar in which judo champion Mbagnick Ndiaye grew up.
Lawyers for a death row inmate in the US state of Alabama say his execution could happen any day, even though they believe he was wrongfully convicted. Rocky Myers, who has an intellectual disability, is a black man who was convicted by an overwhelmingly white jury of the murder of a white woman. Siobhan Silke reports. FRANCE24's Monte Francis speaks to Kacey Keeton, the lawyer representing Rocky Meyers, and Miriam Bankson part of the legal investigative team on the case.
In tonight's edition: South Africa's MK Party says it will engage with the ANC as coalition talks continue. For the first time, Zanzibar commemorates the abolition of slavery. The island is part of Tanzania and was a key stopping off point for arab slavers across East Africa. And we meet Somaliland's first all-women basketball team.
Polls have opened in the Netherlands, where four days of voting have kicked off across the EU in the 2024 election for the European Parliament. In our series of portraits of young voters in the EU, we talk to Dina, a 24-year-old actress from the Netherlands.
Just over a week after its completion, a slew of poor weather off Gaza’s coast battered the US-built humanitarian aid port off the enclave, which President Biden said would ramp up deliveries to those in need. Social media users claim the pier had drifted away or sunk entirely, but this is not entirely true. Vedika Bahl explains in this edition of Truth or Fake.
The European Central Bank has decided to lower its benchmark interest rates by 0.25% from a record high, effective June 12th. However, the ECB also revised its outlook for the coming months and said it no longer believed inflation would hit its target of 2% this year, but instead would average at around 2.2%. Plus, Ireland losing hundreds of young doctors every year as they emmigrate to Australia, in search of better working conditions.
D-Day is being commemorated, this June 6th marks the 80th anniversary of what became known as The Longest Day.
For the soldiers and for French civilians killed as part of the collateral damage of the liberation of their country, there is is a complex legacy of one of the most compelling stories of military history.
Recent months have seen farmers in Europe take to the streets to protest against EU regulations and paperwork. Even in Belgium, where the EU headquarters are located, anger remains palpable. Jeanne, 24, works as a dairy farmer and does not plan on voting in this week's European elections, since she "thinks of the European Union with disgust". FRANCE 24's Elodie Radenac and Chloé Robert went to meet her.
As the world marks the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, the historic moment is also remembered as a catalyst for the turning of economic tides. A series of post-war events and decisions such as the Bretton Woods Conference heralded a new era for economic cooperation and financial order. We also look at the United States' role in rehabilitating Europe with its Marshall Plan: aid worth an estimated $140 billion in today's money.
In tonight's edition: Russia's foreign minister arrives in Chad on the last leg of his Africa tour, which has been marked by strong anti-Western sentiment. Also, at the Korea-Africa summit in Seoul, South Korea announces plans to ramp up rice production in Africa. And we head to Cameroon, where Penja white pepper is now a protected label.
PRESS REVIEW – Thursday, June 6: World leaders gather in Normandy to mark 80 years since the D-Day landings. The geopolitical context today is very different: Russia's Vladimir Putin was not invited to the commemorations, despite the significant role Russia played in World War II. We look at front pages and take a deep dive into how the papers covered D-Day in 1944. Also: a 100-year-old D-Day veteran plans to get married right near the beaches where so many of his friends died.
Israel says it will soon decide whether to launch an offensive in Lebanon, where it has clashed with the Iran-backed group Hezbollah for months. Steven A. Cook, a senior fellow for Middle East Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, tells FRANCE 24's Monte Francis that Hezbollah's large stores of rockets, missiles and precision munitions pose an even bigger threat to the general Israeli public than the actions of Hamas on October 7, 2023.
Fake news, bogus websites, deepfake interviews augmented by AI: we have all, often without our knowledge, fallen foul of this kind of manipulation. And most of it is coming from Russia. With our panel, we explore the how and why behind this. We also aim to provide you with some ways to be more aware of what you are exposed to online.
In pioneering Lithuania, the first all-women list in the country’s political history has been unveiled. The Lithuanian Greens are hoping that this list will help more women get elected to the European Parliament, where men still make up around 60% of the members. The candidates are also trying to draw attention to other gender issues, such as the pay gap.
Commemorating D-Day is crucial to remind us of the horror of war. That's the view of an historian who has spoken to FRANCE 24 about the fears that we are in a pre-war period with the threat of a third world war, and that this week's commemorations should be a wake-up call to the world. Curtis Young has spent years researching the African-American soldiers killed in World War I here in France, but his interest and enthusiasm to uncover the truth extend into the Second World War as well. He spoke to us in Perspective.
As commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the Allied landings take place in Normandy, film critic Lisa Nesselson tells us about her favorite D-Day classics – from star-studded extravaganza "The Longest Day" to Steven Spielberg's "Saving Private Ryan". Plus, Jessica Chastain and Peter Sarsgaard star in "Memory", a harsh tale about what happens when suppressed memories meet early-onset dementia. Finally, Lisa tells us about Roman Polanski's latest film "Palace Hotel", which she was surprised to enjoy after it was eviscerated by other critics.
PRESS REVIEW – Wednesday, June 5: A dried-up salt lake in Uzbekistan is unable to support local farmers. Also, US President Joe Biden's executive order to cut migration on the Mexican border leads to backlash on the left and fails to impress on the right. In other news, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak seemed in fighting form for the first time in his election campaign at the leaders' debate on Tuesday. Finally, UK far-right leader Nigel Farage takes a milkshake to the face, and not for the first time.
As hundreds of thousands of people flock to the French region of Normandy to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day, local businesses there are capitalising on tourists' passion for World War II history. FRANCE 24's Leo McGuinn and our colleagues from France 2 report on this business of souvenir sales and historical re-enactments. Also in this edition, we look at the UK's fiscal debate and at one think tank's warning of a looming £33 billion deficit.
Mourners can now speak to an AI version of the dead. But will that help with grief? Selina Sykes reports. FRANCE24's Monte Francis speaks to Tomasz Hollanek, Research Fellow at the Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence, University of Cambridge about the benefits, risks and future developments of AI clones.
Indian shares plunged and the rupee tumbled after early results showed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party winning far fewer seats than expected, leaving it reliant on coalition partners. Billionaire Gautam Adani's business empire saw nearly $45 billion in its market value wiped off in a single day. We take a closer look at the state of the Indian economy. Plus, South Korea hosted leaders from dozens of African nations to try and boost trade, particularly in minerals.
A recent Microsoft security report found that Russia is ramping up on its disinformation campaign against France and the upcoming Paris Olympics. We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake.
South Africa prepares for complicated coalition talks after the ANC lost its historic majority over the weekend. Dozens of African heads of State head to Seoul for a summit aimed at deepening ties with South Korea. And we head to Ethiopia where Tigray is slowly trying to emerge from the shadow of the war.
Welcome to the France 24 Debate. Tonight we are focusing on the elections on India where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is already claiming victory. A historic third successive term. Counting continues, but not that he is bothered.
Modi has been criticised throughout the election campaign for abusing state press and broadcast media - essentially using them as the mouthpiece for his campaign. There was also the case of the jailed opposition figures, the alleged suppression of the Muslim vote.
In Poland, officials say the number of attempted illegal border crossings from Belarus has shot up. The ruling Civic Platform – which is in a tight election race with the former governing party, Law and Justice – says Belarus and Russia are using migrants as a tool of hybrid war against Poland, something Minsk and Moscow deny. We look at how the issue is playing out in the election campaign, and at the election opinion polls in Poland.
Has the general election in India been free and fair? This crucial point is debated and discussed across the country and abroad as the results of the vote come in. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi's BJP party will still be the largest in parliament, it has done less well than expected. Has India's election commission done its job properly? In Perspective, we spoke to Mukulika Banerjee, a professor of anthropology at the London School of Economics and Political Science.
She's best known on the small screen as Kate Sharma after her star turn in the second season of the hit series "Bridgerton". Eve Jackson sat down with Simone Ashley at the Cannes Film Festival to talk about her upcoming movie, embracing fashion and the fabulous costumes she gets to wear in "Bridgerton". We also look into some of the would-be blockbusters that have failed to set Hollywood alight this summer, while a new documentary on an all-woman softball team in Mexico is quietly helping change cultural norms in their home state. Plus, Cambodian filmmaker Rithy Panh tells FRANCE 24 more about his latest feature, revisiting a crucial moment in the demise of Pol Pot's regime.
On June 6, 1944, three countries sent the bulk of their troops to land in Normandy: the United States, Britain and Canada. In this report, FRANCE 24's Claire Paccalin and Florence Gaillard look at how the British forces, who had already endured five years of war before D-Day, showed bravery and flair that were crucial to the success of the operation.
PRESS REVIEW - Thursday, June 4: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to be announced the winner of India's six-week long elections. The voting process has been marred, however, by anti-Islam rhetoric and disinformation. Also: Microsoft's threat analysis centre exposes Russia's campaign of disinformation in Paris ahead of the Olympic Games, including a fake video purporting to be from FRANCE 24. Plus: a rocket-firing Boba Fett figurine becomes the most expensive vintage toy ever, after selling for over $500,000!
What if the far-right gets its act together? Europeans pick a parliament this week, the first since the EU's significance went to the next level with Covid, the war in Ukraine as well as showdowns over Chinese dumping and US tech. Europe matters more than before yet for the first time in a quarter century, the status quo is in play. Why?
In Italy, the main political parties contesting the EU election have held their last major rallies, outlining very different visions of the European Union. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has denounced an “increasingly technocratic and undemocratic Europe" while her main opponent, Elly Schlein of the Democratic Party, has called for a “federal Europe now".
Between the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944 and the liberation of Paris on August 25 lies the Battle of Normandy. For three months, the Allied forces fought fiercely against the Wehrmacht of Nazi Germany. From heavily bombed towns, to relentless artillery fire and hand-to-hand combat in the "Falaise pocket", Normandy was devastated and civilians were trapped. But the Allies achieved a strategic victory that changed the course of history. FRANCE 24's Florence Gaillard and Héloïse Mélan report.
On Thursday of last week, pharmacists closed their doors in France in a rare strike – the first of its kind in over a decade. They were protesting against government plans to relax online sales regulations, which they fear could lead to some pharmacies closing down. They also wanted to raise awareness of a shortage of medicines in France. FRANCE 24's Julia Sieger tells us more.
Classical violinist Guy Braunstein has just released a record that revisits the Fab Four's classic "Abbey Road". It was recorded in the mythical London studios. He popped by FRANCE 24 to tell us more about what inspired him to revisit The Beatles and how there are only two categories of music: good and bad. We also look at new releases from Bon Jovi, Eminem and Manu Chao.
Among the Americans drafted in 1943 to defeat the Nazis in Europe were young Cajuns from Louisiana, who spoke French as their native language. At the time, society tended to view the Cajun French language as a handicap, and the people who spoke it as second-class citizens. All of that changed after D-Day, when where the Cajuns' French-speaking abilities proved invaluable to military operations in Europe and North Africa. They often served as interpreters for the officers and were nicknamed the "Frenchies". Our correspondent Fanny Allard met one of the last surviving Cajun World War II veterans in Louisiana.
On top of security, immigration and the green transition, Mexico's President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum is facing a host of economic challenges. In this year's budget, Mexico's public deficit stands at 5.9 percent, the largest in decades. Plus, as she seeks to cut spending, Sheinbaum will have to decide what to do with Pemex, the world's most indebted oil company, which has become a drag on public finances. We take a closer look.
PRESS REVIEW – Monday, June 3: South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in under increasing pressure after leading the ruling ANC party to their worst-ever election result. Also, a Russian foreign ministry foundation is suspected of funding the legal defence of spies abroad. In other news, the island nation of Palau is blaming China for a massive cyberattack. Finally, a couple get more than they bargained for while fishing in a New York lake.
Saturday, June 1st, 2024: In this week's roundup of French news, modern France historian Andrew Smith joins Alison Sargent to discuss how the war in Gaza is reverberating politically in France after a far-left lawmaker is suspended for holding up a Palestinian flag in the National Assembly. We also take a look at France's landmark end-of-life bill, security ahead of the Paris Olympics, and the auctioning off of the scooter used by Francois Hollande to visit his mistress.
The majority of the Allied troops who took part in the D-Day landings were American, British and Canadian. But a small number were French; part of the Free Forces serving with the Allies. The story of the "Groupes Lourds", French squadrons who were integrated into the Royal Air Force and took part in the D-Day operations, is not well known in France. In this report, FRANCE 24's Claire Paccalin and Stéphanie Trouillard met one of the last surviving members of the "Groupes Lourds" and spoke to several people whose fathers were killed during combat missions during World War II.
Irving Locker was only 19 when he was called up to fight in World War II. He'd never even left his village in New Jersey. So when he stormed the Normandy beaches with 150,000 of his fellow soldiers, June 6, 1944 became the most important day of his life. The young Jewish American landed at Utah Beach and went on to play a part in the liberation of the Gardelegen Concentration Camp, about 100 miles west of Berlin. Locker will shortly turn 100 and is making what might be his last trip to France to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Our correspondent Fanny Allard met with him in Florida before he left. This is his story.
With vote counting almost complete, it's clear that the ruling ANC party cannot win an overall majority in South Africa's parliament. That means coalition talks are ahead. Also in this edition, Kenyans who say they've suffered from abuses by British soldiers seek justice. Plus, we meet young environmental activists who are trying to make a difference in the political sphere and on the ground.
It’s been an historic week in the US - where for the first time a former President was convicted of a criminal offence. Donald Trump convicted on Thursday on all charges in the so-called “Hush Money trial” Will this make any difference to his chances in the US Election?
He's been seen campaigning on empty beer crates in pubs and playing table tennis. Talking Europe catches up with the lead candidate of the Party of The European Socialists (PES) and asks him what he has learned in this EU election campaign, away from the buttoned-up confines of the Berlaymont building in Brussels. We ask him if he will block the nomination of Ursula von der Leyen for a second term at the head of the European Commission if she goes for a tie-up between her centre-right EPP group and the hard right ECR. Schmit, who is currently also EU Commissioner for jobs and social rights, answers: "If Mrs. von der Leyen tries an arrangement with the extreme right, she will not be able to count on the support of the Socialists."
Fourteen prominent pro-democracy activists have been found guilty in a landmark subversion trial in Hong Kong. They were among the 47 opposition figures arrested under the Beijing-imposed National Security Law and charged with trying to overthrow the government by organising an unofficial primary for the 2020 legislative election. While Beijing and the Hong Kong government welcomed the verdict, rights groups have voiced deep concern. FRANCE 24's Yuka Royer speaks to Sarah Brooks, China Director at Amnesty International.
"Bridgerton" is back with more scandal and more sex! FRANCE 24's Olivia Salazar-Winspear and Dheepthika Laurent take a look at everyone's fan favourite focusing on Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton's story. Meanwhile, "The Big Cigar" looks at the improbable story of a daring escape by Huey P. Newton, the founder of the Black Panthers. Plus, they discuss the exploration of an alternate universe in sci-fi thriller "Dark Matter" and the return of BAFTA-winning Muslim girls rock band comedy "We Are Lady Parts".
We take the political temperature in Hungary, where the state broadcaster has hosted an EU election debate – the first of its kind in nearly 20 years. Public television gave each party candidate a total of 11 minutes on four selected topics – a format which opposition activists said did not allow for a genuine battle of ideas. Our ENTR portrait profiles Lili, a 19-year-old voter in Hungary.
Amid concerns about the financing, fate or limits imposed on public broadcasters in several EU countries such as France and Poland, this edition of Scoop looks at Italy. The International and European Federations of Journalists are concerned that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is turning public broadcaster RAI into a propaganda machine. FRANCE 24 spoke to journalists Gabriele Di Donfrancesco and Serena Danna to understand the reasons behind the controversy.
With EU elections now just around the corner, women's rights groups are anxiously waiting to see if pollsters have been correct to predict a surge in support for the far right. At a country level, parties associated with the far-right groups in the European Parliament have a long history of seeking to erode sex-specific protections, including access to abortion. Haxie Meyers-Belkin speaks to Jéromine Andolfatto, a policy and campaign officer with the European Women's Lobby.
As decided by EU member states and the European Parliament, sales of internal combustion engine cars will be banned in the bloc by 2035, thereby forcing a transition to electric vehicles. How will Europe's car manufacturers manage this major change? FRANCE 24's Charles Pellegrin puts the question to Julia Poliscanova, senior director in charge of vehicles and e-mobility at the European Federation for Transport and Environment.
In Israel, human rights groups have filed a court case in a bid to close the Sdei Teiman military prison. Set up after the October 7 attacks in the heart of the Negev desert, it serves as a detention centre for prisoners from Gaza. Numerous eyewitness accounts speak of mistreatment and torture. An internal investigation has established that at least two prisoners have died after beatings by soldiers. FRANCE 24's Claire Duhamel and Robert Parsons investigate this secret prison.
In August 2013, a chemical attack using sarin gas was perpetrated in Syria’s Ghouta region, northeast of Damascus, killing some 1,400 people. Attributed to the regime of Bashar al-Assad, the crime remains unpunished to this day. But Syrian refugees in Europe are fighting for justice. Activists, lawyers and witnesses have set out to track down those responsible, some of whom live in France. Yet many obstacles remain: the few witnesses living in exile fear reprisals on their families who have stayed behind, while there is no access to Assad's Syria, making it impossible to carry out investigations on the ground. FRANCE 24's Dana Alboz brings us this exclusive 27-minute documentary. Warning: viewers may find some images upsetting.
Campaigning to be Mexico's next president reached a climax Wednesday with two women leading the race for the first time in the violence-plagued Latin American nation. Gema Kloppe-Santamaria, Associate Professor of Latin American History and International Affairs at George Washington University and Global Fellow at the Wilson Center, speaks to FRANCE24's Mark Owen.
Following the air strike - and subsequent fire - that left 45 Gazans dead at a camp for the displaced in South Rafah, Israel has stated its munitions are not what triggered the blaze. The IDF said it's investigating possible theories, including a Hamas weapons warehouse nearby that caught fire, therefore due to “secondary explosions.” Vedika Bahl probes these in this edition of Truth or Fake
The ANC is on course to drop below 50% of seats in parliament meaning that the ruling party would have to form a coalition to be reelected to form a new government. Around 100,000 Gazans may have crossed over into Egypt since Israel began its retaliatory bombardment of the Palestinian territory over Hamas's brutal crossborder attack last October. Members of the Maqam folk band are helping each other soothe the suffering through music.
Nicolas Schmit, the lead candidate for the Party of European Socialists (PES), speaks to FRANCE 24 about the dangers, as he sees them, of a potential alliance between the right and the far right. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has called for Italy’s Giorgia Meloni and French far-right leader Marine Le Pen to work together – while the conservative European People’s Party (EPP) is keeping a door open to Meloni.
Can Israel ignore the pressure?
Young people outraged by the graphic images of the Rafah tent fire that killed dozens of civilians out in the streets of Paris and Marseille, this as Ireland, Norway and Spain recognize a Palestinian state and international courts mount cases over the war in Gaza.
As one of the winners of the Africa Lyric's Opera prize, Aaron-Casey Gould has just wrapped up a string of concerts across France, performing a repertoire that embraced Verdi, Gershwin and contemporary African compositions. He joins us to talk about introducing a younger generation to the traditional repertoire, his latest, playful role at the Vienna Volksoper and a modern opera inspired by the drag ball scene of 1980s New York, where he sings the role of "House of Legendary"'s charismatic mother.
A centuries-old British institution is set to be sold to a foreign firm. Royal Mail's parent company has accepted a £3.6 billion takeover offer by Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky's EP group. Privatised about a decade ago, the postal service that dates back to Tudor times has struggled in the era of emails. Meanwhile, the world's biggest mining firm BHP has walked away from a $49 billion plan to take over British rival Anglo American, after the latter rejected a request to extend talks.
In Hungary, which has seen an erosion of democratic norms since far-right Prime Minister Viktor Orban came to power, a turncoat from Orban's own Fidesz party is shaking things up. Peter Magyar says he wants to make Hungary a normal democratic country again. He left Fidesz and joined a minor opposition party, suddenly bringing it up to around 25 percent in the polls ahead of the European elections. While Orban's party remains the most popular, especially in small towns, the gap is narrowing. FRANCE 24's Gulliver Cragg reports.
PRESS REVIEW - Thursday, May 30: A US Supreme Court justice has dismissed concerns over his impartiality. Also, Argentina's President Javier Milei is digging in his heels to prevent food aid being released and distributed. In other news, the record is being set straight in the US baseball leagues to merge the historic data from Black and White leagues. Finally, a long overdue book is finally returned to a Helsinki library, 84 years late.
The first day of jury deliberations in Donald Trump's criminal hush money trial concluded after the panel sent their first two notes to the judge Wednesday afternoon, just a few hours after beginning deliberations. Pamela Falk reports from New York. Todd Belt, Director of the Political Management Program at George Washington University's Graduate School of Political Management tells FRANCE24 that the worse the outcome of the hush money trial is for Trump, the better will be for him politically.
In tonight's edition: Vote counting is underway in South Africa as millions of people turn out to this landmark election three decades after the end of apartheid in a poll that could see the ruling ANC party fighting to protect its grip on power.
An AI-generated image that says “All Eyes on Rafah” has gone viral on social media. We tell you the origin and meaning of this viral phrase in this edition of Truth or Fake.
What is Europe's next move... what with Kharkiv is subjected to a daily pounding from the other side of a Russian border that is just 20 kilometres away?
We start with the police searches this Wednesday at the Brussels and Strasbourg offices of an employee of the European Parliament. Authorities say the raids are linked to an investigation into whether some MEPs were bribed to promote Russian narratives in order to undermine public support for Ukraine in the EU.
Yolande Zauberman's documentaries venture into the lesser-seen corners of life in Israel; her latest film is inspired by the journey of a transsexual woman who apparently travelled from Gaza to Tel Aviv on foot, in search of a new life. Film critic Lisa Nesselson applauds this insightful endeavour, and tells us why questions surrounding gender are less entertaining in "Marcello Mio", French director Christophe Honoré's latest feature starring Chiara Mastroianni and Catherine Deneuve. We also check out a new version of the fascinating 1982 film "Chien Blanc" and discuss the apocalyptic high jinks in "Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga", fresh from its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival.
FRANCE 24 speaks to Sven Biscop, director of the Europe in the World Programme at the Egmont Institute, and the author of "This is Not a New World Order", about the upcoming European elections. We delve into how issues like the war in Ukraine, competition with China and the green transition are shaping the vote. Concerning the rise of the far right in Europe, he says their policies are "counterintuitive", noting that they are both "extremely nationalistic" yet "allow themselves to be instrumentalised as agents of hostile powers such as Russia".
FRANCE 24 spoke to John Bolton, who served as national security adviser to Donald Trump from 2018 to 2019. He has since become an outspoken critic of the 45th US president. Bolton said his former boss "admires" strong leaders like Russia's Vladimir Putin and China's Xi Jinping, and that both of them see Trump "as an easy mark". Explaining that Putin "knows how to deal with" Trump, he warned that if the latter is reelected, "unfortunately, he (Putin) would get from Trump a very satisfactory solution from Russia's point of view in Ukraine".
As South Africans vote in the country's general election this Wednesday, we focus on the state of the economy after three decades under the rule of the African National Congress. In this edition, we see how the country's crumbling energy infrastructure has hampered economic activity and explore the reasons behind South Africa's high unemployment rate. Also, we look at the different types of economic policies that could emerge depending on the results of the election.
As South Africans vote in a crunch general election, one key issue that's impacted the campaign is the policy of affirmative action the country began in 1994. A series of measures, known as the "Triple B double E Act" (Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment), have favoured non-White South Africans in public or private jobs, as well as in university admissions. But these measures are now being contested by the opposition, who claim they perpetuate racial discrimination and do not promote good governance. So how has affirmative action impacted South African society over the past 30 years and should it stay or go? Our correspondents report from Cape Town.
PRESS REVIEW – Wednesday, May 29: There's been controversy in the French parliament after a lawmaker opened a Palestinian flag during a debate on Palestinian statehood. Also, an investigation suggests Israeli foreign intelligence services have been threatening and intimidating ICC prosecutors since 2015. In other news, an investigation by a consortium of international journalists, Rwanda Classified, exposes a systematic campaign of persecution by the Rwandan government against critics abroad. Finally, rivers are running orange in Alaska due to climate change.
As Russia makes gains in eastern Ukraine, Tony Ingesson, Assistant Professor in Political Science at Lund University, speaks to FRANCE 24's Monte Francis about the growing calls in European countries to bring back obligatory military service and extend it to women.
Many social media users are sharing images claiming to show the Egyptian soldier who was killed following an exchange of fire between Israel and Egypt, near the Rafah border crossing, on Monday. We reveal the true identity of this soldier in this edition of Truth or Fake.
One day ahead of general elections in South Africa, we look ahead to what's at stake for the ruling African National Congress, which is in danger of losing its majority for the first time since the birth of democracy there. In a country where the youth make up the majority of the population, a bleak outlook is keeping many of them away from the polls. Also, we meet the former Senegalese rifleman who will carry the Olympic torch at the Paris Games.
What if this time, the ANC does not win? Since 1994, South Africa’s known plenty of ups and downs but the party of Nelson Mandela – no matter the criticism or defections - could bank, come election time, on a winning machine that has always secured an outright majority. What if it’s not the case? And why?
In our second Europe Votes show, we zoom in on farmers in Brussels and in France. Milk producers have rallied in the Belgian and EU capital, drawing attention to the struggles they face in being paid a fair price for their produce. And in France, the main political lists competing in the June 9 election have been courting farmers as they meet with the powerful farmers’ union FNSEA.
Jamaica’s beaches, gentle Rastas and uplifting reggae music make up the postcard version of an idyllic island nation – an image Safiya Sinclair says she wanted to flesh out in her compelling memoir "How to Say Babylon". The author recounts a childhood spent observing tropical fauna and flora and reading poetry, far from tourist hotels and the bustling street life of the Jamaican capital. She joins us to discuss the double standard for Rastafari boys and girls, the symbolic meaning of cutting off her dreadlocks and the hidden literary talents of a mother who inspired her personal and professional journey.
Céline Bardet, a lawyer and international criminal investigator specialising in war crimes, speaks to FRANCE 24 about the legal implications after Ireland, Spain and Norway began formally recognising Palestine as a state Tuesday. “It changes everything for the position of Palestine, it would put the state of Palestine equal to other[s],” she said. Bardet, however, also said that while international legal bodies are doing everything they can to end the war in Gaza, “justice is not here to stop war”.
French President Emmanuel Macron made calls to "buy European" during a speech in Dresden while on a three day visit to Germany. Macron advocated for a European preference in key sectors like defence and space, following in the footsteps of Washington and Beijing. Also in this edition, FRANCE 24's China correspondent Yena Lee goes to Yiwu, the Chinese manufacturing hub benefitting from the Paris 2024 Olympics.
On June 2, Mexico will elect a new president ... and it’s almost certain that the new head of state will be a woman. The two favourites are Claudia Sheinbaum, who has been mentored by outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador; and Xóchitl Gálvez, who is backed by three opposition parties. With only a few days to go before the country's biggest election – legislative and municipal elections are also taking place on the same day – candidates may soon breathe a sigh of relief, even if they lose. Since campaigning began, at least 24 candidates and pre-candidates have been assassinated as organised crime remains rampant in many parts of the country, particularly in the state of Guerrero. Our team on the ground reports.
After an Israeli strike on a Rafah camp kills at least 45 people, Dr H.A. Hellyer, Senior Associate Fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, tells FRANCE24's Mark Owen that Joe Biden's red line on Rafah 'has been crossed multiple times to the point that it's rather pointless to speak of a red line'. He adds that the White House is unwilling to admit that a line has been crossed as doing so would mean having to stop providing weapons to Israel.
The death toll - and international condemnation - is mounting following an Israeli air strike on a camp for displaced Palestinians in Rafah. Whilst Israel has launched a probe into what PM Benjamin Netanyahu called a "tragic mishap", the IDF maintains the attack remained outside of Gaza's humanitarian zone. This is contrary to NGOs and aid groups, who maintain the area had been considered protected, questioning Israel's "inconsistencies" in designating these spaces. Vedika Bahl takes a look.
As Emmanuel Macron continues his state visit to Germany, the first by a French president in 24 years, we take a look at how the two countries manage their public finances and at issues they don't see eye-to-eye on.
Plus, the world's most famous shiba inu has died at the age of 18. Kabosu went from a rescued dog to an internet sensation, and became the face of meme cryptocurrency Dogecoin, with blessings from Elon Musk.
‘Gunshots morning and night we are struggling’, in a rare testimony from the besieged Sudanese city of El-Fasher. One resident speaks of fear and frustration of civilians trying to survive a merciless conflict. Cameroon's Rose Leke is a pioneering Professor who is in town to be honoured for her work against malaria at the L'Oreal Women in Science awards here in Paris. And Benin is planning on allowing citizenship to Afrodescendents.
We look at the start of the EU election campaign in France, where posters advertising the candidates have been slow to go up, adding to the impression of a (so far) low-profile election.
We also take you to Sweden, where our reporter Clovis Casali explores the Swedish social model and how immigration has led some to question that model.
How to stop the slide in the Americas’ poorest nation? The last time this show put the spotlight on Haiti was nearly three months ago. The capital had been overrun by gangs who’d banded together against prime minister Ariel Henry who had just secured a deal to deploy a Kenyan-led international police force.
In this week's show we take a deep dive into the Seine, to find out how Paris's river is preparing for the 2024 Olympics. We see how authorities are racing against time to boost security, curb pollution and keep visitors entertained. With just a few weeks to go before the opening ceremony, one question remains: Will the Seine actually be swimmable?
Irish native Liv Monaghan embraced Paris a dozen years ago where she fell headfirst into the local jazz scene. She's just released her second folk-tinted new album "First Light" and popped by the FRANCE 24 studios to tell us more about the evolution of her jazz sound. We also take a look at new releases from Lenny Kravitz, Willie Nelson and Bat For Lashes.
David McCloskey worked in CIA field stations across the Middle East throughout the Arab Spring and conducted a rotation in the Counterterrorism Center, briefing Congressional oversight committees, senior White House officials, ambassadors and military officials. He has since written several novels, including "Moscow X" and "Damascus Station", which has just been published in French. He joined us on Perspective to tell us more about his former life as a spy, what pushed him to write and the fine line between fiction and reality.
Haiti has been in the grips of a renewed crisis ever since heavily armed gangs formed an alliance this February and forced Ariel Henry to step down as prime minister. The Caribbean nation has long been plagued by gang violence, with armed groups fostered in the shadows by power-hungry political and economic elites. But now more than 80 percent of Haiti’s capital is controlled by an alliance of armed groups, and they’re vowing they won’t lay down their arms unless they get a seat at the negotiating table. Haiti's under-resourced police, which is often accused of rampant corruption, are left to battle gangs that are often better armed than law enforcement. FRANCE 24’s Catherine Norris Trent and Roméo Langlois went on patrol with UTAG, a specially formed anti-gang unit of Haiti’s police. They bring us this exclusive report from Port-au-Prince.
It’s been political, it’s been sexy, it’s been gasp out loud surprising. The winners of this year’s competition have been announced. The top prize, the Palme d’or, has been awarded to "Anora" from American independent film maker Sean Baker. It’s about an erotic dancer in New York who marries a Russian oligarch’s son. France 24's culture editor Eve Jackson and film critic Lisa Nesselson tell us more about this year's winners.
With over 830,000 inmates, Brazil has the third-largest prison population in the world, behind only the US and China. According to data from the National Secretariat for Penal Policy, there are almost 166,000 more prisoners than there are places currently available in the country's jails. In some penitentiaries, such as in the state of Rio de Janeiro, prison overcrowding can reach 190 percent. Brazilian prisons are also regularly the scene of rebellions and massacres.
Oscar-winning actress Helen Mirren talks to Eve Jackson about her Cannes memories, being the face of L'Oréal Paris at age 78 and why she prefers swagger to beauty. We also learn more about the films up for the Queer Palm and meet the best onscreen dogs at this year's festival.
As more and more countries around the world seek to close their borders to asylum seekers, we speak to the founder of an online language platform designed for refugees. She tells us how she hopes Chatterbox will redress the demeaning manner in which she feels refugees from around the world are received. But first, we look at the ongoing Indian elections. The campaign rhetoric remains feisty in the final stretch, and the ruling BJP is banking on influencers to boost the youth vote. We finish with a look at the dark side of K-Beauty as we explore the obsession with thinness in South Korea.
The events of April 25, 1974 have left an indelible mark on the history of Portugal and Europe. That evening, a group of 200 left-leaning young Portuguese military captains walked out of their barracks and occupied strategic locations. Tired of the ravages of the dictatorship and colonisation, they won the active support of the people. The uprising was nicknamed the Carnation Revolution after the flowers that protesters placed in the soldiers' guns and tanks, in a rare example of a military coup being staged to install democracy. The dictatorship collapsed in a single day. But 50 years on, Portugal’s old demons are surfacing. Chega, a populist xenophobic party, quadrupled its number of MPs in March’s elections. In less than five years, it has become the country’s third-largest political force. FRANCE 24’s Céline Schmitt and Clara Le Nagard report, with Sarah Morris.
Located off Morocco, Spain's Canary Islands are facing their worst migrant crisis since 2006. In just one year, 30,000 migrants have arrived on the archipelago. The smallest island, El Hierro, saw 4,000 arrive in January alone. Despite locals and NGOs coming together to help out, El Hierro is overwhelmed. FRANCE 24’s Clara Le Nagard and Armelle Exposito report, with Sarah Morris.
On June 2, millions of Mexicans are set to make history by voting in their first-ever female president with the two leading candidates both being women; Dr Claudia Sheinbaum from the leftist Morena party, and her right-wing rival, Xóchitl Gálvez. Annette Young heads to Mexico to ask what does this political watershed mean for women's rights in a country where femicide is a massive problem and an estimated 10 women are murdered each day. We meet both candidates and ask them how will they prioritise gender equality given the extent of problems in the Latin American nation besieged by drug wars. We also meet femicide activist, Norma Andrade, and renowned feminist writer, Dr Marcela Lagarde.
Voters under 30 account for a sixth of Europe's electorate. That's an important group for political parties to win over during this EU election season. Young people are less likely to take part in European elections than older generations, which makes them a prize for parties that know how to clinch their votes. But those aged 18 to 30 aren’t just a demographic. Their choices are a bellwether of what the priorities of Europeans will look like in the future, for instance on climate change and energy independence. We discuss this with our guests.
This week, we bring you a special edition of People & Profit from VivaTech, France's major tech event. Charles Pellegrin asks Beatriz Sanz Saiz, global consulting data and AI leader at EY, how artificial intelligence could bring more equality. He also meets Olivier Oullier, whose company Inclusive Brains has developed tech that could be a game changer for people with disabilities. And Peter O'Brien reports from the halls of VivaTech to find out what the rise of AI will mean for climate tech.
Around the world, elections have become a testing ground for artificial intelligence (AI). India, the world's most populous nation with more than 1.4 billion people, is a case in point. The country is in the middle of its marathon elections, with the capital New Delhi voting over the weekend. The vote has been marred by controversies surrounding the unregulated use of AI and deepfakes. Political parties are increasingly integrating AI into their campaigns and the industry has turned into a $60 million business. Our correspondents Khansa Juned and Léa Delfolie report.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, a president of the national assembly has finally been elected after months of political infighting. The winner, Vital Kamerhe, was subject to an assassination attempt in an attempted coup d’état over the weekend.
Basque Pelota , in which the ball can reach speeds of over 300 km/hour, was once an Olympic sport. No longer part of the games, it's popularity has nevertheless reached far beyond the Basque Country. From Mexico to Argentina, it's played in mostly Hispanic countries, but remains the pride of a region shared between France and Spain.
From the big screen treatment of one of French literature’s greatest classics, "The Count of Monte Christo", starring French favourite Pierre Niney, to "Wild Diamond", a gritty social drama about a young French woman who dreams of becoming a famous influencer, arts24's Eve Jackson looks at France’s offerings at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. We also look back at the life and career of "Star Wars" creator George Lucas as he receives a lifetime achievement award and ask critics for their picks for the top prize, the Palme d'Or.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has faced heavy criticism from Israel, the US, Germany and Canada since it announced it was seeking warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and his Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, as well as Hamas leaders, for war crimes and crimes against humanity. In an interview with FRANCE 24, former ICC prosecutor Luis Moreno Ocampo called the reactions "disappointing", saying launching attacks on the court's decision instead of focusing on the crimes themselves was a "huge mistake".
Myanmar's military junta, which took power in a coup in February 2021, is increasingly facing armed resistance. Last October, an alliance of ethnic rebel groups and pro-democracy activists launched a major offensive across the country. In response, the junta recently announced mandatory conscription for all men aged 18 to 35 and women aged between 18 and 27. As a result, thousands of young people are now fleeing the country to avoid being called up. Most are heading to neighbouring Thailand, which is bracing for an influx of refugees. FRANCE 24's William de Tamaris reports from the Thai border.
The annual tech fair VivaTech has kicked off in Paris, drawing thousands of startups and hundreds of tech bosses. Artificial intelligence is taking centre stage, with companies touting how the technology can be applied to many practical fields such as medicine, and help address global challenges like climate change. Plus, the US government has announced that some new tariffs on a range of Chinese goods, including a 100 percent import duty on electric cars, will take effect on August 1.
The announcement by Ireland, Spain and Norway of the recognition of a Palestinian state is perceived as a major blow in Israel. Nomi Bar-Yaacov, an associate fellow of the International Security Programme at Chatham House and international negotiator, tells FRANCE24's Mark Owen that the key missing element from the speeches in recognition of the Palestinian state is to explain to Israel how the existence of a Palestinian state makes Israel more secure.
In tonight's edition: With one week to go before South Africa heads to the polls, we head to Cape Town where our correspondent tells us what is at stake before the crucial day. And an investigation by Lighthouse Reports accuses the EU of funding serious human rights abuses in Tunisia, Morocco and Mauritania where migrants are dumped in the desert. And we head to VivaTech 2024 where African Agrotech is open for business.
On the night of May 13 to 14, the Shoah Memorial in Paris was tagged with red hand graffiti- a symbol considered anti-Semitic by Jews. The French police was able to track down three suspects of Bulgarian origin through video surveillance, believed to be Russian henchmen hired to vandalize the Holocaust Memorial. The same modus operandi was used back in October, when Stars of David were painted in Paris walls. We explain in this edition of Truth or Fake.
In this edition of arts24 from the Cannes Film Festival with Eve Jackson, we explore glamorous fashion on and off the red carpet. Also on the programme: an apartheid documentary about an unsung hero photographer in "Ernest Cole: Lost and Found", directed and written by Raoul Peck and narrated by US actor and rapper Lakeith Stanfield.
He is literally gone halfway around the world. Now what can Emmanuel Macron do with his surprise visit to New Caledonia?
Critics see deadly riots in the French Pacific island as a crisis of his government’s own making, with an electoral reform that indigenous Kanaks say dilutes their voice in upcoming provincial elections. Sovereignists loyal to Paris point to longstanding residents who do not have the right to vote.
It’s often referred to as the biggest startup event in Europe. VivaTech opens its doors this Wednesday in Paris with 150,000 people in attendance, as well as 10,000 startups. The event takes place as signs are emerging that the French tech sector might be recovering from a period of cost-cutting and high interest rates. We discuss this and the race to develop AI skills with the co-founder of VivaTech, Pierre Louette.
Catherine Deneuve appears in French director Christophe Honoré's new film "Marcello Mio". Honoré is known for his provocative features; this is his third time in competition at Cannes. In this film, his longtime collaborator and Deneuve's real-life daughter Chiara Mastroianni plays a version of herself, who adopts the persona of her movie star father, Marcello Mastroianni, creating chaos with her mother.
A new documentary is aiming to lift the lid on the unrecognised Black heroes of D-Day. It follows an all-African American battalion of men whose crucial role in the Normandy landings was never revealed. One member of the company was even nominated for a Medal of Honor, but amid racial segregation in the US at the time, it was impossible for him to ever be granted it. The documentary follows the work chronicled already in a book, "Forgotten: The Untold Story of D-Day's Black Heroes". Its author Linda Harvieux joined us for Perspective.
As spring temperatures begin to rise in Europe, we see how one town in Australia has been learning to live with extreme heat for the past century. Situated in the middle of the desert, where summer temperatures reach up to 50°C, is Coober Pedy, a town built underground and originally established as a mining centre for opals. Over the past 100 years, residents have adapted to life in this extreme environment, only coming out at night when temperatures drop. Our France 2 colleagues report, with FRANCE 24's Lauren Bain.
One of Europe's largest tech conferences kicks off in Paris this Wednesday. Startups will meet investors, and guest speakers including Elon Musk will discuss the role of artificial intelligence at the VivaTech event. On Tuesday, President Emmanuel Macron announced extra investment in AI in France. Meanwhile, the EU has given its final green light to the AI Act, the first of its kind.
PRESS REVIEW – Wednesday, May 22: A British national who was charged with spying for Hong Kong is found dead in a park in unexplained circumstances. Also, French President Emmanuel Macron is set to visit New Caledonia amid growing tensions. In other news, Kenyan President William Ruto is in the US on a state visit...but he has received criticism for hiring a private jet.
Finland's government has proposed a new law that would allow frontier guards to turn away asylum seekers at the border, following a migrant surge Helsinki said was orchestrated by Russia. Andrew Geddes of the Migration Policy Centre tells FRANCE24's Mark Owen that the potential for migration to be a destabilizing factor in both domestic and international politics is clear, and fear and concern about migration is one way influence by hostile powers could be exerted as well as actual movement.
A group of NGOs filed a criminal complaint in Paris asking a court to open a trial against TotalEnergies' top management as well as major shareholders for the climate damage they have caused. The filing comes on the same day the company announced a new, 6 billion euro project to develop two deepwater oil fields off the coast of Angola.
Plus, OpenAI's CEO Sam Altman apologised to Scarlett Johansson after the actress complained about ChatGPT's voice sounding "eerily" similar to hers.
Many on social media are blaming Israel’s Mossad or even India for the helicopter crash that killed Iran’s president and foreign minister. Then, was the helicopter’s pilot called ‘Eli Copter?’ We debunk these claims in this edition of Truth or Fake.
The star of the Cannes Film Festival today is the Paris Olympics. Sports personalities and athletes are here for the premiere of Mickaël Gamrasni’s documentary "Olympiques! La France des Jeux", in which three generations of French athletes explain why the country has such a special relationship with the Games. And on the red carpet for the event this evening will be a prestigious guest – the Olympic flame.
In tonight's edition: Sudan is on the brink of famine and after more than a year of conflict, people struggle to get access to medical facilities. Every child should go to school. That's the Gambia's ambition to make education accessible to all. And we'll go to Senegal where the new government is trying to save the capital's coastline, by suspending a wave of development projects.
Is it about justice or politics? In the same breath, the chief prosecutor at the International Criminal Court requesting arrest warrants against Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas’ Yahya Sinwar.
The US startup Neuralink, which recently implanted one of its chips into the brain of a young quadriplegic man for the first time, has been forced to halt the trial. The company, co-founded by Elon Musk, encountered issues just a few weeks after the operation but has already received FDA approval to find a second test subject. FRANCE 24's Julia Sieger tells us more.
David Cronenberg – or Dave Deprave, as he's sometimes nicknamed – is the father of body horror. "The Shrouds" is the director's seventh film in competition at Cannes. Each one has been controversial. His first Cannes movie in 1996, "Crash", inspired mass walkouts at its premiere but ended up winning a Special Jury Prize. Cronenberg says this film could be his last, but he has threatened retirement in the past. The subject of the new film is death – inspired by his own grief at the loss of his wife. We hear from star Vincent Cassel, who plays a businessman overwhelmed with grief at the death of his wife, played by Diane Kruger.
Tara Kangarlou, global affairs journalist, author of "The Heartbeat of Iran" and adjunct professor at Georgetown University speaks to FRANCE 24's Mark Owen. She says that the Islamic regime in Iran is a system in which presidents and officials are replaceable. She adds that the deaths of President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian will not deter Iran from pursuing its goals in the region.
Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, neighbouring Poland has been wondering if it might be next – and getting ready. Warsaw says it wants to create the strongest army in Europe by 2035, and says it can attract new troops without bringing back compulsory military service. The Polish people appear enthusiastic about learning to defend themselves. FRANCE 24's Adrien Sarlat reports, with Gulliver Cragg.
The US Senate Finance Committee has released the findings of a two-year probe which shows that BMW, Jaguar Land Rover and Volkswagen have all used components from a Chinese supplier banned in the US under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA). In this edition, we find more about that particular supplier, Sichuan Jingweida Technology Group Co and why the US wants to step up enforcement of the UFLPA. Also, we look at the French unions fighting to get a summer "Olympics" bonus.
PRESS REVIEW – Thursday, May 21: There are calls for justice after a damning report shows that the British government intentionally contaminated the blood of tens of thousands of patients between the 1970s and 1990s and attempted to cover it up. Also: reactions pour in after the ICC seeks arrest warrants for Binyamin Netanyahu, his defense minister and three Hamas officials. Plus, three high-ranking Syrian officials go on trial in Paris for the murders of a father and son in 2013.
Global markets appeared unfazed after Iran's president Ebrahim Raisi was killed in a helicopter crash. Any political instability could deal a blow to Iran's economy already struggling under the US sanctions, soaring inflation and high unemployment, but many analysts believe the impact of the tragedy will be limited.
Plus, it's World Bee Day, and some honey producers in France are facing a crisis after a particularly wet spring.
In tonight's edition: Former South African President Jacob Zuma has been barred from standing in next week's elections - after the country's top court disqualified him over a previous criminal conviction. Reactions flow in after Sunday's attempted coup in the DRC - which saw three people killed close to the presidential palace. And we follow the first professional female kora player, Sona Jobarteh who's shaking up old traditions.
Many are sharing images on social media, claiming to show the moments before, during or after President Ebrahim Raisi’s fatal helicopter crash. Some even claim that the late President Raisi is still alive. We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake.
Today in arts24 live from the Cannes film festival, Kevin Costner is presenting "Horizon: An American Saga", a Western he directed, co-wrote and stars in with Sienna Miller. It’s been 20 years since his last appearance here on the Croisette. You might know him best for "The Body Guard", his Oscar-winning film "Dances With Wolves" or the TV series "Yellowstone". The new film is a monumental project consisting of four episodes about the conquest of the American West. It’s beautifully shot, with impressive period detail and a talented cast.
Iran has regime just lost a safe pair of hands. Yes, another hardliner’s sure to replace Ebrahim Raisi – known to detractors as the butcher of Tehran for the thousands of dissidents he sent to the gallows as a state prosecutor – but the president’s sudden death in a helicopter crash may still change the equation…
French lawmakers are set to debate a new text on assisted dying in France, a parliamentary marathon that could last until the summer of 2025. France currently allows deep sedation but medically-assisted suicide remains illegal. It is a topic that is deeply divisive in France; to find out why, we went to meet patients and caregivers who campaign for medical aid in dying and those who are opposed to it.
French lawmakers are set to debate a new text on assisted dying in France, a parliamentary marathon that could last until the summer of 2025. France currently allows deep sedation but medically-assisted suicide remains illegal. It is a topic that is deeply divisive in France; to find out why, we went to meet patients and caregivers who campaign for medical aid in dying and those who are opposed to it.
Described as her best big screen role in decades, Demi Moore talks about her debut in Cannes’ Official Selection as the co-star of “The Substance”. In this body horror picture with a feminist take, Moore stars alongside Margaret Qualley and Dennis Quaid. Moore plays a fading Hollywood star whose career is set to be axed by misogynists when she’s offered a secret new medical procedure. The movie is directed by French filmmaker Coralie Fargeat and had audience laughing, wincing and gasping in disbelief.
Described as her best big screen role in decades, Demi Moore talks about her debut in Cannes’ Official Selection as the co-star of “The Substance”. In this body horror picture with a feminist take, Moore stars alongside Margaret Qualley and Dennis Quaid. Moore plays a fading Hollywood star whose career is set to be axed by misogynists when she’s offered a secret new medical procedure. The movie is directed by French filmmaker Coralie Fargeat and had audience laughing, wincing and gasping in disbelief.
Taiwan’s newly sworn-in President – Lai Ching-te – will face a difficult start as he prepares to lead the country with a minority government, Taiwan Research Hub Director Chun-Yi Lee at the University of Nottingham told FRANCE 24. Lai, who is seen as pro-independence by China, will need to navigate the already-strained relationship between Taipei and Beijing, Lee said. Lai will also face challenges at home as he seeks to boost Taiwan’s slowing economy, she added.
Taiwan’s newly sworn-in President – Lai Ching-te – will face a difficult start as he prepares to lead the country with a minority government, Taiwan Research Hub Director Chun-Yi Lee at the University of Nottingham told FRANCE 24. Lai, who is seen as pro-independence by China, will need to navigate the already-strained relationship between Taipei and Beijing, Lee said. Lai will also face challenges at home as he seeks to boost Taiwan’s slowing economy, she added.
Beijing sanctions three American defence companies as Taiwan's new president takes office. China is also launching an anti-dumping investigation into imported EU, US, Japan and Taiwan chemicals amid a growing trade spat. The country's struggling property market gets a government lifeline, but investors remain unconvinced that it will be enough.
PRESS REVIEW – Monday, May 20: Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi is confirmed dead in a helicopter crash, alongside the country's foreign minister. The news has sparked scenes of mourning at home, as well as condemnation now deceased president. Meanwhile, the international press focuses on the future of Iran without Raisi as president, as well as who one day might replace Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Today on "arts24" from the Cannes Film Festival, Eve Jackson chats to actor, director and producer Eva Longoria about her best memories of the event including wearing a 40-dollar dress for her first red carpet and her ongoing mission to give more opportunities to Latinos in the film industry.
In tonight's edition: Ousmane Sonko slams the French military presence in Senegal, saying that the foreign military bases are incompatible with the country's sovereignty. Also, South Sudan’s government and rebel groups sign a peace deal to end the war. Finally we talk to the star Nigerian singer Yemi Alade as the Afro pop Femua festival kicks off in Ivory Coast.
This week has seen an assassination attempt on populist Slovakian Prime Minister Fico and the passing of the 'Foreign agents' law in Georgia despite mass protests. We look at the advances that Russia is making in Ukraine and the worst violence sweeping New Caledonia in 40 years.
Today the World Water Forum starts in Bali, where world leaders will discuss the sustainability of water resources for a week. To illustrate the issue of water management, we head to Panama. The Panama Canal, one of the world’s major maritime trade routes, has suffered a decline in its water levels ever since drought affected the country last year. As well as reducing traffic through the canal in the short term, the country is looking for long-term solutions to guarantee transit as well as access to water drinking water for the population. This report by Quentin Duval and Matthieu Comin.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has wrapped up his two-day visit to China, where he and his counterpart Xi Jinping pledged a "new era of strategic partnership". The two leaders had tea together and celebrated 75 years of diplomatic relations at a gala, with the Chinese leader giving his guest a warm hug. Moscow has increasingly turned to Beijing for support in the face of Western sanctions and the trip aimed at deepening their military and economic ties.
This week we take a closer look at the Green Transition in Europe - from the invaluable invertebrates in the soil beneath us, to the end of obsolete coal mines and the revolution in transport, our show investigates just how fast Europe is becoming greener - and how to ensure no-one is left behind in the race to decarbonise.
A new bill in Georgia requires media, nongovernmental organisations and other nonprofit groups to register as “pursuing the interests of a foreign power” if they receive more than 20 percent of their funding from abroad. Critics have denounced the bill as “the Russian law” because Moscow has used similar legislation to crack down on independent news media, nonprofits and activists critical of the Kremlin. So in Georgia there are fears the legislation could crack down on dissent ahead of October's elections. FRANCE 24 spoke to Georgian journalists George Gogua, Margarita Antidze, and Mariam Nikuradze.
A slew of announcements from OpenAI and Google this week brought us to the brink of human-like AI assistants. Generative artificial intelligence is getting faster, and being applied to an increasing number of tasks. But without a major breakthrough to the models underpinning such projects, it has led some to emerge from the parapets and ask whether the technology will continue getting smarter given its exponential hunger for data. One of them is Dr. Michael Pound, Associate Professor of Computer Science at the University of Nottingham.
So what is a "trad-wife"? Well, it’s internet shorthand for traditional wives. We take a look at the women influencers extolling the virtues of staying at home while yielding to their husbands. Annette Young asks researcher, Cecile Simmons, if there is a more sinister element behind the trend. Also France boasts one of the world's highest percentages of women in uniform. Yet the country still lags behind when it comes to addressing sexual assault and harassment in the military, according to female ex-soldiers.
Around the world, food insecurity is on the rise, with the cost of living crisis cutting many households off from nutritious meals. In France's Bordeaux region, 400 people have begun experimenting with a unique food security programme, aiming to make locally-grown food accessible to everyone - regardless of income. Inspired by France's universal healthcare system, the programme could be the premise of a new branch of “social security” for food - with both social and environmental benefits.
Japan's low birth and marriage rates would suggest that the country's citizens have given up on love. That assumption could not be further from the truth. Many Japanese are indeed searching for that special someone, just not the conventional kind. Despite Japan still lagging behind on LGBT+ rights (same-sex weddings are still illegal) the country has become a laboratory for new types of relationships – digital, solitary or even devoid of sex. Could it be a model for the future? Our reporters Alexis Brégère and Mélodie Sforza went to find out.
Welcome to "Destination Paris", FRANCE 24's new weekly show ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics. Every Thursday we will be getting you into the Olympics spirit with the latest news, reports and guests. The world will be watching this summer as 10,500 athletes compete in 32 sports in Paris and elsewhere in France. FRANCE 24 has been following a few of them as they prepare for the Games. We speak to canoe sprinter Saman Soltani, who will be competing at her first Olympics with the IOC Refugee Team. Our correspondents meet Senegalese judoka Mbagnick Ndiaye, who hopes to bring back a medal. And here in France, our reporters met up with professional surfer Ainhoa Leiceaga, who is hoping to compete at the 2028 Olympics.
The Israeli army has released drone footage it claims shows armed terrorists operating at an UNRWA compound in Rafah… proof, it says, of the UN agency’s complicity with Hamas. UNRWA says it shows no such thing. We take a closer look on Truth or Fake.
A black swan moment. The assassination attempt of populist Slovak leader Robert Fico has shocked both Slovaks and Europeans. But in hindsight it is easy to point to security lapses and a climate of verbal violence in a country that finds itself increasingly polarised. Our guests take a look.
There is currently a debate in France about reforming the country’s public TV and radio stations. We wanted to take this occasion to remind you about who we are and where we come from. Created in 2006, FRANCE 24 is part of a bigger entity called France Medias Monde along with its international sister radio station RFI and the arabic-language radio station MCD. Why was the channel launched in the first place? What is our budget? And who watches us? Florence Villeminot and Genie Godula take a look at how FRANCE 24 fits into the media landscape as well as its driving philosophy.
The European elections are only a few weeks away. Some 360 million people are expected to vote in the June 6-9 ballots. But not only do candidates have to convince the public of their policies, they also need to restore voter confidence at a time when scandals of foreign interference in the European Parliament have multiplied. Marie Schuster takes a look at how this issue affects politicians in France.
Vladimir Putin hails 80 joint investment projects on his state visit to Beijing, as Xi Jinping walks a fine line between maintaining trade with Russia and avoiding harsh Western sanctions. US inflation cools after months of unexpectedly high readings, and Japan's economy shrinks in the first quarter.
Rudimentary heating systems, often fuelled by wood fire, coal and animal manure, are used by a large majority of households in Africa. Delegates from over 60 countries gathered in Paris for a summit held by the IEA to help tackle this issue. Charles Pellegrin asks Jillene Connors Belopolsky, who is the chief of staff and chief external affairs officer at the Clean Cooking Alliance, what can be done to make clean cooking options more affordable and available.
IN THE PRESS - Thursday, May 16: We look at reactions to the unrest in New Caledonia that has prompted the French government to impose a state of emergency. We also look at what's at the heart of this crisis. In Slovakia, the assassination attempt of Prime Minister Robert Fico shocks the country and Europe. And: Australian mining magnate Gina Rinehart wants her unflattering portrait to be taken down from the National Gallery while King Charles' official portrait sparks admiration - and derision.
Approximately 100 students at Duke University have been accused of anti-Semitism after staging a walkout during Jerry Seinfeld’s graduation speech. Organisers of the walkout states the reason for the protest has nothing to do with Seinfeld’s religious identity, but rather his open pro-Israel stance. We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake.
Another showdown in the country that launched the so-called coloured revolutions. Georgia’s parliament has shrugged off some of the biggest protests in its post-Soviet history by approving a “foreign agents” bill that mirrors legislation in neighbouring Russia. The opposition argues it is the way for the government to curb media freedom and dissent in a country which only recently graduated to EU candidate status.
Nine years after "Mad Max: Fury Road", the Australian director, screenwriter and producer George Miller’s famous saga’s is back on the Croisette. Eve Jackson tells us more about the highly anticipated "Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga", premiering Wednesday in the presence of the director and the cast, led by Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Hemsworth and Tom Burke.
A revolution in cancer treatment is here. In today’s edition, we take a look at CAR-T cell therapy or how to reprogram T lymphocytes to battle cancer. Monoclonal antibodies and CAR T cells are two immunotherapy strategies that harness the patient's own immune system to help fight against cancer cells.
A 2024 Global Citizen Prize winner – Andrew Ddebme – spoke to FRANCE 24 about the joys of having his work recognised by the international organisation. Ddebme is the founder of MobiKlinic, a digital solution that has helped rural communities in Africa access better healthcare. Ddebme also told his own personal story that led him from the slums of Kampala to becoming an entrepreneur.
In tonight's edition: RSF paramilitary fighters ramp up attacks on the flashpoint Sudanese city of al-Fashir, which is already reeling from war casualties. Meanwhile, South Africa is reopening inquests into the deaths of three prominent anti- apartheid activists. And Tunisian Boxer Khouloud Al-Halimi is training hard for her second Olympics and has big dreams for Paris 2024.
Former US State Department Middle East Negotiator Aaron Miller, who served under six US secretaries of state on Arab-Israel affairs, told FRANCE 24 on Tuesday that Israel's strategy in Gaza has essentially "broken down" despite its army’s progress in the enclave.
For almost a month now, tens of thousands of Georgians, particularly young people, have been protesting a controversial bill on “foreign agents”. Inspired by Russia's 2012 law, the new legislation will require NGOs and media outlets to register as agents of foreign influence if 20 percent or more of their funding comes from abroad. Opponents fear that the bill would be used to crackdown on political dissent like in Russia. Taline Oundjian and Régis Genté report.
As France and China celebrate the strong ties between the two countries with the state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Paris last week, France’s main Asian art museum – Guimet Museum – is marking the 60th anniversary of France's recognition of the People's Republic of China with a whole year of exhibitions and events lined up. We spoke to the museum’s director Yannick Lintz, and the world-renowned Franco Chinese artist and designer, Jiang Qiong Er in Perspective.
PRESS REVIEW - Thursday, May 14: The Cannes film festival opens in a tense climate as strikes loom and anger boils over sexual abuse allegations against multiple high profile French directors. Also: Kuwait’s emir names a new government just days after dissolving parliament, prompting concerns regarding political freedom in the country. Plus, the prestigious Westminster dog show enters its last day of pomp and glamour in New York for 2,500 canines! Finally, a footballer is accused of having sent his twin to play for him in a match!
US video game retailer Gamestop closed trading 75 percent higher on Monday after investors boosted its shares following a social media post by Keith Patrick Gill, also known as "Roaring Kitty" on X. In this edition, we take a look at why Gamestop was the recipient of a previous social media-fuelled boom in 2020 and what's behind this latest move. Also, OpenAI has launched an updated ChatGPT which includes a hyper-realistic voice assistant.
In tonight's edition: Lawyers take to the streets of Tunisia's capital, protesting the arrest of lawyer and TV pundit Sonia Dahmani, a known critic of President Kais Saied. Also, thousands of families have been displaced in Burundi after recent flooding caused by heavy rainfall. Finally we look at the upcoming South African elections where the uncompromising Patriotic Alliance party is looking to make a dent as it gains ground in Western Cape.
Videos purportedly showing the King of Denmark waving the Palestinian flag and Muslims violently demonstrating in Sweden are being shared online. In this edition of Truth or Fake, we debunk these fake claims that are circulating on social media after thousands protested in the streets of Malmo against Israel's participation in the 2024 Eurovision song contest.
Moscow has opened a new front with Ukraine after taking several villages near Kharkiv. Russia’s spring offensive takes form as President Vladimir Putin replaces defence minister Sergei Shoigu with another Kremlin loyalist – Andrei Belousov, the deputy prime minister in charge of the economy.
On today’s edition of arts24, FRANCE 24's Jennifer Ben Brahim meets Norwegian soprano Lise Davidsen. She’s performed on some of the most hallowed stages around the world: From the Royal Opera House to the Metropolitan Opera and La Scala. Lise Davidsen is now taking on one of the most iconic female leads in the eponymous theatre play “Salomé”, which tells a tale of sex, religion, death and decadence, at Paris’s Bastille Opera house.
For the third consecutive night, space enthusiasts from around the world have had the chance to admire magnificent multi-coloured auroras dancing in the skies across the Northern Hemisphere. These northern lights are a result of increased solar activity. FRANCE 24's Julia Sieger explains.
In this week's roundup of French news, Alison Sargent is joined by reporter Genevieve Mansfield from The Local France to discuss the arrival of the Olympic flame in Marseille. She tells us about a minor controversy surrounding the surprise torch-bearer, and about some of the incredible people who will be carrying the flame on its relay across France, including a 102-year-old former Resistance fighter.
A police force in a Madrid commuter town has become an example to others in Europe on how to prevent institutional racism. Fuenlabrada, where 15 percent of residents are immigrants, has found a model of policing to end discriminatory ID checks, as well as stop and searches. FRANCE 24's Clara Le Nagard, Constance Twardowski and Sarah Morris report.
Mahamat Idriss Deby says he will serve all Chadians after winning this week's presidential election, but top rival Succès Masra is contesting the result and says he's the winner. Meanwhile in Ivory Coast, Laurent Gbagbo's return is confirmed with his nomination his PPA-CI party as a candidate for the 2025 presidential election. And breakdance will make its Olympic Games debut and a South African dancer is chasing her dream to compete in Paris.
It’s been a week that’s seen intense strain on the US-Israel relationship. President Joe Biden has issued an ultimatum to Washington's strategic ally in the Middle East - if IDF troops storm Rafah, key weapon supplies will stop.
China's president has returned to Europe for the first time in five years, with stops in France, Serbia and Hungary. Senior journalists Finbarr Bermingham and Eric Olander discuss the media coverage of Xi Jinping's visit and what European leaders and Beijing sought from the high-stakes meetings.
As India's marathon election rolls on, FRANCE 24 speaks to expert Mitali Mukherjee, who tells us that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling BJP is running its campaign on anti-Muslim rhetoric. Also, Thailand's opposition leader speaks about his efforts to reform lese majeste laws. And we bring you the latest on the heatwave that has broken temperature records across Asia, from India to the Philippines.
With just a few weeks to go before EU elections, the far right in France is on track for a comfortable win, if the polls are correct. The National Rally only just beat France's ruling party, Renaissance, in the last EU elections in 2019. This time, a wide gap has opened between the two, potentially striking a serious political blow to President Emmanuel Macron and his idea of a more powerful Europe. The National Rally has struck a chord with its campaign about purchasing power, standards of living and crime in French cities. We take a closer look.
OpenAI will announce plans for a search engine powered by artificial intelligence on Monday May 13, Reuters reports. It's the latest challenge to search king Google and comes just one day before the tech giant's annual developer conference. On this week's Tech 24, Peter O'Brien looks at what might get Google sweating, amid changing search habits, a federal antitrust trial and smart new AI "answer engines". One of these is Perplexity AI. Speaking to FRANCE 24, CEO Aravind Srinivas says its results "cut through the noise" that comes up on a traditional Google search.
In Ivory Coast, would-be migrants who return home are known locally as "the cursed". With their dream of a better life abroad in tatters, they also face stigma and rejection from their families and communities. Yassin Ciyow and Guillaume Collanges went to meet them.
In this episode of Arts24, Eve Jackson takes you to Italy for the oldest and largest cultural exhibition in the world – the Venice art Biennale. The breathtaking floating city hosts the Olympics of the art world every two years. It’s the original biennale on which others in the world have been modelled. The 60th edition opened in April and runs until November. In that time it will welcome around 800,000 visitors, who flock to see the work of the world’s best artists all in one place. With more than 85 countries represented, the city’s gardens, palaces and monuments are overflowing with art, transforming the city into a gigantic museum.
IN THE PRESS – Friday, May 10: The European papers look at the dominance of the far right in Europe, a month before EU elections. We also look at protests around Israel's Eurovision candidate and at Ireland's Trinity College, which agrees to divest in exchange for its students ending their protest encampment. Also: a ladies-only exhibition in Tasmania is labelled discriminatory and we bring you the finalists from the Comedy Pet Photography awards!
Northern Nigerian communities who have lost faith in the struggling security forces' ability to protect them are increasingly setting up vigilante groups to battle insurgents themselves. Also, rap is gaining ground in Egypt and although the scene is still overwhelmingly dominated by men, women are increasingly picking up the mic. And Kenya's birds of prey are falling prey to encroaching human activity. Some conservationists fear it may be too late to roll back the damage.
Social media users are sharing a viral video that purports to show French pilots painting a Russian flag in the sky, instead of a French one, during Marseille's Olympic flyover event. We explain if this was an accident or rather an optical illusion, in this edition of Truth or Fake.
After the massive party in Marseille to welcome the arrival of the Olympic flame, it's time to turn our gaze north for what's also billed as another "it's a small world after all" feelgood celebration. Malmö, Sweden is host of the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest, that heart-shaped ode to kitsch where pop contestants do battle with tremolos, glitter and kicks. But just as politics bleeds into sports, it bleeds into music.
Taylor Swift's Eras Tour is continuing its planetary takeover, kicking off its European leg this week in France. Since her first concerts in March 2023 in the US, the pop star has been credited with boosting the national GDPs of the United States, Singapore and Australia. For a deeper look at the business phenomenon that is Taylor Swift, FRANCE 24's Charles Pellegrin speaks with former music business executive, Professor Linda Bloss-Baum. She is the assistant director of the business and entertainment programme at American University's Kogod School of Business.
Our guest is one of the most popular and critically acclaimed authors of her generation. More than 20 years after bursting onto the literary scene with her debut novel "White Teeth", Zadie Smith's sixth book "The Fraud" is out in French – based on real events in Victorian England. The British author speaks to Eve Jackson about her fascination with the Victorians, her experience of writing head-on about slavery for the first time and why she has always been interested in the sex life of the English.
What does it mean to be a human, or more specifically a humanist? Is it about culture, morals, principles, science, freethinking, feelings or optimism? Or is it all of the above? The author of the new book "Humanly Possible: Seven Hundred Years of Humanist Freethinking, Inquiry, and Hope", says it is all of those things and more. Sarah Bakewell spoke to us in Perspective.
Children are the first victims of the war in Gaza, with over 14,000 youngsters killed, according to the United Nations. Many of them died due to a lack of medical care. In response to this humanitarian crisis, several countries are evacuating children with the heaviest wounds or with chronic illnesses that can no longer be treated. These medical flights take off from Egypt, after the young patients pass through the Rafah border crossing. Our reporters Sophie Guignon and Chloé Domat followed one evacuation flight organised by the United Arab Emirates. The tiny Gulf state wants to take in 2,000 Gazan children for medical care.
Warning: This report contains distressing images.
IN THE PRESS – Thursday, May 9: We look at reactions from the Chinese and Hungarian press as President Xi Jinping makes an official trip to Hungary, a close economic and political ally of Beijing. Also: France's much-maligned nuclear reactor in Flamanville is finally switched on. Plus, Tasmanian star Neil the Seal goes into witness protection overs fears he'll be loved to death.
In tonight's edition: South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa signs a party funding bill into law, but opposition parties say the changes are unconstitutional, with some political critics even planning on mounting a legal challenge.
It has been widely reported that police officers fired rubber bullets at pro-Palestinian protesters during student demonstrations at Los Angeles university UCLA on May 3. Viral images circulating on social media claim to show these injured students, but the images are misleading. We explain in this edition of Truth or Fake.
Paris hosts the Olympic Games this summer, but it's in a city founded by the ancient Greeks that it all begins. The Olympic flame has arrived in the Mediterranean port of Marseille, the start of a long journey to the July 26 opening ceremony. What's it all about? After all, the torch relay hasn't always been part of the pageantry. Organisers insist it's not political, but also boast of the values they purvey.
As the Olympic torch reaches French soil this Wednesday, we look at the kinds of opportunities the relay will offer sponsors over the course of 68 different stages, potentially reaching 90 percent of the French population. Of course, the relay pales in comparison to the billions of people who will tune in to watch the actual Games. Also in this edition: France's Flamanville nuclear power plant finally gets the green light to come into service, 17 years after construction began.
They say it’s darkest before the dawn. Let's hope it's true because Gaza’s definitely in the dark this Tuesday.
Israeli tanks cutting off the Egyptian border crossing in the southernmost city of Rafah as the coalition war cabinet rejects what Hamas brands as acceptance of a truce deal, instead reading it as an underwhelming counteroffer. The start of the all-out ground offensive that US mediators among others fear will lead to a new level of humanitarian disaster?
They say it’s darkest before the dawn. Let's hope it's true because Gaza’s definitely in the dark this Tuesday.
Israeli tanks cutting off the Egyptian border crossing in the southernmost city of Rafah as the coalition war cabinet rejects what Hamas brands as acceptance of a truce deal, instead reading it as an underwhelming counteroffer. The start of the all-out ground offensive that US mediators among others fear will lead to a new level of humanitarian disaster?
Jan Egeland, secretary general of the Norwegian Refugee Council and a former top UN humanitarian official, told FRANCE 24 on Tuesday that Gaza is "among the worst places in humanitarian history". He described a trapped population enduring "relentless" bombardment since October 2023. With regards to the southern city of Rafah, where an Israeli offensive appears imminent, he said some 1.4 million people were "engulfed in fear and desperation beyond belief".
Jan Egeland, secretary general of the Norwegian Refugee Council and a former top UN humanitarian official, told FRANCE 24 on Tuesday that Gaza is "among the worst places in humanitarian history". He described a trapped population enduring "relentless" bombardment since October 2023. With regards to the southern city of Rafah, where an Israeli offensive appears imminent, he said some 1.4 million people were "engulfed in fear and desperation beyond belief".
Her powerful performances give voice to some uncomfortable truths. Lebanese playwright and director Chrystèle Khodr wades through the ruins of a society in her latest play "Ordalie", exploring the social, political and physical wreckage of her homeland and its history. She tells us more about the quest for justice in contemporary Lebanon, why 19th-century playwright Henrik Ibsen is a fitting contemporary inspiration and how making theatre in a crisis-ridden country is a constant endeavour of creativity and solidarity among artists.
Her powerful performances give voice to some uncomfortable truths. Lebanese playwright and director Chrystèle Khodr wades through the ruins of a society in her latest play "Ordalie", exploring the social, political and physical wreckage of her homeland and its history. She tells us more about the quest for justice in contemporary Lebanon, why 19th-century playwright Henrik Ibsen is a fitting contemporary inspiration and how making theatre in a crisis-ridden country is a constant endeavour of creativity and solidarity among artists.
The World Bank Group has released a new report outlining how global agriculture and food production can be overhauled in order to cut carbon emissions and limit global warning to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. In this edition, we speak to Julian Lampietti, Global Agriculture Practice Manager at the World Bank, about the steps that need to be taken and whether they go far enough.
The World Bank Group has released a new report outlining how global agriculture and food production can be overhauled in order to cut carbon emissions and limit global warning to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. In this edition, we speak to Julian Lampietti, Global Agriculture Practice Manager at the World Bank, about the steps that need to be taken and whether they go far enough.
It's estimated that more than 53,000 people have fled extreme violence in the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince, which equates to 80 percent of the city's population. Haiti has been without a president since the assassination of Jovenel Moïse in 2021. The country has been ravaged for decades by poverty and natural disasters. But since February, Haiti's powerful gangs have joined forces to attack police stations, prisons and the airport. An internationally-backed transitional council has been formed and is now beginning to assess how to take back control. One expert has told FRANCE 24 that she believes any kind of top-down international intervention in Haiti is not the answer. Rosa Freedman, a professor of law, conflict and global development at the University of Reading, spoke to us in Perspective.
It's estimated that more than 53,000 people have fled extreme violence in the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince, which equates to 80 percent of the city's population. Haiti has been without a president since the assassination of Jovenel Moïse in 2021. The country has been ravaged for decades by poverty and natural disasters. But since February, Haiti's powerful gangs have joined forces to attack police stations, prisons and the airport. An internationally-backed transitional council has been formed and is now beginning to assess how to take back control. One expert has told FRANCE 24 that she believes any kind of top-down international intervention in Haiti is not the answer. Rosa Freedman, a professor of law, conflict and global development at the University of Reading, spoke to us in Perspective.
In the space of a year, asylum applications in Canada have jumped 56 percent. In an official letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Quebec Premier François Legault claims that "the situation [in Quebec] has become unsustainable", with the province saying it receives 55 percent of the country's asylum seekers. With public services at breaking point, the provincial government is asking Ottawa for more than a billion dollars and full powers over immigration, saying Quebec is on the brink of a "humanitarian crisis". Meanwhile on the ground, reception and accommodation conditions for tens of thousands of asylum seekers are deteriorating. Our correspondents report.
In the space of a year, asylum applications in Canada have jumped 56 percent. In an official letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Quebec Premier François Legault claims that "the situation [in Quebec] has become unsustainable", with the province saying it receives 55 percent of the country's asylum seekers. With public services at breaking point, the provincial government is asking Ottawa for more than a billion dollars and full powers over immigration, saying Quebec is on the brink of a "humanitarian crisis". Meanwhile on the ground, reception and accommodation conditions for tens of thousands of asylum seekers are deteriorating. Our correspondents report.
IN THE PRESS – Tuesday, May 7: Israeli PM Binyamin Netanyahu has rejected a ceasefire proposal that was earlier accepted by Hamas. Also, Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to be inaugurated for a fifth term. In other news, there's new information on how Ludwig van Beethoven may have lost his hearing, some 197 years after his death. Finally, this year's Met Gala throws up a variety of sublime and ridiculous outfits.
IN THE PRESS – Tuesday, May 7: Israeli PM Binyamin Netanyahu has rejected a ceasefire proposal that was earlier accepted by Hamas. Also, Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to be inaugurated for a fifth term. In other news, there's new information on how Ludwig van Beethoven may have lost his hearing, some 197 years after his death. Finally, this year's Met Gala throws up a variety of sublime and ridiculous outfits.
Voting day in Chad, where nearly 8 million voters were called to the polls to elect the next president, after three years of military rule under the interim president, Mahamat Deby Itno, a vote that analysts widely expected the incumbent to win.
Misinformation regarding NATO and Ukrainian allies have seen a spike in recent months on social media, following Emmanuel Macron’s comments on sending western ground troops to fight in Ukraine. We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake.
Can you still send strong messages when you have rolled out the red carpet and chilled the champagne for a state dinner?
China’s Xi Jinping feted in the French capital for his first visit to Europe since 2019, this despite trade tensions, spy scandals and insistence that he isolate Vladimir Putin over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. How much has changed since a year ago when Emmanuel Macron was accused of lax messaging on human rights and Taiwan when he traveled to Beijing?
Chinese support for Russia over the war in Ukraine, renewed tensions over Taiwan and a row over Chinese subsidies giving China's companies an unfair advantage over European competitors: these are the main issues up for discussion as Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron on his first state visit to France since 2019. In Perspective, we spoke to Isabelle Feng, a senior researcher at the Asia Centre and a member of the China Horizons project.
Sébastien Devaud, aka Agoria, is a French electronic DJ and producer whose career has spanned over two decades and branched out into mixed media. He recently exhibited a digital art show at Paris's world-famous Musée d'Orsay and is enthusiastic about what artificial intelligence can bring to the creative game. He popped by FRANCE 24's studios to tell Marjorie Hache about the video for his new single "I Feel Good", which was entirely AI-generated. We also find out more about Nigerian artist Godwin, who has just released his EP "Road to Nirvana", and look forward to Beth Gibbons's up-and-coming record "Lives Outgrown".
IN THE PRESS – Monday, May 6: The Chinese and French media have differing views on President Xi Jinping's state visit to France. Also, the Israeli government bans Al Jazeera in the country, a move which is widely condemned. In other news, fish are shrinking and scientists are desperate to figure out why. Finally, the feud between rappers Drake and Kendrick Lamar is getting more and more personal.
With inflation taking a toll on people's finances and amid a growing sense of responsibility towards the climate, second-hand shops are booming across the globe. In France, around 10 percent of clothes each year are now resold, and thrift stores are attracting a wider audience. Our France 2 colleagues report, with FRANCE 24's Shona Bhattacharyya.
In tonight's editions, schools will stay closed until further notice in Kenya, as heavy rains that killed hundreds of people continue.
It’s been a week that’s seen the mass arrests of students at US Universities. Pro Palestinian demonstrators “have a right to dissent, not chaos” said President Biden
It’s been yet another week where a breakthrough seemed possible in talks for a Gaza ceasefire. But come what may, Israel says the Rafah offensive will happen
Is the EU's single market failing? Faced with growing competition from China and the US, the bloc is falling behind. The union has been relying on the single market to guarantee the free movement of goods, capital, services and people for more than 30 years. But inertia is creeping in, and it’s time for a new single market, says our guest Enrico Letta, a former prime minister of Italy, president of the Jacques Delors institute and author of a high-level report on the single market's future. He has just presented the report to EU leaders, after hundreds of meetings in dozens of European cities, in which Letta tried to gauge where the market is delivering for people – and where it isn't.
Six decades after the military coup that plunged Brazil into 21 years of dictatorship, the country is still struggling with its old demons. FRANCE 24’s team went to meet deeply divided Brazilians – Bolsonaro supporters who are nostalgic for the dictatorship and survivors and left-wingers who want to make sure that this dark period of history is not forgotten.
Student journalists were thrust into the spotlight this week, covering pro-Palestinian protests taking place at universities across the United States. They were plugged into the story in ways that national media organisations couldn't be. We discuss the media coverage of the protests and the challenge of reporting on them. FRANCE 24's William Hilderbrandt is joined by Annika Sunkara, a student journalist at Boston's Northeastern University; Álvaro Guzmán Bastida, a student at New York's Columbia University; and Luca GoldMansour, a graduate student in journalism at The City University of New York.
India's mammoth general election is well under way, with the first two phases of voting over and five more to go. FRANCE 24's Leela Jacinto looks at online campaigning and some controversies that are flaring up. Next, we speak to PEN America about their latest Freedom to Write Index. Writers are increasingly at risk around the world, and China tops those jailed for expressing their opinions. Lastly, what do Olympic stadiums tell us about the times we live in? We meet the architect behind Tokyo's national stadium.
Painting his very own canvases into a vivid, red scene, Henri Matisse marked an important – and somewhat controversial – moment in his artistic journey with the 1911 piece "Red Studio". As the LVMH Foundation shows the painting in a new setting in Paris, we take a look at its relevance in art history. Meanwhile, the cityscape of Marseille is the backdrop for Chanel’s 2024/25 cruise collection, as they elevate the catwalk to the roof of Le Corbusier's iconic "Cité Radieuse" building. And we discuss some of the artists drafted to the jury of the upcoming 77th Cannes Film Festival, where Meryl Streep will receive an honorary Palme d'Or for her career in cinema.
A new six-week abortion ban in Florida makes it illegal to seek a termination before many women even realise they're pregnant. Amid a dizzying patchwork of abortion legislation across US states following the overturning of Roe v. Wade almost two years ago, the issue of reproductive rights is increasingly galvanising voters on both sides of the political divide. Also, as birth rates continue to fall steadily across much of the word, Haxie Meyers-Belkin talks to Dr Helen O'Neill, lecturer in Reproductive and Molecular Genetics at UCL, about what she calls the "fertility taboo", whereby growing numbers of couples struggle to start families after neglecting their reproductive health until it's too late.
On Sunday, Chinese President Xi Jinping will come to Europe for the first time in five years, staying in France until Tuesday. Aside from the Ukraine war, technology – computer chips and green tech in particular – could be the most important talking point on the agenda. FRANCE 24's Peter O'Brien tells us more in this week's edition of Tech 24.
Can fashion transform reality, or is it more a question of how the real world influences fashion? Dior's response lies in a deeply feminist collection, inspired by the Swinging Sixties, when Marc Bohan was at the helm of the label. South African brand Maxhosa resurrects ancient Xhosa motifs. Mossi, through his clothes and fashion school in the eastern Paris suburbs, hopes to give disenfranchised young people a dream to aim for. All are searching for the holy grail: fashion that's both beautiful and meaningful.
The Latin American nation of Ecuador has been experiencing an unprecedented security crisis for several months. In the port city of Guayaquil, now under the control of drug gangs, residents are living in fear.
More than six months after the start of Israel's devastating offensive in response to the October 7 attacks, Palestinian journalists in Gaza continue to pay a heavy price. According to the NGO Reporters Without Borders (RSF), more than 100 have been killed, with at least 20 slain in the line of duty. Meanwhile, the international press is still banned from accessing the Palestinian enclave, much to its frustration. For RSF, Gaza is on the verge of becoming a "news black hole". So under what conditions are journalists reporting from the ground there? How is information reaching us? FRANCE 24's Tarek Kai reports. Warning: This report contains distressing images.
IN THE PRESS – Friday, May 3: We take a look at how media around the globe are covering World Press Freedom Day, from cartoons to editorials. According to a UNESCO report, a whopping 70 percent of environmental reporters regularly face threats, attacks and intimidation. Meanwhile, UNESCO awards its World Press Freedom Prize to all Palestinian journalists covering the war in Gaza, who are paying a heavy price for their reporting.
As the police crack down on US campus protests, tensions are mounting, along with a surge of misinformation. An out-of-context video is circulating widely, claiming to show actor Robert De Niro aggressively confronting protesters while defending Israel. Another video containing false information is an interview with US House Speaker Mike Johnson, in which he slams Columbia University's "hybrid learning" for Jewish students, which is not what the university proposed. Vedika Bahl explains in this edition of Truth or Fake.
How did an argument in Khartoum between two rival generals drag Sudan into civil war and push it to the brink of a repeat of the Darfur genocide of two decades ago? It has not happened yet, but the stage is certainly set in El Fasher, the west's only city still in the hands of junta leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan but besieged by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo – aka Hemedti.
The US Federal Reserve has decided to keep its benchmark interest rate at 5.25 to 5.50 percent.
Chairman Jerome Powell said while inflation has eased significantly over the past year, it's still too high, and that while wage growth has slowed down, the labour market remains tight.
The central bank will slow down the pace of quantitative tightening from next month, reducing the cap on Treasury bonds it allows to run off to $25 billion from the current $60 billion per month.
The devaluation of the Naira against the dollar has plunged Nigerians into a deep socio-economic depression. The price of basic foodstuffs can double or even triple in the same day. While 98 million Nigerians were already living in extreme poverty in recent years, this figure could explode by 2024 if the economic crisis continues in Nigeria. For tens of millions of Nigerians, the reforms designed to attract foreign investors have, above all, caused the cost of living to soar.
Viral videos on social media claim to show US President Joe Biden either ‘shaking hands with a ghost’ or with ‘thin air.’ Sources also report that former President Donald Trump has been flatulent and sleepy in the courtroom during his New York trial. We review these viral claims in this edition of Truth or Fake.
The ravages of too much screen time: for me, the axe fell when I brought home my first report card in the sixth grade: my TV viewing was curtailed to a single hour a day. That was before the Internet.
A court in Seattle has sentenced Changpeng Zhao, the founder and former CEO of the crypto exchange Binance, for violating US money laundering laws.
The billionaire told the court that he had failed and that he was sorry. The sentencing comes after the defendant pleaded guilty last November and paid 50 million dollars in fines.
Plus, Zimbabweans lined up at banks to withdraw cash as the new currency zig, the sixth since the 2009 collapse of the Zimbabwe dollar, has gone into circulation.
The former athletic director at Pikesville High School was arrested on Thursday, accused of creating a deepfake recording of the school’s principal. In the hoax audio, Principal Eric Eiswert, is allegedly heard making racist and anti-Semitic remarks. We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake.
For the first time since November, could there finally be a respite in Gaza?
As warring parties and negotatiors shuttle through Cairo, we'll try to see through the smokescreens and the mixed messages if the stars are truly aligning. Beyond a swap of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners...
Cheese lovers beware: the days of Camembert could be numbered. According to France's National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), a lack of microbial diversity risks driving the famed French soft cheese to the brink of extinction. Researchers say a single mould strain known as Penicillium camemberti, which is essential for the production of camembert, is now unable to reproduce. This has led to a collapse in its genetic make-up, threatening its survival and that of the iconic cheese along with it. The Down to Earth team reports from France's Normandy region, the home of Camembert.
His images have been celebrated, vandalised and even discussed in Congress. Andres Serrano's art tackles religion, sex, death and above all, America: its idiosyncrasies and the questions of politics, religion, class and ethnicity, which divide its citizens. He discusses this body of work as the show "Portraits of America" opens at Paris's Musée Maillol, with an eye on the symbols that reveal so much about his fellow Americans. Serrano talks about photographing Donald Trump two decades ago and discusses how the former US president has continued to feature in his work. He also tells us why, when dealing with hot-button issues like race and religion, his work is so often misunderstood.
In this Science segment, we look at the public health scandal surrounding a prescription drug called Androcur. First used in the 1980s to treat acne, hair loss or hirsutism (excessive body hair), it was later prescribed as a contraceptive pill. But the drug may be responsible for causing tumours in thousands of patients. A victims' association is now demanding accountability from the French government over its delay in providing information to health professionals and patients. FRANCE 24's Julia Sieger tells us more.
Northern Kosovo is home to a large part of the country's Serb minority. For a long time, this region, which is contiguous with Serbia, operated under the Serbian administrative system, despite Kosovo's independence from Belgrade. This as the local population rejects the authority of Pristina. But since taking power in 2021, Kosovo's new government has been much tougher on Serbia and the Serb population of Kosovo. Prime Minister Albin Kurti is trying to impose definitive separation from Serbia on the region's Serb population. Our correspondents Laurent Rouy and Edward Godsell report.
An internationally renowned photographer has spoken to FRANCE 24 about how he's been able to use his profession to help support causes he's become passionate about. Gwenn Dubourthoumieu began his professional life working for humanitarian NGOs in Africa. He soon developed a love for photography as he visited beautiful but often difficult places. He now considers himself a photographer activist. His latest project illustrates the state of the rainforest in DR Congo. He spoke to us in Perspective.
US Entertainment giant Paramount Global announced on Monday that CEO Bob Bakish was stepping down. In this edition, we take a closer look at how the company's controlling shareholder, Shari Redstone, may have been behind this move and why the firm's value has plummeted 80 percent in the past eight years. Meanwhile in Argentina, President Javier Milei's second attempt at getting his economic overhaul package through parliament is facing fierce opposition.
IN THE PRESS – Thursday, April 30: We look at reactions from the pro-independence and pro-union Scottish press after First Minister Humza Yousaf resigns amid turmoil within his minority government. In other news: Deadline reports on a wealthy Chinese financier who inked several deals with Hollywood's top brass before disappearing and leaving massive debt in his wake. Finally, a cat is reunited with her owners after being accidentally shipped to an Amazon warehouse!
Tesla's shares surged after the EV maker won tentative approval to deploy its Full Self-Driving system in China, as Elon Musk met high-ranking officials on a surprise visit to Beijing.
Plus, the French state has offered to buy key assets from troubled IT giant Atos, to protect national interests.
Satire website, 'The Babylon Bee,' posted a photo of Columbia University President, Minouche Shafik, 'accidentally' giving a Nazi salute during an antisemitism Congress hearing on April 17. We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake.
In tonight's edition: Dozens are killed in Kenya after a dam collapsed near the town of Mai Maihu triggering an emergency order for all reservoirs to be inspected within a day. Darfuri activist, Neimat Ahmadi, urges the UN Security Council to act on the 'worst humanitarian crisis in our lifetime' in Sudan. And we meet a Kenyan rugby player turned Tik-Tok sensation thanks to his cooking skills, Dennis Ombachi.
The expression went viral in the 1960s: generation gap. Those in power had fought in World War II and were shocked to see college students in the US rebel against the call to serve their country and go to war. How much has the current movement on college campuses exposed a new generation gap? Will the consequences be as far-reaching? For the first time since the Vietnam War, Columbia University invited in police to break up a pro-Palestinian encampment. That has since sparked sit-in protests across the US.
It's a colossus of glass, metal, and stone with a location that makes all the other Paris monuments envious. Located between the Seine and the Champs-Élysées, the Grand Palais was built for the 1900 Exposition Universelle world fair to showcase French art. Closed three years ago for its first complete renovation in history, it's getting a second lease of life for the Paris Olympics and Paralympics. FRANCE 24 takes you behind the scenes.
In this edition of arts24, Jennifer Ben Brahim meets American singer-songwriter, producer and guitarist Jesse Harris. He has collaborated with the likes of Melody Gardot and Lana Del Rey, as well as taking home a Grammy for his work on Norah Jones's smash-hit album "Come Away with Me". He's also a frontman, blending folk, jazz and world rhythms, such as on his latest album "Paper Flower". It's a joyful yet melancholy-tinged ode to Paris. We also look at this week's big releases: Dua Lipa's 1970s psychedelia album and the return of pop sensation Sia.
In the French overseas department of Mayotte, authorities have opened a second cholera unit. The number of confirmed cholera cases now stands at 26 since mid-March. France's Regional Health Agency (ARS) has also announced a new emergency unit at the island's main hospital to ensure the care of sick individuals. So what is cholera and how serious is this outbreak? FRANCE 24's Julia Sieger tells us more.
China dominates the market across Africa in the search for raw materials, but other regions such as countries in Europe can offer more mutually beneficial alternatives for the continent. That's the view of economics consultant and political risk analyst Theo Acheampong. In a new report for the European Council on Foreign Relations, he explains how Europe can work alongside African governments to try to ensure both sides mutually benefit from mineral extraction that's crucial for the green transition. He spoke to us in Perspective.
A growing protest movement on US college campuses wants universities to sell off assets related to Israel's war in Gaza and its occupation of the West Bank. We take a closer look. Also, the French government offers to buy the data security operations of struggling IT firm Atos, and Elon Musk makes progress in his bid for the rollout of Tesla's Full Self-Driving service in China.
IN THE PRESS – Monday, April 29: The Israeli media react to the news that the ICC could be preparing an arrest warrant for Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu. Also, pro-Palestinian protests continue on university campuses across the US and France. In other news, an Iraqi TikTok sensation is murdered outside her home, the third such killing in under a year. Finally, a 101-year-old woman is regularly mistaken for a baby due to a software malfunction.
Every last Sunday in April, France holds a national day of remembrance for the victims of deportation during World War II. Ceremonies are held in tribute to the 150,000 people deported from French soil to the Nazi death camps, many of whom never returned. But nearly 80 years since France was liberated from the Nazis, a page in history is turning. Few people who survived World War II and the Holocaust are still alive and able to share their experiences with young people and children. Other teaching methods will soon be required to maintain awareness about this dark chapter of history. For now, France's last surviving "hidden Jewish children", who escaped deportation, are determined to speak out while they still can. FRANCE 24's Claire Paccalin and Stéphanie Trouillard report.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has threatened Apple of legal action. Its lawyers accuse the tech giant of buying minerals smuggled from eastern Congo from mines, where human rights are violated by rebels,... into neighbouring Rwanda. Congo’s government is questioning Apple about its knowledge of what it's calling“blood minerals”.
It’s been a week where the midnight oil was burnt in Britain at a late night session of the House of Lords where the controversial Rwanda bill was finally passed - two years since it was proposed. PM Rishi Sunak says the plan to fly migrants to Africa will be the solution to, what’s become his mantra, “stop the boats”
Talking Europe sits down with one of the European Parliament’s most prominent veterans, Co-chair of the Greens Philippe Lamberts. The Belgian MEP has served in three legislatures since 2009 and says he has seen a big difference in both awareness and action on environmental issues in that time. Lamberts, who is stepping down from the EU Parliament, is characteristically outspoken on the bloc's Green Deal, the farming issue, investment in the EU economy and the various scandals that have rocked the European Parliament, such as Qatargate.
While Harvey Weinstein's 2020 rape conviction has been overturned by New York's top court, the French medical profession is now dealing with a series of #MeToo allegations in hospitals, including one leading female specialist levelling accusations against a renowned male colleague. Also it may be 2024 but a full-time working woman still makes only 88 cents for every euro or dollar earned by a man, across the OECD. Annette Young talks to OECD senior economist, Valerie Frey, on the effectiveness of pay transparency laws. Plus the Egyptian female rappers vying for the spotlight as they seek to pursue their careers in a highly traditional Muslim country.
US President Joe Biden has signed into law a bill that targets TikTok. The popular social media app's Chinese owner ByteDance has been given about nine months to either sell its business or face a ban in the United States. The company has vowed to take the battle to the courts. FRANCE 24's Tech Editor Peter O'Brien explains.
Asian hornets were first detected on French soil in 2004, and the invasive species has since spread rapidly across the country and the rest of Europe, including Germany, Spain and the UK. Asian hornets are known to be a major cause of high bee mortality, with entire colonies wiped out in as little as several days. Earlier this month, the French government launched a nationwide strategy to combat their proliferation. Beekeepers have also had to adapt in order to protect their hives. The Down to Earth team reports from France's western Finistère peninsula.
US President Joe Biden signed a law this week giving TikTok's Chinese owner ByteDance nine to 12 months to sell the popular video-sharing app or face a ban. The company has vowed to fight this in the courts. How might the showdown play out, and what does it mean for TikTok users globally? FRANCE 24's Tech Editor Peter O'Brien tells us more.
Paris's landmark museum is gearing up for the Olympics, with a special exhibition that takes visitors through the history of the Games. We hear more about a project for those who want to combine exercise and culture, as the Louvre launches a fitness circuit that puts participants among the artwork. Plus, a new show shines a light on the work of mysterious Dutch painter Jan van Eyck, and French land artist Saype gets his first solo show in Paris, after painting his immense frescoes on landscapes around the world.
Over the past two years, the French and Spanish police have been discovering the extent to which rubbish is illegally smuggled across the border. The phenomenon has long plagued Italy, where the mafia organises the trafficking, and is now reaching France and Spain. In northern Spain, a vast criminal network was recently dismantled in the Aragon region. Our correspondents Armelle Exposito, Victoria David, Rémi Cadoret and Sarah Morris report.
In October 2023, for the first time in the history of the Catholic Church, women were allowed to participate in and vote at the Synod of Bishops, a religious gathering that had previously been reserved only for bishops. The landmark event came amid calls from feminists in many countries for the ordination of women priests and a more inclusive Church. Since the 11th century, only men have been allowed to be ordained as priests and perform the sacraments.
IN THE PRESS – Friday, April 26: We look at reactions to New York's highest court overturning Harvey Weinstein's sex crimes conviction in a major decision that could impact his future appeals. Also: France's highest civil court rules on a case filed by an association claiming ownership of the Louvre's more celebrated painting, the Mona Lisa. Finally, artificial intelligence can accurately predict your political leanings – just by looking at your face!
Palestinian authorities are calling for the UN to investigate what they call "war crimes", after reporting hundreds of bodies found in mass graves around hospitals in Gaza after Israeli raids. Some bodies were reported to have their hands tied or be stripped naked – although Israel calls the claims "baseless", saying it "examined" bodies buried by Palestinians in a bid to locate its hostages. Vedika Bahl explains what we know so far in this edition of Truth or Fake.
In 2017, France’s new president went to Paris's Sorbonne University to defend Europe’s strategic autonomy. Since then, there's been Covid and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Now, ahead of June's EU elections, Emmanuel Macron was back with an update.
World Malaria Day, which is marked every year on April 25, highlights the need for sustained political commitment to malaria prevention and control. The disease kills over 600,000 people each year, with 95 percent of fatalities occurring in Africa, predominantly among children. This year, the world's largest vaccine manufacturer has begun distributing a new malaria vaccine in Africa. Scientists are also looking for ways to eradicate malaria altogether, including through a technique called gene drive. FRANCE 24's Julia Sieger tells us more.
India has kicked off its marathon elections, with nearly a billion people eligible to cast ballots. High on voters' minds will be issues relating to the country's economy. How has the world's most populous nation and fifth-biggest economy fared since the 2014 elections that brought Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Hindu nationalist BJP to power? Have the lives of India's people materially improved? We take a closer look in this special edition.
Meta announced a 27 percent jump in Q1 revenues but still saw shares tank after hours, amid fears over the social media giant's increased capital expenditure on AI infrastructure. Also in this edition: British mining giant BHP makes a $39 billion bid for its rival Anglo American, and Boeing's losses deepen.
Thousands of people in Portugal are marking the fiftieth anniversary of the country's Carnation Revolution – a military coup that put an end to Europe's longest dictatorship and to 13 years of colonial wars in Africa. The 1974 revolt, which was led by a group of idealist left-leaning young military captains, quickly turned into a popular uprising as the troops were joined by jubilant crowds. It was nicknamed the Carnation Revolution after the flowers that protesters placed in the soldiers' guns and tanks, in a rare example of a military coup being staged to install democracy. Yves Léonard, a professor and researcher at Paris's Sciences Po University, is the author of numerous books on Portugal's modern history. He spoke to us in Perspective.
Patrice Motsepe, head of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), who is also the brother-in-law of South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa, spoke exclusively to FRANCE 24 about whether he intends to run for president in his home country. "There are people who will do a much better job than I ever can", he replied when asked about a possible presidential bid. Motsepe also said that corruption was "one of the biggest problems in South Africa".
In 1924, French poet André Breton wrote a short text with fellow poet and compatriot Louis Aragon that was to send ripples through the world of art and literature, providing a blueprint for the avant-garde movements of the 20th century. One century later, we take a look at how the Surrealist Manifesto prompted an intellectual and artistic revolution in 1920s Paris; a statement of intent that was to have repercussions far beyond the French capital in the years that followed.
Some US media outlets have been criticised for their coverage of Israel's devastating military offensive in Gaza, including legacy brands like the Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, and The New York Times. According to The Intercept, top editors at The Times told journalists to limit the use of terms like "genocide" and "ethnic cleansing" and avoid using the term "occupied territory". We spoke to The Intercept's Jeremy Scahill to find out more.
The Croatian city of Vukovar, on the banks of the Danube, has a painful past. Located on the border with Serbia, it was the scene of the first major battle in the 1990s Balkan wars. Four years before the genocide in Srebrenica and eight years before the war in Kosovo, Vukovar was the first city in the former Yugoslavia to suffer ethnic cleansing, in 1991. More than 30 years later, reconciliation between local Serbs and Croats is hindered by impunity for war crimes and the inability to agree on a common version of events.
Freshly back from maternity leave, FRANCE 24’s Florence Villeminot shares her insights about having a baby in France. While the number of births in the country is dropping, France remains one of the better performers within the European Union. One of the reasons is its healthcare system, "la Sécurité sociale", which covers the bulk of the cost of having a baby. A key player in the whole process is someone called a "sage-femme" – a little-known profession outside of France. We also look at attitudes towards breastfeeding and an iconic toy that is a must in terms of baby gifts.
At the end of a three-day tour that took him successively to Kenya, Rwanda and Ivory Coast, France's Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné spoke to FRANCE 24 and RFI about relations with Rwanda, reform of the CFA franc, France's military presence in Africa and the wars in Gaza and Ukraine.
At the campus of the French Fashion Institute, 27 design students from 13 different countries are gearing up to present their year's work before a highly influential audience. The stakes are high: these students are poised to compete with fellow graduates from the prestigious Central Saint Martins school in London. But there's no denying that France still plays an outsized role on the international stage when it comes to fashion, as evidenced by the likes of designers Weinsanto, Pressiat and Alain Paul. FRANCE 24 went to check out their ready-to-wear shows.
In tonight's edition: As dozens of civilians are killed in an air strike on a market in Darfur in Sudan, we speak to a campaigner who's headed to the UN general assembly in New York to push for a stronginternational response to the deadly conflict. The mayor of the Libyan city hit hardest by devastating floods at the start of the week says that the up to 20 thousand people may have been killed in Derna. And in Morrocco anger is growing over the slow pace of the government's response.
In the hours following the floods in Libya, images of the devastation started flooding social media. We tell you which videos are fake in this edition of Truth or Fake.
It's 30 years since the first Oslo accord - a move that was touted as unprecendented for peace in the Middle East.
The dams that ruptured in the eastern city of Derna in Libya had been built to protect the city from heavy rains, but their collapse made the flooding even worse. FRANCE 24’s science reporter Shirli Sitbon examines how Libya became so vulnerable and what can other countries do to prevent natural disasters brought on by climate change.
Israel's Supreme Court has opened the first case examining the legality of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s controversial judicial overhaul, lurching towards a showdown with the nation’s far-right government. The latter has split Israel in two ever since it announced plans to reform the country’s judicial system, which would see the Supreme Court weakened. We speak to Yuval Shany, professor from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s Faculty of Law and former member of the UN Human Rights Committee.
Hip Hop revolutionised music but as you’ll discover in part 3 of our series – it also changed fashion forever. Hip Hop and fashion have been linked ever since the music started at the block parties in the Bronx in the 70s. As a voice for the marginalised, Hip Hop’s look mattered as much as its sound, partly as an expression of self-identity, partly as shorthand for success. In this episode we visit Harlem to meet the man who went from a fashion industry pariah for his head-to-toe designs that ripped off high end fashion labels to a Gucci god. Dapper Dan single handedly brought high fashion to the hood and helped put street fashion on catwalks around the world.
One year ago this week, the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in Iran sparked nationwide demonstrations against authorities in the Islamic Republic. For the women who led and participated in the protests, removing the hijab became a symbol of defiance against what they viewed as an oppressive government. One year later, FRANCE 24 meets with the women who took part in the demonstrations in Iran. While street protests have since died down, general discontent remains strong. Our correspondent Reza Sayah reports from Tehran.
A major exhibition at the Festival of Photojournalism, the Visa pour L’Image, in Perpignan in southwest France is currently showcasing the power of women as Iran continues to clamp down on women's rights. A year ago, Iranian woman Mahsa Amini was arrested by the religious morality police for not wearing a hijab. Amini was beaten and later died as a result of police brutality, sparking widespread women-led protests in Iran. Journalist Ghazal Golshiri, who coproduced the exhibition, speaks to FRANCE 24.
IN THE PRESS – Wednesday, September 13: We look at how Libya’s political deadlock is exacerbating the current situation in a country suffocated by deadly floods. But politics isn't the only factor, an emerging field in climate sciences is linking extreme weather events to global warming driven by human activity, the Washington Post reports. We also take a look at how the international media cover the 30-year anniversary of the Oslo Accords and finish with an exciting new discovery from the James Webb Telescope.
Apple launched its latest iPhone on Tuesday during an event at its California headquarters, highlighting the device’s new features such as a USB charging port and a titanium lining. The company is diversifying its supply chain away from China by increasing the number of smartphones made in India. Also in this edition, a traffic jam is forming at the entrance of the Panama Canal as passage has been restricted to conserve water. German sandal brand Birkenstock files for an IPO on the New York Stock Exchange. We take a closer look.
The southern Camargue region in France is known for its wetlands and flamingos. The region however holds a lesser-known animal sacred: bulls. The bulls of Camargue are reared by enthusiasts called manadiers for one purpose only, which is to become champions of the bullring in the regional bullfighting games. Consisting mainly of participants, called raseteurs, aiming to snatch rosettes tied to the bull's horns, the course camarguaise is harmless for the bulls that live in semi-freedom. FRANCE 24 takes you to uncover the region and its bulls.
It's a monument that is synonymous with France. The Eiffel Tower is more than just a wrought iron landmark, its very existence represents an architectural feat taken on by the man who gave it its name: Gustave Eiffel. This year marks 100 years since the engineer died. During his lifetime, Gustave Eiffel fought against all odds to make his dream come true, building a 300 metre high iron tower in the heart of the French capital.
Since Hip Hop began it’s been very much a man’s world. In the second show of our series celebrating 50 years of this musical phenomenon, we look at the role women play in this cultural revolution. We meet one of today’s rising female stars from the Bronx, 19-year-old Kenzo B. With 1.8 million views on YouTube for her track 'Bump it' out last year, she's on her way to rap stardom.
Malaysia has a unique take on positive discrimination. While most affirmative action programs are aimed at promoting opportunities for ethnic and religious minorities, the Malaysian government has implemented a system that favours the country’s majority, Malay Muslims, who account for nearly 70 percent of the population. These policies have proved to be harmful for descendants of minority groups in Malaysia, such as Chinese and Indians.
A young cartoonist from the Philippines told of how he uses his pen to fight against injustice in his country. Zach draws cartoons to show the oppression that journalists face as the government continues to clamp down on media freedom. Human Rights Watch says little has changed in the Philippines since the election of President Ferdinand Marcos Junior last year. The Southeast Asian nation continue to witness killings and other violence amid intense political pressure. Zach joined us for Perspective.
IN THE PRESS - Tuesday, September 12: We look at a potential new prisoner swap deal between the US and Iran. Also: a damning British study says one in three female surgeons are sexually assaulted by their male colleagues in what the Times of London calls surgery's Me Too moment. Finally, a rare spotless brown giraffe is spotted at a private Namibian game reserve!
Google and its parent company Alphabet will spend the next ten weeks on the docket in a federal court in Washington DC as they face accusations of rigging the market in their favour. FRANCE 24’s correspondent Eric Pape explains what this might mean for the tech giant as he reports from Los Angeles. We also take a look at an Amnesty International report on human rights abuses within DR Congo’s growing cobalt and copper mining industry, which is driven by rising demand for electric vehicle batteries.
In tonight's edition: The psychological impact of the destruction starts to weigh heavily on Moroccans as the death toll from the country’s devastating earthquake tops 2,800. Also, Libya calls for international help after authorities say that extreme flooding around the city of Derna has cost at least 2000 lives. And the African Union kicks off the week as the newest member of the G20.
This programme is dedicated to the people of Morocco in mourning right now for the more than 2,000 people killed in the earthquake. We examine what happened, why it proved so devastating and take a look at the difficult rescue effort which includes recovering and getting aid to those in need.
In the aftermath of natural disasters, internet users often take to social media to post images claiming to show the damages of such events. These images, however, were often captured during other tragic events. In this edition of Truth or Fake, we take you through the fake images circulating on social media following the tragic earthquake in Morocco.
A weekly news show produced with photos, videos and personal accounts from France 24 Observers around the world - all checked by our staff here in Paris.
Holders South Africa outclass Scotland to get their Rugby World Cup campaign off to the perfect start, while England stun Argentina in Marseille despite an early red card and hosts France hand the All Blacks their first ever pool stage defeat. Leo McGuinn is joined in the studio by Laurent Bellet and Ian Borthwick to discuss all the weekend's rugby action.
India has spent hundreds of millions of euros on hosting the G20 summit, as it seeks to asset itself on the global stage. But the event has also stirred controversy even before it started, from the beautification of the capital New Delhi to the notable absence of China's President Xi Jinping. We speak to Mohan Kumar, a former Indian ambassador to France, about the significance of the event.
It has been 50 years since Chile's military junta came to power. On September 11, 1973, the army headed by General Augusto Pinochet launched a coup with the US' covert backing. Soldiers took over the presidential palace, ousting leftist President Salvador Allende, who committed suicide. Pinochet then stayed in power for 17 years, a period of dictatorship that saw more than 3,000 people killed or missing and around 200,000 fleeing into exile. Even today, the constitution that was tailor-made for him in 1980 is still in force, although there are lively debates about amending it. FRANCE 24’s Juliette Chaignon and Guillaume Gosalbes report.
Worldcoin, a cryptocurrency project co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, has made waves this summer, enjoying millions of signups and raising $115 million, while other crypto startups struggle. But it's come under intense regulatory scrutiny, not least in France and Germany, over privacy concerns. We take a closer look in this edition of Tech 24.
In this edition, the contentious issue of how some Muslim women and girls dress captures the headlines here in France with once again, the spotlight being on clothing in schools. Also the missing women of Peru where thousands disappear yearly primarily due to human trafficking, prostitution and gender violence. Plus the nuns of Kathmandu who teach women and girls Kung Fu as an act of empowerment.
Talking Europe hosts Pascal Lamy, co-ordinator of the Jacques Delors institutes, and a distinguished former head of the World Trade Organization and former EU Trade Commissioner. We discuss great power competition in today's world; the EU’s influence when it comes to global trade and regulation; the critical importance of Africa to Europe; and climate adaptation in the light of Lamy’s role as a member of the Climate Overshoot Commission. On Brexit, an issue on which Lamy has been a prolific commentator, his advice to the British Labour party is: "keep the idea that you have divorced, for political reasons, but keep sleeping together with Europe, because that’s the way to address the economic problem."
As cities expand, demand for land continues to grow. But that same land provides vital services to humans, such as agriculture. Nature and urbanisation are two sides of the same coin. Can they ever be reconciled? Or is urban sprawl inevitable? The Down to Earth team takes a closer look at the situation in France.
With India now the world's most populous nation, providing enough jobs for young people represents a major challenge. Since contracts in the private sector do not offer job stability, millions of young Indians are vying for government jobs like those for soldiers, station masters or teachers. Although salaries are modest, these positions provide a job for life with some added benefits. These public sector jobs are accessible thanks to a yearly exam, but competition is fierce. This in turn has created a flourishing industry of coaching centres, particularly in the eastern state of Bihar. FRANCE 24’s Sadia Rao and Alban Alvarez report.
As carmakers transition away from the internal combustion engine towards electric vehicles, we take a look at how the switch is reshaping global supply chains, trade route and geopolitics. We talk to Henry Sanderson, author of "Volt Rush: The Winners and Losers in the Race to Go Green". He is also the Executive Editor at Benchmark Mineral Intelligence.
Deep in France's Burgundy region lies the Boutissaint wildlife park. Within its 400 hectares of forest, several hundred animals roam free: stags, roe deer and boars, which visitors can observe as they wander through this natural setting with very few fences. The park is the brainchild of the Borione family, which purchased this former priory and its vast abandoned estate in the early 20th century. When it opened in 1968, it was France's very first wildlife park. FRANCE 24 takes you on a tour.
It's sometimes called a forgotten war: fighting in Yemen has killed hundreds of thousands of people. Hunger has claimed even more lives, while 4.5 million Yemenis are internally displaced. Yet the complex conflict between Saudi-led forces and Houthi rebels doesn't always make headlines. This September, nine years after the Houthis attacked the capital Sanaa, triggering Saudi Arabia's intervention, the country is not in the grips of all-out war, but it's still not at peace either. In this special edition, we bring you reports from our team on the ground and speak to Asher Orkaby, the author of "Yemen: What everyone needs to know".
Exactly six weeks after the coup in Niger, FRANCE 24 interviewed Abdel-Fatau Musah, the West African bloc ECOWAS's Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security. He insisted that ECOWAS was not discussing any kind of transition with the junta in Niamey and that instead the bloc continued to demand the release of President Mohamed Bazoum and the immediate restoration of constitutional order.
On August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King Jr called for civil and economic rights for Black Americans; an end to racism in the United States. But 60 years after that iconic "I Have a Dream" speech, much more still needs to be done. In this second instalment of Inside the Americas from Atlanta, FRANCE 24's Genie Godula meets the people who are fighting for racial equality today in all its forms.
When the week began, it was all about France defying an ultimatum by Niger's coup leaders to recall its ambassador. Now, another precinct has been heard from. A twin surprise came from Gabon overnight on Wednesday, with military brass cancelling the flawed re-election to a third term of President Ali Bongo. Instead, a coup ended a 55-year old father-son dynasty in that oil-rich Central African nation. Quick to emerge from the pack was the head of the Republican Guard, General Brice Oligui Nguema – himself a cousin of the Bongos.
Breakthroughs have already begun at a Global Finance Summit here in France aimed at easing the debt burden on some of the world's most vulnerable countries whilst freeing up billions of dollars in new funds for climate finance. We will be talking to Jorge Moreira da Silva the Executive Director of UNOPS the UN's office for project services which works across Africa and elsewhere
A quartet of African leaders headed out to Russia and Ukraine on a peace mission aimed at helping resolving the war between the countries that began last February with Russia's invasion of it's neighbour. South Africa's International Relations Minister, Naledi Pandor speaks to Georja Calvin-Smith about the mission's impact and limitations.
Animal rescue and rehabilitation videos are easy clicks on social media due to human nature and a happy ending -- and videos of sea turtles being freed from barnacles is no exception. But according to turtle experts, the dark reality means the barnacles are glued on, and they're not even sea turtles to begin with, all for monetisation and clicks. Vedika Bahl explains our experts' analysis in this edition of Truth or Fake.
Joe Biden rolling out the red carpet for India’s prime minister. And more. The halls decked for Narendra Modi’s first White House state banquet just one illustration of how much clout carries a diaspora of four-and-a-half million in the United States… and how strategic India’s become in superpower showdowns.
As the aviation industry gathers at the Paris Air Show, aircraft manufacturers are cautiously optimistic. Demand for international travel is growing, although inflation and supply chain issues still dampen the mood. In this special edition of People & Profit from Le Bourget, FRANCE 24's Charles Pellegrin talks to Boeing's senior VP Brendan Nelson about the industry's rebound.
From the return of "The Full Monty" 25 years later that hits a political message, to a look at the controversial series "The Idol" with The Weeknd and Lily-Rose Depp that's being slammed for its graphic sexual content, TV critic Dheepthika Laurent speaks to Eve Jackson about what's on the small box this month. Also featured: the sixth season of "Black Mirror" with Salma Hayek, Josh Hartnett and "Breaking Bad" star Aaron Paul; the critically acclaimed "The Bear"; as well as "Bloodhounds", a David-meets-Goliath-type Korean drama.
The second-largest lake in Africa, Lake Tanganyika is adorned with its sandy beaches that span four nations. But the ravages of overfishing and pollution have taken a toll on its delicate ecosystem. In a bid to rejuvenate its biodiversity, Burundi and its three neighbouring countries have taken the unprecedented decision to impose a three-month fishing ban on the lake every year, from May 15 to August 15. This measure, though detrimental to the livelihoods of resellers and fishermen, is crucial in facilitating the resurgence of the region's beloved fish. FRANCE 24's Clément Di Roma reports.
French President Emmanuel Macron is hosting foreign leaders in Paris for a summit focused on how to help the world's poorest countries deal with increasingly catastrophic events linked to climate change, without being saddled with huge debts. The big focus is on reform of the decades-old Bretton Woods institutions: the World Bank and the IMF. One of the key attendees at the summit is Laurence Tubiana, one of the architects of the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement. She joined us for Perspective.
IN THE PRESS – Thursday, 22.06.2023: The Guardian takes us to Kenya, where accusations of murder and assault are flying at a Del Monte pineapple farm. We then take a look at how some French papers are strongly condemning, and others praising, the disbanding of a climate activist group. We also dig into the controversy over US Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito’s luxury fishing trip. Finally, the press is teaching us how to become more comfortable naked.
$400 billion is how much the World Bank estimates could be needed to rebuild Ukraine. Today Ukraine's allies at a major conference in London did promise significant chunks of cash, not just for the war effort but for Ukraine's reconstruction. With the conflict still raging and the counteroffensive to retake occupied territory just getting underway: Is now the right time for a Marshall Plan for Ukraine?
In tonight's edition: With four African countries at the bottom of the ranking of progress towards key development indicators, we speak to South Africa's International affairs Minister about her hopes for a crucial Paris summit aimed at ushering in a new financial world order. Ghanaians tell us about daily life amidst an economic crisis and Sierra Leone is days away from electing its next president.
Fear-mongering posts are sharing viral videos that allegedly show abnormal military activity going on; these users suggest that there might be a war brewing in The United States. We tell you what these videos really show in this edition of Truth or Fake.
Underwater noises heard during the frantic search for the Titan submersible have sparked fresh hope of finding the missing vessel. The sounds were picked up by a Canadian aircraft using buoys with underwater sonar capabilities. Remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) were then deployed to further investigate the origins of the "banging" sounds, but have yielded no results so far. FRANCE 24's Science Editor Julia Sieger tells us more.
After a Cannes premiere, Wes Anderson's "Asteroid City" opens in theatres. While some critics say the indie director is constantly remaking the same quirky movie, FRANCE 24's film critic Lisa Nesselson hasn't tired of Anderson's pastel colour scheme. She says "Asteroid City" is full of wonderful moments, with 1950s American iconography that's "splendidly evocative".
To discover France's Baie de Somme, on the northern Picardy coast, it's best to venture out at low tide. The River Somme's vast estuary reveals an archipelago of sandbanks and salt marshes: a paradise for migratory birds, but also for sheep farmers. During a canoe trip, tourists can get close to the stars of the bay: the seals. The largest seal colony in France has taken up residence here, much to the delight of visitors.
Italy is the country in Europe that suffers the most from natural disasters: it's the scene of two thirds of landslides that occur on the continent. The island of Ischia is particularly vulnerable, and the problem of uncontrolled urban development is making the damage worse. Some 27,000 of the 64,000 houses on the island do not meet building regulations. As the village of Casamiccciola rebuilds after a deadly landslide in November 2022, the council is trying to reduce risk factors to better adapt to climate change. Our correspondents report.
The world should abandon its constant race for economic growth. That's the idea behind a new book written by the UN's Special Rapporteur on human rights and extreme poverty. In it, Olivier De Schutter argues that the system is now counterproductive in rich countries and that the Earth cannot continue to provide the resources we demand of it. "Infinite growth is not possible on a finite planet," he told us in Perspective.
Several companies at the Paris Air Show are presenting advanced prototypes of air taxis that could offer an alternative means of inner city transport. One of them, German group Volocopter, is aiming to get its aircraft up and running for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Also in the show, we look ahead to the Summit for a New Global Financing Pact that's taking place in Paris later this week. World leaders will be convening to discuss changes to the global financial system in order to better respond to the climate emergency.
IN THE PRESS – Wednesday, June 21: Indian PM Narendra Modi embarks on his charm offensive tour of the US as he and Joe Biden vow to solidify diplomatic and commercial relations between the two countries. A Canadian lake could be the line in the sand for defining the beginning of the Anthropocene geologic age, defined by destructive human activity. German newspaper Bild plans to replace some of its editorial staff with AI. Finally, how often do you wash your clothes? Enter the "no wash" movement!
This week, Paris is aiming to send a message to world leaders that the major issues facing the planet such as extreme poverty and climate change have to be tackled now. The "Power Our Planet" concert on June 22 in front of the Eiffel Tower is being organised by the NGO Global Citizen, an organisation that has already raised over $40 billion worldwide to fight poverty. The event is being held as world leaders meet in Paris for the Summit for a New Global Financing Pact. In Perspective, we spoke to Global Citizen's Chief Policy, Impact and Government Affairs Officer, Michael Sheldrick.
IN THE PAPERS – Tuesday, June 20: The papers focus on the disappearance of a submersible observing the wreckage of the Titanic. We also learn why it's called a submersible and not a submarine. Also: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni meets Emmanuel Macron in Paris and an AI chatbot called AI Jesus is popular with users of Twitch. Finally, we find out why romance novelists are ditching the tall, dark handsome hero in favour of sweet "cinnamon roll" men.
Did a church in Boston get struck by lightning following a gay marriage? Did the UN replace its country flags with rainbow flags? We debunk these claims and more in this edition of Truth or Fake.
In tonight's edition: Twenty people are arrested in Uganda, suspected of collaborating with the notorious militia group blamed for last week's tragic and deadly school attack. Also, a phone application is saving lives in Gabon by linking potential blood donors to those who need an urgent transfusion. And as Senegalese Muslims prepare for the religious feast of Tabaski, sheep farmers who provide the traditional sacrifice are set to lose out as fearful customers stay away from celebrations.
Could it really spiral out of control? Increasingly militarised standoffs in the Pacific are just part of the picture as Antony Blinken becomes the highest-ranking US official to visit Beijing in five years. The trip had been pushed back at the start of the year, when a Chinese spy balloon was shot out of the sky over US territory. Are the tensions about Taiwan or trade? The answer seems to be both, if you consider that more than half of the world's semi-conductors are manufactured by Taipei and that Beijing remains the world's factory.
As the Paris Air Show kicks off, we look at how the aerospace industry is drawing inspiration from processes, forms, compositions, and interactions observed in nature to design the aircraft of the future. This process called biomimicry allows for improved performances and is also helping reduce the carbon footprint of planes. Our Science Editor Julia Sieger tells us more.
Paulo Furtado aka "The Legendary Tigerman" has been making bluesy music for over two decades. He's gearing up to release in September an album he composed during a three-month residency in Paris back in 2019, and for which he features a number of female guests. Most notable is Asia Argento, with whom he duets on the single "Good Girl". He popped by the FRANCE 24 studios to tell us more about this record inspired by Paris, and composed with synthesizers rather than an acoustic guitar. We also check out new releases by Queens of the Stone Age, Portugal. The Man and the French festival Solidays.
One of Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's first promises after his election in 2018 was to build the Mayan train, a long railway that would criss-cross 1,554 kilometres of tropical forests in the eastern Yucatan peninsula. The goal is to connect major tourism centres. While the idea appears good on paper, it has engineers on edge and environmentalists crying foul. Meanwhile, its initial cost has already tripled. Our correspondents report.
BUSINESS DAILY – Monday, 19.06.2023: With over 300,000 visitors and thousands of deals expected to be made, exhibitors from the aeronautic and air defence industries have gathered outside Paris for the "Le Bourget" air show. We also take a look at Switzerland's decision to become carbon neutral by 2050 and raise corporate taxes to 15 percent.
IN THE PAPERS – Monday, June 19, 2023: New details continue to emerge about the horrific conditions on the migrant ship that sank last week off the coast of Greece. Many victims were Pakistanis, who were forced to stay below deck. We also look at scepticism over promises of "green" aviation. Also, Missak Manouchian will become the first foreign and Communist Resistance fighter to enter France's Panthéon mausoleum. Last but not least, the US is still learning how to celebrate its newest federal holiday: Juneteenth.
The world's first international treaty to protect the high seas is set to be adopted at the United Nations later this Monday. Amid rising sea temperatures, overfishing and even the fear of underwater mining, countries have come together to forge an agreement to try to protect international waters. The text is being seen as a huge step forward after more than 15 years of talks. In Perspective, we spoke to Jessica Battle, a senior expert on global ocean policy and governance at the WWF.
In tonight's edition, African leaders meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv aiming to share an Afrocentric perspective on finding peace. Also, In Senegal, free speech activists are fearing the worst, as Walf TV is ordered to stop its broadcasts.
It was the kind of send-off that Donald Trump and Boris Johnson would surely love. A packed house and a packed piazza outside for the state funeral of Silvio Berlusconi. A-C Milan supporters chanting their longtime president's name after the death this week at 86 of Italy's longest-serving leader since World War Two.
Lawmakers in Japan have passed major reforms in the country's sex crime legislation. The new laws define non-consensual sex as rape, removing the requirement that the victim had to be forcibly coerced into the act for it to constitute a crime. The legislation also raises the age of consent for the first time in over a century, from 13 to 16. We take a closer look.
In a special edition, we focus on the world of sports and how women athletes are treated. When an elite athlete announces her pregnancy, inevitably she will receive many congratulatory messages wishing her well; on her retirement, that is. But top athletes are managing to prove that motherhood and sporting life are not incompatible. Also French officials working in the field of wrestling launch a scientific program to analyse the menstrual data of their athletes in order to improve their performance. Plus Annette Young talks to Irish basketball player and gender rights writer, Rebecca O'Keeffe, on the need for coaches and players to rethink attitudes towards menstruation.
Elon Musk, the eccentric and controversial CEO of Tesla, SpaceX and Twitter met with French President Emmanuel Macron this Friday. He then attended the VivaTech trade fair in Paris, giving a conference in front of 4,000 tech enthusiasts. Artificial intelligence (AI) was at the heart of this year's edition, along with the development of deep tech. FRANCE 24's Julia Sieger tells us more.
Global tech leaders and industry giants have descended on the French capital for the seventh edition of VivaTech, Europe's largest trade fair for new technology. Artificial intelligence (AI) is taking centre stage this year. French President Emmanuel Macron announced €500 million ($543 million) in new funding to "create champions" in AI and praised projects targeting French speakers, as concern grows about Silicon Valley firms fuelling English-language domination of AI systems.
Multi-award-winning author Hernan Diaz speaks to Eve Jackson about tackling the taboo of money in his book "Trust", which won this year's prestigious Pulitzer Prize for fiction. The Brooklyn-based author talks about redressing the fact that narratives around great wealth come from the viewpoint of men. "Trust" is the story of the richest couple of 1920s and 1930s New York. It's published in French by Éditions de l'Olivier and is out in August.
In the Spanish countryside, farmland is being turned into space for solar panels and wind farms. Spain's government wants to produce at least 74 percent of its electricity from renewable energy by 2030, an increase of 16 percent in five years. To meet those targets, the country is opting for giant solar farms, particularly in the southern Andalusia region. That's angering farmers – some of whom are having their land expropriated – and even some ecologists. Our correspondents report.
BUSINESS DAILY - Friday, 16.06.2023: The cost of importing food is expected to reach nearly $2 trillion this year, with inflation increasing hunger and starvation in poorer nations. Also, prior to next week's Paris Air Show, French President Emmanuel Macron is announcing investments in greener ways to fly. Plus, we see how Beijing, Washington and Brussels are taking three different approaches to interest rates. Finally, we discuss Elon Musk's upcoming talks with Macron and his stop at the VivaTech trade show.
Talking Europe interviews the head of the Council of Europe, the continent's human rights watchdog. A former Croatian minister of foreign and European affairs, Marija Pejcinovic Buric was elected to lead the Council of Europe in 2019. The organisation started out with just 10 nations in 1949, and now numbers 46, including the European Union member states and other countries that are outside the EU.
An enormous part of a museum's success depends on its curators. At Paris's Palais Galliera fashion museum, curator Alexandre Samson has declared 1997 a year unparalleled in its influence on global fashion. It was the year Jean-Paul Gaultier designed the costumes for Luc Besson’s film "The Fifth Element", Comme des Garçons and Martin Margiela revealed iconic collections and Tom Ford embraced the porno-chic aesthetic at Gucci. We check out a celebration of 1990s audacity at the exhibition "1997 Fashion Big Bang".
Transgender people, who call themselves Khawaja Siras, have always enjoyed a special status on the Indian subcontinent. For five years, Pakistan enjoyed one of the most progressive laws in the world, recognising the existence of a "third gender". But this law has just been amended. The issue of transgender rights also made headlines late last year when the Pakistani film "Joyland", the story of a love story with a transgender erotic theatre dancer, was shortlisted for the Oscars. FRANCE 24's Shahzaib Wahlah and Sonia Ghezali report.
"4,211 km" is the distance between Tehran and Paris. It's also the title of a new play by French-Iranian director Aila Navidi showing at France's famed Avignon theatre festival next month. The show centres around a young woman named Yalda Farhadi, born in France to Iranian dissidents who never give up their dream of returning to their home country. Navidi says the play is almost completely autobiographical and that writing it felt "very necessary – like an emergency." More than 40 years after the Islamic revolution, she says her parents' generation has more hope than ever of one day going back, particularly since the protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini nine months ago.
From the world's top museums to his high-profile collaboration with Louis Vuitton, Takashi Murakami – the artist dubbed "the Japanese Andy Warhol" – takes us on a tour of his new exhibition and monumental paintings at the Gagosian - Le Bourget Gallery near Paris.
Dry rivers, thirsty villages and depleted groundwater reserves: as water supply grows ever more uncertain, France is gearing up for another dry summer. But the country has a game plan for survival: share, reuse and save a dwindling resource. The Down to Earth team takes a closer look.
New data shows Chinese economic growth slowing, with property investment in steep decline and youth unemployment at a record high. Also, the US Federal Reserve confirms its "hawkish pause" policy, keeping interest rates steady for now but planning for more hikes. Finally, economists name an unlikely culprit for persistent Swedish inflation: Beyoncé.
Donald Trump has pled not guilty to federal charges that accuse him of hoarding hundreds of classified documents and trying to keep them from investigators. Investigators say the former president not only endangered national security, but also refused to hand classified documents back when asked to do so. After making an historic first court appearance as a federal defendant, Trump told his supporters the indictment was both politically motivated and "heinous". We take a closer look and get analysis from FRANCE 24's Shirli Sitbon.
IN THE PRESS – Thursday, June 15: The Greek papers express their indignation after a devastating migrant boat tragedy, the worst in years, off the coast of Greece. Also: the Guardian reports on a groundbreaking but controversial new study that has produced embryos without using eggs or sperm. EU broadcasters strike a deal to show television coverage of the Women's World Cup next month. Finally: the Grammy awards will get three new categories next year, including one dedicated to African performers!
"I Will Live" is the best-selling account of the challenges faced by a young woman growing up within the confines of a strictly religious Turkish-Dutch family, and her efforts to break free of that conservative culture. Upon its publication in 2021, Lale Gül was greeted with a wave of condemnation, including death threats from members of her own Dutch Muslim community. The award-winning author joined us for Perspective to tell us more.
As football superstars like Karim Benzema head to Saudi Arabia, and the kingdom announces a bombshell golf merger, we're asking what role sport plays in Saudi soft power. And is this a case of "sportswashing"? We speak to Yasmine Farouk, a nonresident scholar at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
IN THE PRESS – Wednesday, June 14: We look at tributes to and the legacy left by Cormac McCarthy, one of America's greatest writers, who has passed away aged 89. Also: Lebanese lawmakers convene to try for the 12th time to break the country's months-long leadership deadlock. Vanity Fair publishes a tell-all about the French vineyard at the heart of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's marital woes. Finally, ChatGPT proves surprisingly useful in helping doctors show more empathy to patients!
In this edition: Dozens are killed in the capsizing of a boat in northern Nigeria. Also, international frustration mounts as Khartoum's warring sides fail to cooperate as clashes continue. Finally, Uganda bans charcoal production in the north of the country as it struggles to protect its forests.
A viral video on Twitter purports to show "clear indication that Ukraine was the original culprit" behind the collapse of the Nova Kakhovka dam. Even though both Russia and Ukraine are blaming each other for the destruction of the dam, the video in question is not recent and has nothing to do with the dam breach. We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake.
Donald Trump in a court of law is nothing new. Two months after New York City charged the former US president with felony business fraud, federal prosecutors in Miami are accusing Trump of stashing and concealing classified documents that contain nuclear and military secrets at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida after he left office in 2021.
Congolese dancer Faustin Linyekula honours his beautiful and troubled country through dance. The prolific award-winning artist, who's been a fixture of dance festivals in Avignon, Brussels and Johannesburg since the early 2000s, is in France with two shows at the Chaillot theatre in Paris. He speaks to Eve Jackson about reconnecting with Africa's history – lost and forgotten because of colonisation – and why he returned to his homeland to create his company Studio Kabako after establishing an international career as a dancer and choreographer.
Back in the 1960s, the Soviets and Americans were racing to the Moon. Europe did not want to be a bystander in the space race and embarked on the Ariane programme in 1973. We take a look back at how the Europeans launched their space programme. Today, the Ariane-6 rocket's inaugural flight is running three years behind schedule. The European Space Agency hopes it can take off by the end of 2023. FRANCE 24's Shirli Sitbon and Sylvain Rousseau report.
Although youth gang wars affect all of Indonesia, Yogyakarta, a city of 400,000 inhabitants on the island of Java, has become the epicentre of a worrying new phenomenon. There, teenage boys clash in the streets at night. They travel on motorbike, armed with truncheons or rusty swords. Their victims are rival gang members, but sometimes also innocent passersby. Known as the Klitih, these gangs are spreading terror among the local population, as our regional correspondents report.
Born and raised in a small coal-mining town in eastern Ukraine, our guest lost her family home in 2014 when the region was occupied by Russian-backed separatists, and her parents and sister were forced to flee as internally displaced people. Her poetry offers powerful glimpses into how one woman finds herself affected by a life-altering conflict. Her latest collection is entitled "Apricots of Donbas". In Perspective, we spoke to award-winning Ukrainian poet, playwright and screenwriter Lyuba Yakimchuk.
IN THE PRESS – Tuesday, June 13: We look at conflicted reactions from the Italian and foreign media after Silvio Berlusconi's death at 86. Also: Kylian Mbappé's decision not to extend his contract sparks anger from Paris Saint-Germain and the Denver Nuggets celebrate their maiden NBA championship title. Finally: a US television icon, "Wheel of Fortune" presenter Pat Sajak, is set to stand down after more than 40 years as host!
In tonight's edition: As clashes resume in Sudan after a fragile and brief ceasefire, we take a closer look at the plight of refugees in neighbouring Chad. Also, President Bola Tinubu urges patience amid anger at soaring fuel prices in Nigeria. And Malians gear up to vote in a referendum that could result in French being removed as the country's official language.
IN THE PRESS - Monday, 12.06.2023: Today, we explore the potential gridlock on the power grid, examining how outdated electrical infrastructure could obstruct the realisation of green energy projects. The press continues to cover the discovery of four children in the Amazon. Whether it's the triumphs at the Tony Theatre Awards or Novak Djokovic's Grand Slam record, media outlets are abuzz with discussions of these historic wins. In preparation for the summer holidays, popular tourist sites are introducing new regulations, such as no wheeled suitcases or sex on the beach.
The merger was finalised just under three months after a rapid agreement brokered by the Swiss government. Meanwhile, European leaders are exerting pressure on Tunisia to accept a $1.9 billion IMF bailout. In other news, financier George Soros is transferring control of his $25 billion empire to his 37-year-old son.
In this week's Focus, we turn to the tense frontier between Russia and Finland. The rapport between these neighbouring nations has soured significantly in the wake of Russia's large-scale invasion of Ukraine. Historically, their mutual border has been a theatre of confrontation and conflict. Currently, Finland is taking drastic measures by erecting a formidable barbed wire fence along this boundary. According to authorities in Helsinki, the intention behind this undertaking is twofold: ensuring the nation's protection and enhancing scrutiny over entries from Russia.
In tonight's edition, as Sudan's warrning sides agree to yet another tenuous ceasefore, the UN rejects Khartoum declaration of the organisation's envoy as persona non grata. Also, the World Food Programme joins the US in suspending food aid to Ethiopia after massive theft of previous donations.
The frontline dam burst that flooded southern Ukraine is a nightmare scenario come true. Who stands to gain from the catastrophe? Also, the nightmare scenario for the planet: Canadian forest fires follow freak spring droughts. The smog is choking North America and sending smoke to Europe, and it's only early June.
Parts of Asia have been hit by severe heat in recent weeks. An international coalition of scientists said it was a "once-in-200-years" event that would have been “virtually impossible” without human-caused climate change. Record-shattering temperatures of up to 45°C have been seen in multiple countries including Bangladesh, Vietnam, Singapore and China. In this special edition, we take a look at how governments, and people, are trying to adapt.
Talking Europe catches up with Spain’s foreign minister, José Manuel Albares, as Madrid prepares to take over the rotating presidency of the European Union on July 1, 2023. We discuss the poor showing by the ruling Socialist party in May’s regional and municipal elections, in which both the right and the far right made gains. And we get into Spain’s priorities for its EU presidency, including making the EU’s Stability and Growth Pact more flexible, reforming the EU’s electricity market and sending a strong political signal to Latin American countries. On the question of Gibraltar – a British overseas territory that sits on the southern tip of the Iberian peninsula –Albares says that Spain is ready for a post-Brexit deal with the UK.
In 1943, the Warsaw Ghetto uprising took place. It was a courageous act of resistance against the Nazis by several hundred Jewish fighters.
Since 1941, the Jewish population of the Polish capital – approximately 400,000 people – had been confined by the Nazi occupiers to a small neighbourhood in the center of the city. Many died as a result of starvation and diseases there. Others were sent to the Treblinka death camp.
He grew up in Chicago in one of the most dangerous housing projects in America. At 5, he discovered he had a talent for drawing... and that gang leaders would offer him protection in exchange for appearing in his comic books. Now four decades on, he’s a revered New York artist whose work has been shown all over the world, from London to LA and Turin. He’s here for his first solo show in Paris called "The Forging Years" at the Gagosian gallery. Nathaniel Mary Quinn speaks to Eve Jackson about his beautiful, seductive and unsettling art that shows the broken fragments of humanity.
"The Sex Lives of African Women" has now been distributed in more than 100 countries. Annette Young talks to its author, Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah, about deconstructing stereotypes in female sexuality. Also, we examine the story of Shaina Hansye, a 15-year-old French girl who was stabbed and burned alive and whose tragic death sparked a national debate. Plus, reclaiming the streets, this time with street art: the push by female French artists to ensure they get their fair share of space for their work.
In the classic Scheherazade myth, a Persian queen tells stories to captivate an evil ruler, saving herself and thousands of possible victims from death. The children's book "Sharzhad and the Angry King", by Montreal-based author and illustrator Nahid Kazemi, is a wonderful retelling of that legend. It's about a little girl who helps a tyrannical leader evolve through stories. Kazemi grew up in Iran – a country that knows a thing or two about tyrants – but she says her book is not all about dictators. It sends a message to children that they can bring change through conversation and wisdom, rather than war and violence. In Paris for the release of the French translation of the book, Nahid Kazemi joined us for Perspective.
The European Union's Internal Market commissioner Thierry Breton has called on Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg to take "immediate action" or face heavy fines after a report this week revealed Instagram to be the worst social network for child sexual abuse material.
The first edition of the IWP in 1954 crowned none other than Yves Saint Laurent and Karl Lagerfeld. Fast forward to today, when designers from around the world compete for a prize fund of 200,000 Australian dollars and a prestigious mentoring program. The collections must be made from 100% wool and respect the principles of sustainable fashion. The Grand Prix this year was awarded to Nigerian designer Adeju Thomson, who was inspired by the idea of "decolonising design".
In the wake of an energy crisis triggered by Russia’s war in Ukraine, the world has become a lot more energy efficient, according to a new study. Are we seeing a permanent, global shift in energy transition? Yuka Royer speaks with Fatih Birol, the head of the International Energy Agency.
The twin island state of Trinidad and Tobago lies between the South American coast of Venezuela and the West Indies. Home to roughly 1.5 million inhabitants of African and Indian descent, the tiny Caribbean nation has one of the world’s highest volunteer rates for the Islamic State (IS) group. Between 2013 and 2016, more than 130 Trinidadians left to join the IS group, making the island country one of the world’s biggest recruiting grounds, per capita, for would-be jihadists. Since the fall of the self-declared Caliphate in 2017, 90 Trinidad and Tobago nationals, including 56 children, have been detained in camps in Syria and are unable to return home. FRANCE 24's Cyrille Charpentier and Damien Lansade report.
As European countries grapple with the question of how to handle migration policy across the continent, many countries are looking to Denmark, known for having some of the strictest immigration rules in the European Union. Today's Focus takes us to a district of the capital, Copenhagen, where the debate around immigration and integration has flared in recent times. This report by our colleagues at France 2 and FRANCE 24's Jack Colmer Gale.
IN THE PRESS - Friday, June 9: We look at reactions in the French and foreign media after a senseless stabbing attack involving pre-schoolers in Annecy. We also look at how French MPs used the attack for political gain. In other news: researchers reveal results from a large study in animal mobility during the pandemic with surprising results. Finally, we look ahead to a sumptuous semi-final showdown: Novak Djokovic versus Carlos Alcaraz!
In tonight's edition: Hundreds of children, some with special needs, are rescued from a Khartoum orphanage after having spent weeks stuck amid the shelling and shooting of Sudan's war. Millions have been forced from their homes in Burkina Faso and over 15,000 killed since an extremist insurgency began to hit the country in 2015. And for World Ocean Day, we head to Kenya, where some industrial fishing techniques have been banned in order to stop damaging coastal communities.
Are the United States and Saudi Arabia quietly drawing closer? It’s been nearly a year since we were in Jeddah covering that frosty fist bump between Joe Biden and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Critics had been quick to evoke memories of 9/11, the brutal war in Yemen and the murder of dissident Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, while Biden's hosts were irked by what they view as patronising lecturing on how to run a kingdom.
With the women's World Cup just over a month away, a new film tells the story of French football pioneer Marinette Pichon. Directed by Virginie Verrier, "Marinette" traces the star striker's life and career, from her abusive childhood to her fight to advance women's sports. Also featured on the programme with Eve Jackson is La Gacilly Photo Festival, showcasing some of the most striking images of the natural world, and for theatre-lovers in France, it's Molière Month, named for France's greatest playwright.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak visits Washington as the UK looks for closer economic ties after leaving the EU. China denounces Europe's new "economic weapon" aimed at preventing Beijing from putting trade pressure on EU members over support for Taiwan, and TikTok aims to quadruple its e-commerce revenues.
The former US vice president is launching a bid for the White House. This is no normal set of circumstances for Mike Pence, who was loyal to former US President Donald Trump for years, only parting ways with him after the Jan. 6 attack on the US Capitol. Pence is polling in the single digits and along with former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie is entering a growing field of Republican candidates challenging Donald Trump, who is the current frontrunner by far.
Feminists and human rights activists in Lebanon are speaking out against attempts to impose increasing restrictions on their lives in the name of "conservative values". This follows an attack on a woman at a beach in the southern city of Sidon, when an Islamic cleric and his followers told Mayssa Hanouni she didn't have the right to wear a bathing suit there before getting violent.
Whether you're a fan of black-and-white classics like Casablanca and King Kong or modern sci-fi like Blade Runner and Inception, chances are you've seen at least one Warner Brothers movie in your lifetime. FRANCE 24 film critic Lisa Nesselson has seen nearly 100 of them. As the iconic Hollywood studio marks its 100th anniversary, she tells us about a retrospective of Warner films currently showing in Paris.
Ukraine declared a full mobilisation at the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, banning military-age men from leaving the country so that they could be called up to fight at any time. Days after Russia attacked, so many people were lining up to head to the front line that military commissariats were turning some away. But not everyone wants to fight. As the war drags on and the casualties mount, many are looking for ways to avoid it.
The number of wild mountain gorillas, who are at risk from humans, is increasing for the first time in years. This is thanks to the efforts of conservationists like Uganda's first-ever wildlife veterinarian, Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, who says they are truly gentle giants. There are just over a thousand mountain gorillas left, mostly high in the mountains in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Kalema-Zikusoka has also written a book, "Walking with Gorillas", charting her life from young enthusiast to wildlife campaigner.
America's top markets regulator sues Coinbase for operating as an unregistered securities broker a day after filing similar charges against Binance. Chinese exports drop sharply, and the World Bank warns that slow global growth and high interest rates are creating a debt crisis in developing economies.
A weekly news show produced with photos, videos and personal accounts from France 24 Observers around the world - all checked by our staff here in Paris.
IN THE PRESS - Wednesday, June 7: We look at reactions and videos after the devastating Kakhovka dam collapse that marks a new turning point in the war in Ukraine. The world of golf is rocked by a merger between rival Saudi-backed LIV and PGA leagues which is heavily criticised by the Western press. And: scientists have unearthed evolutionary links to human masturbation!
Tensions boil up in Kenya during a protest against tax hikes.Police tear gas crowds and arrest almost a dozen people during rallies. Some repoductive health campaigners in southern Africa are hoping for a change in Namibia's abortion ban which they say has forced many women to risk dangerous back room procedures. And a mysterious desert fortress has stood the test of time in Niger's deserts...
An image from a November 2022 explosion in the Nova Kakhovka dam is going viral, as some users claim that it shows the precise moment when Russian forces blew up the dam, while others say it shows the destruction of the dam by Ukrainian armed forces. We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake.
Brothers Ron and Russell Mael are back this year with a pumping 26th studio album entitled "The Girl Is Crying In Her Latte". It's full of their trademark piano and synth-rich pop merging staccato and operatic gusto around themes ranging from intense longing for love to observation of the ordinary. FRANCE 24's Marjorie Hache met up with the California duo – whose career has spanned half a century – to find out more.
Apple unveils its first new piece of hardware in nearly a decade: the $3,500 Vision Pro augmented reality goggles come as interest in the metaverse has been surpassed by buzz around artificial intelligence. Also, the US regulatory agency SEC sues Binance and the Hollywood actor's union SAG-AFTRA votes to authorise a strike.
It’s one of the most iconic motor races in the world. The "24 hours of Le Mans" race marks a centenary this year. Seven auto manufacturers will be fighting for overall victory with 16 teams represented. The unique race tests its participants' reliability and endurance and encourages innovation. The 13,626km track attracts hundreds of thousands of fans from around the world every year. The endurance classic is both a physical and mental challenge for the drivers; the car that covers the greatest distance in 24 hours wins.
IN THE PRESS – Tuesday, 06.06.2023: We take a look at two different stories on Ghana, the brain drain of its nurses and its imports of used clothes. The French papers plunged into coverage of today’s national strike over pension reform. We also find out about NATO’s overhaul and how, for some military experts, it’s still a work in progress. Finally, we also discuss a phone ban for kids in Ireland and how Apple’s new spell-checker will make it easier to curse.
In February, dozens of young Israeli settlers in the West Bank led a punitive expedition to the Palestinian town of Huwara in the north, near Nablus, following the murder of two of their own. They burned several buildings in the town and threw stones, injuring several residents and killing one, according to Palestinian authorities. One Israeli general described the violence as a "pogrom". FRANCE 24's Gwendoline Debono returned to Huwara to find out why the northern West Bank is now one of the most violent areas in the Palestinian Territories.
The US Securities and Exchange Commission has filed a lawsuit against cryptocurrency exchange Binance and its CEO, Changpeng Zhao, accusing the platform of engaging in a "web of deception". The SEC's civil complaint lists 13 charges, including operating as an unregistered exchange, and accuses Binance of diverting investor funds to other companies owned by Zhao. It's the latest blow to the platform, which is the subject of another lawsuit filed by the The Commodity Futures Trading Commission.
A video artist's digital creation of an LGBT installation around the Arc de Triomphe was quickly transformed into fake news, arousing some negative and homophobic comments online. We interviewed digital artist, Ian Padgham, on this experience with his work, in this edition of Truth or Fake.
Is Ukraine armed and ready for its long-touted spring counter-offensive? We’ll ask about air cover, cross-border strikes and ammunition. More broadly, what does it take to claim heavily fortified, heavily mined Russian-held positions? Is Kyiv ready? Is NATO ready? Will stepped-up supplies of military hardware suffice? We’ll weigh the consequences of a protracted war on the Alliance.
Maelstrom and Louisahhh are both individual artists in their own right but have been friends for about a decade, since Louisahhh dropped her hat on French soil after joining French label Bromance. They've since collaborated together on many occasions including incredible live shows for Louisahhh and the launch of their own label, Raar. "Sustained Resistance" is their first joint album. They tell Encore's Marjorie Hache more about it. We also check out new releases by Christine And The Queens, Amaarae and Dope Saint Jude.
A city in Peru is debating the reactivation of its foundry. With a population of 33,000 and an altitude of 3,750 metres, La Oroya is South America's former smelting capital. It was also formerly one of the most polluted cities in the world. Closed in 2009, the metallurgic complex found new owners last year, when 1,270 former workers became shareholders. The new owners intend to reactivate the site in coming months. La Oroya’s residents are now divided between dreams of renewed prosperity and fears of a return to life in a massively polluted environment. Report by Juliette Chaignon and Guillaume Gosalbes.
In 2020, American startup Clearview AI introduced one of the most highly controversial facial recognition applications. This inspired FRANCE 24's documentary “Your faces are ours: the dangers of facial recognition”. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look into our investigation of a technology using artificial intelligence to precisely identify anyone who has been photographed or filmed.
It's a feat that hasn't been repeated by a French player since 1983. It's been exactly forty years since Yannick Noah thrilled the crowds at Roland Garros – and audiences across France – when he beat Sweden’s Mats Wilander in the final of the French Open. Our guest for Perspective is Benjamin Rassat, director of the documentary "Noah-ed", which features testimony from the seven competitors the then-23-year-old beat to become France's last home champion for decades.
Ukraine has suffered 30 Russian drone strikes overnight. On Thursday, a 9-year-old child and her mother were killed by the falling wreckage of one of the Russian drones shot down over Kyiv. The intensity of Russia's attacks is unprecedented since the start of the invasion last year. Meanwhile, Russia accuses Ukraine of striking Moscow, Belgorod and Krasnodar.
IN THE PRESS – Monday, 05.06.2023: We take a look at how the press is covering the 50th anniversary of World Environment Day as well as the first anniversary of a brutal killing in the Amazon, and how, on this anniversary of China's Tiananmen Square uprising, Hong Kong’s tributes were silent. We take a look at two breakthroughs in the treatment of cancer. Finally, two stories about ‘indecency’ – involving the Bible and nude beaches – are making headlines.
Guadeloupe, nicknamed the “butterfly archipelago” because of the shape of one of its central islands, welcomes over 600,000 tourists to its sunny little paradise every year. This French Overseas Territory abounds in opportunities to break from routine: hiking in the heart of the Basse-Terre rainforest, lounging on the deserted beaches of La Désirade island, swimming in its turquoise waters. Guadelupe’s waters are an ideal place to observe dolphins.
Many of India's top wrestlers were detained last week, whilst protesting against the Federation of Wrestling's President, who they accuse of years-long sexual abuse. He's also an MP for India's ruling party, the BJP -- and an edited photo of sisters Sangita and Vinesh Phogat "smiling" whilst in custody went viral accusing them of theatrics. Vedika Bahl spoke to Sangita herself, and explains the misinformation in this edition of Truth or Fake.
Clearview AI is redefining our privacy. The New York-based tech company is working to identify and compile the faces of every human being on the planet. Clearview AI claims that the database will serve as a force for good, helping to solve crimes and prevent espionage. But the risks it carries are immense. FRANCE 24’s Jessica Le Masurier and Romeo Langlois have this special report.
In South Korea, a new kind of #MeToo movement is taking hold on social media; that of people who suffered abuse at school. A growing number of victims have been publicly naming and shaming their former bullies. Inspired in part by a popular Netflix series, it has ensnared everyone from K-pop stars to baseball players.
Swimming in the Seine has long been forbidden but taking a dip in the iconic river could soon become a reality. Just in time for the 2024 Summer Olympics, Paris has embarked on its most ambitious bid yet to clean up one the world’s busiest waterways.
The biggest war in Europe since 1945 has prompted several countries to try to speed up their integration with the West. Those include Ukraine itself but also nations in the western Balkans, as well as Moldova and Georgia, which has been knocking on NATO's door for many years. The former Soviet Republic applied for EU membership in March 2022, although it has not yet been given candidate status. Our guest on The Interview is Salome Zurabishvili, the president of Georgia.
In a big gamble for the world’s most valuable company, Apple is widely expected to launch its first major new product in almost a decade at its annual developers' conference next week: a virtual reality headset.
It’s often ranked as one of the most stressful experiences that a person can face: divorce is, perhaps, not an obvious choice for comic material but writer Monica Heisey tells us how facing heartbreak at a young age provided nuggets of humour at a dark time. As her début novel “Really good, actually” is translated into French, Monica discusses how social media has encouraged us to provide an unfiltered series of updates on our emotional states. We talk about her work on celebrated series like “Workin’ Moms” and “Schitt’s Creek”, and why the current writer’s strike has high stakes in an era of streaming, and amid huge demand for high-quality audiovisual content.
One in six Europeans is aged between 18 and 29. The demographic was particularly hard hit by the Covid-19 pandemic, and despite the economic recovery that followed, youth unemployment levels remain high. The EU has a few programs in place to help them. We tell you more in this edition of Fact or Fake.
Spanish women will be the first in Europe to be able to take time off work for severe period pain. But could such a law backfire and instead reinforce gender discrimination? Annette Young talks to menstrual health specialist, Maria Carmen Punzi. Plus we take a look at the latest summer fashion item trending on TikTok, dubbed the "subway shirt,” where women wear an oversized item of clothing so as to prevent unwanted male attention while using public transport.
It's hard to overstate just how pervasive and permanent plastic pollution has become, with microplastics now found in almost every corner of the world - from the bottom of the oceans, to the peaks of the Himalayas, to our own stomachs. Talks have been taking place in Paris aimed at limiting global plastic pollution - the second phase of ambitious UN negotiations with the goal of reaching a legally-binding international treaty by the end of 2024. France 24 spoke with Elise D'Epenoux, the communications manager for The Sea Cleaners, who has participated in the talks. She says reducing plastic production is key, but that plastic-producing nations and lobbies are intentionally seeking to delay the negotiations.
Bulgaria is one of the most recent members of the European Union, and also the poorest. EU funds contribute a vital role to the economy: €12 billion for the period of 2021-2027, and €6.6 billion already thanks to the post-Covid recovery fund.
June 4 marks the 34th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre in China. Usually, Hong Kongers take the lead in commemorating this event with massive candle light vigils. But, since China imposed its national security law in 2020, public criticism of the regime in Beijing has become dangerous. With their freedom of speech at risk, many have since fled to Taiwan. A self-imposed exile for those who hope to carry on the fight for civil liberties from across the Taiwan Strait.
Violence erupts in Senegal as Ousmane Sonko is sentenced to two years in prison for “corrupting youth”. His fate as a presidential candidate in 2024 remains uncertain. And a controversial bill gets the green light in Zimbabwe. Parliament approves a plan to outlaw criticism of the government ahead of the August elections. Finally, as the United States imposes sanctions on both parties to the conflict in Sudan, we head to Cairo to meet a family displaced by the violence.
The annual inflation rate in the Eurozone dipped sharply in May to 6.1 percent, its lowest level since Russia invaded Ukraine last year. Despite this, European Central Bank Chief Christine Lagarde hinted at further, more gradual interest rate hikes to bring inflation down to its target of 2 percent. The central bank's rate policy is having an effect on homebuyers in France, as they struggle with rising borrowing costs. Real estate agencies are therefore finding it harder to sell homes and some of them are going bust.
Deadly clashes broke out last week between the Taliban and Iranian guards at the border between Afghanistan and Iran. This border violence comes amid rising tensions between the two countries over water rights. To show this conflict on Twitter, some users used old images of the Taliban that have nothing to do with the recent violence. We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake.
Two female journalists are on trial in Iran. They face charges of spying and working for foreign intelligence. Their crime cold perhaps best be described here in the west as as good old fashioned journalistic coup.They revealed the truth about a story and dared to publish it. The stroy was the death in police custody of a 22 year old Kurdish woman.
In this week’s show, buckle your seatbelts as Genie Godula and Florence Villeminot focus on a French institution that, if you’re lucky, you can spot occasionally if you gaze up at the sky. The “Patrouille de France”, the precision aerobatics demonstration unit of the French Air and Space Force, is celebrating its 70th anniversary. What’s so special about the so-called “Grande Dame''? First off, the squad is composed of the crème de la crème of France’s elite air force pilots. But it’s much more than a stunt team, it holds a special place in the hearts and minds of the French.
South Africa's economy is at risk of going off the grid as recurring power cuts wreak havoc on the country's businesses and households. Alongside this energy crisis, the nation's central bank is sounding the alarm over potential threats to financial stability. These concerns stem from capital outflows and the possibility of sanctions due to South Africa's stance on Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Joining us from Johannesburg is Azar Jammine, the Director and Chief Economist of Econometrix (Pty) Ltd, the leading independent economic research consultancy in the country.
With a local film industry that was already flourishing, France is now setting its sights on becoming the next major destination for film shoots. French Culture Minister Rima Abdul Malak has recently announced a substantial investment of €500 million, dedicated to developing the necessary infrastructure. Adding to the cinematic landscape, Director Robin Campillo offers an immersive exploration of a childhood spent in the waning days of French colonial rule in Madagascar. We also delve into a new exhibition showcasing the work of Ken Domon in Paris. The late Japanese photojournalist is receiving posthumous recognition for his diverse portfolio and the striking realism of his images.
In a bold stride towards the cosmos, the concept of settling on Mars is no longer just a flight of fancy. A number of ambitious plans for Martian travel and colonisation are underway, but first, why not simulate the conditions on Earth? NASA's Mars Mission in the United States has embarked on a unique project, allowing a team of four researchers to experience life as it might be on the Red Planet, all within the confines of Arizona.
This report is brought to you by our colleagues at France2 and FRANCE24's Michael Maitland-Jones.
Although climate change has been conspicuously absent from Nigeria's political agenda, the tangible effects of global warming are undeniably present. The country has one of the highest rates of desertification in the world, many of its cities are under threat from rising sea levels, and the 2022 floods resulted in hundreds of fatalities and displaced over a million people. Amid the politicians' tardiness in prioritising climate action, youth activists are emerging as a proactive force. Adenike Oladosu, one of these young leaders joined us on Perspective.
The compromise bill, supported by both Republicans and Democrats, was passed in the US House of Representatives on Wednesday and is now slated for a vote in the Senate ahead of the June 5th deadline. Our coverage delves into some of the measures outlined in the 99-page document. Also in the news, Amazon employees protest the company's lack of progress on climate objectives, and hip-hop magnate Diddy initiates a lawsuit against beverage giant Diageo, alleging racial discrimination.
For the first time in nine years, leaders from the regional bloc formerly known as the Union of South American Nations have convened this week in Brazil. The gathering of these 11 countries has demonstrated a renewed spirit of cooperation. A notable highlight is Brazilian President Lula da Silva's meeting with Venezuela's authoritarian President Nicolas Maduro, a significant move, as diplomatic relations were severed under Lula’s predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro. FRANCE24's International Affairs Editor, Oliver Farry, provides further insight into this development.
IN THE PRESS - Thursday, June 1: Forest fires are wreaking havoc in Canada's Nova Scotia region, while French newspaper Liberation raises concerns about French forests absorbing diminishing amounts of carbon dioxide. In the world of sports, we reflect on a grim day for French tennis, with six players ousted from the French Open. Finally, a newly discovered draft from Freddie Mercury suggests that he might have considered an alternate title for the hit song "Bohemian Rhapsody", and in a riveting moment, a poker player secures the largest winnings in televised poker history!
In tonight's edition: Clashes between the RSF paramilitary and the Sudanese army increase in intensity as the military pulls out of truce talks. Also there's anger and confusion in Nigeria as drivers rush to the pump upon an apparent rollback of fuel subsidies by the new president Bola Tinubu. And we speak African energy goals with NJ Ayuk from the African Energy Chamber, the continent needs to power up despite its abundant resources it is the most energy poor continent in the world.
Following Italy's Mount Etna volcanic eruption on May 21, claims online started circulating that this single eruption released more CO2 than all of humanity. We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake.
NATO has sent 700 soldiers, peacekeepers, to Kosovo in the wake of the disturbances near the border with Serbia. This follows violent scenes where Serbs faced off with police. NATO peacekeepers were injured - caught in the middle of the fight. Jens Stoltenberg, announcing the dispatch of reinforcements, said the attacks on NATO soldiers must stop.
On World No Tobacco Day, we examine e-cigarettes, which are capturing a growing share of the market. Professionals in the sector insist that e-cigarettes facilitate the process of quitting smoking, even going so far as to claim that it's beneficial for public health overall. However, it's important to note that vaping can become an addiction in its own right.
Charly Pairaud, the vice president of FIVAPE, the French federation of vaping professionals, advocates for e-cigarettes as a solution to traditional smoking. Our science reporter, Shirli Sitbon, investigates the potential risks involved.
David Lynch, best known for the surreal, unsettling cinematic worlds he creates, is the focus of a new documentary that explores his artistic inspiration drawn from one of Hollywood’s most vibrant visual journeys: "The Wizard of Oz". Film critic Lisa Nesselson discusses how this critical examination highlights some of the iconography of the 1939 classic in Lynch’s oeuvre. We also revisit one of the filmmaker’s darker, more enigmatic movies as "Inland Empire" is re-released in France. French film favourites Virginie Efira and Melvil Poupaud star as a couple ensnared in a toxic relationship in Valerie Donzelli’s latest film: "Just the Two of Us". Lastly, we delve into the newest addition to the Marvel universe, "Spider-man: Across the Spider-Verse".
In Syria, the Islamic State group stands accused of executing a series of attacks targeting truffle hunters. Truffles, or 'sand truffles' as they're commonly known, grow in the desert and have become a sought-after commodity. FRANCE24's Observers team delved into this issue. Journalist Mahmoud Naffakh provides further insights.
Democracies across the globe are facing a crisis. Deepening inequalities, social injustices, and failure to effectively tackle global warming have fostered a widespread sentiment that elected officials no longer cater to voters' interests. The shortcomings of current democratic governance have even fuelled a sense of pride in so-called illiberal democracies. But what if a more collaborative model, truly respecting rule by the people, were achievable? Claudia Chwalisz, founder and CEO of DemocracyNext, joined us on Perspective to delve into this further.
In Canada, there has been a marked increase in the number of Mexican travelers seeking asylum at Montreal's airport since early last year. Since 2016, these travelers have been allowed to arrive without visa stipulations, a result of new entry regulations revised by the then newly-elected Liberal government. While Mexico typically sends seasonal agricultural workers, students, and tourists, this influx of new travelers highlights the authorities' workforce shortage to handle such a surprising volume of applications, as emphasised by the unions. This report is by François Rihouay, Joanne Profeta, and Gloria Henríquez.
Located in France's eastern Lorraine region, Amnéville Zoo is home to some 2,000 animals. These include 40 species that are considered endangered: from Siberian tigers to white rhinos, gorillas and small squirrel monkeys. Behind the scenes, some 150 zoo employees work tirelessly around the clock, taking care of the animals. Preserving endangered species and making visitors aware of the threats to wildlife are also a key part of their daily tasks. FRANCE 24 brings you a glimpse of this vast menagerie.
Elon Musk, Chief Executive of Tesla, is making a visit to China this week. As the electric vehicle company's second-largest market and a crucial player in its supply chain, the country holds significant importance for Tesla. After a meeting with the Chinese foreign minister, Musk was reported to have expressed his opposition to the idea of "decoupling" the world's two leading economies. In other news, the debt ceiling deal brokered by Joe Biden and Kevin McCarthy is advancing to the House floor, while inflation in France has moderated to its slowest pace in a year.
IN THE PRESS - Wednesday, May 31: The Brazilian press criticises President Lula move to thaw relations with his Venezuelan counterpart Nicolas Maduro. Olympic medal winning Indian wrestlers vow to hold a hunger strike over allegations of sexual harassment by the federation's president in a story that has drawn support from the International Olympic Committee. As it's National Otter Day, we'll be celebrating these fascinating creatures. Finally, we delve into the competitive world of children's spelling bees in the US!
The Mediterranean migrants crisis was one of the main topics discussed by Tunisa's foreign minister Nabil Ammar and his French counterpart Catherine Colonna during their first meeting in Paris. In an interview with FRANCE 24, Nabil Ammar said that the two nations "share lots of views". He told Marc Perelman that stopping the migrants from crossing "cannot be the middle-term or long-term solution at all". "It is rather about fixing the people in their countries, creating wealth", he said.
A 11pm to 5 am curfew's been brought in in Sudan's second city of Port Sudan. The extension of an often violated humanitarian truce delivers lulls in the fighing but only a trickle of aid.
A viral video claims to show the impressive maneuvers of a Russian pilot. The video is actually an extract from a highly realistic combat simulator video game that has been continuously used in fake claims. We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake.
Uganda's legislation that outlaws indentifying as LGBTQ is receiving widespread condemnation. US president Joe Biden has spoken out to describe the new law as shameful. Biden, who is himself a practising Roman Catholic, a religion that says homosexuality is a sin, says Uganda's new legislation could very well harm US-Uganda relations. Before Biden's words were uttered, the law had been condemned by the United Nations as the "worst of its kind in the world."
A quaint town in Northern Ireland experiences a profound shock as a mysterious illness begins to afflict its children. This event marks the onset of Jan Carson’s latest novel, "The Raptures", which scrutinises a rural community, unearthing the superstitions and biases simmering beneath its surface. Jan joins us to delve into this "accidentally prophetic" narrative and to discuss the socio-political backdrop of 1990s Northern Ireland. Twenty-five years after The Good Friday Agreement, our conversation turns to the lingering religious and cultural divides. We further underscore the role arts and culture can play in fostering empathy and facilitating reconciliation in the ongoing peace process.
A UN report released in January attributes 270,000 deaths in Sub-Saharan Africa to the consumption of counterfeit or substandard antimalarial drugs. Across the continent's local markets, fake and expired medicines are frequently sold at reduced prices, often with fatal consequences. The scarcity of affordable drugs in licensed pharmacies contributes significantly to this issue. This report is by Elimane Ndao, Sarah Sakho, Malick Diakité, Aminatou Diallo, and Sam Bradpiece.
On May 30, 2023, a collective of artists, art historians, writers, and academics will convene at the Musée Quai Branly in Paris to mark the tenth anniversary of "Black Portraitures: Imagining the Black Body in the West". This conference delves into the positioning of Africa and the African diaspora, as well as their depiction in Western art. Among the attendees is art historian Cheryl Finley, who leads The Atlanta University Center of Art History and Curatorial Studies. She joined us on Perspective.
2022 was the most devastating year ever for wildfires in France. The Bordeaux region in the country’s south west was especially hard hit. This as the climate emergency seen globally is increasingly making its presence felt in temperate zones. So, how is France now preparing for the summer ahead? Have lessons been learned from last year?
France's inaugural "gigafactory" is perceived as a critical milestone in the transition towards a green economy, given that the EU is set to prohibit the sale of petrol cars beginning in 2035. In anticipation of this deadline, both France and Europe aim to lessen their reliance on Chinese suppliers, who have enjoyed a lead of over a decade. In other news, Nvidia's CEO has announced a 'new era of computing' as the chip manufacturer seeks to capitalise on the surge of generative AI technology.
IN THE PRESS - Tuesday, May 30: We're examining reactions in Spanish newspapers after Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called snap elections in the wake of severe losses in local elections. The president of COP 28's team has been accused of greenwashing his previous role as an oil executive. A French climber raises concerns about the Himalayas transforming into waste dumps, as videos reveal the mountains strewn with garbage. Lastly, a beluga whale suspected of being a Russian spy has resurfaced in Swedish waters.
Since Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s reelection on Sunday, videos purporting to show Muslims celebrating his victory at Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem have been widely shared by Turkish media outlets online. So has a video showing people calling for Erdogan’s opponent, Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu to resign, outside the headquarters of his party. The videos themselves are not fake, but have been taken out of context, as we explain in this edition of Truth or Fake.
In tonight's edition: Bola Tinubu is sworn in as Nigeria's president. There is still fierce discontent from those who question the transparency of the election. He takes over a battered economy, rampant secuity challenges and a disenchanted nation. There's international outcry condemning a draconian anti-gay law in Uganda that has just been signed into law and a much violated truce in Sudan is extended for 5 days.
Recep Tayyip Erdogan wins an extension of his more than two decades in power in Turkish presidential election.An election that veered to the hard right still leaves unanswered questions on the economy, the earthquake response, corruption and the plight of Syrian migrants.
Delegates from 175 countries are negotiating the principles set to articulate a future international treaty on plastic waste. Some countries say large-scale, upgraded recycling could do the trick and limit pollution but, for the UN, plastic production must also be cut down and existing objects should be repaired and reused. This could cut plastic waste by 80%. France 24's science reporter Shirli Sitbon looks at those figures and brings a dejà-vu of environmental activism in Venice.
This week, we had the pleasure of welcoming Franco-Cameroonian artist Sandra Nkaké, who has just released "Scars", her fourth studio album, and the up-and-coming Mille Désirs, who grew up between Côte d'Ivoire, France, and the UK, and recently dropped a debut EP entitled "Lust and Love". Both artists have dug deep and faced their shadow selves to produce these new offerings. Nkaké soothes us with her self-described raspy voice and acoustic guitar, celebrating resilience and sorority. She reminds listeners that healing and self-reconstruction are possible, both on an individual and communal level. Mille Désirs, on the other hand, explores his desires and sexuality with music inspired by the sensual intensity of the dancefloor and the thrilling prospects of nocturnal encounters.
Lebanon's economic and political crisis appears to have an end in sight. However, the issue of Syrian refugees presents another crisis within the current situation. Lately, these refugees have been encountering increased violence and discrimination as the Lebanese struggle to make ends meet. Over the past decade, approximately 2 million Syrians, most of whom are considered refugees according to Lebanese authorities, have crossed the border. In response to this influx, the government has implemented a plan that will lead to the expulsion of Syrian refugees.
For today’s Perspective, FRANCE24 takes a deeper look at how President Recep Tayyip Erdogan won the Turkish election once again, after 2 decades in power.
IN THE PRESS - Monday, 29.05.2023: As treaty talks over plastic pollution begin in Paris, we find out why recycling schemes, rather than reducing use, may not be that green of an idea. We take a look at different reactions to Recep Tayyip Erdogan's re-election. Reactions to Juliette Triet’s Palme D'or speech also continue to roll in, with the French media having widely different takes. Finally, we find out about a bear with a sneaky sweet tooth.
US President Joe Biden has announced that an agreement has been brokered with Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy to raise the government's debt ceiling This pivotal piece of legislation, now poised for a vote in Congress, requires a simple majority for its enactment. If passed, it would circumvent an unprecedented debt default potentially looming as early as June 5. President Biden characterises the proposed legislation as a "compromise", outlining a two-year budget plan which, in essence, holds non-defence spending steady for 2024.
The jury, chaired by Swedish director Ruben Östlund, has unveiled its laureates for the 76th edition of the Cannes Film Festival. Justine Triet received the top prize for her film "Anatomy of a Fall", a courtroom drama about a woman accused of murdering her husband. Our film critic Lisa Nesselson and culture editor Eve Jackson analyse the prizes and go over the best moments of the festival.
In tonight's edition: Just days away from the inauguration of Nigeria's next president there are still tensions from some quarters over Bola Tinubu's controversial victory. There are more calls in Kenya for tighter regulation of churches after the Shakahola cult killings. And we talk supporting women in business with Efe Ukala, founder of ImpactHer
The movie measures of men spotlights the first genocide of the 20th century in which tens of thousands of indigenous Nama and Herero were slaughtered by german soldiers. The film bids to confront viewers with the harsh realities of colonial violence. Also, in Morocco fans of sand hockey are trying to raise awareness of the game's cultural heft. And a Beninese Tiktok comedian hits the right note. Axel Merryl switches genres from comedy to croonery.
Viral photos on social media showed a fake advertisement in the New York City subway system calling for the city’s homeless to join the fight in Ukraine. Vedika Bahl explains this misinformation, in this edition of Truth or Fake.
Belgorod, Russia, near the border with Ukraine has been in the news all week long because of an incursion by two groups of fighters who described themselves as Russian, anti-Putin, with the aim of liberating Russia. France 24's Marc Perelman asked Ilya Ponomarev, a Russian dissident in exile and political representative of the Freedom of Russia Legion, if they got a green light from Ukraine to attack Belgorod.
Pakistan's former prime minister and PTI party leader Imran Khan was released on bail on May 12 after being arrested on graft charges. Since then, he says he has been "isolated" at his home, cut off from the senior leadership of his party, while thousands of his supporters have been arrested. "Anyone who supports PTI is either arrested or has gone underground," he told FRANCE 24 from his home in Lahore.
Like many European countries, Belgium has been witnessing a crisis in its asylum system for several months. With its welcome centres and public services stretched to breaking point, NGOs are now sounding the alarm. They say more resources are needed to help process the many unaccompanied minors arriving in Belgium, with three quarters coming from Afghanistan. Belgian law requires each unaccompanied minor to have a legal guardian before starting the asylum process – but there simply aren’t enough of them. FRANCE 24's Alix Le Bourdon followed the demanding daily life of two of these guardians who hold parental authority over the young foreigners entrusted to them.
In India, a low-budget film has sparked huge controversy. "The Kerala Story" tells the fictional tale of three Hindu and Christian women from the southern Indian state, who are lured into the Islamic State group after converting to Islam. Indian PM Narendra Modi praised the film, saying it "exposed the consequences of terrorism in a society", while critics call it an attempt to spread hate and Islamophobia. We take a closer look and speak to journalist and author Debasish Roy Chowdhury.
Talking Europe interviews the boss of the largest and oldest group in the European Parliament, the centre-right European People's Party. Manfred Weber is a veteran of the EU assembly, having first been elected nearly twenty years ago, and he is an important player in German politics, in the conservative Christian Social Union. He missed out on the job of EU Commission president in 2019, but does not seem to have given up on that ambition. We start the discussion with the European elections scheduled for June 2024, which could shake up the bloc's political scene.
It is estimated some 50 million people are living in modern slavery; 10 million more in the last five years. This includes millions in forced labour and forced marriage; with women and children being especially vulnerable. Annette Young talks to Grace Forrest, the founding director of Walk Free, an international human rights group focused on the elimination of modern slavery. Also we meet the women in Venezuela who have taken their futures literally into their own hands and are building their own family homes as the country confronts a housing crisis.
It is now forbidden to smoke cannabis on the streets of Amsterdam's famous red light district. This is just one of the measures the Dutch municipality has taken to shake up the city's image. The sale of alcohol has also been restricted and the mayor is hoping to move the sex workers to an erotic centre on the edge of the city. Over the past few years, Amsterdam residents have felt beleaguered by the huge number of tourists who come for the weekend to get drunk and smoke marijuana. But will these new moves be enough to change the city's reputation as a party destination? Our correspondents report.
Back in 2018, the signing of a peace deal between South Sudanese President Salva Kiir and his longtime rival Riek Machar created hope and optimism. The people of South Sudan, an independent nation since 2011, were emerging from a brutal civil war. However, five years later, this peace agreement is mostly respected only in Juba, the young nation's capital. Elsewhere, the fear of conflict remains palpable – a fear that has been further accentuated by the conflict in neighbouring Sudan. FRANCE 24's team reports.
Modest fashion is a way of dressing that respects specific clothing requirements for reasons of faith and also personal preference. The market for modest fashion is huge – and it's only getting bigger, with both designers and influencers keen to get in on the action. FRANCE 24 went to check out the second edition of Paris Modest Fashion Week.
She's a self-described cultural agitator and social troublemaker. Poet Carol Sansour is co-creator of the Shaeirat project, which promotes and features contemporary Arab poetry, written by women. She joined us for Perspective to tell us more about the initiative.
IN THE PRESS – Friday, May 26: We look at reactions to record immigration figures from the UK and how Turkish football supporters are expressing their opposition to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan ahead of the country's run-off vote this weekend. Also: anti-abortion stickers plastered on rental bikes in Paris spark outrage. Finally, a wine competition awards the prize for best Cabernet Sauvignon to a bottle from South Australia costing only 40 Australian Dollars, or around 24 euros!
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman says his company could "cease operating in Europe if the EU gets too tough". Altman is currently in Europe, visiting Paris after London. When he was called before Congress last week in Washington to talk about the same issue of regulating artificial intelligence, Altman made three proposals: a federal agency to control licences; safety standards for high-capability AI models; independent audits of creators.
In this special history episode of French Connections Plus, we put the spotlight on what has come to be seen as a dark period: the Middle Ages. The era known as "le Moyen Âge" in French covered some 1,000 years: ten centuries of political upheaval, royal intrigue, wars, disease and famine. But it was also a rich period of artistic and intellectual development when in many ways France took on the shape it has today. So what's left of this complex chapter of French history? Join Florence Villeminot and Genie Godula as they time-travel back to the Middle Ages in France.
The leaders of the ChatGPT developer OpenAI have called for the regulation of "superintelligent" AIs, arguing that an equivalent to the International Atomic Energy Agency is needed to guard against the "existential risk" posed by the technology. What should regulators around the world do to control the expansion of AI technology while still encouraging innovation? Charles Pellegrin asks Dr Tim Scarfe, Innovation Chief Technology Officer of British start-up XRAI Glass, which uses generative AI in a mobile app and augmented reality smart glasses to help deaf or hard-of-hearing people transcribe conversations.
In a small village deep in central France, the same family has run the "La Promenade" restaurant for four generations. The story began in 1960, when Lucienne created a small bistro. Then Jacky, the son, took over and won the first Michelin star in 1989. Today, the grandson Fabrice watches over this mecca of French gastronomy, and now his son Clément is studying for his chef's diploma. "La Promenade" is a moving family story, whose finest pages are perhaps yet to be written.
This week, senators in the southern US state of South Carolina voted to ban abortions after six weeks. That's before many women even know they're pregnant. South Carolina is the latest in a long line of states to either partially or fully ban the procedure. Half of all US states have now passed or attempted to pass restrictions on abortion since Roe v. Wade was overturned last year. We take a closer look.
Technical malfunctions have marred Florida Governor Ron DeSantis's announcement that he's running for US president. The hyped Twitter Spaces appearance was 20 minutes late in starting, repeatedly lost sound and many users said they had trouble logging in. Since Elon Musk took the reins, Twitter has struggled with a myriad of problems, as FRANCE 24's Catherine Viette explains. Also in the show: Ratings agency Fitch warns the US that its AAA credit rating is at risk, while Germany officially enters recession.
This week, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is in Europe, meeting with leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron. Altman rose to fame with ChatGPT, but he has also become one of the industry's most prominent voices calling for regulation to ensure artificial intelligence is used responsibly. FRANCE 24's Science reporter Shirli Sitbon looks at the many benefits, potential risks and what some see as the "conscience" of AI.
The International Space Station has rolled out the welcome mat for two Saudi visitors, including the kingdom's first woman in space. The pair is among a group of four that will spend about a week in space before returning to Earth. We take a closer look and speak to expert Jane Kinninmont about the political significance of the move.
With microplastic pollution invading our oceans and the soil, few places have been spared. Could it also enter the food chain? Scientists in the Netherlands are beginning to uncover the tip of the iceberg – so far, with more questions than answers.
Charles III is the oldest monarch in British history to take the throne, after seven decades in the shadow of his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II. As a prince, he was a passionate environmentalist who helped support disadvantaged youth though his charity work. But he became deeply unpopular after his divorce from Princes Diana. Today, Charles is being crowned with his once-controversial second wife Camilla by his side as queen consort. The monarch, who is head of state of the UK and 14 other countries, will have one main challenge during his reign: to safeguard the future of the royal family, amid declining support for the monarchy in the polls. FRANCE 24's team looks back at his life.
There is the outrage and the timing of the outrage. Russia's state media is in overdrive after the purported downing of two drones over the Kremlin, just days before the May 9th Victory Day parade on Red Square.
For decades, the US dollar has been king on the global stage. But more and more countries are looking to reduce their dependence on the American currency, saying they want to "de-dollarize" their economies. How realistic are their plans, and how would they work? Kate Moody talks to Ruchir Sharma, chairman of Rockefeller International and founder of Breakout Capital.
For more than 75 years, the "Maîtrise de Radio France" choir has been training schoolchildren to become classical singers. Andrélia is one of them. She has undergone demanding training, with music theory, piano and singing lessons. With the other choir members, the teenager is preparing a special concert alongside the Radio France Philharmonic Orchestra. Based in Paris, the choir now has a branch in Bondy, in the north-eastern suburbs of the French capital.
Magnolia flowers, pearls and a pastel palette: there were plenty of nods to Karl Lagerfeld's artistic leadership at Chanel at the Costume Institute's annual gala in New York. Yet as a new exhibition of his celebrated designs opens inside the Met, we find out why this homage has stirred up controversy. We also take a look at the line-up of this year's Cannes Film Festival jury, as director Ruben Östlund leads a gender-balanced band of artists from all over the world. Elsewhere, our reporters in Abidjan give us the inside track on "FEMUA", Africa’s biggest urban music festival. Plus we check out a new exhibition celebrating photographer Elliott Erwitt's talent for capturing the humour in everyday life.
In Lomé, the capital of Togo, Jacques Logoh has good reason to be cheerful. The young designer and founder of the Togo International Fashion Festival has made it his mission to ensure the event embodies the values of diversity. Alex and Kim are androgynous models. They're walking for – among others – Fauvette Nacto, in a show that's a celebration of marriage in all its forms. It’s a theme that a number of designers have been inspired by this year. FRANCE 24 went to take a closer look.
Two years and one World Cup after hosts Qatar bought the greatest footballer of our time, Lionel Messi is leaving Paris Saint-Germain. But perhaps the Argentine player is already gone.
With just a few days to go before King Charles III's coronation on Saturday May 6, everyone is wondering what exactly will be happening on the big day. Our international affairs editor and royal watcher Philip Turle tells us what to expect, including who is slated to appear on the balcony of Buckingham Palace after the coronation ceremony. We also find out what events are planned for the rest of the bank holiday weekend in the UK.
The five astronauts from the 2022 intake of the European Space Agency (ESA) have always dreamed of going to space. They have now completed their first weeks of "basic" training. Extra courses in geology mean they are likely to plan missions to the Moon and perhaps even Mars. But the ESA's most basic yet ambitious goal is to keep a foot in space and remain a key player. The aim is to ensure that Europe does not depend on other powers for telecommunications, defence and the monitoring of the Earth to manage various hazards, including climate change. FRANCE 24's Science reporter Shirli Sitbon tells us more.
The interplanetary gang of lovable rogues are back for the final instalment of the "Guardians of the Galaxy" trilogy, with Chris Pratt leading his bickering band of aliens. Film critic Ben Croll tells us why the superhero saga is unlikely to be entirely over, despite director James Gunn's move to the "Superman" franchise. We find out why Giacomo Abbruzzese's "Disco Boy" created such a stir at this year's Berlin film festival. Plus, director Kelly Reichardt returns with a characteristically low-key look at the artistic life, with Michelle Williams starring in "Showing Up". And we check out new French film "The Gravity" as it tries to transcend the cinematic clichés surrounding the banlieue.
In Reporters Without Borders' 2023 Press Freedom Index, Turkey is ranked 165th out of 180 nations for the environment facing journalists. Among the reasons for the worsening conditions is a crackdown ahead of presidential elections in May, as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan faces his toughest re-election battle yet. Ozgur Ogret, a journalist and Turkey representative for the Committee to Protect Journalists, joined us on Perspective to tell us more about the situation.
Israel is still being rocked by huge protests. The most recent rallies took place last Saturday, with tens of thousands of people taking to the streets. On the table is a major judicial reform that Benjamin Netanyahu's critics say will concentrate power with the prime minister, and undermine Israel's system of checks and balances. Such is the scale of opposition to the government's plans that a growing number of Israelis are considering leaving the country altogether. We take a closer look.
Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo tops the 2023 Forbes rankings of the world's highest-paid athletes. The striker's move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr has meant a boost in salary and marketing opportunities, leading to earnings of $136 million in the last twelve months. Also in the show, we get the latest on the debt ceiling standoff between Republicans and Democrats in the US. Plus, shares in regional US banks continue to slide, even after the rescue of First Republic Bank.
IN THE PRESS – Wednesday, May 3: On World Press Freedom Day, we look at the dangers facing journalists in Africa. Also, a Kenyan pastor accused of leading a doomsday cult is charged with terrorism. Paris Saint-Germain suspends Lionel Messi: what does this mean for his future at the club? Also, there are joyous scenes in the Welsh town of Wrexham after its football club is promoted, King Charles opens up his private residence to a photo shoot and a US school principal comes face-to-face with a black bear!
In January 2023, Cameroonian journalist Martinez Zogo was kidnapped and murdured in circumstances that remain unclear. The brutal assassination of the popular radio host, who regularly condemned corruption and the embezzlement of state funds in Cameroon, sent shockwaves throughout the country. His family and colleagues are still in the dark about why he was killed. The head of the anti-espionage agency, a top official of the secret service and a popular businessman have all been arrested and detained over Zogo's murder, but have only been charged with "torture". Several months on, journalists in Cameroon are still living in fear. Our correspondents report.
Italy's far-right government, led by PM Giorgia Meloni, recently made a change to its immigration policy. This involves a crackdown on residence permits for asylum seekers and an increase in deportation centres, in order to discourage illegal immigration. But the government also wants to increase the number of work visas for foreign workers from about 30 countries. The goal is to help alleviate chronic labour shortages, which affect various sectors of the eurozone's third-largest economy. Our correspondent reports.
In April, Washington's city council unanimously approved the first reading of a bill that would inaugurate Swann Street near the Dupont Circle neighbourhood of the US capital. The bill honours William Dorsey Swann. Born in 1860, he was the first known person to dub himself a drag queen. His legacy is just one part of the larger influence the African American queer community had on Black emancipation in the US. Historian and journalist Channing Gerard Joseph joined us for Perspective to tell us more.
US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has written to congressional leaders warning that the federal government could run out of cash as early as June 1, unless they agree on raising the debt limit or suspending it. President Joe Biden has invited Republican House leader Kevin McCarthy for talks on May 9. Failure to reach an agreement could cause "severe hardship", Yellen warns. Also on the show, we look at a crucial week ahead for investors after the failure of First Republic Bank. Plus, British energy giant BP posts higher-than-expected profits.
IN THE PAPERS – Tuesday, May 2: We look at reactions in the French press to May Day protests across the country. Also: Geoffrey Hinton, the "godfather of AI", quits his job as a Google engineer to warn about the dangers of the technology he created. Hollywood writers go on strike amid disputes over working conditions, pay and the role of AI in their work. Finally, Dutch police pull over a fake Boris Johnson for drink-driving!
Every year in India, industrial accidents kill thousands of people and leave thousands of others disabled for life. According to the government, at least 6,500 workers died on the job between 2017 and 2021. But labour activists say the figure could be higher. The victims of workplace accidents are often poor workers in factories or on construction sites. Yet India, now the most populous country in the world, wants to become an industrial power by encouraging investment and innovation. Our correspondents report.
IN THE PRESS – Monday, May 1, 2023: We take a look at how the press is covering what are expected to be major, historic May Day rallies in France. We also discuss the potential global breath of the war in Sudan. Mother Jones explains how research is showing that ocean currents could collapse in the next decades. Finally, we find out why dung beetles are making a comeback in France.
In this edition of Truth or Fake we turn our attention to a recent Twitter spat over potentially fake photos. Two Dutch personalities have clashed over two versions of a picture, one showing a green and pleasant field in the Netherlands. The other, the same field but yellowed, allegedly from being sprayed with glyphosate, a weed killer whose use is controversial because of the health risks it may pose. Journalist Marieke Kuypers helps us decipher which photo, if either, is real.
In Kenya, over 10.000 people die from malaria each year, but the prevalence rate is on a steady downward trend, and a new vaccine looks set to be approved soon. Meanwhile, fighting continues in Sudan despite warring factions agreeing to extend a truce. Those unable to escape are suffering severe shortages of basic goods, water and electricity. Finally we take you to Ivory Coast for the FEMUA music festival, one of West Africa's biggest Afropop events.
What to expect when the most powerful person in the world announces he's running for re-election and he's already a record-breaking 80 years old? Turkey's president also drew attention to his health this week. We'll also ask our Friday panel of journalists whether a wolf warrior diplomat's pronouncements in Paris may have unwittingly forced China's president to pick up the phone and speak with his Ukranian counterpart for the first time since the start of the all-out Russian invasion.
Talking Europe interviews João Gomes Cravinho, Portugal’s top diplomat. He discusses whether Portugal’s ally, Brazil, could have a role to play in talks between Ukraine and Russia one day – this after the president of Brazil, which has not imposed sanctions on Russia, nor sent ammunition to Kyiv, called for a negotiated settlement. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva recently visited Portugal as part of a European diplomatic tour. Cravinho also talks about EU and NATO support to Ukraine, as well as Portugal’s relations with China in the light of how Lisbon approaches the questions of both Macau and Taiwan.
She's been held up as a symbol of femininity for generations of little girls. Yet Barbie's influence on popular culture has been called into question over the years, as the doll stands accused of promulgating unrealistic stereotypes. Now her creators Mattel have responded to that criticism. We learn more about efforts to make Barbie and the fashion industry more inclusive.
Over 95% of malaria cases and deaths are in sub-saharan Africa. There's a world wide push to completely wipe out the disease by 2030. Also two years after Palma in northern Mozambique was captured by extremists and energy giant Tota is thinking about returning to a multi billion dollar gas project that was put on hold. And Tik Tok is being sued by Senegalese tech firms.
In tonight's edition: Sudan's capital Khartoum was still struck with gunfire exchanges before rival generals agreed to accept a three day truce. Meanwhile citizens continue to flock to Sudan's borders to escape the violence. The U.S postpones its meeting over HIV and AIDS in Uganda over Museveni's looming anti-LGBT bill. And residents in DR Congo's Bunagana fear to come home after escaping the violence vetween the Congolese army and M23 rebels.
Nearly two weeks on in Sudan, with no clear winner in sight, the personal power play between rival generals shows all the signs that it could spiral into all-out civil war. There’s the big prize, the capital Khartoum but there are also the tens of thousands who’ve fled Darfur for neighboring Chad, as armed factions choose sides while local rivalries and banditry flare up. How to stop the spiral? Who to stop it? Produced By François Picard, Maya Yataghene and Clémence Waller
Russian forces continue to wage war across Ukraine, but Volodymyr Zelensky's government is already looking ahead to the task of rebuilding. The European Commission and World Bank predict that this could come with a price tag of some $350 billion. The UN recently estimated that some $10 billion worth of damage has been done to Ukraine’s energy infrastructure alone. For more, we speak to Oleksandr Gryban, Ukraine’s deputy minister of the economy.
If you're asked to name a French wine, Bordeaux is usually the first that springs to mind. Wines from the region around the southwestern French metropolis are famous for their complexity, elegance and class. But Bordeaux has so much more going for it than just wine. Join Florence Villeminot and Genie Godula as they discover the history and culture of the city through its gastronomy.
Celebrated as a cult filmmaker for his masterful handling of bad taste and seediness in films like "Pink Flamingos", "Female Trouble" and "Hairspray", John Waters has now published his first novel, "Liarmouth". Featuring a rich tapestry of iconoclastic characters, including trampolining enthusiasts, talking body parts and a trans pet, the book has just been translated into French as "Sale Menteuse". Waters joins us in the studio to discuss conservative attacks on drag queens, his iconic friend and collaborator Divine, cancel culture and whether being a book lover is still a good way to gauge a person's character.
As President Joe Biden announced he is tossing his hat in the ring for a second term, we'll ask about his fitness for the job. Is he up for the task to once again be the most powerful person in the world?More broadly, is U.S. politics skewed towards seniority? Is it a misperception that the baby boomer generation born before 1965 continues to hold a lock on power? Produced by François Picard, Andrew Hilliar and Clemence Waller
US toy manufacturer Mattel has unveiled its latest Barbie doll, representing a person with Down syndrome. It's the latest move from the company that's been working to diversify the Barbie line after being criticised for promoting unrealistic beauty standards. Other toy makers have taken a similar approach. People with disabilities say that seeing dolls that look like them is empowering and can help make society more inclusive. Our Science reporter Shirli Sitbon looks at some reactions from children.
In the sunlight of the French Riviera lies the port of La Ciotat. It's home to the Eden Theatre, the world's oldest cinema. It was there, in 1895, that an audience witnessed the first ever projection of moving pictures: the mythical "Arrival of a Train at La Ciotat" by France's Lumière brothers. A hundred and thirty years later, Michel Cornille is the guardian of this monument of cultural heritage. After being closed for three decades following a deadly hold-up in 1982, the Eden Theatre has been showing films to audiences again since 2013.
Contemporary Beirut is not usually a fairytale setting, but director Wissam Charaf has created something of a modern fable in his latest film "Dirty, Difficult, Dangerous". He tells us about the Syrian refugee and Ethiopian domestic worker at the centre of his romance, and why re-writing their dehumanising experiences was a priority in his film.
In northern Canada, the effects of climate change are becoming increasingly visible. Every winter, ice roads are built on frozen lakes and rivers. They are vital as they allow truckers to access remote communities – including workers at diamond mines – and provide them with necessary supplies. But with global warming, the ice road season is getting shorter. Our colleagues from France 2 report, with FRANCE 24's Jack Colmer Gale.
Award-winning photographer, artist and filmmaker Tomas van Houtryve was selected to visually document the devastation wrought by the massive blaze that ripped through Paris's Notre-Dame Cathedral four years ago. Over the course of 12 months, he enjoyed rare access to the monument and the teams assigned to painstakingly restore it to its former glory. His exhibition "Notre Dame: Rebuilding an Icon" can now be seen outside the cathedral, where it will remain until next summer. He joined us for Perspective.
British American Tobacco (BAT) has been fined $635 million for breaching sanctions on North Korea. The British multinational, a leader in the sale of tobacco products, will pay the record sum to US authorities. BAT's Singapore subsidiary admitted to selling cigarettes to North Korea over a decade between 2007 and 2017, in violation of US sanctions on Pyongyang over its nuclear missile activities. But first, we take a look at the resilient earnings reports of Alphabet and Microsoft and at the rising concerns over the future of First Republic Bank.
The presidential election in Turkey is now less than a month away. Opposition candidate Kemal Kilicdaroglu is hoping to unseat Recep Tayyip Erdogan and polls show the 74-year-old is expected to win a majority of votes in the first round on May 14. In a video that has gone viral, Kilicdaroglu announced he was an Alevi, a member of Turkey's main religious minority. Alevis are Muslims but are considered heretics by some Sunni hardliners. We take a closer look.
IN THE PRESS – Wednesday, April 26: British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is under fire for his government's slow evacuation of British nationals from war-torn Sudan after certain citizens travelled on planes organised by Germany and France. Also: US President Joe Biden announces his re-election bid, with much focus on his age in the illustrated press. Finally, an "ultra-right", anti-woke beer finds a brewery.
Russian forces occupy some 20 percent of Georgia's territory, a consequence of two wars. Officially, Georgia wants to join NATO and the EU; these ambitions are even written into its constitution. But behind the scenes, the country's de facto ruler – oligarch Bidzina Ivanizhvili – is suspected of sabotaging the reforms demanded by Brussels. This has put the ruling party at odds with the population, since the vast majority of Georgians are in favour of joining the EU. FRANCE 24's Elena Volochine reports from Tbilisi.
Every minute, a child somewhere on the planet loses their battle against malaria. Four African nations account for just over half of all deaths worldwide: Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania and Niger. Global health chiefs say extreme weather events are driving sharp increases in both infections and deaths, particularly in countries like Pakistan and Malawi. Dr Saschveen Singh, Tropical Infectious Diseases Advisor at Doctors Without Borders, joined us for Perspective to mark World Malaria Day. She told us that vaccines are "no magic bullet" but "another tool to add to our toolbox".
The US streaming platform Netflix says it's doubling the amount of money invested to create new Korean films and TV shows over the next four years, hoping to capitalise on the success of series like "Squid Game". The announcement came after Netflix's CEO met with South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol in Washington. But first, First Republic Bank reveals it saw more than $100 billion in withdrawals this year amid turmoil in the banking sector.
A decade after its creation, anaerobic digestion is flourishing in France. This method consists in breaking down organic matter to produce biogas, a renewable energy source. The sector already produces the equivalent of the energy capacity of a nuclear reactor, and this will likely be doubled by 2025. A key part of France's strategy for energy sovereignty and its ecological transition, biogas is showing considerable promise. FRANCE 24's Rebecca Martin, Jonathan Walsh, Armelle Caux and James Vasina report.
As South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol heads to Washington for a visit, the Financial Times is reporting that the White House has asked Seoul to urge its chipmakers (Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix) not to fill the China shortfalls of US rival Micron in the event of a ban by Beijing. Such a move would be the latest in an escalating tech rivalry between the United States and China. Also in this edition, we take a closer look at Chile's decision to nationalise its lithium supply.
They share a determination to reduce US and Western influence. Observers say autocratic leaders – from Russia to China to India – are united by a belief that it's time to re-shape the current world order, which emerged in the aftermath of World War II. Our Perspective guest is one of those observers. Julien Théron is a political scientist and lecturer at Sciences Po, and also author of "Le Pacte des Autocrates". For him, autocratic leaders wrongly insist that democracy is only for Western countries.
IN THE PRESS – Monday, April 24: We look at the media reaction to Lu Shaye's comments on Soviet sovereignty. Some are calling the remarks by the Chinese ambassador to France an embarrassment to President Emmanuel Macron. In other news, the French papers "celebrate" one year since the president's re-election. Also, a fresh anti-Semitism row has engulfed the UK's Labour Party, with MP Diane Abbott being suspended from the party. Finally: will space tourists be able to have sex in space?
In tonight's edition, air strikes and firing continue in Sudan's capital, even after the army declares a three-day truce as residents hoping to celebrate Eid al-Fitr are fleeing Khartoum instead. Also, five humanitarian workers have now been killed in a nation highly dependent on food aid.
As Elon Musk surges ahead with his paid verification system on Twitter, copycat accounts are rising as is confusion on the site. New outlets and some government officials are still badge-less, but certain celebrities are being paid for by Musk himself. Vedika Bahl tells you why this is a dangerous move for misinformation, in this edition of Truth or Fake.
The World This Week: Fighting continues in Sudan in spite of Eid celebrations, and left-wing leaders of Latin America roll out the red carpet for Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov. Meanwhile in the United States, an eleventh hour settlement spares Fox News a defamation lawsuit by electronic vote counting machine maker Dominion. We also ask our Friday panel of journalists if it's Emmanuel Macron's lot to be booed wherever he goes after passage of a deeply unpopular pension reform bill.
In this week's show we head to Afghanistan, where women are struggling more than ever to access healthcare, amid tight restrictions under Sharia law imposed by the Taliban. We have a special report from our correspondents. Next, India's top court hears a landmark case brought by same-sex couples seeking a right to legally marry their partners. One gay couple joins us to tell their touching story. Finally, we take a look at a growing trend in drug abuse among young people in South Korea, where the subject remains taboo but public awareness is starting to change.
In tonight's edition: In Sudan, Khartoum residents are desperate for respite after six days of warfare between rival military forces. Two years after palma in northern mozambique was captured by extremists, the situation in Palma has improved but remains fragile. And Eid celebrations in Mali are overshadowed by rising prices.
Conservatives in the US called on a boycott against Bud Light beers after it partnered up with transgender influencer, Dylan Mulvaney. Some supporters of the boycott decided to destroy Bud Light cans in viral videos; amongst the real there are some fake ones too. We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake.
No ceasefire in sight. Does it mean civil war? Sudan caught since last Saturday in the crossfire of an argument between top brass. Neither junta leader Abdel Fattah al-Buhran nor his nominal number two Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo seem ready to listen to outside mediation attempts. The longer the death match continues, the greater the risk that armed factions at home and abroad get drawn in.
Of the 370 long-distance hiking paths that criss-cross the French countryside, some in particular stand out. In Finistère, on the Atlantic, the Chemin du Pouldu merges with the Brittany coast. Its contrasts of green and blue have inspired many artists, such as French painter Paul Gauguin. Down in the Cévennes, Scottish writer Robert Louis Stevenson gave his name to the Chemin Stevenson, where you can still come across donkeys. As for the route to Santiago de Compostela, one of the oldest long-distance hiking paths in France, it contains delights for the eyes and the soul.
London-based artist Richard Mensah speaks to Eve Jackson about his first solo exhibition in Paris, celebrating the Black community across different eras and places in the US, UK and Ghana. "The Softer Side of Us" is on at the Afikaris gallery until May.
On Wednesday, the Florida Board of Education banned the teaching of gender identity and sexuality throughout all grades in public schools, expanding a nearly year-old legislative ban on such lessons for younger children. The rule change is championed by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, who once said that "Florida is where woke goes to die".
May is a month of celebration in France. The bulk of the country's 11 public holidays fall during May, making it a favourite for employees. Meanwhile, May Day or Workers' Day is an annual bellwether for social relations in the country. This year, trade unions are united and fired up against President Emmanuel Macron for ramming his controversial pension reform through parliament without a vote. They're hoping for mass turnout at rallies to put pressure on the government. Finally, May 1 is also a day to wish your loved ones good luck with a bouquet of the beautiful lily of the valley flower.
FRANCE 24 spoke to Natalia Gavrilita, who was prime minister of Moldova from August 2021 until February 2023. She reacted to the recent protests calling for the resignation of President Maia Sandu, saying that a US State Department document "clearly indicates evidence of Russian meddling in Moldova's democratic process". She also stressed that Moldova is "not looking to join the EU for the name only", but rather that "we are ready to do the hard work [and] transform the country, because this is actually better for the Moldovan people".
Electric vehicle maker Tesla reported a 24 percent rise in revenue in the first quarter of the year, while also seeing a 24 percent drop in profits. This follows a price-cutting drive in order to gain more market share in an increasingly competitive industry. Also in this edition, the Republican Party presents its plan to raise the US debt ceiling, and American marijuana producers struggle with market saturation.
Leading Russian political scientist Ekaterina Schulmann was in Russia when the invasion of Ukraine began last year. In April, she accepted a fellowship in Berlin, and just days after she left for Germany she was labelled a "foreign agent" by Moscow, making it impossible for her to return to her home country to teach. She continues to comment regularly on Russian politics, with over 1 million subscribers on her YouTube channel. Schulmann joined us for Perspective to discuss her experience being designated a "foreign agent", the challenges of assessing public opinion in Russia, and the impact the war has had on the stability of the Russian regime.
Production on some of your favourite TV shows could soon come to a halt, after unions representing thousands of TV and film writers voted overwhelmingly in support of a strike. The Writers Guild of America polled their members to gauge support for labour action and the results were unprecedented: almost 98 percent of writers were in favour. FRANCE 24's Culture reporter Olivia Salazar-Winspear tells us more.
IN THE PRESS – Thursday, April 20: We look at reactions in the French papers to President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Alsace, where he confronted angry pension reform protesters. Also: critics slam the US state of Florida's further restrictions on sex education. A German magazine is slammed for revealing that an article with Formula One legend Michael Schumacher was an AI-generated fake. Finally, we leave you with a very cute picture of giant pandas in a Chinese zoo!
In Yemen, more than 900 prisoners were released this past week as momentum builds to end the nine-year conflict there. This is linked to the fact that the leadership in Saudi Arabia and Iran are talking to each other again. The two powers broke off relations seven years ago, impacting politics and conflict across the region. So now that diplomatic ties have been restored, what might change? We take a closer look and speak to Julien Barnes-Dacey, the Middle East Programme Director at the European Council on Foreign Relations.
Africa is one of the continents worst affected by climate change. An estimated 600 million people there don't have access to electricity, while even greater numbers live without clean cooking fuels or technologies. The continent currently accounts for less than 6 percent of global energy consumption and 2 percent of cumulative global emissions. Experts say it has the potential to play a leading role as the planet's energy systems transition to a net-zero future. For more, Dr Rebekah Shirley, Deputy Director at the World Resources Institute Africa, joined us for Perspective.
IN THE PAPERS – Wednesday, April 19: We look at reactions to the arrest of Tunisia's opposition leader and closing of party offices around the country. Spanish paper El Pais reveals that Saudi authorities bribed academics around the world in a bid to improve university rankings. There's outrage in Sri Lanka after authorities agree to make debt repayments to China in the form of macaques. Finally, a pod of whales are seen enjoying a cetacean spa day off the Gold Coast in Australia!
Thirty media outlets in the Forbidden Stories consortium of investigative journalists, including FRANCE 24, are continuing the work of Colombian journalist Rafael Moreno, who was murdered in October 2022. In particular, Moreno was investigating Cerro Matoso, an open-pit nickel mine in Colombia's northern Córdoba region. For 40 years, its operation by an Australian company has been eating away at the ancestral land of the Zenú Indians, who accuse the mine of spreading disease and desolation on their land. FRANCE 24's Pascale Mariani, Juan Orozco, Julia Courtois and Juan Cortés report.
Photographer Boris Eldagsen speaks to Eve Jackson about starting a huge debate about the future of photography. The German artist won a prestigious award with an image he made using artificial intelligence. He entered the photograph into the creative open category at the Sony world photography awards and won. He is refusing the prize. Boris Eldagsen told Encore that he entered to make the world realise we need to think about what AI means for photography.
Due to its intensive agriculture, the Netherlands has the highest nitrogen emissions in Europe. As a result, Dutch forests and rivers are among the most polluted in the world. EU environmental standards dictate that the Dutch government must reduce the presence of this chemical element in the soil. The idea is to get farmers to reduce the number of cattle, pigs and chickens they keep. However, these plans have been put on hold following large-scale protests by farmers.
China's economy grew faster than expected in the beginning of the year at 4.5 percent, on the back of strong export and infrastructure investment figures. GDP is bouncing back after the country put an end to its so-called "Zero-Covid" policy and as the government has pledged to do more to support business. Also today, the Shanghai auto show opens its doors for the first time since 2019 and so does India's first ever Apple store.
Whether out of genuine ideological adherence or fear of the increasingly ruthless crackdown on dissent, a substantial portion of Russians have wholeheartedly adopted Moscow's rhetoric on the war in Ukraine. Franco-Russian journalists Ksenia Bolchakova and Veronika Dorman travelled the country for a look at a how the population is being nursed on a culture of violence and propaganda for their documentary, "Russie: Un peuple qui marche au pas” (Russia: An obedient people). They joined us on Perspective.
IN THE PAPERS - Tuesday, April 18: We look at reactions from the French press after Emmanuel Macron's speech to the nation and take a look at the illustrated press' reactions to the violence in Sudan. Also: a photographer refuses a prize awarded for his work after admitting that it was an AI creation designed to spark a conversation around the future of photography, King Charles reveals his signature coronation dish and New York appoints a “Tsar” to tackle its omnipresent rat population!
IN THE PRESS- Monday, 17.04.2023: We take a look at French President Emmanuel Macron’s attempts to move past his pension reform now that it has become law. We also discuss feminism in Russia, Iran and North Africa. And we dive into multiple advances in the fight against cancer. Finally, the Washington Post wonders what the future of wild sex will be.
Uganda has seen a new wave of hatred and “anti-gay” demonstrations sweep through the country since January... after a case of suspected paedophilia in a school became a pretext to condemn the entire LGBT community. Homosexuality is illegal in the country and punishable by imprisonment. But the authorities, including the president and his wife, want to strengthen anti-LGBTQ+ laws, and condemn being openly gay. Parliament passed a new “anti-homosexual” bill at the end of March, which worries the gay community in the country and has provoked outrage from many Ugandan and Western NGOs.
It is the most populous city in the Americas and the fifth largest city in the world: Sao Paulo, Brazil, a city evoking everything from bustling skyscrapers full of financial opportunity to rampant corruption, inequality and violence. The country's richest city, it is also the setting for British author Joe Thomas's latest book, “Brazilian Psycho”. He joined us on Perspective.
In an eagerly-awaited decision, the nine members of France's Constitutional Council will rule this Friday on whether to accept, modify or reject Emmanuel Macron's unpopular pension reform. They'll also be deciding whether to authorise a public referendum that would cap the retirement age at 62. In Perspective, we found out more about the potential outcomes and what might come next with Paul Smith, an Associate Professor in French and Francophone Studies at the University of Nottingham.
This week, Twitter owner Elon Musk was back in the headlines with lawsuits, media rows and a secret plan to develop new artificial intelligence, after he said he wouldn't. Our Tech Editor Peter O'Brien breaks it all down for us.
IN THE PRESS – Friday, 14.04.2023: We take a look at an article in The Atlantic on ice cream and how multiple studies show it is good for your health. Prior to that, we look at how the French press is covering the long-awaited verdict by France’s Constitutional Council on the government's pension reform. We also dive into the US papers' views on the latest Clarence Thomas scandal and how big pharma could become the anti-abortion movement's next enemy.
According to a UN forecast, India will overtaken China as the world's most populous country this Friday, with more than 1.4 billion inhabitants. Large Indian cities like Mumbai are already saturated. More than 20 million people live in the country's economic capital, in an area barely six times larger than central Paris. Mumbai is the victim of excessive urbanisation, with rents soaring and wealth gaps widening between the upper classes and poorer residents, especially those living in slums. Our correspondents report.
For the first time in Sweden's political history, the right-wing coalition struck a cooperation agreement with the right-wing populist Sweden Democrats in October 2022 in order to secure a slim parliamentary majority. This allowed Ulf Kristersson, leader of the Moderate Party, to be elected prime minister by a narrow margin. The Sweden Democrats, which some experts class as far-right, are now trying to show a less radical face in order to broaden their electorate and succeed in getting closer to power – they currently have no ministers in the cabinet. FRANCE 24's Jack Colmer Gale and Mohamed Farhat went to Stockholm and Uppsala to meet some of the young people involved in Sweden's right-wing politics.
IN THE PRESS – Thursday, 13.04.2023: We discuss the Washington Post's exclusive interview with a friend of the man who leaked top secret US intelligence documents on Discord. We also dive into the papers' pushback – and praise – of Emmanuel Macron's stance on China and Taiwan. Elon Musk and the American press are commenting on radio network NPR's decision to no longer use Twitter. Finally, the Spanish press is covering a reality TV cooking show that led to dozens of people getting food poisoning.
Reed Brody, a top US and international lawyer, tells FRANCE 24 he does not see Americans voting collectively for another four years of Donald Trump. After Trump last week became the first former US president to be indicted on criminal changes, Brody says the indictment – and other more serious potential charges ahead – could rally ardent Republican supporters behind Trump in the short term. But he says many US voters in the middle of the political spectrum are "tired of crazy" and want to see normal politics again. Brody joined us for Perspective.
Lebanon's economic meltdown has plunged most of the population into poverty. It's now also threatening the country's security. As the currency has plummeted to new lows in recent months, salaries too have fallen, as prices rise. To make ends meet, soldiers are being forced to take on second jobs, or even desert their ranks. Our Beirut correspondents went to meet two of them.
During its annual Spring Meeting in Washington, the International Monetary Fund has revised its forecasts upward to 7 percent for global inflation this year and 4.9 percent in 2024. Those figures, above the target rate of 2 percent, will be contributing factors in slowing down growth, including for developing economies. Also in the show, Switzerland holds parliamentary hearings to review the takeover of embattled bank Credit Suisse by its rival UBS. Plus, Chile passes a law to gradually reduce the working week to 40 hours.
IN THE PAPERS – Thursday, April 12: Russian lawmakers move to make it virtually impossible for eligible citizens to flee conscription, with new penalties and an electronic tracking system. In other news: French actor Gérard Depardieu is accused of sexual violence by multiple women and Libération issues a warning about insect populations being decimated. Finally, there's a new record in the Guinness World Records: the world's smallest dog!
Syria has been torn apart by years of civil war, and while the country is still split into government and rebel-controlled zones, Western travel influencers are sharing videos of their "apolitical" trips to the country. But what is the truth behind their content? In this video, we uncover how these influencers are being shown around the country by regime-sponsored guides who shape the narrative. One guide even has family ties with the Syrian deputy minister of tourism.
After three decades of conflict that left 3,500 people dead, the 1998 Good Friday Agreement reached by the political protagonists in Northern Ireland found common ground for power-sharing between unionists, who want Northern Ireland to remain part of the United Kingdom, and republicans, who call for a united and independent Ireland. Today, 25 years on, Northern Ireland has become a largely peaceful society. Our corrrespondent Hervé Amoric has been meeting Belfast families – from both unionist and republican backgrounds – whose lives were transformed by the Agreement.
Our guest not only moved from New York to Paris without speaking any French, but has now become a stand-up comedian here in France, managing to perform in both English and French. Sebastian Marx has created a one-man show based on taking the mickey out of the French – both the language and the culture. He's not afraid of doing the same for Americans, too. So how does it all go down with French audiences? He joined us for Perspective to tell us more.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is heading to China this week to meet with Xi Jinping, the leader of Brazil's most important trade partner. Lula will be accompanied by a delegation of over 200 businesspeople. We take a look at what's behind the record flow of exchanges between Beijing and Brasilia last year. Meanwhile, China and Australia are also improving their strained ties: the two sides have reached an agreement on rolling back punitive tariffs on barley.
In France, mothers face a nightmare battle to protect their children after they accuse the father of incest. While police and social services investigate, these mothers are forced to respect custody arrangements or face fines and even prison sentences. They are undermined and labelled as "over-protective", "manipulative" and desperate to gain exclusive custody, while their children have to spend weekends and holidays with their accused perpetrators. Some end up breaking the law to protect their children.
IN THE PRESS – Tuesday, April 11: The international press continues its backlash against Emmanuel Macron for his comments on Taiwan and China-US tensions. Also, the Washington Post reveals that leaked classified documents show Egypt planned to supply Russia with weapons. Junior doctors go on strike in England, with devastating consequences for patients. Finally, a new report reveals that "Fleabag" creator Phoebe Waller Bridge was paid $60 million in her lucrative Amazon contract but produced no new content!
Earlier this year in Mexico, 29-year-old Magnolia Camacho lost her life after undergoing more than 30 surgeries in six months, following the placement of a gastric band. In 2021, a 26-year-old woman died after a cosmetic surgery operation. In the Mexican state of Sinaloa, beauty standards mean that many women resort to plastic surgery to shape their bodies in the figure of the "buchona": a voluptuous woman linked to narco culture. Women sometimes put their lives at risk by going to black market surgeons operating in clandestine clinics. Our correspondents report from Culiacan, the capital of Sinaloa state, on these risky low-cost cosmetic surgery practices.
After building an electric vehicle factory in Shanghai in 2019, the US company has signed an agreement to build another plant in the city, this time to make large-scale energy storage units known as "megapacks". With the agreement, Elon Musk's company is doubling down on its China investments, amid increasing pressure from Washington on US companies to divest. Also, while India is set to become the world's most populous country this week, women there are seeing their place in the workforce decline.
IN THE PRESS – Monday, 10.04.2023: We take a look at the fallout from a leak of secret Pentagon documents and how it differs from previous intelligence dumps. The press is also expressing praise and concern on the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday peace accords. We then look into reactions to French President Emmanuel Macron's comment that Europe needs "strategic autonomy" from the US. Finally, we find out about an elderly bank robber and a slumdog billionaire art project.
Donald Trump walked into a Manhattan courthouse Tuesday to become the first-ever criminally-indicted former U-S president.A couple of weeks ago, Chinese president was in Moscow. Now Xi Jinping rolls out the red carpet. Last week for Spainish prime minister. Now for French president. Emmanuel Macron on his first state visit to China since Covid.
In this week's show we see how Indian officials are furious after China renamed 11 places in Arunachal Pradesh. It is a disputed Himalayan border region under Indian control, which Beijing considers part of southern Tibet. Next, we head to Nepal, which is home to the "most dangerous runway in the world". We get a bird's-eye view of a tiny airfield in the mountains, where tricky landings are a risky but vital part of everyday life. Finally, we head to Thailand, where a cannabis pipe dream is going up in smoke. A year after decriminalisation, marijuana remains a politically divisive issue in the country ahead of elections.
The French Caribbean overseas department of Martinique has a large agricultural sector, with banana and sugar plantations stretching as far as the eye can see. But the island also relies heavily on food imports. This spells bad news for consumers, as most products cost around 10 percent more than in mainland France. For the past few years, however, Martinique has seen a rise in initiatives that aim to diversify its crops. Cocoa production is even making a comeback. Our France 2 colleagues report, with FRANCE 24's Guillaume Gougeon and Jack Colmer Gale.
The Europol law enforcement agency has told FRANCE 24 that the "whole infrastructure" of popular cybercrime website Genesis Market has been taken down by an international police consortium, after claims it was still active on the dark web. We take a closer look in this edition of Tech 24.
More than a year after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, changes in global trading flows have transformed the world economy. Western sanctions against Moscow have forced Russia to rely on different partners – China and India in particular. To help us make sense of these developments and what they mean, we speak to Ali Wyne, a senior analyst at the Eurasia Group.
As the "Ramses and the Gold of the Pharaohs" exhibition opens in Paris, we bring you a special show dedicated to the celebrated king who ruled the Egyptian empire over 3,000 years ago. The exhibition's centrepiece is the pharaoh's sarcophagus, which is on special loan to France. It's a gesture of recognition from Egyptian authorities after French scientists saved the mummy of Ramses II from a devastating fungus in 1976. Our Culture Editor Eve Jackson went to check out the once-in-a-lifetime show, while Lyana Saleh of FRANCE 24's Arabic channel spoke with renowned Egyptian archaeologist Zahi Hawass about the fight to repatriate Egypt's ancient artefacts.
Despite its historic reputation as a centre of education, power and wealth, Cambridge is the UK’s most unequal city. Like the rest of the country, many of its residents are suffering greatly from the nation's cost-of-living crisis but none more so than women and children. This as the number of food banks in the country now outnumber McDonald's outlets, with a fast-growing number of working women becoming regular customers seeking donated food. In a special edition, Annette Young meets a cross-section of women whose lives have been dramatically impacted by a rapidly declining economy.
The Dutch coalition government survived a no-confidence vote on April 5. But its problems are far from over – with pressure from the farmers' movement causing tensions inside the coalition. The pro-farmers' BBB party made a breakthrough in the provincial elections in March, rattling the political establishment. Farmers are calling for a review of the government's policy on reducing nitrogen emissions, saying the cuts could ruin their livelihoods. Talking Europe speaks to the Dutch Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Sigrid Kaag about the latest turmoil, but also about the upcoming state visit to the Netherlands by French President Emmanuel Macron.
This week, an investigation by the Guardian newspaper revealed that King Charles III and his late mother Queen Elizabeth II received around £1 billion from a number of estates. Some British people believe that money should go to the public purse instead. A month before Charles's coronation, our international affairs editor and royal watcher Philip Turle has been looking into just how rich the British monarch is, and how much the royal family costs British taxpayers.
Professor Francine Ntoumi, 62, is a world-renowned scientist and malaria specialist. She is spending a year travelling through her country, the Republic of Congo, to spread the word that education and science can make it a better place and create opportunities for the younger generation, particularly women and girls. Reaching out to the local population, raising awareness and allowing more young women to access science is Professor Ntoumi's driving ambition. Kate Thompson-Gorry and Michel Welterlin went to meet her.
Shakespeare wrote in "Hamlet" some 400 years ago: "There are more things in Heaven and Earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy". According to our guest, everything we've been told throughout the generations about the universe could be turned on its head in the coming years, because of a new branch of astronomy based on gravitational waves. Gianfranco Bertone calls it multimessenger astronomy. He is a professor in the physical theory of astroparticles at Amsterdam University and his new book is called "A Tale of Two Infinities". He spoke to FRANCE 24's Gavin Lee about what it all means.
We look at why the IMF's predicted economic growth of just 3 percent, the lowest forecast since 1990, could hurt developing nations most. We also take a closer look at Airbus's deal in China, as French President Emmanuel Macron meets his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. Finally, we find out why Sean "Diddy" Combs has been paying Sting $5,000 a day, and has been doing so for years.
IN THE PAPERS – Friday, April 7: We look at reactions from the Israeli and Lebanese papers after retaliatory strikes between both countries. Also, Indian history textbooks have omitted or revised parts of India's past, in what many see as an attempt by PM Narendra Modi to push forward his Hindu nationalist agenda. Plus, it's International Beaver Day – a chance to celebrate the friendly dam-building rodents. Finally, Ben Affleck stuns fans with a near-fluent interview in Spanish to promote his latest film!
Russian dissident Vladmir Osechkin spoke to FRANCE 24 from the French city of Biarritz, where he has been living in exile since 2015. The founder of Gulagu.net, an NGO that documents abuses in the Russian prison system, believes the Russian secret services "tried to organise his liquidation" in September 2022. Osechkin compared Russian President Vladimir Putin to a "new Stalin" at the head of a 21st-century Gulag, "pushing inmates to head to war" in Ukraine.
Donald Trump is a former US president, a candidate for re-election and now also a criminal defendant. The first former US president to face criminal charges is using the case against him to build support for another White House bid in 2024. Prosecutors accuse him of running a scheme to conceal damaging information from American voters before the 2016 election, including by paying hush money to a porn star. In this special edition, we take a closer look at the case and speak to Eric Lisann, a lawyer, legal analyst and former US federal prosecutor.
In an interview with FRANCE 24 in New York, former US counterterrorism czar Richard Alan Clarke described the main threats facing the United States in cyberspace and warned that Russia's cyber weapons could potentially "do a lot of damage" in the US. To explain why this hasn't happened so far, he cited an "unwritten rule" he believes the US and Russia are both following: "[if] you don't attack me, I won't attack you".
Is Bashar al-Assad's isolation on the world stage coming to an end? The Syrian dictator has been shunned by the international community since 2011, when his regime brutally crushed anti-government protests, triggering the civil war in Syria. But in recent months, a growing number of countries have been coordinating with Assad's government. Saudi Arabia is expected to invite Assad to the Arab League summit next month, 12 years after Syria was suspended from the organisation. Our Foreign Affairs Commentator Douglas Herbert tells us more.
French President Emmanuel Macron and EU Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen begin a three-day visit to China this Wednesday, with a delegation of more than 50 business leaders in tow. But while there is eagerness to revive ties with a Chinese economy that's opening up again, other geopolitical considerations could get in the way of business. Also in this edition, US healthcare giant Johnson & Johnson proposes a $8.9 billion settlement over allegations that its talcum powder caused cancer.
IN THE PRESS – Wednesday, April 5: We look at reactions from the US press over felony charges against Donald Trump, with a striking cover from Time magazine. Also, France announces it will prosecute three high-ranking Syrian officials over crimes against humanity. King Charles' gorgeous, colourful coronation invitations are unveiled one month ahead of the ceremony. Finally, find out why Australians are so crazy for hot-cross buns!
It's now been 20 years since Recep Tayyip Erdogan rose to power in Turkey. Either way you look at it, he has undeniably transformed the country. For his supporters, he has turned Turkey into a regional powerhouse and rolled back secularism often associated with the West. But for critics, he has put the country on a more Islamist, even authoritarian path. Claude Guibal is a journalist specialised in the Middle East and creator of a podcast series on the Turkish president. She joined us for Perspective.
Disney CEO Bob Iger has criticised Florida governor and Republican presidential hopeful Ron DeSantis as being "anti-business" and "anti-Florida". The comments are part of an ongoing feud between the entertainment giant and DeSantis that started when Disney voiced its opposition to a state law banning education on LGBT issues in schools. Also on the show, we look at oil prices soaring 6 percent on Monday on the back of a surprise supply cut announced by OPEC+. Finally, Britain's King Charles III gets his own stamps.
IN THE PRESS – Tuesday, April 4: We look at why a US women's collegiate basketball final became so controversial and why it underpins racial and gender double standards. Also, Emmanuel Macron and EU Commission leader Ursula von der Leyen head to China in a diplomatic visit aimed at assuaging tensions. The Washington Post looks at a history of famous mugshots ahead of Donald Trump's hearing. Finally, a manager at Britain's Royal Mail is slammed for a cruel April Fool's Day prank.
With the Paris 2024 Olympic Games now less than 500 days away, construction projects are well under way in host nation France. More than 1,500 small businesses are working on the building of stadiums and other essential infrastructure. In the Saint-Denis suburb north of Paris, a new aquatic centre and Olympic village are being built, offering a host of opportunities for small companies to expand their activities and access new markets. Our France 2 colleagues report, with FRANCE 24's Lauren Bain.
A weekly news show produced with photos, videos and personal accounts from the FRANCE 24 Observers around the world - all checked by our staff here in Paris.
The dismantling of the Jim Crow segregation system in the United States and the suffragette movement giving women the right to vote are just two examples of mass changes brought about through civil disobedience. For a growing number of activists, confronting climate change is no different. Many argue that only civil disobedience campaigns will spur the radical changes necessary to prevent irreversible disaster. Oscar Berglund is a researcher and lecturer at the University of Bristol specialised in civil disobedience and climate activism. He joined us for Perspective.
Located around 40 kilometres from Abidjan, the Ivorian beach resort of Grand-Bassam has become the symbol a tragedy – that of the first major terrorist attack in Ivory Coast. On March 13, 2016, 19 people were gunned down, including nine foreigners, and about 30 injured. In December 2022, four men were sentenced to life imprisonment by the courts for aiding and abetting the terrorists. The alleged masterminds of the attack were sentenced in absentia. But the trial failed to shed any real light on the attack. FRANCE 24's Sophie Lamotte and Sadia Mandjo report from Grand-Bassam, scarred forever by the tragedy.
A right to die with dignity, or a slippery slope to legalised murder? Debates over assisted dying have been going on in Europe for a long time, but they seem to have intensified, with France, Belgium, Portugal and Ireland all recently re-considering their legislation, or at least launching consultations on the subject.
France's Victor Weinsanto, Vincent Pressiat and Alice Vaillant encapsulate a new generation of boundless energy and talent; of fashion designers determined to disrupt the sartorial status quo. Not only do they embrace the latest couture innovations, they're also firmly plugged into the zeitgeist – a desire to create fashion that's more responsible, more daring and more free. FRANCE 24 takes a closer look.
On Sunday, Bulgarians are voting in their fifth parliamentary election in two years. No stable majority has emerged from the previous polls. The political landscape is divided, particularly over the question of support for Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022. Bulgaria is a member of NATO and the European Union, but also has deep historical and cultural ties with Russia and still hosts pockets of loyal support for this Slavic past. FRANCE 24's David Gilberg and Elitsa Gadeva report from Sofia, with Emerald Maxwell.
The security situation in Haiti has spiralled out of control since the shock assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July 2021, with the country increasingly beset by violence. Today, unrest has reached such levels that the United Nations is being urged to intervene and there has been a total breakdown of governance. The country is increasingly at the mercy of criminal gangs and half of the population struggles to find food. FRANCE 24's team travelled to Port-au-Prince, the Haitian capital, before gangs took full control of the city. They met a writer, a street vendor and a food importer, as well as residents trying to flee abroad.
Britain has clinched a deal to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and become the trade bloc's first new member since its inauguration in 2018. It's a win for the UK, which had been looking to bolster global trade ties since leaving the European Union. Plus, with the US expected to announce guidance for tax breaks on new electric cars, we take a closer look at the conditions set under the Inflation Reduction Act.
IN THE PRESS – Friday, 31.03.2023: Following Donald Trump's indictment on criminal charges, a first for a former US president, we focus entirely on how the American press and social media are covering the news. Papers are also talking about Trump's reaction: how he wrote "indicated" instead of "indicted". We then dive into the many angles of the story, comparing coverage from conservative and mainstream media. We finish by looking at how Twitter users are praising, lambasting and joking about the charges.
Lined by magnificent French castles frozen in time, the Loire is nicknamed the royal river, with its breathtaking views of these jewels of Renaissance architecture. But the river is also a place to escape, to get back to nature and to discover a lesser-known heritage. In Chaumont-sur-Loire, an association is bringing traditional flat-bottomed boats back to life, in order to offer tourists an exceptional view of the region's castles. Meanwhile, thanks to the development of a network of cycling paths, the most athletic visitors can now choose to admire the beauties of the royal river by bike.
A recent report points to raccoon dogs as possible transmitters at the origin of the Covid-19 pandemic. DNA samples collected at the Huanan Wholesale Seafood Market in China show that several raccoon dogs were present in areas where the SARS-CoV-2 virus was found. FRANCE 24's Science Editor Shirli Sitbon looks at what the data may have revealed and why it has disappeared from data-sharing site GISAID.
Lebanon has been drowning in a series of crises since 2019. The economic, banking and political systems are in tailspin and the national currency has lost 98 percent of its value. With inflation in three-figure percentages for the third year running, eight out of 10 inhabitants now live under the poverty line. Fleeing Lebanon, illegally or not, is becoming more and more common, with many residents no longer able to continue a life of poverty. Our France 2 colleagues report, with FRANCE 24's Jack Colmer Gale.
In this special edition, we focus on the continuing crisis in Haiti. The country, which has still not recovered from the devastation of the 2010 earthquake and a hurricane six years later, has been spiralling even deeper into disaster since the assassination of President Jovenel Moise almost two years ago. Some 531 people have been killed in gang violence in Haiti since the start of the year alone.
Disney has laid off Isaac ("Ike") Perlmutter, the head of Marvel Entertainment, as part of its cost-cutting plans. The company began cutting 7,000 jobs this week in an effort to reduce $5.5 billion in costs. Also, Portugal scraps VAT on basic food products in a bid to fight inflation. Plus, the man who invented mobile phones half a century ago tells people to take their eyes off their smartphones.
IN THE PRESS – Thursday, 30.03.23: Multiple French papers are digging into audio recordings of Saturday's protest against water reservoirs, namely of first responders saying they were told not to go in and help wounded protesters. We also look at the state of India’s democracy and if it could change the world in the next decade. Finally, we take a look at two ancestry stories, one that says that DNA proves Swahili oral history to be true and one that explains why human empathy may have originated from fish.
Jake Adelstein, the author of Tokyo Vice and the creator of its television series, has released a new book that delves deeper into his experiences in Japan. Tokyo Detective follows Adelstein's life as a private detective in the country, investigating the mafia who have evolved into legitimate businessmen. While his original book chronicled his 12-year journey as an American reporter for a Japanese newspaper in Tokyo, this new work offers a more nuanced perspective of Japanese society's underbelly. Recently published in French, the book will be available in English next year, coinciding with the second season of the Tokyo Vice series. Adelstein spoke to Perspective about his latest work.
As the European Union is poisedto agree tougher targets to expand renewable energy by 2030, members remain split over whether to recognise nuclear power as a renewable energy source and allow it to contribute towards the EU's goals. Plus, Adidas files and quickly retracts an opposition to the Black Lives Matter global network's trademark application for register the movement's three parallel stripes.
In the wake of the recent Nashville primary school shooting in the US, the debate over gun violence has resurfaced. Today's focus takes us to Japan, a country known for its low murder rates. Although gun ownership is not uncommon in Japan, it is tightly regulated. Japan's anti-gun culture has deep roots that date back 150 years and were reinforced during the US-led Occupation after World War II.Report by Ryusuke Murata, Pierre-Emmanuel Delétrée, Alexis Bregere and Justin McCurry.
Following weeks of mass protests and a day of nationwide turmoil, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has yielded to pressure and agreed to postpone his controversial judicial reforms as of March 27th. This decision was a significant reversal for his government, which had fired the defense minister just a day earlier in response to his demands for a delay in the divisive law.
IN THE PRESS - Wednesday, March 29: We look at how the French and international media have reacted to a tenth day of national strikes in France. In other news: The United States is reeling from another school shooting, and the Washington Post discusses the dangers of the AR-15. Also, The Guardian issues an apology for its founders' links to slavery. Finally, an Australian company has created the world's first ever mammoth meatball!
The United States and Japan have agreed a deal on trading in minerals that are key to making electric car batteries. The aim is to bolster EV (electric vehicle) battery supply chains and reduce the countries' reliance on China. The deal will give Japanese carmakers wider access to $7,500 tax breaks under President Joe Biden's Inflation Reduction Act. Plus, Twitter CEO Elon Musk has announced a shake-up of the social media platform's "verified user", or Blue Tick, feature.
IN THE PRESS – Tuesday, 28.03.2023: The French papers are discussing the security and political implications of this tenth day of nationwide strikes and protests. We also look at Israeli views on PM Benjamin Netanyahu postponing his judicial reforms. We then discover reactions to a brutal video showing the killing of children in Burkina Faso. Finally, we discuss reactions to a Florida school board accepting parents' view that Michelangelo's David is pornographic.
FRANCE 24 spoke to Artur Smolyaninov, a well-known Russian actor. Once acclaimed by Russian President Vladimir Putin, he has now been designated a foreign agent by Russia and forced to flee his country. Our guest explains why he has publicly opposed the war in Ukraine and even vowed to fight on Ukraine's side: Ukrainians "are fighting for their freedom".
IN THE PRESS- Monday, 27.03.2023: We take a look at how the French papers are covering incidents of police brutality towards protesters. We also look at the parallels and differences between protests in France and Israel. The papers are also discussing a daylight savings time dispute in Lebanon. Finally, we also find out how smelling another person's body odor could ease anxiety.
It is crucial week for the future of the French government’s plans to reform the pension system. Another huge strike is planned by the unions for Tuesday, and any significant dip in the number of people taking part in demonstrations will weaken their cause. If the numbers hold up, will the government offer an olive branch to try to calm the situation? For the unions, however, olive branches will not be enough: they want the plans to be simply withdrawn, or at least paused. For Perspective, we spoke to Richard Werly, France correspondent for the Swiss newspaper Blick.
Surveillance state or inventory tool? Canadian shoppers online have accused supermarket giant Walmart of extreme video surveillance and “controlling the population,” after a video of mysterious black box cameras appeared in the food aisles. We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake with Vedika Bahl.
Tonight, the Rwandan government says key opposition figure Paul Rusesabagina will be released this week. DR Congo's President Felix Tshisikedi reshuffles his cabinet ahead of December elections. As Ramadan starts across the Muslim world, Tunisians are struggling to make ends meet as soaring prices threaten their night-time feasts.
First, the personnel in charge of rolling out the red carpet went on strike, and then the unions invited everyone to show up at the Palace of Versailles, then protesters torched the entrance to Bordeaux City Hall, Bordeaux where King Charles was due to debut his first state visit abroad as monarch. His hosts throwing in the towel and announcing the postponement of the royal trip.
At 87 years old, Iwao Hakamada is on the verge of finding true freedom, more than 50 years after being sentenced to death for murders he says he did not commit. Tokyo's high court ordered a retrial this month, acknowledging that key evidence that led to his conviction had likely been fabricated by investigators. Along with the US, Japan is one of the few developed countries that maintain capital punishment. For more, we speak to Chiara Sangiorgio, death penalty advisor at Amnesty International.
Talking Europe speaks to the European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights, Nicolas Schmit. With anger growing in France about the government's push to increase the retirement age from 62 to 64, and the EU facing an ongoing cost-of-living crisis, his portfolio is very much in the spotlight – including recommendations to encourage a Minimum Income for all.
What will it cost to transition the global economy to net zero? We take a look at how much money should be spent and where, in order to mitigate global warming. Charles Pellegrin speaks to Lord Adair Turner, Chair of the Energy Transitions Commission, a global coalition of leaders from across the energy landscape.
Mohamed ElBaradei was director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) from 1997 until 2009. In an interview with FRANCE 24, he reflected on the US-led invasion of Iraq 20 years ago this week, which he opposed. "If I now look in hindsight, it was not really about weapons of mass destruction. It was about regime change," he said. ElBaradei added: "They (the US) thought the best pretext was to say that Saddam Hussein was linked to al Qaeda and had WMDs (...) They didn't really have any evidence. It was all about belief. And they started a slew of deception and misinformation."
It has ravaged farms, decimated wild birds and spilled onto mammals. Could avian flu spark the next human pandemic? The Down to Earth team takes a closer look.
French legislators on Thursday passed a bill to power up police surveillance using artificial intelligence. The move comes ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics, which will see millions descend on the French capital. The law will allow authorities to use software to identify potential threats such as dangerous crowd movements and abandoned bags. It forbids the use of biometric identification such as facial recognition, but activists argue it nevertheless opens the floodgates to potentially discriminatory and privacy-harming automated surveillance.
Twelve years ago, young people took to the streets calling for constitutional reforms in Jordan. But the March 24 youth movement fizzled out. Following the return to state of emergency legislation imposed during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, the authorities issued new laws that can be used to silence journalists and citizens who dare to criticise the monarchy, this in a country often perceived as being one of the most moderate in the Middle East. In Amman, some are raising their voices to fight for freedom of expression. Our regional correspondents Chloé Domat and Sophie Guignon report.
The recent resignations of high-profile female leaders, the anti-Amber Heard cyberbullying operation after her trial against Johnny Depp and the mass harassment of female rights activists have one common thread: the use of gendered disinformation campaigns that are often monetized by digital platforms. The global phenomenon risks not only discouraging women from participating in politics, but also threatens democratic institutions. Erin Ogunkeye speaks to gender equality expert Lucina Di Meco, who spearheaded a report on the patterns and motives driving the attacks. We also take a look at growing cases of rape and sexual abuse at a displacement camp in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Rose Valland was one of the most highly decorated spies during World War II, credited with playing a leading role in saving thousands of looted artworks during the Nazi occupation. She was a Parisian art historian who spied on powerful Nazi leaders such as Hermann Göring over a period of four years. Rose's information enabled soldiers to know what to look for when recovering the stolen artworks. But she remains a relatively unknown figure in popular culture. Journalist Michelle Young is aiming to change that. She has uncovered more information about Rose's life, and her new book "The Art Spy" tells that story. She spoke to FRANCE 24’s Gavin Lee for Perspective.
Just like his mother before him, King Charles II is not only head of state of the United Kingdom, but also of 14 Commonwealth countries. For years however, rumours have been circulating that after Queen Elizabeth II passed away, several of those nations would announce their decision to become a republic. So is it true? Our international affairs editor and royal watcher Philip Turle investigates in this edition of Coronation Countdown.
In this special history episode of French Connections Plus, we take a deep dive into "la Belle Époque" or "The Beautiful Era", a period in France history straddling the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. It was a moment of peace and prosperity, technological progress, bubbling creativity and hope in the future. The period also saw deep societal change that laid the foundations of modern-day France. But there was a darker side to "la Belle Époque", as it was marked by great inequality and imperialism. This begs the question: was it really such a beautiful era? We take a closer look.
Gregory Maqoma is one of South Africa's biggest choreographers, with shows that have been performed around the world. His latest production "Broken Chord" is currently showing in Paris. It tells the tragic story of an African choir who travelled to the UK at the end of the 19th century to raise money to build a school. He stopped by FRANCE 24 to tell Marjorie Hache about why the story still resonates today, what drove him to become a dancer and his favourite new artists.
To mark French Language and La Francophonie Week, we head across the Atlantic to New Orleans in Louisiana. Located on the banks of the Mississippi, it's the most French of American cities. Some want to preserve New Orleans' rich colonial heritage. In particular, they are striving to save Cajun, an archaic form of the French language directly inherited from the 18th century colonisers. Our France 2 colleagues report, with FRANCE 24's Jack Colmer Gale.
Brazilian authorities are taking aggressive action to fight deforestation. Since President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva returned to office, he has been working to preserve rainforest land. But the task isn't easy because funding for environmental protection was cut during the presidential term of his predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro. Our Science Editor Shirli Sitbon tells us why there is nevertheless reason for hope.
Oscar-winning actor Tilda Swinton has worked with some of the world's most gifted directors: Jim Jarmusch, Wes Anderson, Bong Joon-ho and the Coen brothers. Her latest film is her third with her longtime friend and collaborator, British director Joanna Hogg. "The Eternal Daughter" is a contemplation of life and death, with the British actor playing both the mother and the daughter. She speaks to Eve Jackson about the thrill of playing multiple roles in one project, the films of her career that always stay with her and why she loves being onscreen with her dogs. On the 30th anniversary of Sally Potter's "Orlando", she also talks about why Virginia Woolf's story about a time-travelling, sex-changing figure is not about gender.
Located beside the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro, Guanabara Bay is home to rich biodiversity and represents the livelihood of thousands of fishermen. But over the past few decades, its beauty has been tarnished by daily dumping of sewage, as well as chemical and plastic waste. According to a study by Rio de Janeiro State University, some 90 tonnes of waste are still dumped into the Bay every day, complicating the lives of the 12 million people who live nearby. Our correspondents Perrine Juan, Louise Raulais, Amin Guidara and Tim Vickery bring us this report to mark World Water Day.
The two sides in Yemen's conflict have agreed to free nearly 900 people in a prisoner exchange. That deal comes less than two weeks after Saudi Arabia and Iran re-established diplomatic ties after years of hostility. The two regional powers have backed opposing sides in Yemen's war, and their rapprochement has galvanised efforts to end the conflict. We take a closer look.
Taha Siddiqui is an award-winning former FRANCE 24 journalist who fled Pakistan after escaping a kidnapping attempt. He's now exiled in France and has since discovered he's on a kill list in Pakistan and can never return to his home country. In 2020, Taha opened a bar in Paris to help people in exile like himself, called The Dissident Club. That's also the name of his autobiographical story, which has just been published in France – not as a traditional first-person account, but in comic book format. He spoke to Gavin Lee on Perspective.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Kyiv have reached a staff-level agreement for a $15.6 billion loan which should be finalised in the coming weeks. The Washington-based lender had previously changed its rules in order to allow loans to countries facing "exceptionally high uncertainty", without naming Ukraine specifically. Also in this bulletin, we see how Germany's solar panel boom is being stifled by a labour shortage. Plus, a new study shows that Scotland's minimum pricing of alcohol may well have saved lives.
IN THE PRESS – Wednesday, March 22: The French papers look ahead to Emmanuel Macron's live TV interview amid ongoing nationwide anger over pension reforms. In the UK, former PM Boris Johnson is to defend his actions over the Partygate scandal in front of a parliamentary committee that could decide his political future. Also, Japan's baseball team defeats the US to win the World Baseball Classic championship. Finally, Robbie Williams delights by inviting two fans with terrible seats at his Paris concert up on stage!
Russian President Vladimir Putin is accused of kneeling down before his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping and using a body double during his recent trip to occupied Mariupol. We debunk these claims in this edition of Truth or Fake.
In tonight's edition: Uganda passes a strict anti-LGBT law, the military junta ruling Burkina Faso brings in a new bill to protect detainees' rights, and we visit the eco-friendly golf course trading in its greens for browns.
"In love, there is always one who kisses, and one who offers the cheek." That French proverb was borrowed by Winston Churchill's daughter to describe the British prime minister's relationship during World War II with US president Franklin D. Roosevelt. When observing the optics of Xi Jinping's three-day state visit to Moscow, we ask about the stakes of the first trip to Russia by China's president since Vladimir Putin's decision to launch an all-out invasion of Ukraine.
Once important seats of Christian worship, and now treasures of the country's heritage, French abbeys often have surprising histories. That’s the case of Fontevraud abbey, in the former duchy of Anjou. Run by a woman during its heyday, the abbey was turned into a prison after the French Revolution. In Alsace, the abbey of Mont Sainte-Odile is famous for its supposedly miraculous spring water. Finally, on the outskirts of Montpellier, Valmagne abbey used to be a wine cellar. Visitors can still observe the gigantic barrels that were once used to store thousands of litres of wine.
In March 2020, Paris emptied as the first Covid-19 lockdown was announced. City dwellers fled and sought refuge in the countryside. Three years later, what has become of those Parisians who embarked on a new way of life? And how has the arrival of these "neo-rurals" affected the local landscape? Our team went looking for the answers in the Perche regional park in north-western France, an area where many Parisians have settled.
The UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has published a landmark report on climate change. Prepared by hundreds of world's top scientists, it lays out the impact of global warming so far, as well as the tools available to prevent climate catastrophe. The report says today's record heat will be ordinary in a generation's time. Meanwhile, Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg has denounced a "betrayal" by world leaders for failing to act on climate change. FRANCE 24's Science Editor Shirli Sitbon gives us her analysis.
Once likened to four brothers, Tungz are an up-and-coming British band. The tight-knit group has created a smooth synth-loaded soundscape blending funk and disco grooves. After releasing a few EPs, they've just dropped their debut album, "A Good Dream". Nicky Green, Jamie Maier and Rick Holland tell FRANCE 24's Florence Villeminot how the LP is a culmination of years of hard work and learning all the aspects of music making. We also look at releases from The Rodeo, who's the alter ego of French singer-songwriter Dorothée; and Youthstar & Miscellaneous, the alliance between a French MC and an MC from London.
On March 20, 2003, a US-led coalition invaded Iraq. Years of conflict and insecurity followed, with wide-ranging consequences to this day. In mid-April 2003, as American troops advanced on Baghdad amid the collapse of Saddam Hussein's regime, the Baghdad Museum was looted and tens of thousands of pieces disappeared. Twenty years later, many of these priceless artefacts are still missing and antiquity trafficking remains a serious problem in Iraq. Our correspondent reports.
Credit Suisse, a storied bank established in the 19th century, is in its last days as an independent entity. Switzerland's largest bank UBS has agreed to acquire it in a $3.2 billion all-share deal. The forced takeover was brokered by regulators and the Swiss government, who feared reputational damage to the country's financial sector and wanted to stop the crisis spreading further. We take a closer look.
IN THE PRESS – Monday, 20.03.2023: On the UN's International Day of Happiness, we take a look at whether there is a recipe for happiness and find out how Covid has altered happiness levels. But first, the press is covering the two upcoming no-confidence votes in the French lower house of parliament. The papers are also delving into different views, 20 years later, on the legacy of the invasion of Iraq. Plus, we find out how exactly each tenth of a degree counts when it comes to combatting climate change.
For all the good that social media has done, it's increasingly difficult to ignore its dark sides. Many studies show links between heavy social media use and a decline in mental health. Isa Watson had her own reckoning with the dangers of relying on the virtual world for validation. To counter the more toxic aspects of social media, she founded Squad, a mobile application centered on nourishing friendships. The US entrepreneur has now written a book entitled "Life Beyond Likes: Logging Off Your Screen and Into Your Life". She joined us for Perspective.
FRANCE 24 brings you a special full-length report on how the conservative kingdom of Saudi Arabia is investing in home-grown cinema. Making films in stunning Saudi locations is also a way of attracting foreign tourists to the country. Young people are now rushing to see films at multiplex cinemas and women make up a large proportion of the audience – a sign of the country's liberalisation. But is all this simply a smokescreen for serious human rights violations? We discuss the issue in this debate.
The French pension reform has sparked angry demonstrations across France, with many videos of chaos in Paris circulating online. However, as credible as they could seem, some of these videos have been taken out of context, as Emerald Maxwell explains.
The trip is being described as a bid to speed up the UK's controversial deal with Kigali to deport asylum seekers. Also in this edition: ten million children in West Africa's central Sahel region are in "extreme jeopardy" due to worsening violence, warns Unicef. And finally: Ghana mourns football hero Christian Atsu after he was killed in the earthquake in Turkey last month.
In an interview with FRANCE 24 after the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin, the court’s chief prosecutor Karim Khan said it was an important day for international justice. The warrant marked “the first time ever that a head of state from a P5 has been charged” by the international court, said Khan referring to the UN Security Council’s permanent five members.
Accidents can happen, goes the song. But for the Pentagon, the Russians tempted fate when they first dumped fuel on a US reaper drone and then clipped the unmanned surveillance craft. While the US tries to carefully manage its nuclear-armed rivalry with Moscow NATO allies harbour no such qualms: Slovakia pledging a fleet of 13 MiG-29 Soviet-era warplanes to Ukraine, the second former Warsaw Pact nation in as many days to answer Kyiv's long-running request after Poland which pledged four.
A massive defence deal unveiled this week in San Diego saw Australia, the UK and the US strengthen their alliance and revealed that the multi-decade military partnership is chiefly concerned about China. Under the so-called AUKUS defence pact, Australia will acquire up to eight nuclear-powered submarines costing up to $368 billion between now and the 2050s. Analysts say this next phase of the AUKUS pact is a direct response to growing assertiveness by Beijing. FRANCE 24's Nicholas Rushworth tells us more.
Talking Europe speaks to European Commission Vice-President Margaritis Schinas, whose wide-ranging portfolio covers migration and asylum, security issues, education and what the EU calls "promoting the European Way of Life", among other things. We focus on migration and the EU's efforts to rectify what Schinas calls a historic failure to build a cohesive asylum and migration policy.
It was like an estranged couple agreeing to give themselves another chance. Announcing the "Windsor Framework" in late February, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen were emphatic that the UK and the EU are allies, trading partners and friends. The deal on Northern Ireland seemingly puts an end to years of tensions, following Britain's decision to leave the European Union in June 2016. But how can the remaining obstacles be overcome? And is re-joining the EU a realistic option one day for Britain and for the bloc?
With the Taliban banning girls from secondary schools and universities, we meet the Afghan families who risked everything by fleeing to neighbouring Pakistan to ensure their daughters receive an education. We also visit the Kenyan village which bans men as it offers a refuge to women and girls facing gender-based violence. Plus the sport of bull riding, once reserved for just men in Nicaragua, is undergoing a major change as women riders are now taking part in rodeos.
With film shoots, star-studded festivals and modern studios, the conservative kingdom of Saudi Arabia is sparing no expense to become a land of cinema. Showcasing the wonders of Saudi Arabia on the big screen also helps attract tourists and project a modern image of the country, which is usually better known for its serious attacks on personal freedoms. Young people are now rushing to multiplex cinemas created throughout the kingdom, which also welcome women – a situation that was unthinkable five years ago. Thomas Paga and Mathieu Beaudouin report.
This week was possibly the biggest yet for artificial intelligence, with rival announcements from American and Chinese tech giants, as well as the release of OpenAI's new large language model, GPT-4. Our Technology Editor Peter O'Brien talks us through some of what AI can now do, like looking into your fridge and telling you what to cook, and where some fear it might end up, like having humanity sacrificed to make paperclips.
The latest ready-to-wear collections in Paris are proof that fashion is art in its own right: mere adornment making way for extraordinary craftsmanship, show after show. At Dior, Maria Grazia Chiuri celebrates the 1950s, specifically the feminism encapsulated by Catherine Dior, Edith Piaf and Juliette Greco. Stella McCartney, meanwhile, offers an equestrian treat, employing everything from mushroom fibres to recycled food waste in her quest for fashion that’s not only beautiful, but responsible. FRANCE 24 takes you to the catwalks.
After getting a law degree, Michael Sengazi began to dabble in theatre and ultimately decided to ditch his future career as a lawyer to become a stand-up comedian. While his parents were initially a bit upset about seeing their law school investment used to tell jokes, he eventually won them over – along with all of Burundi. As the fifth child in a family of seven kids, with a Burundian father and Rwandan mother, family is one of Sengazi's favoUrite subjects. He also tackles taboo topics like sex, though he says there are some subjects he refuses to joke about. While in Paris to perform as part of the Africapitales festival, he joined us for Perspective.
Fallujah is one of the cities that has paid the highest price for the US-led invasion of Iraq two decades ago. A stronghold of support for former dictator Saddam Hussein, it quickly became the scene of brutal guerrilla warfare. The instability created by the conflict produced long-lasting effects. In particular, it laid the foundations for jihadism, giving birth to al Qaeda in Iraq, which later evolved into the Islamic State group. FRANCE 24's Lucile Wassermann reports.
Around a quarter of farmland in Ukraine is contaminated by mines and unexploded ordnance. The problem concerns not only areas that were occupied by Russian forces, but also Ukrainian-controlled areas that came within artillery range. Demining programmes are focusing on residential areas, not fields. Yet some farmers say they simply can’t afford to miss the spring planting season and are risking their lives by going out to work anyway. Several have already been killed. Our correspondent Gulliver Cragg reports.
In an effort to stave off contagion, 11 of the largest American banks have injected a total of $30 billion into First Republic, a regional bank based in San Francisco that's been struggling amid this week's turmoil in the financial sector. We take a closer look. Meanwhile, the European Central Bank has again raised interest rates by half a percentage point despite worries over stability in the banking sector.
IN THE PRESS – Friday, March 17: We look at press reaction to the French government invoking Article 49.3 of the constitution, forcing through Emmanuel Macron's controversial pension reform plan without a vote. In other news: 2.5 tonnes of missing uranium have been found in Libya, sparking questions surrounding nuclear security. Also, find out why Catholic churches in New York are making concessions on St. Patrick's Day. Finally, Ireland's rugby team are getting ready for one the biggest matches in their history!
The European Central Bank raised key interest rates by 0.5%, despite recent turmoil in the banking sector. John Leer, Chief Economist at Morning Consult, said he expects most central banks to stay the course as they fight high inflation - and that could affect more lenders. "As interest rates start rising, I think we will see more and more poor risk management, more poor decisions having been made by banks, and it's really a matter of time for those decisions to be exposed."
Contrary to the viral claims on Twitter, images circulating of an 'African migrant' assaulting a Catholic priest and stealing the Bible, did not take place in France, nor did they take place recently. We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake.
In tonight's edition: Protests break out in Dakar as Senegal's main opposition leader faces trial. Goma struggles economically as roads are closed due to continued fighting between the congolese army and M23 rebels. And racism in sport, workers rights and slots for countries at the World Cup are discussed at the FIFA Congress in Kigali as Gianni Infantino is re-elected.
Emmanuel Macron will have gotten his pension reform out of the way early in his second mandate but at what cost? His prime minister triggering a vote of confidence rather than a straight up and down vote on the bill. How will the railroading through parliament of a plan that sparked France’s biggest strikes and demonstrations in years test the legitimacy of a term-limited president and his minority government in his future dealings with the unions and lawmakers?
Is America facing a banking crisis? As regulators try to stem the fallout from the collapse of Silicon Valley and Signature Banks, we look at the risks for the rest of the system. Kate Moody speaks to economist Nicolas Veron from the Peterson Institute for International Economics and the European think tank Bruegel.
Former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan granted an interview to FRANCE 24 from Lahore. Earlier this week, police came to arrest him at his home for not appearing in court over a corruption case, a move that sparked clashes with his supporters. "They are scared of the coming elections on April 30 and they wanted me in jail before that," Khan told FRANCE 24, adding that he would attend a court hearing on March 18. "No political leader has ever suffered this sort of attack," he added.
A rallying cry that started in the streets of Teheran is now a slogan of female solidarity that echoes around the world. Six months after the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, we look at the protest movement that has mobilised hundreds of thousands of people in Iran and seen Iranian artists in exile expressing their support. Writer Naïri Nahapétian tells us about the gap between the people she meets in Iran and their desire for freedom, and those punishing the protesters. Artist Hura Mirshekari compares her arrival in France to a bird, finally able to fly; her live musical and artistic performances would be illegal in her native Iran. Both women express their cautious optimism about this pivotal moment, and look ahead to the change that they hope is now inevitable.
In this week's show, we take a closer look at money in France, a country where talking about financial matters can be quite taboo. The French have traditionally been big savers. So where does this tendency to stow away cash come from? We put the spotlight on one of the most popular savings options: the Livret A. Created in 1818, eight in ten French people have one of these savings accounts. So who can open one and what's so advantageous about it? We tell you more.
European markets have calmed down after Credit Suisse secured a lifeline of up to 50 billion Swiss francs from the country's central bank. The crisis is just the latest to hit the embattled lender, which has suffered a string of scandals and management issues. Jitters over the banking sector remain as the European Central Bank decides on the next rate hike. Plus, Beijing has reacted furiously to Washington giving TikTok's Chinese owner ByteDance an ultimatum: sell up or face a total ban in the US market.
As Iranians continue to brave a deadly crackdown to protest against their regime, Iranian exiles living abroad have joined the movement in any way they can. For French-Iranian opera singer and composer Ariana Vafadari, that’s meant rallying support through music. She left Iran at age five and was later deeply affected by the assassination of her father, a leader of Iran's Zoroastrian community. Much of her music incorporates that philosophy, which she describes as one based on freedoms and equality between women and men. She joined us for Perspective to mark the six-month anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death and the start of the women-led protests.
In Israel, the ongoing protest movement against judicial reform has now spread to the ranks of the army and in particular, reservists of elite units. In recent weeks, hundreds of them have published open letters to express their doubts about continuing to serve if the plans of Benjamin Netanyahu's government are adopted. It's an unprecedented move in a country that has largely been built around its reservists. Our correspondent Gwendoline Debono went to meet some of them.
The Biden administration has made tackling climate change a key plank of its platform. But a new decision from the White House has left environmental activists fuming. This week, it approved a massive oil drilling project in Alaska known as the Willow Project. We take a closer look and get analysis from FRANCE 24's Environment Editor Valérie Dekimpe.
IN THE PRESS – Thursday, March 16: We look at the French press ahead of Emmanuel Macron's "moment of truth" – the parliament is set to vote on his controversial pension reform. In Italy, fan violence mars Naples's win over Frankfurt in the Champions League. The US finally appoints former LA mayor Eric Garcetti as its ambassador to India, a position that had been vacant for over two years. Finally, we look at the rise of the Maasai boys on social media – Kenyan "tribal influencers"!
In tonight's edition: Malawi launches an international appeal to help with the aftermath of Cyclone Freddy. Fourteen days of mourning have been declared after 225 people have died. And we speak to the W.H.O as the organization calls on rich countries attracting health workers from the continent to manage the brain drain more responsibly as the continent faces a severe shortfallin healthworkers. And Rwanda hosts the 73rd FIFA Congress. Delegations from 211 countries have arrived in Kigali.
Unfortunately, viral images on Twitter that show two former Red Cross volunteers tying a man up to a street pole, really took place in Lviv, Ukraine. We explain why in this edition of Truth or Fake.
Shares of Credit Suisse plunged to a record low, after its top shareholder declined to increase its stake. The slide has added to market jitters over the state of Europe's banking sector, although it's not directly related to the recent collapse of two American lenders. Also in the show - the UK government outlines its budget, as it tries to protect households and businesses from the ongoing cost of living crisis.
Among those protesting pensions reform in France, Paris garbage collectors have attracted particular attention. Rubbish is clogging up the streets of the French capital as unions make an eleventh-hour bid to stop the deeply unpopular reform from becoming law. Garbage collectors, whose working conditions are particularly tough, refuse to remain on the job for an extra two years. FRANCE 24's Science Editor Shirli Sitbon looks at the sanitary implications of their strike.
The most beautiful gardens in France are the fruit of monumental work by men and women, in partnership with Mother Nature. In the north of Corsica, the magnificent floral paradise of Parc de Saleccia was born from the ashes of a terrible fire in 1974. Much further north, near Mont-Saint-Michel in Normandy, the Château de La Ballue is most remarkable for its listed gardens, where geometric shapes abound. Finally, on the French Riviera, the luxurious Eilenroc villa is especially famous for its rose garden, with varieties named after film stars.
Paris is the backdrop for Keanu Reeves's latest outing as the indestructible hitman John Wick. FRANCE 24's Jennifer Ben Brahim was at the Paris premiere of the film. Also on the programme, we look at a new imagined vision of the 19th-century author of the English literary classic "Wuthering Heights", Emily Brontë. Australian actress, writer and now director Frances O'Connor's film "Emily", starring "Sex Education" breakout star Emma Mackey, hits cinemas in France this week.
Conspicuous by its absence at the coronation of Britain's King Charles III on May 6 will be the Koh-i-Noor diamond. In this edition of Coronation Countdown, FRANCE 24's International Affairs Editor Philip Turle explains why the decision has been made not to use a crown featuring the diamond – a choice taken for the sake of international relations.
At the border between the United States and Canada, a new phenomenon is worrying both Canadian and US authorities. More and more migrants are crossing back from Canada into the United States, after seeking asylum in Canada. According to some, this is due to a longer-than-usual wait for asylum applications in Canada. But the journey back to the US in freezing conditions is fraught with danger and can even turn deadly. FRANCE 24's Fanny Chauvin, Joanne Profeta and François Rihouay report from both sides of the border.
Twenty years after the US-led invasion of Iraq, the shadow of the war still looms large. As well as the destabilisation of Iraq and the wider region, the conflict also created a power vacuum that enabled the rise of the Islamic State group. In this special edition, we speak to Samuel Helfont, assistant professor of strategy and policy at the Naval War College programme at the California-based Naval Postgraduate School and the author of several books on Iraq.
IN THE PRESS – Wednesday, March 15: We look at unrest in Pakistan as supporters of former leader Imran Khan and police clash over attempts to arrest him. Also, Italy's government cracks down on the registration of children born to same-sex couples, a move seen as infringing on basic rights. Paris is stewing in its own filth as trash collectors walk out over pension reforms. Finally, British leader Rishi Sunak's recent trip to the US reveals his love for chocolate, cake and Coca-Cola!
After a disastrous derailment in East Palestine, Ohio on February 3, the US state's attorney general has filed a lawsuit against the Norfolk Southern rail company, saying it prioritises profits over people. The state is seeking to hold the railroad financially accountable for the accident. Also in this edition, media reports in the US say investigations into Silicon Valley Bank's collapse by the US Justice Department and other agencies have started. Finally, we look at the latest economic data out of China.
In tonight's edition: In Malawi, the death toll rises to 200 since cyclone Freddy struck over the weekend for the second time in a matter of weeks. Hundreds more are injured and still missing. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken heads to Ethiopia to support the peace process after a brutal two-year civil war. A celebration of the diversity of Cameroonian cuisine gives local and US Chefs a chance to get to grips with traditional dishes and swap know-how and expertise.
Users on social media are sharing a video to falsely claim that Polish Leopard 2 tanks were captured stuck in deep mud somewhere in Ukraine. The misleading video has nothing to do with the war in Ukraine. We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake
The US Federal Reserve faces a tricky balancing act, as it tries to navigate high inflation and instability in the banking sector. Alexander Yokum, of CFRA Research, says the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank could affect the Fed's next interest rate decision, despite a 6% jump in consumer prices. Also in the show - Facebook's parent company Meta confirms a further 10,000 job cuts, and a California court rules that gig economy workers should not be considered employees.
Xi Jinping boasts about a great wall of steel in the speech marking the kickoff of his precedent-breaking third term as China’s president. Xi – who’s consolidated his grip on power and flexing his might just as leaders of the US, Australia and the UK converged on San Diego where they vowed to stand up to Beijing’s expansionist designs in the Pacific and elsewhere. How adversarial is Xi, what with so much trade between Aukus allies and China.
US President Joe Biden has approved a massive oil and gas drilling project in Alaska's National Petroleum Reserve. ConocoPhillips, the company behind the Willow project, says it will create local investment and thousands of jobs. But, there is a significant backlash from environmental groups.
FRANCE 24 spoke to the former head of Saudi intelligence, Turki al-Faisal, following the announcement that Iran and Saudi Arabia have agreed to reestablish diplomatic relations. The prince expressed hope that last week's China-brokered deal will be a game-changer for the region, mentioning Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and especially Yemen, where a deadly conflict has resulted in the world's worst humanitarian crisis. The former ambassador to the US and UK also explained why China was "the logical partner" in making the deal happen.
Franco-British actress Emma Mackey speaks to Eve Jackson about playing the role of "Wuthering Heights" author Emily Brontë in British-Australian actress Frances O’Connor's directorial debut "Emily". Since the breakout star of series "Sex Education" hit our screens in 2019, she's worked with Kenneth Branagh in "Death on the Nile", played a lead in French romantic drama "Eiffel" and acted alongside Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling in Greta Gerwig's upcoming film "Barbie".
An Indian newspaper report alleges that New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art is home to 77 smuggled antiquities. According to UNESCO estimates, some 50,000 pieces of art stolen from Indian temples are currently in Western museums or private collections. Faced with this enormous challenge, police forces, international institutions and art enthusiasts are working together to dismantle art mafias and bring back India's stolen idols. Our correspondents report.
As Tropical Cyclone Freddy leaves around 100 people dead across Malawi amid a trail of destruction, a charity in Scotland is already doing its bit to try to mitigate the effects of climate change there. Malawi has been highlighted as one of the most vulnerable countries in the world to climate change. At the COP26 summit in Glasgow in 2021, an initial £2 million was pledged by Scotland in "loss and damage" funding, followed by another £5 million at last year's summit in Sharm el-Sheikh. In Perspective, we spoke to Ben Wilson from SCIAF, the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund, one of the charities helping to spend the money.
Banking stocks around the world have fallen sharply following the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and a subsequent intervention by US regulators to protect depositors. Smaller regional lenders in the US are particularly hard hit, with many requests being made to move deposits to some of the country's larger lenders. Also in this bulletin, we look at the calls for stricter regulation of the financial sector.
IN THE PRESS – Tuesday, March 14: The blame game heats up in the press after the collapse of lender Silicon Valley Bank sparks panic and worry among global investors. Who's to blame? Also in the press: it's 500 days until the Paris 2024 Olympics, but why is there so little enthusiasm so far? Finally, it's "Pi Day", the international day of mathematics and a chance to celebrate those who have contributed to the field.
A pro-Russian account on Facebook shares a video that purports to show the destruction of a Ukrainian firing base at the hands of the Russian army; the video actually illustrates the exact opposite. We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake.
In tonight's edition: Vigils continue for the dozens missing in a ferry accident off the coast of Gabon's capital. Delegates for the UN Security Council meet some of the thousands displaced by ongoing clashes in eastern DR Congo. And a new exhibition is set up in Senegal to bear witness to the trauma and abuse suffered by Gambians who lived through Yaya Jammeh's rule. Many of the victims were forced to flee the country.
Are banks going bad again? Markets are scrambling to contain the shockwaves after Silicon Valley Bank, a California lending institution favored by tech startups, whose seemingly safe bet on government bonds proved a bust, triggering an old-fashioned run on the bank. Is it contagious? It's the first major default since rising interest rates signalled the end of decades of cheap money. 2008 triggered a return to regulation, forcing big banks to keep more reserves in the vault… but was it enough?
Film critic Ben Croll speaks to Eve Jackson about the 2023 Oscars, where the dazzling multiverse fantasy "Everything Everywhere All at Once" stole the show with seven Academy Awards. It was a historic moment as Michelle Yeoh won best actress for her role in the film, becoming the first Asian woman to win the coveted award. We also take a look at some of the other winners.
Mozambique, Madagascar and Malawi are counting the cost of Cyclone Freddy, which ripped through their region for the second time in a month over the weekend, leaving at least 70 people dead. Freddy is one of the strongest storms ever recorded in the southern hemisphere, and could be the longest-lasting tropical cyclone, according to the World Meteorological Organization. FRANCE 24's Science Editor Shirli Sitbon tells us more.
Cyclone Freddy hit Madagascar first in February and then again in March, a rare loop trajectory that left behind a trail of destruction. The island nation was already reeling from last year's Batsirai and Emnati cyclones, which had destroyed farmland and infrastructure in the southeast. As a result, hundreds of thousands of people are going hungry, unable to find enough to eat. In January, Malagasy media claimed that some families had been forced to sell their children to survive. These claims quickly spread and were speedily denied by the government. FRANCE 24's team has been to some isolated villages and obtained exclusive accounts that contradict the official narrative.
A weekly news show produced with photos, videos and personal accounts from France 24 Observers around the world - all checked by our staff here in Paris.
The US Treasury, Federal Reserve and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation have unveiled a plan meant to stem any contagion from Silicon Valley Bank's (SVB) failure on Friday. The Federal Reserve will provide an emergency lending facility that will ensure all of the bank's depositors are repaid in full. Elsewhere, the UK government says SVB's UK subsidiary has been purchased by HSBC and Goldman Sachs says a Fed rate hike is no longer expected because of "stress in the banking system".
IN THE PRESS – Monday, 13.03.23: We look at how the French press is covering the fact that trash is piling up in Paris, as garbage workers go on strike over pension reforms. We also find out about this Monday's parliamentary debate on France's nuclear future. On the environmental front, we discuss a looming phosphorous crisis that the Guardian calls "phosphogeddon". We also learn more about milk without cows. Finally, we discuss coverage of the Academy Awards.
Mali's military rulers have moved to postpone a constitutional referendum, which they themselves had scheduled for the 19th of March. However authorities say they'll maintain the previously agreed timeline to return to civilian rule. Also in this edition: Then Senegal's former prime minister Cheikh Hadjibou Soumaré was taken into police custody on Thursday, after being accused of libel. And finally: an airplane carrying tonnes of European aid has arrived in the beleagured East Congolese city of Goma; this as M23 rebels and government troops continue to trade fire in the region.
We analyse two videos sent to us claiming to show attacks on sub-Saharan Africans in Tunisia, following just weeks after President Saied’s remarks that caused a wave of racist anti-Black violence across the country. Take a look in this edition of Truth or Fake with Vedika Bahl.
Who is the Georgian woman who braved the water cannons brandishing an EU flag? And who sabotaged Nord Stream? Should we listen to the whispers that a “pro-Ukrainian group” was behind it? And Turkey’s Erdogan has fired the start gun on election season – after widespread accusations that his response to the earthquake was slow and cost lives…Can he hold onto power faced with an opposition united? And a blooming Franco-British bromance between UK PM Sunak and President Macron after the UK premier was at the Elysee on Friday, days after announcing a controversial plan to “stop the boats”.
A Thai court has sentenced a 26-year-old man to two years in jail for selling satirical calendars featuring rubber ducks, which authorities said insulted the king. Inflatable yellow ducks were used as a symbol during pro-democracy protests in 2020. The sentencing comes as two women were rushed to hospital after staging a weeks-long hunger strike demanding the release of those arrested under Thailand's draconian lèse majesté law. For more, we talk to Sunai Phasuk, a senior researcher at Human Rights Watch.
Dheepthika Laurent takes a look at the latest in the world of arts and culture. Japan's first artificial intelligence-made manga poses serious ethical questions for the industry. In other news, a new Henri Matisse exhibition in Paris looks at the 1930s, an important decade in the artist's career. Plus a nature-themed exhibition opens at Paris's former commodities' stock exchange, which is home to François Pinault's art collection. Finally, we bring you the latest from FESPACO, the pan-African film and TV festival, and we take a look at "Scream 6", the latest in the cult slasher franchise, which promises to be gorier than ever!
Whether they're islands, mountains or territories far from the mainland, such areas are considered by the EU to be regions with a strong natural geographical handicap. The EU's cohesion policy, with its powerful budget, gives these regions substantial resources to help them try to catch up with metropolitan areas. The Europe Now team travels to the French overseas department of Guadeloupe to take a closer look.
Over the past several years, hundreds of unmarked graves have been discovered near the sites of Canada's former residential schools, in which the government forcibly placed some 150,000 indigenous children. In what's been described as cultural genocide, both boys and girls were subjected to psychological and physical abuse. But the differences between the male and female experience still have effects today. Indigenous women are significantly overrepresented among homicide victims and missing persons in Canada. Erin Ogunkeye spoke to lawyer, writer and member of the Cree community Michelle Good for more. We also take a look at one of the first legal cases of its kind against the strict abortion law passed in Texas since Roe v. Wade was overturned.
In this edition we report on the latest technological innovations for disabled people in France. Founded by Nicolas Huchet, who lost his right hand in a work-related accident, My Human Kit is a company aimed at transforming the lives of those living with a disability. From prosthetic hands to electric wheelchairs, My Human Kit has a wide range of inventions. But what makes it stand out is the fact that disabled people themselves oversee their own projects. Our France 2 colleagues report, with FRANCE 24's Guillaume Gougeon.
In Ukraine, the justice system is now documenting potential war crimes committed by Russian forces, with the hope of one day seeing the perpetrators face justice. Like in all conflicts, women are the main victims of rape committed by the Russian occupiers, although many men have also suffered genital torture. The victims of these sexual crimes are often ashamed and find it very difficult to speak out. Some agreed to do so in this report by Ilioné Schultz and Marine Courtade.
US President Joe Biden unveils a $6.8 trillion budget proposal with key provisions aimed at boosting American competitiveness against China, while Beijing rails against economic containment and suppression. Plus, a sell-off in US bank shares sparked by a run on a small California lender spreads to Asia and Europe as markets tumble.
Since the start of the year, Republican lawmakers have put forward hundreds of bills in dozens of US states targeting transgender people and other members of the LGBT community. Many of them restrict access to gender-affirming healthcare, which research shows is crucial to the wellbeing and survival of trans people. According to activist and researcher Erin Reed, the current wave of anti-trans legislation is the result of a "sustained fear campaign" led by far-right groups. She joined us for Perspective to discuss the importance of gender-affirming care, the main reasons that people detransition, and problems with media coverage in outlets like The New York Times.
Billions of tiny plastic beads, known as nurdles, have been washing up on beaches in the north of Spain and along France’s Atlantic coast. This is the result of industrial pollution on a massive scale. To understand how this form of pollution has gone undetected for so long, the Down to Earth team traveled to Tarragona, Spain, where massive nurdle spills have been reported.
IN THE PRESS – Friday, March 10: We look ahead to Rishi Sunak and Emmanuel Macron's summit in Paris as they discuss the thorny issue of cross-Channel migration. Also: things take a strange turn after a Mexican cartel leaves five people bound and alive at an intersection, presenting them as the kidnappers behind the abduction of American tourists last week. Finally, a Twitter thread goes viral about hilarious French translations of American movie titles from English... into English!
In tonight's edition: Lagos launches an emergency blood drive after 6 people are killed and dozens are injured after a train crashed into a passenger bus. There are concerns that life could get even more restrictive for LGBTQ+ people in Uganda as its parliament takes up a bill that would criminalise even identifying as LGBTQ +. And finally in Morocco the 21st edition of the international animation film festival has wrapped up. A chance to spotlight animation talents from across the country.
The EU has loosened its own rules on state aid, to be more competitive against America's sweeping green subsidies. Member states may be able to match the incentives offered by other countries, in order to keep clean tech businesses from shifting their investment. They aren't the only players in the game though - Latin America is poised to become a major producer of renewable energy over the next decade.
In a video circulating on social media, users claim that waiters using a Russian flag jumpsuit were carrying a Ukrainian 'coffin' during their champagne parade. The France 24 Observers team contacted Bagatelle Courchevel; the restaurant said that the scene had nothing to do with the war in Ukraine. We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake.
Street protests forced Georgia’s parliament to back down on a bill aimed at making groups with overseas funding register as foreign agents, a mimick say critics of the law that’s on the books in Russia. We’ll ask about a government there that’s on paper pro-European… but whose main backer first made his fortune in Russia. Why did lawmakers bend? What next for Georgia?
The 2023 edition of International Women's Day has highlighted digital inequality, but also how innovation and technology can empower women and girls, and contribute to economic growth. In France, the number of female entrepreneurs in the tech sector is increasing, but they still lag behind their male counterparts. For more, Kate Moody is joined by Delphine Remy-Boutang, the founder of JFD – Journée de la Femme Digitale, or Digital Women's Day.
Dheepthika Laurent is joined by Jennifer Ben Brahim to take a look at Paris Fashion Week’s autumn-winter 2023 collections as they come to a close. From horses to robots, designers looked to the future but also the past: Chanel celebrated Coco's favourite flower, while Dior put three 1950s feminists under the spotlight. Tributes poured in for the late Vivienne Westwood at the first runway collection since her death, as well as for Spanish designer Paco Rabanne, who passed away in February. We also time-travel back to 1997 at Paris's fashion museum, the Palais Galliera.
Since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Latvian capital Riga has become a hub of journalists, Russian intellectuals and Ukrainian refugees opposed to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Local Latvians, who are proud of their independence gained in 1991, do not want to turn back the clock. Hundreds of Soviet-era monuments have been torn down throughout the country. FRANCE 24's Laura Cambaud and Marie Pennetrat report.
Brazil's former president Jair Bolsonaro has often been called the Trump of the Tropics, and this week he made an appearance at the Conservative Political Action Conference in the US. The former Brazilian president has been living in Florida following his defeat to leftist leader Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in October of last year. Since then, rumours have been flying about when Bolsonaro might return to Brazil to stage a political comeback. For more, we speak to political analyst Guilherme Casaroes.
Nigerian crime is synonymous with cyber crime, and variants of the original so-called 419 scam. These are emails where the suspect claims to be a prince or princess without access to their riches, and promise to share their windfall if we help them out financially. The victim's bank account is then emptied and the suspect is never heard from again. Our guest is a journalist who has spent years uncovering the massive scale of a Nigerian mafia that dominates parts of Marseille and is globally connected. A new book called "Mafia Africa" is the work of Célia Lebur from French news agency Agence France-Presse and Joan Tilouine, the head of investigations at Africa Intelligence. Célia spoke to FRANCE 24's Gavin Lee about the book.
In a letter to the Dutch parliament, the country's trade minister has said exporters of chip technology will have to ask for licences to do business abroad, citing concerns over international security. The Netherlands is home to one of the leaders in chipmaking equipment, ASML. Also in the show, FRANCE 24's Catherine Viette tells us what we can expect from the budget plan US President Joe Biden will unveil later this Thursday. Finally, China's consumer prices rise at their slowest pace in 12 months.
IN THE PRESS – Thursday, March 9: We look at press reaction in the UK, as many condemn BBC sports presenter Gary Lineker over a tweet concerning the country's new immigration bill. In the US, drugstore Walgreens is under fire for not suppling an anti-abortion pill in some states. In other news: we look at "sushi terrorism", a worrying trend that has swept Japan. Finally, we find out what's in this year's Oscars gift bag!
In tonight's edition: In South Sudan, UN experts say violence against civilians persists with impunity. And March 8th marks international women's day. A chance to take stock and celebrate women's achievements but also acknowledge persistant obstacles to gender equality and equal opportunity. Across Africa women are increasingly taking up more space in sectors traditionally dominated by men. In Zimbabwe that now includes cultivation of one of the country's biggest, agricultural exports.
Who did sabotage the Nord Stream pipelines?Without much proof to go on, pundits could only root for the version that would suit their cause. German investigators reveal they found traces of explosives aboard a yacht that may have carried the charge that last September knocked out the undersea conduit that supplies Russian gas to Europe via the Baltic Sea.
A significant crack has been discovered in one of France's nuclear sites, on an emergency cooling system pipe. The reactor was not operational and the incident had no environmental impact. But it is the latest mishap to plague the nuclear energy sector, at a time when the French government is working to boost production. France's nuclear regulator has ordered energy company EDF to revise the way it addresses corrosion problems. EDF has told FRANCE 24's Science Editor Shirli Sitbon it is already examining an overhaul.
To mark International Women's Day, we bring you the story of an isolated religious community battered by sexual abuse. "Women Talking" stars Rooney Mara, Claire Foy, Jessie Buckley and Frances McDormand, among others. Canadian writer-director Sarah Polley's adaptation of Miriam Toews's 2018 novel is based on a real-life mass rape case in a Mennonite community in Bolivia. Over four years, men drugged wives, daughters and mothers and raped them – blaming ghosts, demons and hysteria. The director sat down with FRANCE 24's Eve Jackson to tell her more about making the film. We also hear from the lead actresses.
This week marks one month since the ground shook under southern Turkey and northern Syria. The 7.8 magnitude earthquake and subsequent aftershocks killed over 50,000 people, making it one of the deadliest quakes worldwide in the past century. Entire cities were flattened and millions of people were made homeless. But Turkey is nonetheless scheduled to go to the polls in two months' time. To discuss the political fallout of the quake and its potential impact on the election, we speak to our Ankara correspondent Jasper Mortimer.
FRANCE 24 spoke to Andrey Medvedev, a deserter of Russia's Wagner Group, almost two months after he fled to Norway. The 26-year-old Russian ex-mercenary entered the country illegally on January 13 in a bid to seek asylum there. Speaking from Oslo, Medvedev explained that he "witnessed many things" while fighting with the Wagner Group in Ukraine. However, he said he was unable to talk in detail about them and was keeping this information for Norwegian investigators. Medvedev also apologised to the Ukrainian people.
Since the Taliban retook power in Afghanistan in August 2021, thousands of Afghan families have found refuge in neighbouring Pakistan. Many Afghans decided to flee their country in order for their daughters to have an education, the Taliban having imposed a ban on secondary and higher education for girls. Pakistan does not offer real prospects of integration or employment to refugees. Yet many Afghan families have nevertheless settled in the country, as our correspondents report.
IN THE PRESS – Wednesday March 8: We look to the French and international media after a fresh day of strikes in France against pension reforms. The papers also pay tribute to Iranian women's brave fight for freedom. Finally, we look at the front page of The Independent by eminent British artist Tracey Emin, who recounts her battle with cancer.
A US congressional report reveals the Federal Trade Commission has made repeated requests for internal communications related to Twitter owner Elon Musk. The agency is concerned that the layoffs at the social media company since he took over could have jeopardised users' data protection. Also in the show, we look at a US Senate bill that could give the US government the power to ban TikTok. Plus, Volkswagen puts plans for a European battery plant on hold in favour of another facility in the US.
Videos purporting to show the Ukrainian army making or using chemical weapons keep surfacing on pro-Russian accounts. We debunk two of them in this edition of Truth or Fake.
Workers at petrol refineries across France are among those on strike against the government's proposed pension reform. If unions continue the walkouts on a rolling basis, motorists are worried they could face petrol shortages. Also in the show - power cuts in South Africa have weighed more than expected on GDP growth, and US lawmakers prepare to crack down on TikTok.
After winning top prizes at Cannes and Sundance, "All That Breathes" is now shortlisted for an Academy Award for best documentary. Indian director Shaunak Sen tells us about this poetic exploration of kinship and environmental protection, as we follow Nadeem and Saud, two brothers saving the birds of prey falling from Delhi's polluted skies. We also take a look at the runaway success of Indian blockbuster "RRR" and its signature tune, "Naatu Naatu", as well as a bittersweet coming-of-age story that celebrates the magic of the movie theatre: "Last Film Show".
Fuel deliveries in France have come to a halt as striking workers blockade exit gates at all the country's refineries. But French authorities are hoping that fuel reserves in depots across the country will help avert shortages. Crippling energy production and distribution is at the heart of the unions' strategy to derail the government's unpopular pension reform plans. FRANCE 24's Science Editor Shirli Sitbon takes a closer look.
Some artists' palaces are worthy of every superlative. Straight out of the boundless imagination of their creators, unique buildings now fascinate visitors to France: Postman Cheval's Ideal Palace in Provence, the estate of Robert Tatin in Mayenne and the "Bubble Palace" (pictured) on the French Riviera. FRANCE 24 takes you on a journey to the confines of fantasy to discover three palaces that share the fact they are unlike any other.
Since January, millions of people have taken to the streets across France in protest at the government's pension reforms. Women have been unmissable and essential to the demonstrations. Indeed, retirement reflects one's career, but it also reveals a lifetime of inequality: in France, women's pensions are 40 percent lower than those of men. How does this happen? When is the die cast for French women? FRANCE 24's Catherine Viette and Julie Chouteau take a closer look in this special edition of France in Focus.
Sub-Saharan migrants living in Tunisia have been the target of a surge in racist attacks, following a February 21 speech by President Kais Said denouncing what he called "hordes of illegal immigrants". Since then, many migrants have been urgently trying to return to their countries of origin. The Ivory Coast in particular has organised a repatriation of its citizens, who have had to pack up their lives and leave with just a few days' notice. Our correspondents in Tunis and Abidjan followed some of them from their hasty departure to their arrival in a country that many had left long ago.
French President Emmanuel Macron's plan to raise the legal retirement age has united all of the country's major trade unions against it. This Tuesday marks the sixth day of nationwide mobilisation since January, with the stated aim of "bringing France to a standstill". In today's show, we take a look at what the economic impact of industrial action in France tends to look like and how it can be difficult to properly assess.
France is growing older. However, Europe's record-breaking life expectancy has a downside: in order to pay for its increasingly healthy legion of retirees, the French right wing says there's no other option but to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64. The left retorts that if corporations paid their fair share in taxes, that would more than sustain the country's cherished pay-as-you-go pension system. Ahead of what unions are billing as their biggest strikes yet against the government's pension reform, what exactly does the future hold for workers?
The World Bank suspends work with Tunisia over a spike in racist attacks fuelled by an inflammatory speech by President Kais Saied. In Nigeria, the opposition party leads peaceful protests in condemnation of the electoral commission's handling of last month's flawed Presidential election. And a few hours after Michelin Guide's ceremony, we hear from a South African top chef about her appreciation of the continent's finest foodie offerings.
EU cohesion policy puts a lot of emphasis on economic development, but it also makes sure that environmental criteria are at the forefront of new economic projects. So how does it work? We tell you more in this edition of Fact or Fake.
French singer-songwriter Ben l'Oncle Soul shot to fame over a decade ago, quickly becoming a favourite figure in the French music scene with his trademark soul-pop sound. Thirteen years after his bombastic debut, he's just released his sixth album "Is It You?", which is perhaps his most personal yet. He tells FRANCE 24's Florence Villeminot about recording the LP with his live band and exploring spirituality on some of the tracks. We also look at new releases from multi-platinum-selling trailblazer Miley Cyrus, French duo The Blaze and Amsterdam's finest Turkish psych revivalists Altin Gün.
This week begins on something of a bright note for environmentalists. After more than a decade of talks, countries around the world have reached a deal on the preservation of the oceans. The agreement enshrines the idea that the so-called high seas belong to all of humanity and it includes plans to set up marine protected areas. But how will the deal be implemented in this huge area that represents more than 60 percent of the world's oceans? FRANCE 24's Science Editor Shirli Sitbon tells us more.
It's been a month since two devastating earthquakes hit Turkey and Syria, killing more than 50,000 people. Many hospitals and clinics in Turkey are full of injured patients, while other facilities are heavily damaged, making it difficult to provide much-needed routine medical treatment to other residents. Our reporters Thameen Al-Kheetan, Julien Chehida and Brice Agier-Grégoire followed a team of French volunteer paramedics who are visiting remote quake-hit villages in southern Turkey to offer medical treatment to those who need it.
From brutal attacks to the spread of zoonotic illnesses, urbanisation has made relationships between people and wild animals increasingly conflictual. But in rare cases, humans and wildlife can coexist peacefully and even rely on one another, in relationships mirroring those between parents and children. In the Oscar-nominated documentary short film "The Elephant Whisperers", Kartiki Gonsalves documents the intimate connection between a couple and an orphaned elephant in southern India. She joined us for Perspective.
With China's National People's Congress underway, the government has set out what many are calling an achievable target for economic growth in 2023. The 5 percent objective is the lowest in over three decades and comes as Beijing has lifted most of the restrictions set up during the Covid-19 pandemic. Also in this edition, we look ahead to a day of nationwide strikes against pension reform in France. Finally, iconic chocolate brand Toblerone is forced to change its logo because of strict rules regulating "Swissness".
IN THE PRESS – Monday, March 6: The British press reacts to proposed legislation that would see migrants who cross the Channel by boat banned from the country for good. In other news: France is gearing up for another day of national strikes and protests. Also, Israeli reserve fighter pilots are refusing to train in protest against Benjamin Netanyahu's judicial reforms. Finally, the US state of Utah is encouraging residents to catch and eat invasive bullfrogs!
Since February 4th when the "Chinese spy balloon" was shot down in American airspace, several videos have emerged claiming to show "unidentified flying objects" in many international skies. We spoke to a UFO and sky anomalies expert about how Beijing's balloon sparked this type of misinformation, in this edition of Truth or Fake with Vedika Bahl.
Tonight, at least 12 people are killed by a pipeline explosion in Nigeria, Macron continues his tour of Africa, and we take you to a rare francophone bookfair in Rwanda.
The Ukrainian frontline town of Bakhmut was dubbed the "meat grinder" for the high number of battlefield casualties by both sides. Kyiv had pledged to hold on to the fortress town for as long as possible but has now given hints of a tactical withdrawal. Meanwhile, the head of the Russian Mercenary Wagner Group has said his forces have practically encircled the town, one of the last major holdouts of the Donetsk region.
Germany is the latest in a slew of governments to ban TikTok from officials' devices over security fears. But the highly addictive video scroller remains incredibly successful in Western countries, along with several other Chinese apps. It's more evidence that China has edged into top spot when it comes to innovation, as our Technology Editor Peter O'Brien explains.
The Chinese-owned video-based app TikTok faces bans from several Western governments, who say the platform poses a national security risk. FRANCE 24's Technology Editor Peter O'Brien tells us what this could mean for the future of TikTok, which has more than one billion users worldwide.
Sweden is using its presidency of the EU Council to keep European countries mobilised in their support for Ukraine, and to try to enforce the current sanctions on Russia more effectively. Sweden's EU Affairs Minister Jessika Roswall speaks to Talking Europe about those issues, as well as Sweden's application to join NATO, and Stockholm's other priorities in its EU presidency, which is now two months into its six-month stint.
Every two years Burkina Faso hosts Africa's largest film festival, and the event has become a lynchpin of audiovisual industries across the continent. FRANCE 24's Fatimata Wane has been taking a look at the films in selection; she brings us her top picks from Ouagadougou. We also take a look at a French-speaking book fair in Rwanda which is hoping to build bridges in the publishing sector and bring a richer diversity of authors to their readers. And a new exhibition shines a light on the Senegalese statesman who sowed the seeds of Negritude, as Léopold Sédar Senghor's passions and politics go on display at the Quai Branly museum in Paris.
As we once again mark International Women's Day, we're focusing on the French government's stance on equality. The country has still yet to have its first female president; the gender pay gap stubbornly hovering at around 16 percent while neighbouring Spain is leading the way on dealing with domestic violence and consent. Annette Young asks Isabelle Lonvis-Rome, the French Minister for Gender Equality, Diversity and Equal Opportunities why France lags behind on so many fronts.
For the tenth edition of FIMO, Togo's international fashion festival, founder Jacques Logoh wanted to raise awareness of environmental issues by paying homage to a group of women on the frontlines of that fight: the street sweepers of the capital Lomé. Designers, meanwhile, were keen to show off their recycling prowess. Label Riche ou Rien used metal sponges, while Victoria Grace reinvented Indian saris and Desmo Design highlighted the threat posed by toxic plastics. To top it all off, a series of eye-opening masterclasses rounded out the festival. FRANCE 24 went to check it out.
As their country sinks deeper into a financial crisis, more Lebanese people depend on money sent by relatives living abroad to survive. Remittances sent by the Lebanese diaspora, one of the largest in the world, partly explain why Lebanon has not yet descended into social chaos or full-scale revolt, despite the country suffering from what the World Bank calls one of the worst financial crises since the mid-19th century. FRANCE 24's Chloé Domat and Sophie Guignon report.
In this edition we take you to a small Central American country of just 5 million people, but where nearly 100 percent of the electricity is produced from renewables. Costa Rica is the El Dorado of green energy, mainly due to its investment in hydropower and geothermal energy. However, the country is still a long way off its target of overall carbon neutrality, with estimates showing it will still take another quarter of a century for this to be achievable. Our France 2 colleagues report, with FRANCE 24's Jack Colmer Gale.
Located in east-central France, the city of Lyon is famous for its food. Join Florence Villeminot and Genie Godula as they go to a typical local restaurant – known as a "bouchon" – which serves traditional Lyonnaise cuisine, hearty meals where offal is a star and wine is served by the pitcher. They also take you to the restaurant of revered French chef Paul Bocuse, who passed away in 2018. We even learn how to cook frogs' legs thanks to Olivier Couvin, the Michelin-starred chef who's continuing Bocuse's legacy today. This edition of French Connections is a chance to bite into Lyon's food culture and unlock the city's history.
Sunday March 5 marks the 70th anniversary of the death of Joseph Stalin. The sudden demise of the Soviet dictator marked the end of an era, but it wasn't the major turning point it could have been in US-Soviet relations. In his book "The Last Days of Stalin", activist and scholar Joshua Rubenstein writes that the administration of US President Dwight D. Eisenhower missed a narrow opportunity to improve relations with the Soviet Union. He joined us for Perspective to discuss Stalin's final months, the dictator's death and its repercussions.
The Chinese Communist Party is expected to unveil its lowest economic growth target in decades amid an ongoing slump in the country's real estate market. Also on the show: Mexico plans food tariff cuts to confront high inflation, and Franco-Angolan business ties take centre stage as President Emmanuel Macron visits Luanda.
IN THE PRESS – Friday, March 3: French senators have begun debating Emmanuel Macron's controversial pension reforms ahead of a "black week" for commuters announced by striking unions. In the US, lawyer Alex Murdaugh is found guilty of killing his wife and son in a trial that has gripped the country. Finally, we bring you a possible glimpse at our future – robotic limbs or fingers that can be attached to our body parts to help us multitask even more!
In tonight's edition, as hundreds of Sub-Saharan African migrants have been attacked in Tunisia after a racist presidential speech last week, Guinea sends a plane to repatriate some of its nationals and other countries are set to follow suit. Also, France's president pledges 50 million euros in Gabon to help protect forests but Emmanuelle Macron's trip sparks protests and accusations of hypocrisy in DR Congo.
According to social media images, Leopard 2 tanks - just delivered to Ukraine after weeks of waiting - have been destroyed by Russia’s Wagner mercenary group. But Wagner’s head, Yevegny Prigozhin has denied the claims - and the images have been around a while on the internet. We take a look in this edition of Truth or Fake with Vedika Bahl.
Since November, over 1,000 schoolchildren have apparently been poisoned by toxic gases in their classrooms, and it seems the attacks are on the rise.An investigation by France24's Observers team shows 26 schools were targeted this Wednesday which is the highest figure in a single day.It is not known who is behind the poisonings, or indeed why.However, what is clear is the impact, girls struggling to breathe, fatigued and nauseous and many ending up in hospitals.
In this show we address the issue of food security in Africa and ways to strengthen it moving forward, whether that's in the face of geopolitical events like the war in Ukraine or climate change. Charles Pellegrin talks to Sergio Pimenta, Regional Vice President for Africa at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), which is part of the World Bank Group. He says "Africa remains a net importer of food" and that despite having "a large amount of arable lands, production remains very challenging".
Will ski resorts survive climate change? It's a question many in the Alps and in mountainous areas around the world are asking. Warmer temperatures, less snow in the winter and melting glaciers all mean that ski resorts are looking at new ways of attracting tourists. Recently some 200 professional skiers, including US star Mikaela Shiffrin, published an open letter to the International Ski Federation, warning that their sport is in danger. FRANCE 24's Clovis Casali and Thibault Jeanpierre report from La Plagne in the French Alps, a resort already having to adapt to global warming.
Florida governor Ron DeSantis has signed a bill giving him control of Walt Disney World's self-governing district. A five-member board will now be appointed to oversee the government services provided in the state's Disney properties. DeSantis is taking aim at Disney over the company's opposition to the state's "Don't Say Gay" law. The move also comes ahead of an expected announcement of his 2024 presidential run.
The Persian-Kurdish word "Kolbar" can be translated to "one who carries a load". It's used to describe those who carry goods illegally across the mountainous border between Iran and Iraq, and elsewhere in the region. Kolbars in Iranian Kurdistan turn to the job out of economic desperation and dozens of them die each year – the majority shot by Iranian border guards. A new graphic novel from Iranian cartoonist Mana Neyestani sheds light on their difficult circumstances. "Les Oiseaux de papier" or "Paper Birds" is a gripping account of one Kolbar expedition, interwoven with a love story that also condemns Iranian patriarchy. Author Mana Neyestani joined us for Perspective.
IN THE PAPERS – Thursday, March 2: We look at arresting images and angry words on the Greek front pages after a terrible train collision killed dozens of people. In Israel, there's much focus on anti-government protests against Benjamin Netanyahu's judicial reforms. The British royal family has asked US-based Harry and Meghan to leave their UK home – but some see it as revenge over Harry's tell-all book. Finally, we take you inside the world of professional pizza acrobatics!
In tonight's edition, Nigeria's ruling APC Party stays in control after Bola Tinubu is named winner of the presidential election. Also, France's President touches down in Gabon at the start of a central African tour.
Videos circulating on social media were sent to FRANCE 24, claiming "plastic rice" was being manufactured in Asia for consumption in Africa. These videos echo many others that surged online in 2017, causing misinformation and panic in African countries. What's true and what's fake? We take a look in this edition of Truth or Fake with Vedika Bahl.
In Africa's largest democratic exercise, the votes have been counted. But will the results hold?Bola Tinubu is Nigeria's president-elect. Described as a Godfather of Nigerian politics, the 70-year-old has been a major political operator for decades and a close ally of incumbent president Muhammadu Buhari.The opposition, then, have failed to deliver the upset they fought for. But, they are crying foul play.Citing fraud and vote rigging, they have promised to challenge the results in court.
A weekly news show produced with photos, videos and personal accounts from France 24 Observers around the world - all checked by our staff here in Paris.
For almost two years, the world has faced one of its worst bird flu pandemics, with outbreaks emerging in new regions, including in South America. In Cambodia, an 11-year-old girl died of the H5N1 bird flu virus last week, while her father contracted the disease as well. The World Health Organization has voiced concern about potential human-to-human transmission, but Cambodian authorities say that birds infected the father and daughter separately. Meanwhile, European farmers are calling for birds to be vaccinated to stop the epidemic. FRANCE 24's Science Editor Shirli Sitbon tells us more.
British director Sam Mendes takes a stroll down memory lane, conjuring up the magic of cinema and the healing power of friendship in "Empire of Light", starring actress Olivia Coleman. Film critic Emma Jones tells us why the film deserved more attention at the awards ceremonies. We also discuss Michael B. Jordan’s directorial debut in the third instalment of the "Creed" movies.
It's a sinister heritage: tens of thousands of skulls and other human remains are stored in German museums and research institutes. Many were taken during the colonial era and researchers are now trying to source them in order to send them back to their countries of origin, mostly in Africa. Other European countries, such as Belgium and France, have similar collections. The French government is now planning to legislate on the issue later this year. Our Berlin and Brussels correspondents report.
Iraq's government is going after what it calls "decadent content" on social media. Users of TikTok, Instagram and other platforms who are found to breach "morals and traditions" can now be jailed. The campaign was announced in January and so far, a dozen people have been arrested. Our correspondent Marie-Charlotte Roupie reports.
Thousands of illegal gold miners are accused of destroying the lives of the indigenous Yanomami people, who have lived for centuries in the Amazon rainforest on the border between Venezuela and Brazil. Miners have flooded into the area, poisoning rivers, attacking people and even raping women and girls. Under Brazil's new government, the issue is now coming under the spotlight, as federal police have opened an investigation into possible genocide. In Perspective, we spoke to Fiona Watson, Director of Research and Advocacy at Survival International.
For the first time, NGOs have tried to halt an oil project through a Paris court, using a 2017 law on multinationals operating outside France. However, the court dismissed the case on Tuesday. We take a closer look at the massive Tilenga project in Uganda, its more than 400 oil wells and the 1,400-kilometre-long pipeline that French oil major TotalEnergies has started to build.
China's official manufacturing sector purchasing managers' index rose to 52.6 in February, well above expectations. This comes amid a strong recovery in demand after Beijing lifted almost three years of Covid restrictions. Stock markets in mainland China and Hong Kong reacted positively to the news. Also on the show, we take a look at the strings attached to the US Chips Act, which will provide subsidies to companies willing to make semiconductors on American soil.
IN THE PAPERS – Wednesday, March 1: Nigeria declares Bola Tinubu the new president-elect, but the opposition say the election was rigged. In Italy, there's sadness and anger over the deaths of dozens of migrants in a shipwreck. French football federation president Noël Le Graët resigns, but announces he'll be filing a lawsuit for defamation against the French sports minister. Finally, a pilot goes out of his way to offer passengers the view of a lifetime – the Northern Lights!
Nigeria's ruling party's candidate appears to have an unassailable lead in Nigeria's elections, but calls for a rerun continue to mount amidst concerns of vote rigging. Also in this edition: we speak to the UN about how to improve maternal death rates. And finally: Gabon prepares to host the One Forest Summit.
There is yet another brutal cycle of violence in Israel and the Occupied West Bank. It is a story you may feel well you have heard before. A Palestinian attack on Israeli civilians, and a response as disproportionate or even collective punishment.
He’s been compared to Alex Jones and Andrew Tate, and known for spreading Covid-19 misinformation. This week, far-right US influencer Stew Peters posted 3 misleading stories about the war in Ukraine. But what else do we know about him, and what’s he gaining from a pro-Russian narrative? We take a look in this edition of Truth or Fake with Vedika Bahl.
With its chalk cliffs and its bright green meadows, the French region of Normandy offers stunning scenery but also iconic local produce. It's in this unique landscape that cider producer Guillaume Capelle grows apples, the local fruit, to make the world-famous Calvados brandy. Meanwhile, Pierre Marie is hoping for a good season for scallop fishing – another emblematic product of Normandy, along with Isigny butter and caramels. For the latter two to see the light of day, dairy farmer Pierre Aubril pampers his Normandy cows, who produce up to 1,200 litres of 100 percent organic milk every day.
In this edition we focus on a film about what some experts say is the next global pandemic: mental health. "The Son" stars Hugh Jackman and Laura Dern as the divorced parents of a teenage boy struggling with depression. It's the second time French writer-director Florian Zeller has adapted one of his plays for the screen. The first was "The Father", a remarkable depiction of dementia starring Anthony Hopkins – a role for which he won an Oscar. Laura Dern and Florian Zeller sat down with FRANCE 24's Eve Jackson.
Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine a year ago has caused the prices of chemical fertilisers to soar, with serious consequences for the agricultural sector. The price of gas, essential for manufacturing the products, has also skyrocketed. The EU used to import nearly half of its chemical fertilisers from Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. As the Paris Agriculture Fair gets underway, French farmers are becoming increasingly concerned about their future, while others are taking measures into their own hands to find cleaner solutions. Our team reports.
This week, we're focusing on those who brave the stage in the hope that we'll be left rolling in the aisles. French comedy clubs are frequently full for one-man shows, and there's an Anglophone pack of stand-uppers eager to make France titter and giggle. We went to meet two of them.
The woman behind a new Oscar-nominated film that documents the lives of two French volcanologists has described it as the story of a "love triangle" between two human beings and volcanoes. Katia and Maurice Krafft roamed the planet for two decades, chasing volcanic eruptions and taking hundreds of hours of film of their exploits, before their tragic death in 1991. Their footage has now been turned into the documentary "Fire of Love". Director, writer and producer Sara Dosa spoke to us on Perspective.
A Paris court could order the oil major TotalEnergies to halt the development of a Uganda pipeline, based on legislation that makes big companies liable for risks to the environment and human rights. The French oil giant has been accused by activist groups of not fairly compensating the people who were expropriated and of endangering Ugandan ecosystems. Also in the show, the White House urges government employees to enforce a ban on TikTok within 30 days. Finally, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis takes the keys of Disney's magic kingdom in Florida.
IN THE PRESS – Tuesday, February 28: We look at reactions in the British papers after a breakthrough in Brexit talks, with Britain and the EU striking a deal on Northern Ireland. Also, we look at pan-African reactions to Emmanuel Macron's comments about France's military presence ahead of his Africa tour. Finally, Heinz tracks down a sailor who says he survived on ketchup while lost at sea – in order to buy him a new boat!
The results from Nigeria's presidential elections are trickling in, along with reports of delays, voter intimidation and violence. Also in this edition: French President Emmanuel Macron announces a new approach to Africa ahead of his four-nation tour of the continent. Finally, Burkina Faso prepares for its biannual FESPACO film festival. Organisers say it's a sign of defiance and a call for peace amid ongoing violence.
Images of a Ukrainian soldier on the frontline wearing what seems to be an Islamic State (IS) group badge on his arm have taken the internet by storm. Some users and media outlets claim this is evidence of links between the terrorist group and Ukraine. The soldier himself says differently. We tell you what we know so far in this edition of Truth or Fake, with Vedika Bahl.
With France's influence waning in Africa, it was time to push reset. President Emmanuel Macron has laid out a revamped strategy for the continent. He has insisted Africa is a priority of his second term as president. Indeed, this week he will head there for the second time since being re-elected last year, embarking on a four-nation trip to Gabon, Angola, the Republic of Congo and finally the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Edinburgh trio Young Fathers have just released their fourth album "Heavy Heavy", which pushes musical boundaries through their mix of gospel, hip-hop and electronica. French soul rocker Theo Lawrence has meanwhile continued to further explore his love for music from the United States' deep South. They stopped by the FRANCE 24 studio to discuss their work and other sources of influence.
The debate over the origins of the Covid-19 pandemic has yet to be resolved. Since coronavirus emerged more than three years ago, scientists, officials and intelligence experts have been divided over whether the virus arose from a laboratory leak in Wuhan, China or was naturally transmitted by an animal in the city. According to US media, the US Energy Department now believes the accidental leak theory is more likely. FRANCE 24's Science Editor Shirli Sitbon tells us more.
Across India, measures targeting meat consumption have amplified since Prime Minister Narendra Modi was elected in 2014, from the closure of meat shops to increasing the jail term for cow slaughtering. Hindu extremists are leading this wave of "vegetarian nationalism". Butchers in the state of Haryana, who are predominantly Muslim, have been forced to close their shops every Tuesday, while "cow protectors" stop and search vehicles they suspect of transporting the animals – actions that can turn deadly. According to a 2019 Human Rights Watch report, at least 44 people have been killed by "cow protectors" in India since 2015. Thirty-six of them were Muslims. Our correspondents report.
The economic situations in Lebanon and Egypt are both dire, but for now the ramifications are more manageable in Egypt. That's the view of Timothy Kaldas from the Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy. He told FRANCE 24 that while parallels can be drawn between the countries, there is reason for more hope in Egypt, simply because the country is too big to fail. This despite Egyptians facing inflation of 26 percent, with food prices rising by up to 50 percent. Kaldas joined us for Perspective.
IN THE PRESS – Monday, 27.02.2023: We take a look at how the British press is covering Rishi Sunak and Ursula von der Leyen's upcoming Northern Ireland Protocol talks. We also find out about the nationalist and racist significance of "Thin Blue Line" patches on some French police officers' uniforms, and how an American cartoonist has been dropped for his racist comments. Finally, we find out about a hot new job in the tech world – AI whisperers – and how one could have been helpful for a group of knitters.
The annual Mobile World Congress brings together the biggest names in the telecoms industry and this year has reverted to its pre-pandemic format, with over 80,000 delegates expected in Barcelona. FRANCE 24's Leo McGuinn explains what the sector has in store to find a path back to profits. Also in this edition: some 11 days after saying they couldn't contact him, investment bank China Renaissance says its missing founder Bao Fan has been "cooperating" with Chinese authorities.
One year after the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, FRANCE 24 brings you an special 35-minute report on the Ukrainian resistance. Our reporter Gwendoline Debono went to meet resistants in the southern Kherson region, which was retaken from Russian forces last November. The clandestine actions of these ordinary citizens, driven only by their conscience, played a key role in the liberation of Kherson. But today, how much longer can Ukraine resist? Will Western arms deliveries to Kyiv really prove decisive? We discuss this and more in this special debate.
In this special episode of Eye on Africa we take look at how life has changed in Africa on the first anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Across the continent, countries have suffered from inflation, and shortage. We also unpick the diplomatic wrangling between Africa and the West, in search of support and allies.
24th February 2022: Russia invaded Ukraine, triggering a war on the ground, but also an information war online.Since then, the FRANCE 24 Observers team has debunked 115 pieces of fake news shared via online photos and videos. But what are the main themes in these false narratives? What techniques were used to misinform?Here’s a look back at one year in fake news, in this edition of Truth or Fake with Vedika Bahl.
One year ago today, Vladimir Putin shocked the world with his bid to take Kyiv and the rest of Ukraine. Turns out, it would be the first of many surprises.After the troop build-up, the failed mediation, Vladimir Putin's speech denouncing Ukraine as a fiction, Russian Special Forces swoop for the Ukrainian capital's main military airport in a bid to establish an air bridge to seize Kyiv.
A year after Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the conflict continues with no end in sight. China claims to have a neutral stance, but has so far refused to call the war Russia's invasion, and has declared unlimited friendship with Moscow. One year into the war, the Beijing government has now announced a 12-point document stating its position and called for peace talks between Ukraine and Russia to achieve a "comprehensive ceasefire". For more on what Beijing is trying to do, we speak to Anna Ashton, the director of China Corporate Affairs and US-China at the US think tank Eurasia Group.
One year after the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, FRANCE 24 brings you a special 35-minute report, co-produced with Arte. Our reporter Gwendoline Debono went to meet resistants in the southern Kherson region, which was retaken from Russian forces last November. The clandestine actions of these ordinary citizens played a key role in the liberation of Kherson. Driven only by their conscience, these Ukrainian men and women managed to thwart the Kremlin's plans to annex their region to Russia. Behind Russian lines, Gwendoline Debono was also able to gain access to a Ukrainian military unit responsible for conducting military operations in enemy territory.
If you think fishing nets are made of natural rope, think again — they're made of plastic. Every year, some 80,000 km² of nets are lost and abandoned at sea. As they drift aimlessly, these so-called "ghost nets" litter the ocean floor and trap nearly everything in their path. We take a closer look in this Edition of Down to Earth.
Should lingerie be considered fashion? In the world of haute couture, at least in the hands of designer Julien Fournié, the answer is a resounding "yes", as underwear becomes the main event. Lingerie is no longer about seduction alone: looking sexy is key, but so too is comfort and confidence. And increasingly, the same goes for menswear – lace boxer shorts, anyone?
One year after the full-scale invasion of their country, we speak to Ukrainian artist Alyona Tokovenko and opera singer Ihor Mostovoi about the consequences of the last 12 months. Now participating in an artistic residence at the Cité des Arts in Paris, Alyona explains how the political reality has now become a personal, bodily concern and why she's able to express that in her artwork. Ihor tells us about the fundraising concerts that are helping humanitarian missions on the ground, as well as highlighting the Ukrainian musical repertoire. We also take a look at an immersive exhibition that shines a light on seminal Ukrainian artists and see how creatives on the ground have adapted their practice to a time of war.
This week's edition of Tech 24 asks the question: one year after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, who's winning the war on the technology front? With a supply of modern equipment from its allies, and an unflinching morale among its population, Ukraine has stood up to Russia, which before the war had superior military tech – at least on paper.
In this special edition, as the world marks the one-year anniversary of Russia's ground offensive in Ukraine, we're focusing on the impact of the war on the nation's women and children. Annette Young talks to Olga Stefanishyna, Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister for European integration, on how the war is redefining gender roles in Ukraine and what that means for the country's post-conflict future. We meet an Ukrainian activist who is seeking justice for victims of rape by Russian soldiers. Plus Anya Neistat, legal director for the Clooney Foundation, explains why for the first time, Russian soldiers and commanders accused of war crimes in Ukraine, stand a good chance of being prosecuted.
Before February 24, 2022, few could have imagined that Ukraine would be awarded candidate status to join the EU in the space of just a few months. But the war on Ukraine has transformed the relationship between Kyiv and Brussels, evident not just in the various bilateral visits at the highest level, but also in the reforms that the Ukrainian government is undertaking. Ukraine’s ambassador to the EU, Vsevolod Chentsov, assesses the current state of affairs and outlines the steps ahead.
Shortly after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the Kyiv prosecutor general's office set up a special section with the aim of specifically investigating sexual crimes. All too often, when people think about sexual violence, they assume the acts are committed against women. But men – both soldiers and civilians – are also victims. Our reporters Luke Shrago and Mélina Huet followed prosecutors on the ground in Ukraine as they went about their harrowing work, building cases to be prosecuted, with the hope of one day seeing an international trial take place.
All year long, cartoonists around the world have been putting their pens to paper, interpreting and documenting the events in Ukraine. To mark the one-year anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion, international network Cartooning for Peace has released a special edition book featuring 120 drawings from cartoonists around the world. Among them are six illustrations from award-winning Ukrainian cartoonist Vladimir Kazanevsky. He joined us for Perspective to talk about how Russia's invasion has drastically changed his work, and what it means to him to see cartoonists from around the world expressing their support for Ukraine.
IN THE PRESS – Friday, 24.02.2023: On the one-year anniversary of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, we take a look at how the press reacted on February 25, 2022, the day following the attack. We compare those papers with their publications today. We also look at what the future holds for the war and how art remains a beacon of hope that traces the history of the conflict.
We bring you a special edition of Eye on Africa from Lagos, ahead of Nigeria’s crunch presidential election on Saturday. Some 93.5 million voters are eligible to cast ballots to choose a new president, Muhammadu Buhari having already served two terms. Shortages of cash and fuel, as well as power cuts and rising inflation are among the key issues on voters’ minds. FRANCE 24's Georja Calvin-Smith reports from Africa's most populous nation.
A video showing hundreds of Russian books being shovelled out of trucks, onto the floor and then packed up has been viewed hundreds of thousands of times on social media. The scene takes place in Ukraine, and has sparked comparisons by pro-Russians to Nazi book-burning. Put into context though, it's an unfair comparison.
The prosecutor general of Ukraine, Andriy Kostin, told FRANCE 24 that he had identified and collected evidences of war crimes committed by the leader of Wagner mercenary group, Evgueni Prigojine.
Here in Europe, in the 21st Century, unfolds a World War One-style artillery war that has killed thousands and lays to waste vast parts of Ukraine. Whereas World War One was preceded by a decades-long buildup. One year on, we are still asking why Vladimir Putin made a grab for Kyiv. To think that just a year ago, we were marking 30 years since the breakup of the Soviet Union. What is left of a shared past? What can that past and this present teach us all about our future?
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" on February 24, 2022, at 5am, to conquer Ukraine. The Kremlin strongman hoped to take the capital Kyiv in a few days and overthrow President Volodymyr Zelensky, without the West reacting. Far from being welcomed as liberators, the Russian soldiers were rapidly stopped and repelled. What was supposed to be a ‘blitzkrieg’ has turned into brutal trench warfare. Whole cities have been destroyed and millions of Ukrainians are now refugees. According to varying casualty tolls, tens or even hundreds of thousands of people have been killed or wounded on both sides. FRANCE 24 looks back at this brutal conflict.
On February 24, 2022, Russian troops invaded Ukraine. Despite some predictions of a short conflict, the violence has dragged on for a year. Hundreds of thousands of people have been killed or wounded – both civilians and soldiers – and millions have been displaced, while many Ukrainian cities and their infrastructure have been levelled. In this show, we look at the price of rebuilding Ukraine and the impact on its neighbours with Beata Javorcik, Chief Economist at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
Mixing historical pieces with the latest contemporary work from the African continent and its diaspora, a new gallery space in Paris's Saint Germain neighbourhood is bringing a fresh perspective to African art. Our reporters take us on a tour of this collaboration between Charles-Wesley Hourdé and the 31 PROJECT.
For years, France has been proud of a so-called French exception: its high fertility rate. The country has long been the baby-making champion of Europe, but has seen the number of births fall in recent years. So what's the cause of this "baby bust"? And what are the long-term economic and social consequences for the French population? We take a closer look in this edition of French Connections.
This week, the US president made a whirlwind trip to Ukraine and Poland. Joe Biden wanted to reassure allies that his administration is aware of the threats and impacts created by the grinding Russian invasion of Ukraine. He began his trip with a surprise visit to Kyiv, a highly complex security operation. A day later, he delivered a message of hope and support in Warsaw. FRANCE 24's international affairs editor Angela Diffley gives us her analysis.
To some, they're creepy and crawly; to others, they're buzzy and beautiful. But whatever your feelings about insects, they are the humming undercurrent to life on Earth and without them, our world would grind to a halt. That's the view of biologist Dave Goulson, author of "Silent Earth: Averting the Insect Apocalypse". His book is both a love letter to insects and a wake-up call about their devastating decline. He joined us for Perspective to discuss his early passion for insects, their key roles in our ecosystems and how we can all do our part to protect them.
For the six months ending in December, the Australian national carrier Qantas posted profits of €920 million. It expects strong demand over the next two years as well. But as FRANCE 24's Bryan Quinn explains, dark clouds are still looming over the company and its decision to cut staff during the Covid-19 pandemic. Also on the show: South African utility Eskom asks its chief to take an early exit, and sandwich chain Subway is launching its own electric vehicle charging stations.
IN THE PAPERS – Thursday, February 23: We look at reactions in the French papers after the fatal stabbing of a schoolteacher in front of her pupils. Also, British supermarkets begin to ration essential fruits and vegetables as Brexit rules and poor weather hamper imports. We then look at chorebots – robots that could do our housework in the decades to come. Finally, a new film looks at the true story of Cocaine Bear, a black bear that accidentally overdosed on cocaine in the 1980s.
In tonight's edition: South Africa plant seeds for a greener energy sector by announcing tax breaks for investors in clean power. Also, Nambia welcomes the US first lady as she arrives in Africa for a five day tour.
Microsoft is lobbying European regulators to approve its $69 billion dollar takeover bid for video game giant Activision Blizzard. To allay concerns about competition, it's agreed to let Nintendo and Nvidia users access some of its titles. But there are still plenty of roadblocks for what could be the tech industry's biggest deal. Also in the show - carmakers Toyota and Honda agree to the biggest wage increases in two years for Japanese workers, and Pakistan nears a bailout deal with the IMF.
In an interview with FRANCE 24's Gulliver Cragg in Kyiv, the head of the parliamentary faction of President Volodymyr Zelensky's Servant of the People party discussed the situation in Ukraine, one year after the start of Russia's full-scale invasion. David Arakhamia said Russian President Vladimir Putin had "lost influence in the world" as a result of Moscow's military setbacks in Ukraine. Arakhamia said "everyone" should worry after Putin said he would suspend his country's participation in New START, the last remaining major nuclear arms control treaty between the US and Russia.
Will Nigeria’s two-party system tremble? Africa’s most populous nation has known its share of bruising campaigns, but never since the 1999 return to democracy has there been a run-off in the presidential election. Now, in a nation where the average age is 18, could voters turn away from big tent parties and candidates who are both in their seventies?
We check in with film critic Emma Jones at the 73rd Berlinale, as Europe’s most politically engaged film festival shines a light on the situation in Ukraine. After Volodymyr Zelensky was beamed into the opening ceremony, Sean Penn's new documentary "Superpower" follows the Ukrainian president as he makes the shift from head of state to wartime leader.
The Ukrainian government says Russia has illegally deported more than 16,000 children to Russian territory since 2014, a practice that intensified after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine a year ago. Not all children are taken by force, but evidence is mounting of a coordinated effort to indoctrinate Ukrainian children and send them to Russian foster families. In the southern city of Kherson, witnesses say Russian forces took children from at least two orphanages as they pulled out of the city last October. But thanks to the bravery of locals, some children were saved from deportation. FRANCE 24's Elena Volochine, Andrew Hilliar, Abdelkader Dermas and Olga Ivashchenko report.
Protesters smashed windows of banks in the Lebanese capital Beirut this past week as the currency hit a new low against the dollar. The Lebanese lira has lost about 97 percent of its value, and more than 80 percent of the population live below the poverty line. Millions of people are struggling to make ends meet amid the financial turmoil. FRANCE 24's Beirut correspondents Rawad Taha and Serge Berberi met two such families in the once-wealthy neighbourhood of Ashrafieh.
In a world driven by economic markets, and increasingly by digital and technological innovation, are we losing a sense of ourselves and a sense of solidarity with other living things? Renowned philosopher Achille Mbembe reflects on these issues in his new book "The Earthly Community". He joined us for Perspective to tell us more.
The missing founder of China Renaissance, Bao Fan, was looking to start a fund for his personal fortune, according to the Financial Times. Bao is one of the country's biggest financiers in the tech sector and could be the latest target of a crackdown on the industry. Also in the show, Hong Kong presents a new budget to help the territory's battered economy recover from the Covid-19 pandemic. And Starbucks's next big bet is to launch olive oil-infused coffee... in Italy.
IN THE PAPERS – Wednesday, February 22: We look at front page reactions to duelling speeches by US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Also, Nigeria's presidential candidates wrap up their final rallies before Saturday's election. In Wales, it's decision day in rugby as players decide whether to sit out their Six Nations match over a pay dispute. Finally, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr have reportedly collaborated with their frenemies Rolling Stone on a new album!
Vladimir Putin claims the Russian economy has withstood Western sanctions, as he prepares to mark one year since the invasion of Ukraine. While GDP has contracted less than many analysts expected, Beata Javorcik of the EBRD explains that's largely the result of years of 'sanctions-proofing', and doesn't mean that households and businesses aren't suffering. Also in the show - the EU's carbon price hits a record high of €100/tonne, and Sri Lanka's cabinet agrees to start repaying its debt.
As Nigeria deals with economic woes and worsening insecurity, Fraser Jackson speaks to a representative of the main opposition, the People's Democratic Party, ahead of this weekend's Presidential elections. Also in this editon: cyclone Freddy makes landfall in Madagascar, and an unusual school bus in Liberia teaches school children IT skills.
Duelling speeches, duelling world visions, Ahead of the first anniversary of Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Vladimir Putin accused a West bent on destroying Russia of holding Ukraine hostage.Joe Biden was back in the same setting where last year the U-S president quipped of his Russian counterpart At the time, the White House rolled back those remarks but in fact was that and is that the plan?
TV critic Dheepthika Laurent takes us through all the TV shows you should be watching this month, from a French series on a special forces operation in Iraq called "Cœurs Noirs", or "Dark Hearts", to a new adaptation of Spanish teen murder mystery "Elité". We also discover the French-British show "Liaison", which stars Vincent Cassel and Eva Green finding themselves on opposite sides of the Channel in the hunt for two Syrian hackers.
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba expressed confidence that Ukraine would win the war against the invading force of Russia, in an interview with FRANCE 24. Speaking in Brussels a few days ahead of the first anniversary of Russia's invasion, the top Ukrainian diplomat explained why he thinks President Vladimir Putin represents a global threat for the international community, saying that the Russian president's strategy was "destruction and undermining stability". Kuleba added, "No one is interested in having a UN Security Council member and a nuclear power messing up the world."
Providing healthcare in Ukraine is a huge challenge not only on the frontline, but also in areas left ravaged by conflict. The Ukrainian army says it has re-taken around 1,000 towns and villages from occupying Russian troops. These are zones where mainly elderly, isolated locals remain. They need medication and treatment for a variety of conditions such as diabetes, arthritis and post-traumatic stress disorder. FRANCE 24 followed a team from Doctors Without Borders, or Médecins sans frontières, who are trying to get basic healthcare to those is deperate need. FRANCE 24 's Catherine Norris Trent, Karim Yahiaoui and Mohamed Farhat report.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine has forced millions of people, mostly women and children, to flee their homes since February 24, 2022. Nearly five million of them are believed to have escaped abroad, forcing them to integrate into a new country as they leave behind the life they were used to. A year later, we went to visit a school in Strasbourg in eastern France, where several dozen Ukrainian refugees are building a new future for themselves, not far from the European Parliament.
A new book critiques the juxtaposition of rich and powerful people preaching to the rest of us on climate change. Author and political scientist Édouard Morena looks at how the ultra wealthy have re-shaped the global discussion on climate change, often to suit their own needs, whilst ignoring more obvious ways to save the planet. Issues such as billionaires defending their use of private jets, or one of the world's largest oil producers hosting the next round of UN climate talks are among those under the microscope. Morena spoke to us on Perspective about his book "Fin du monde et Petits Fours", or "The end of the world and appetisers", which has just been published in French.
IN THE PRESS – Tuesday, 21.02.2023: We take a look at how opinion writers are covering Joe Biden's visit to Ukraine. Also in the papers, Kenya's tea industry is hit by accusations of sexual abuse and the climate crisis is creating a winter drought in Europe that could be catastrophic this spring and summer. Finally, we take a look at some things that have changed, and others that have not, in bathrooms.
The nine US Supreme Court justices will hear arguments in two cases opposing individuals to large internet platforms this week. In both of them, the plaintiffs are the families of terror attack victims, who argue that internet giants should be held responsible for the content on their platforms. FRANCE 24's Bryan Quinn reports on a ruling that could change one of the founding principles of the internet. Also on the show: French President Emmanuel Macron defends his government's pension reform and UK businesses successfully trial the four-day work week.
Presidential elections are usually a two horse race between Nigeria's two main poltical parties. Ahead of this Saturday's polls, our Africa Editor, Georja Calvin-Smith caught up with the third party cadidate Peter Obi, who's threatening to upset the political landscape of Africa's most populous country. Also in this edition: the African Union maintains sanctions on junta-led countries. And finally: the Tour of Rwanda has got underway.
The president of the United States in Kyiv ahead of the first anniversary Ukraine invasion. We ask about the drama and the logistics of a visit kept secret until Joe Biden was on the ground, a visit punctuated by air raid sirens. How different from a year ago when Biden was derided on the world stage over the U-S’ messy pullout from Afghanistan? What standing today?
Cambodia's strongman leader has ordered the shutdown of one of the country's few remaining local independent media outlets. One of the world's longest-serving leaders, Prime Minister Hun Sen has increasingly cracked down on any opposition as he prepares for elections later this year. We take a closer look.
FRANCE 24 spoke to Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti, as Kosovo celebrates 15 years of independence. Kurti is due to meet Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic in Brussels on February 27 and said he was "very optimistic" that an agreement leading to full normalisation between the two countries could happen "this year". He regretted that relations between Kosovo and Serbia "are not normal" and claimed Belgrade isolated itself by "not delinking (...) from the Kremlin".
New York-based French-Caribbean singer, bassist and producer Adi Oasis channels her multiculturalism into her unique soundscape – a mix of funk, jazz, R&B and soul that's been described as "retro-futurist". After collaborating and touring with an impressive line-up of musicians, she's about to release a new album. She tells FRANCE 24's Florence Villeminot about getting personal and political on her new release dubbed "Lotus Glow".
Thanks to their architecture, history and exceptional heritage, some French villages are the pride of their inhabitants and a joy for tourists. Perched on its Corsican hilltop, the village of Sant'Antonino is not easily accessible. Here, people still ride donkeys and cultivate olives the old-fashioned way. In Brittany, the charming village of Pont-Aven has inspired artists such as Paul Gauguin, earning it the nickname of "city of painters". Finally, down on the French Riviera, flowers have brought renown to the aptly named village of Bormes-les-Mimosas.
At least 5,000 Ukrainian civilians are thought to be languishing in prisons in Russia. Many were arbitrarily detained in Ukraine and forcibly deported when Russian forces swept towards Kyiv in the early days of the invasion. Now, almost a year later, their families are still desperate for news of their whereabouts. FRANCE 24's Andrew Hilliar, Elena Volochine, Olga Ivashchenko and Abdelkader Dermas report from the town of Dymer, some 30 kilometres north of the Ukrainian capital, with illustrations by Adel Gastel.
Unable to pay its heating bill amid soaring energy costs, one Hungarian ballet company is getting a little extra help from one of its sponsors by rehearsing in an Audi factory. We take a closer look. Also, Meta unveils paid verification status for Facebook and Instagram. Plus, the US Supreme Court prepares to hear a case on foundational internet content law that has been brought by families of victims of jihadist attacks.
IN THE PRESS – Monday, 20.02.2023: We take a look at the upcoming elections in Nigeria and how the nation's economic crisis could play a role. We also discuss how a citizens' council in France is overwhelmingly in favour opening up France’s end-of-life laws to allow assisted suicide or euthanasia. Finally, we take you down an eggplant rabbit hole: from longer penises to amino acids to the world's biggest penis picture.
Many parts of our lives are defined by turning points: fleeting or extended moments where life as we know it is changed forever. These can be a person we meet, a travel experience or a bereavement. For Robert Douglas Fairhurst, it was being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, an unpredictable and still misunderstood illness. As a literature professor, stories played a key role in helping him make sense of the diagnosis. He recounts the journey in his book "Metamorphosis: A Life in Pieces". The author joined us for Perspective.
A weekly news show produced with photos, videos and personal accounts from the FRANCE 24 Observers around the world - all checked by our staff here in Paris.
Finnish President Sauli Niinisto spoke with FRANCE 24’s Marc Perelman during the Munich Security Conference. The president discussed Finland’s plans to join NATO, whether Western leaders misjudged Russian President Vladimir Putin prior to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and whether there is a risk that Russian military action will expand further into Europe.
Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki sat down with FRANCE 24’s Marc Perelman to talk about the war in Ukraine and US President Joe Biden’s upcoming visit to Poland to mark the one-year anniversary of the Russian invasion.
Viral videos of “electrically charged” rocks discovered in the Democratic Republic of the Congo show stones allegedly capable of lighting a bulb or producing sparks. Our team spoke to several geologists to find out more about what internet users called “real life Wakanda" -- a reference to the Marvel Universe’s Black Panther movies where the country is powered by metal ores with electrical properties. We take a closer look in this episode of Truth or Fake with Vedika Bahl
South Africa has begun military exercises with both China and Russia as part of a routine army drill. The joint training has drawn immense criticism from the West, coming nearly one year on from the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Eleven days since the worst earthquakes ever to hit modern Turkey and Syria and they're still pulling survivors from the rubble. More than 260 hours on, a 14-year old and a 34-year old rescued in the historic city of Antakya. Volunteers have worked around the clock with the next challenge already upon them. Balloon talk between the US and China, both present at the Munich Security Conference. Also, the sky's the limit for Air India. We'll ask our panel what they make of that record of Airbus and Boeing airplanes.
It has been 20 years since the United States and its allies invaded Iraq in their “war on terror” amid claims that the country’s dictator, Saddam Hussein, possessed Weapons of Mass Destruction. Along with Baghdad, the dictator’s birthplace Tikrit, was quick to fall. But what has become of Tikrit, once a rich and flourishing town, in the 20 years since the invasion? FRANCE 24’s Lucile Wassermann reports.
White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby sat down with FRANCE 24’s Washington correspondent Kethevane Gorjestani to talk about the war in Ukraine, the United States’ diplomatic relations with China after the latter sent a spy balloon over its territory, and why the Iran nuclear deal is currently off the table.
Europe is becoming more aware of itself as an economic and trading power – that’s the message from France’s secretary of state for European affairs, Laurence Boone. She talks about the new tools the EU has given itself to take on unfair competition, especially from Chinese companies, but she also downplays the warnings of a possible conflict with the United States over subsidies. Boone also outlines the latest moves when it comes to sanctions on Russia and EU support for Ukraine and Moldova.
The first Black woman to win the prestigious Booker prize, Bernardine Evaristo speaks to Eve Jackson about championing Black talent, why Black women in their 50s and 60s - artists, novelists, actors, poets - are finally getting the recognition they deserve and how she manifests her success.
Is Iceland the best place to be a woman? Our reporter visits the island nation which prides itself on being a champion of feminism, to see if it is a gender equality paradise. Also an end to sexism in toy advertisements in Spain after its government introduces a code of ethics which prevents ads from declaring a toy is for a particular gender. Plus we meet the South African visual activist who's determined to record the country's queer history through art and photography.
This week saw the release of a wide-ranging investigation into the lucrative disinformation industry, published by a media consortium led by the French NGO Forbidden Stories. At the centre of the story is a shadowy Israeli group nicknamed "Team Jorge" who claims it has influenced 33 elections worldwide with a potent combination of phone hacking and thousands of fake profiles. FRANCE 24’s Technology Editor Peter O'Brien dives into the systems they use to wage disinformation "black ops".
Since the start of the war, tens of thousands of Muslims have either picked up arms or assisted in the war efforts in other ways. While most of these Muslims are of course Ukrainian, many are from Caucasus, and in particular Chechnya. Together with the Ukrainians they are not only defending Ukraine and its values, but fighting a common enemy: Russia. FRANCE 24’s Raid Abu Zaideh and Anaïs Guérard report from the frontline.
How can the United States end its epidemic of racist police violence? The question is raised with new urgency in the wake of each new death - from George Floyd to Breonna Taylor, to the recent killing of Tyre Nichols. While that case was complicated by the fact that the officers who beat Nichols were also Black, Social Psychologist Jack Glaser explains that scientific evidence shows Black police officers hold "the same kinds of negative stereotypes of Black civilians that White officers do."
Labor action at seven German airports is set to ground nearly 300,000 passengers Friday as unions call for higher pay amid decades-high inflation. Portugal is ending its "Golden Visa" program for real-estate investors as housing prices skyrocket, and US regulators charge crypto firm Terraform Labs and founder Do Kwan with fraud in the $40 billion collapse of the Terra/Luna stablecoin system last year.
The number of countries present on the ground in Turkey is going down as humanitarian aid takes over from search and rescue missions. One of the main priorities now is providing medical assistance to alleviate, and at times even replace, Turkish hospital services that cannot face the crisis on their own, given that many health centers are damaged or even destroyed.
IN THE PAPERS - Friday, February 17: The head of the US Environmental Protection Agency pays a visit to East Palestine a fortnight after a chemical spill from a train derailment. Locals say little has been done to protect their health after the accident. Also: we look at Nigeria's presidential elections in over a week and Bruce Willis' family reveals he is suffering from incurable dementia. Finally, we look at the rise of sensual cooking videos on TikTok that gives new meaning to “food porn”!
French non-profit Forbidden Stories has released a report claiming that an Israeli firm in 2020 sought to discredit the ICRC in Burkina Faso. "Team Jorge" has been shown to influence more than 30 elections around the world with over two thirds of those claimed to be in Africa. Also, as tension grows over a cash shortage in Nigeria, the President has defended a decision to conduct a currency swap. And we take a look at the joined military exercises involving the US and 20 other nations in Kenya.
Forbidden stories and the Story Killers project went undercover for six months to investigate an ultra-secret Israeli company, who's weapon is a database with over 30,000 fake profiles all over social media. The company has successfully manipulated dozens of elections worldwide. We tell you more about these findings in this edition of Truth or Fake.
Enter the latest revelations from Forbidden Stories: the worldwide consortium of 30 media blowing the cover of the election hacking and disinformation firm known as Team Jorge founded by a 50-year-old former Israeli special forces operative who bragged to undercover reporters how he could launch cyberattacks and swing elections.
Is the EU’s clean tech plan enough to keep up with America's green subsidies, outlined in the US Inflation Reduction Act? Kate Moody speaks to Gwenaëlle Avice-Huet, chief strategy and sustainability officer at Schneider Electric - a French multinational firm that specialises in digital automation and energy management.
This week, we focus on a recurring debate in France: should uniforms be obligatory in schools? The issue has come up again after the far-right National Rally proposed a bill to make uniforms compulsory in public schools. The bill was rejected but not before getting a surprising boost from First Lady Brigitte Macron. So what is the situation in France? Many want to “bring back” the uniform, but there has never been a law for it, not since France became a republic. So why does it keep coming up?
Today on Encore, a glimpse of some of the incredible artworks saved from the devastating fire at Notre Dame Cathedral and now on display in a new exhibition at the Cité de l’architecture in Paris. Also on the programme; French Egyptian feminist artist Ghada Amer's first retrospective in France, more on musician Pharrell Williams’ takeover as menswear designer for French fashion house Louis Vuitton and tributes to American actress and sex symbol, Raquel Welch, who has died at the age of 82.
The next presidential election in the United States is still 20 months away, but a second Republican has already thrown her hat in the ring: Nikki Haley, a former South Carolina governor and ex-US ambassador to the United Nations. She says she wants a "new generation" of leadership in Washington. Haley will now have to take on her former boss Donald Trump who announced his bid for re-election last year.
The South Korean capital's transport authorities have been posting losses because of the increasing number of silver surfers. As FRANCE 24's Georgina Robertson explains, some businesses are even taking advantage of the policy by employing seniors to deliver packages. Also in this edition, the US Congressional Budget Office gives a deadline for debt ceiling negotiations and hands in a sobering assessment of the nation's finances. And Sri Lankans are asked to pay 66 percent more for electricity.
Russia’s foreign minister is coming off a barnstorming tour of the African continent, which included Mali, where coup leaders have kicked out the French and replaced them with Wagner mercenaries. The same scenario has already unfolded in the Central African Republic, and Mali’s neighbor Burkina Faso could be next to welcome the Russians.
IN THE PRESS - Thursday, February 16: We look at the second volume of revelations from journalism advocacy group Forbidden Stories focusing on an Israeli disinformation campaign. Also: Scottish papers react after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon's shock resignation. And Rihanna caps her stellar week with a striking British Vogue also featuring her partner A$AP Rocky and her baby. Finally, the Russian government seeks solutions for its short supply...of Viagra as a result of the war in Ukraine.
The United States is taking a step towards protecting cryptocurrency investors, as the Securities and Exchange Commission moves towards new regulations. Tim Byun, Global Government Relations Officer at OKX, speaks to France 24 about the potential implications for the industry, and how the collapse of FTX affected public perception of the crypto sector.
Contrary to the false claims on social media, the Michigan State University shooter was identified as 43-year-old, Anthony Dwayne McRae, not 21-year-old, Lynn Dee Walker. We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake.
His latest film “Tchaikovsky’s Wife” is a surreal and stylish historical drama, shining a light on a woman overshadowed by her famous composer husband. Director Kirill Serebrennikov tells us how Antonina Miliukova railed against the anti-woman climate in 19th century Russia, and how institutional violence and propaganda have become features of the Putin administration. We discuss the time the filmmaker spent under house arrest in Moscow and how Russian artists who attempt to challenge the status quo today are often risking their lives, prompting a “national tragedy” as they flee the country.
In a bid to tackle the energy crisis, Dutch authorities have approved offshore drilling for gas in the North Sea. The first gas is set to be extracted in 2024, but the project has sparked controversy on the surrounding islands. Residents fear that drilling for gas will damage the exceptional biodiversity of the area, pollute the Waddenzee - a UNESCO world heritage site - and threaten the islands main source of income, tourism.
In this special edition of Middle East Matters, we focus on the aftermath of last week's deadly earthquake in Turkey and Syria. Tens of thousands dead and millions in desperate need of basic food-stuffs, water, shelter and medical aid - frustration mounts over the response of Ankara and Damascus - both governments stand accused of a lack of leadership and accountability, and of mismanaging relief efforts.
A French journalist who spent five years in the US as the correspondent for the Libération newspaper, has turned her attention to fiction and written a book about the dark debate over US abortion rights. While in Washington, Isabelle Hanne spoke to Americans involved in the issue; from those seeking abortions, to those working in the industry, to those deeply opposed to it. Instead of just writing factual articles for her paper, she also wrote her book, creating characters to tell the story.
The government's proposed changes to the pension system have partly been turned down by the country's parliament. Article 2, which would have set up a "senior employment index" to support older workers, did not get a majority. The measure was meant to accompany the raising of the legal retirement age from 62 to 64. Also in the show, we'll take a look at Air India's massive order of aircraft from Boeing and Airbus and the nomination of Pharrell Williams at the head of meanswear at Louis Vuitton.
IN THE PRESS - Wednesday, February 15: We look at a new report by non-profit Forbidden Stories about the work and 2007 murder of Indian journalist Gauri Lankesh. And, the fallout continues from a toxic chemical spill in East Palestine, Ohio as residents grapple with water, air and soil pollution. Also, we look ahead at what is at stake in Nigeria's upcoming presidential elections. Finally, is Emily in Paris responsible for rehabilitating Paris' image as an attractive destination for tourists?
TikTok lives, digital gifts, PayPal and cryptocurrency deposits are some of the main methods used by scammers that claim to raise money for survivors of the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. We tell you what donation scams to look out for in this edition of Truth or Fake.
The European Parliament has given a green light to a plan to halt sales of petrol and disel cars from 2035. It's a crucial part of the bloc's plan to become a "climate neutral" economy by 2050. Also in the show - US inflation remains hotter than expected, putting pressure on Federal Reserve policymakers, and Air India announces a record-breaking deal for 470 planes from Airbus and Boeing.
Relentless rains in South Africa have claimed at least a dozen victims with the bad weather forcing government to declare a national state of disaster. It comes less than a year after the deadliest floods ever seen in the country. Then as the civilian death toll rises from rebel fighting in Eastern Congo, more people are seeking refuge in the North Kivu town of Goma. And we'll take you to the African country supplying Europe with much of Valentine's Day roses but it's not all romance and love.
Edward Snowden’s revelations about hacked undersea cables familiarized us with large-scale spying and surveillance satellites from space are as old as the Cold War. Balloon Now though, where to fit in the US claims of Chinese balloons hovering in the upper atmosphere? What for? and, what about the unidentified floating objects shot down over North America this past weekend? The Pentagon is so far tight-lipped. Is it something or is it nothing?
Former Russian oil tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky, who served 10 years in prison on tax and fraud charges that many believe were politically motivated, spoke to FRANCE 24 from London, where he now lives in exile. Khodorkovsky said that while a "direct confrontation with NATO" was not part of Russian President Vladimir Putin's plan, Putin will be emboldened enough if Russia succeeds in Ukraine that NATO borders will "no longer be an obstacle" to his ambitions.
The Turner Prize-winning artist joins us to talk about her approach to 3D forms, and the surreal experience of winning the UK’s most important contemporary art accolade. Drawing on her Caribbean heritage in her work, she tells us about the importance of celebrating the contributions of the Windrush generation for a special commission in London. Ryan explains her relationship with unlikely and found materials and her sculptural practice of repurposing and recycling everyday objects. We also discuss the delicate balance between a sculptor’s intentions and the wider reception of artwork in the public space.
In India, the wedding season in full swing and police are on high alert. Organised gangs have been infiltrating ceremonies and stealing jewelry, dresses, gifts and cash. These gangs often use minors to commit these crimes, causing several thousand euros worth of damage. The wedding industry represents 46 billion euros per year in India. Families save up for years, even go into debt, to organise magnanimous ceremonies, costing tens of thousands of euros.
Our lives, whether we like it or not, are being molded by the algorithms governing every facet of technology we have today. This is the theory behind a new book that looks at how the digital revolution is not only affecting our personal relationships, but also our most intimate choices and even who we fall in love with. For Perspective, we spoke with University of South Wales Professor Anthony Elliott, about his book "Algorithmic Intimacy: the digital revolution in personal relationships".
IN THE PRESS - Tuesday, February 14: We look at the Chinese and American newspapers which trade barbs over the US shooting down three unidentified objects which haven't been linked to a suspected Chinese spy balloon shot down over the US earlier this month. Also, anger and animosity in French parliament as debates begin on controversial pension reforms. Finally, find out the most expensive cities in which to celebrate Valentine's Day, according to The Economist's 'Cost of Loving' index!
Tonight, Ugandan opposition leaders voice their anger at the government's move to effectively close the UN's human rights office in the country. In Togo, our team reports on an initiative that looks to curb the soaring number of teenage pregnancies. We'll also look at the World's toughest boat race, as it pulls into Cape Town.
Imagine your world collapsing around you in the middle of the night. That is literally what happened to so many in Turkey and Syria. Eight days on from the earthquake of the Century, the odd miracle like the one witnessed by our team in Antakya still occurring but that is fleeting solace for relatives and survivors. It is easy in hindsight to lay blame for the 37,000 confirmed dead while the residents give it their all.
When you think Australia, you think of koalas, but this could change... Koala populations have been on the decline for several years and since recent wildfires ravaged Australian forests the animal has been placed on the country's endangered species list in 2022. Increased stress levels puts the animal at a higher risks of contracting diseases like chlamydia or lukemia. Only a few tens of thousands remain in the country today.
With a respect for tradition but a desire to break down barriers, Ezra Collective has established itself as one of the most exciting formations in the fascinating London jazz scene. Mixing jazz and afrobeat as well as more contemporary music like grime, their tunes have been described as “fast energetic nonstop pure vibrations”. It’s sure to put you in a good mood.
"When is our suffering going to end?" is a common sentiment among Syrians after years of war, hunger, and now a devastating earthquake which hit the region a week ago. Deputy head of Oxfam’s mission in Syria spoke to FRANCE24, agreeing with the UN’s aid chief on the feelings of abandonment plaguing Syrians. Latest figures from the UN showed that more than 4300 have already died, with the death toll set to increase. Matilde Gomis Perez joined us for Perspective from Barcelona, after her Damascus trip ended Saturday.
IN THE PRESS - Monday, February 13: Turkish authorities take contractors to task in the wake of last week's deadly earthquake, but some say Erdogan's Presidency could be coming to an end. Elsewhere, Ukrainian sources claim that more Russian soldiers are dying than ever. Also, a look how much a Superbowl advert costs. Finally: The Great Escape...featuring an emu!
Located near the Spanish border, France's Basque Country has no fewer than twelve Michelin-starred restaurants, born of the marriage between local produce and the know-how of top Basque chefs. In Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, regular market-goers easily recognise chef Philippe Arrambide. Another of the region's Michelin-starred chefs is Cédric Béchade, an adopted Basque. FRANCE 24 went to meet them and discovered some of their cooking tips.
It's five days on from Turkey's deadliest earthquakes since 1939 and through the grief and despair, rescuers persist. Turkey's president acknowledging hiccups and vowing a 10,000 lira handout, the equivalent of 531 dollars, to each family affected by the quake.Over the border in Syria, it was four days before a very first United Nations convoy could cross into rebel Idlib province through the Bab-al-Hawa checkpoint. For the first time since the earthquakes, Syria's president traveled on site.
Social media users claim that the devastating Turkey-Syria earthquake also damaged a major gas pipeline that supplies Europe with Azerbaijani gas, now leaving the continent at risk of a shortage due to the destruction. But what's true and what's fake? We take a closer look in this edition of Truth or Fake with Vedika Bahl.
Long gone are the days when the average video game player was a White male. Women now make up as much as half of the world's gamers, with racial minorities also representing a growing share of players. But gaming platforms have struggled to adequately address sexist and racist abuse on their platforms, leaving gamers themselves to take up the challenge. Activists are also tackling the issue of representation, hoping to make creators and characters more reflective of the diversity behind the screens. For more, we spoke to the founder of "Afrogameuses", an organisation working towards better visibility of minorities in video games.
They’ve come to be known as the Hong Kong 47. A group of prominent activists, former lawmakers and student leaders went on trial this week, accused of trying to topple the pro-Beijing government. Most of them, including Benny Tai and Joshua Wong, have been detained since their arrests two years ago. They have pleaded guilty in pre-trial proceedings to avoid long prison sentences that could carry up to life in jail. We take a closer look.
Northern Portugal is believed to contain the largest lithium reserves in Europe. These resources have attracted the attention of some of the world's largest mining companies. London-based firm Savannah Resources wants to open the continent's biggest open-cast lithium mine in the village of Covas do Barroso by 2026. Supporters of the project say this would give Europe an invaluable supply of lithium for producing electric car batteries, helping the EU reach its carbon-zero target by 2050. However, many locals and environmentalists oppose the project. Our regional correspondents report.
In this special travelogue, FRANCE 24's Caroline de Camaret and Luke Brown follow EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell step by step through the EU-Ukraine summit that happened last week in Kyiv. Our team accompanies him on the train, on the plane, in meetings and on a visit to a mine clearance operation. Borrell analyses his relations with his European and Ukrainian counterparts as well as the EU's support for the war and shares his geopolitical vision. We discover European diplomacy in action on the ground and behind the scenes, all the while collecting impressions of the trip.
French street artist C215 has been making political and humanitarian statements through his work for more than 20 years. Following the Russian invasion in early 2022, he travelled to Ukraine for a project that straddles art and activism. Our reporters check out the results, which are currently on show at the National Assembly in Paris.
In November 2022, thousands of young Chinese people took to the streets to protest repeated Covid-19 lockdowns, constant PCR tests and to demand greater freedom. The movement was stifled in a few days and authorities abandoned their strict zero-Covid policy. But if China's youth took the risk to voice their anger, it's because their frustration goes well beyond Covid rules. FRANCE 24's Lou Kisiela, Antoine Morel and Yan Chen report.
The House of Dior turns over vast sums of money for luxury giant LVMH, but high-end fashion can never be just about the cash: it's also about world-leading artistry. In her spring-summer 2023 collection, Dior's artistic director Maria Grazia Chiuri pays homage to the elegant modernity of the Black Parisian jazz stars of the 1920s, in particular Joséphine Baker. Meanwhile, fashion historian and curator Olivier Saillard celebrates the humble wardrobe of his late mother by transforming it with haute couture techniques.
Lithium has become a vital component for the batteries that power electric cars. But with neither mines nor refineries on its soil, can Europe break its dependence on foreign imports? The Down to Earth team takes a closer look.
IN THE PRESS – Friday, February 10: South African President Cyril Ramaphosa declares a state of disaster over successive power cuts, but draws the ire of the country's newspapers for his handling of the crisis. After the earthquake in Turkey and Syria, thousands of people offer to adopt a baby girl born in the rubble and whose entire family perished. Finally, more men will turn to artificial intelligence to pen their romantic notes this Valentine's Day, a new survey shows!
Ahead of Nigeria's elections, voters help electoral authorities test out a new system meant to head off vote rigging. Also, we hear from Hamitraoré, an Ivorian activist trying to hasten FGM's end by bringing discussions about its impact into the open. Finally, Tunisians frustrated by a stagnant economy find new ways of doing business, both above board and on the black market.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared a national "state of disaster" over the country's rolling power shortages. Energy provider Eskom says its ageing coal-fired power plants cannot keep up with demand and it's been imposing scheduled cuts. The blackouts are weighing on business activity and South Africa's economic growth. Also in the show: migrant workers building Senegal's "City of the Future" allege mistreatment and abuse on some construction sites.
The FRANCE 24 Observers team have conducted an investigation since November 2022 and have spotted a variety of fake anti-Ukraine ads throughout the globe – a product of Russian disinformation and propaganda. Find out more in this edition of Truth or Fake.
In tonight's edition: With little more than two weeks to go before Nigeria's presidential election, the tensions caused by a chaotic change in currency have soured the mood. Also, as daily rolling power cuts across South Africa continue to hit the economy hard, President Cyril Ramaphosa declares a state of disaster over the crisis. Finally, roads in the Rwandan capital Kigali are turned into open-air tennis courts once a week in a bid to get more people moving.
It’s not a thank-you tour – not with Russia back on the offensive. After London and Paris, Ukraine's president was in Brussels to rally support. Making the case for more weapons, he pitched the war as one of values. We ask about the timing: his second trip abroad since Russia’s invasion nearly a year ago. Is Kyiv ready for the crucial test ahead on the battlefield? Is Europe ready?
The wave of mass layoffs continues to shake tech companies, from global giants to startups. With growing demand from consumers stuck at home and online, the tech sector went on a hiring spree during the pandemic. But since last year, as inflation rose and profits slowed, hundreds of thousands of workers have lost their jobs. FRANCE 24's Charles Pellegrin tells us what's behind the job cuts.
This week, tensions between the US and China spiked further after an alleged spy balloon was shot down by Washington. Beijing later said it would firmly defend its interests after President Joe Biden vowed to protect the sovereignty of the United States. China continues to insist the balloon was for civilian purposes and had veered off course. FRANCE 24's Science Editor Shirli Sitbon explains why this spying technology is in fact nothing new.
Award-winning French journalist Samuel Forey joins us for Perspective to discuss his newly-released book, which retraces six years of reporting from the Middle East. He tells us more about why he decided to become a war reporter and also reacts to the devastating twin earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.
We bring you a special programme on one of the worst natural disasters to hit the Middle East in decades. Thousands have been killed after two massive earthquakes struck south-eastern Turkey and northern Syria on Monday. Relief efforts are still underway, with a host of nations sending aid, but time is running out to save as many people as possible. For more on the challenges for the humanitarian response, we're joined by Rony Brauman, former president of Doctors Without Borders. We also speak to Ayham Taha from the international solidarity association Care, who is currently in Gaziantep, near the epicentre of the quake.
Glaciers are increasingly threatened by climate change. The French Alps are home to more than 4,000 of these fascinating natural monuments, of which 80 to 90 percent are set to disappear by 2100 due to global warming. Among the most emblematic glaciers is the Mer de Glace, or Sea of Ice, which retreats a little more each year, under the watchful eye of tourists. Meanwhile, the Bossons glacier reveals aircraft debris that was thought to be lost forever. FRANCE 24 went to meet some of the guardians of the glaciers.
The world of drag exploded into popular culture in France after the French version of the "Drag Race" TV show was broadcast last year. In this programme, we meet some of the country's drag artists who aim to entertain, but also educate. Minima Gesté is a Parisian drag queen who quit her day job as an engineer to commit herself fully to the art form. We hear how she fights against critics, raises awareness and lights up stages across the capital.
A weekly news show produced with photos, videos and personal accounts from The FRANCE 24 Observers around the world - all checked by our staff here in Paris.
The first EU summit inside Ukraine, in wartime, has been led by Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel. It is a trip steeped in symbolism as the one-year anniversary of the Russian invasion ticks closer. The European leaders are determined to show their support and solidarity with the Ukrainian government. However, Ukraine is seeking something more: fast-tracked EU membership. Volodymyr Zelensky said he wants to start negotiations this year.
ChatGPT isn't the only game in town. It may have just hit a record-breaking 100 million monthly active users in just two months, according to a UBS study, but other artificial intelligence (AI) heavyweights hope to catch up. Chief among them are Google's LaMDA, so clever that an employee was fired for calling it "sentient", and Anthropic's Claude, which The New York Times reports is closing in on $300 million in funding.
After lying dormant for half a century, the Cumbre Vieja volcano on La Palma, in Spain's Canary Islands, suddenly exploded in a river of fire on September 19, 2021. The eruption lasted for 85 days. No one was killed, but more than 1,000 homes were destroyed, as well as 70 kilometres of roads. Some 350 hectares of banana plantations were covered with lava. The eruption dealt a huge blow to the island's economy. Almost a year and a half later, around 100 residents are still being housed in hotels and many continue to wait for the financial aid promised by the Spanish authorities. FRANCE 24's Céline Schmitt and Armelle Exposito report.
It was a tough round of officiating for the men in charge as players voiced frustration and anger at decisions and referee appointments.
In a nail-biting match full of high quality, France advanced to the semi-finals with a 2-1 win over England.
It won't be an all-South American semifinal clash, Argentina and Croatia are set to meet after two games that went all the way to penalties.
With South Africa facing a growing wave of sexual violence against women, one survivor is seeking to change the legal definition for "consent". We hear from her in an exclusive interview as takes her case to the Constitutional Court. Also in this edition: cholera has broken out in camps for internally displaced Congolese people fleeing M23 violence. And finally, Accra Fashion week gets underway.
The town of Lielvārde in Latvia has attracted attention from social media users after images and video of its Christmas tree - decorated with swastikas - were posted online. Internet users were quick to condemn the move as “fascist” and “pro-Nazi” - but is all as it seems? We take a look in this edition of Truth or Fake with Vedika Bahl.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal gave an exclusive interview to FRANCE 24 from Kyiv in which he accused Russia of conducting "terrorist" attacks on Ukraine’s infrastructure but stressed that Ukraine would win the war in order to protect their democracy, their families, and their freedom.
During the Cold War, the exchanges would happen at Berlin's Bridge of Spies. In a flashback moment staged this time in Abu Dhabi, US basketball star Brittney Griner swapped for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, the former stopped on the eve of the war with cannabis resin in her suitcase at Moscow Airport, the latter serving a 25-year sentence in the US for selling arms to rebels and rogue states the world over.
China has now relaxed many of its Covid restrictions, removing requirements for PCR tests in many places and allowing people to isolate at home. The new measures come following a wave of anti-lockdown protests. Although the changes have been welcomed, there's also concern that Covid will spread among a population where many elderly people are not vaccinated. FRANCE 24's former Hong Kong correspondent Oliver Farry gives us his insight into the situation.
With Accra Fashion Week underway in Ghana, FRANCE 24's culture show Encore! travelled to the West African cultural hub to meet some of the designers kickstarting Africa's style revolution. Eve Jackson met up with Aisha Ayensu, the founder of trailblazing brand Christie Brown. She has dressed the likes of Alicia Keys and "Black Panther Wakanda Forever" actress Danai Gurira. Two of her pieces are front and centre in a groundbreaking exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London on African fashion. Aisha tells us why the fashion scene in Accra is "full of endless possibilities".
In the post 9/11 world, counter-terrorism is a phrase we hear a lot about. Annette Young talks to Dr Jessica White, a counter-terrorism specialist, about the urgent need for a gender lens when it comes to fighting extremism. Also the women of Iran are named Time magazine's Heroes of the Year for leading the mass protests over the death of Mahsa Amini while being held in custody by the country's infamous morality police. Plus what happens when a group of schools in India implement an unisex uniform for all students… and how its impact is felt way beyond the classroom.
For years, Brussels has been at loggerheads with the Hungarian government over a host of issues – migrants, the rights of minorities, media freedoms, the independence of the justice system and, most recently, over Russia and Ukraine. Long-standing tensions are coming to a head as Hungary delays a proposed EU aid package to Ukraine, while the EU holds up billions of euros in funding to Hungary over rule-of-law concerns.
From reading Le Monde to buying furniture, flirting with "hot singles in your area" to organising a student uprising, France's Minitel was the internet before the internet. The iconic terminal, which was rolled out in 1980, was used by up to 25 million French people at its peak in the year 2000 for online shopping, gaming, chatting and thousands more activities. Ten years after it definitively lost its battle with the internet that we know today, we take a look back at this typically French invention, which now has a second life thanks to hobbyists hooking it up to WiFi.
Global corporations are facing growing pressure to weigh in on political and social issues. But do they follow through, and can they still turn a profit? Kate Moody asks Katherine Valvoda Smith. She is the executive director of the Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship and co-author of "The Executive's Guide to 21st Century Corporate Citizenship: How your Company Can Win the Battle for Reputation and Impact".
In eastern DR Congo, fighting between the M23 rebel group and the Congolese army has already forced 400,000 people to flee. Since March, more than 100,000 civilians have found refuge in Uganda. Hundreds of families arrive every week in the country, which is already home to 1.5 million refugees. Ugandan camps are saturated; the government and the UN overwhelmed. Their only solution is to send the newcomers to a large settlement located 300 kilometres from the border. Thousands of Congolese are trying to start a new life there, but conditions are precarious. Our regional correspondent Clément Di Roma reports.
The "false positives" scandal is one of the deadliest episodes of the conflict in Colombia. In the 2000s, the Colombian army murdered thousands of innocent civilians, passing them off as guerrillas or criminals in order to increase the "body counts" of military operations. The victims were young men from poor families, lured by false promises of employment. Today, families are still fighting for the truth and for justice. For two years, our Bogota correspondent Pascale Mariani investigated this national scandal by following one mother, whose son was killed in 2008, in her search for justice.
Recent discussions in Europe about a gas price cap are said to have been tough, heated and even ugly. The European Commission has put a proposal on the table, but EU member states are finding it difficult to reach a compromise among themselves – despite giving their political support to a gas price cap in late October. Meanwhile, in what's been described as a modest achievement, the EU has agreed on a price cap on Russian oil imports. But gas has become the bloc's bête noire this winter, as the war in Ukraine and resulting energy crisis grind on, and as the EU tries to avoid a split that would benefit the Kremlin. We discuss what's at stake with two MEPs.
Two weeks after the COP27 wrapped up in Egypt, negotiators are meeting in Montreal, Canada for a UN summit focused on biodiversity. Countries will be setting their targets to protect the world's ecosystems, with the goal of coming up with a Paris-style agreement. It comes as the planet is facing a sixth mass extinction event – one that, as Australian ecologist Mark Burgman explains, humans are responsible for – both because of how and what we consume and how quickly we do so. He joined us for Perspective.
IN THE PRESS – 09.12.2022: We take you down a potty rabbit hole, as multiple papers are discussing toilets. On a more serious note, we also discuss the shocking wounds inflicted on protesters in Iran and the papers' joy over the Russia-US prisoner swap. We also find out about "le Crunch", the term for England and France's rugby rivalry. It's now being used, with much anticipation, for Saturday's World Cup quarter-final match.
The US Federal Trade Commission has filed a formal complaint to stop Microsoft's $69 billion dollar acquisition of video game studio Activision. Also in the show: China and Saudi Arabia sign $30 billion in new contracts, and we see how Italy's pasta sector is under strain from high energy prices.
On tonight's show: Uganda takes delivery of 1,200 trial Ebola vaccines. The jab aims to tackle a strain of the virus that has so far claimed 56 lives and infected hundreds. Also, Nigeria's defence chief rubbishes Reuters' claims about a secretive military abortion programme. Plus COP15 gets underway in Canada, with the summit hoping to put a spotlight on protecting biodiversity.
Eight teams are left in this year's World Cup, but only four will make it through after the weekend: a fierce and highly emotional set of quarter-final matches are to come. Can last edition's runners-up Croatia upset the mighty Brazil? And in a World Cup classic, the Netherlands will face Argentina. Will the streak of goalless games come to an end? Our team caught up with former Chile international Ivan Zamorano, who sounded an optimistic note for the South American sides.
A video where Steph Curry appears to make five impressive full-court shots in a row went completely viral on Twitter, reaching over 30 million views in a post by Sports Illustrated. We tell you where the video really comes from in this edition of Truth or Fake.
Latin America will long remember what went down Wednesday in Peru. President Pedro Castillo taking to live television to dissolve a hostile Congress but neither his cabinet nor the military followed, and by day’s he was the one out of a job and behind bars for attempting a coup. In his 16-month scandal-ridden stint, how did the 53-year old left-wing trade unionist fail so badly in his campaign pledge to stamp out the corruption that’s plagued the country’s political elites?
Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock has defeated Republican challenger Herschel Walker in a run-off vote in Georgia. It was the final Senate seat left undecided from the 2022 midterms. While the Democrats already held the majority, Warnock's victory now gives the party an outright, 51-seat hold on the Senate. It's also a symbolic win for the party, since Warnock beat a candidate who was handpicked by Donald Trump.
Some Instagram and Twitter accounts are posting a graffiti image of President Zelensky in Paris and Poland, represented as a money sucking black hole. Russian media was quick to share the alleged street art, claiming that 'taxpayers from Europe are increasingly dissatisfied with the support to Ukraine.' We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake.
Rafael Grossi, the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), addressed the danger of nuclear weapons in the war in Ukraine in an interview with FRANCE 24 from Vienna. "We expect that no use of a nuclear weapon whatsoever will take place in this or in any other conflict," Grossi said when asked about recent threats by Moscow. He went on to call the situation at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant "very precarious", adding that he was still hoping for a deal on the establishment of a demilitarised safe zone around the plant. "We need to do this now. It's not impossible, we have a credible, viable proposal on the table," he said.
From "Giselle" to "Swan Lake" and "The Rite of Spring", South Africa's Dada Masilo deconstructs classic ballets to tell a new story, far from the stereotypical damsel in distress but that of modern-day people who suffer modern-day issues such as homophobia, gender inequality and racism. She's performed her creations all over the world – in Rome, Montreal, New York and Perth to name but a few – and her work is adored in France. Dada is in Paris with her show "The Sacrifice" at La Villette. She talks to Eve Jackson about revisiting "The Rite of Spring" and changing the ending to make it speak to the audience in 2022.
Over the next 30 years, a third of the world's glaciers classified as World Heritage sites will have disappeared, according to a UNESCO report published last month. But what will that look like on the ground? Argentina is home to some 16,000 glaciers that have been closely watched for years. The data is particularly alarming. Glaciers in the southern Patagonia region are melting at some of the fastest rates on the planet, while those in other regions in Argentina are faring little better. Our correspondents report.
From its numerous controversies to its diplomatic match-ups, the World Cup in Qatar has been a gold mine for anyone interested in the intersection between sports and diplomacy. As the tournament heads into the quarter-finals, we speak to Simon Rofe from the Institute of Sports Humanities about the fierce criticism of the host country, the historic concept of the Olympic Truce and the key diplomatic moments of the tournament so far.
Ramesh "Sunny" Balwani, the right-hand man and ex-boyfriend of company founder Elizabeth Holmes, is planning to appeal an almost 13-year prison sentence for fraud. Prosecutors argued he played an essential role in defrauding investors of $900 million. Theranos falsely claimed it could run blood tests with a single prick of a finger. Also in the show, we look at two complaints filed against TikTok by the US state of Indiana, and at the South Korean government's crackdown on an ongoing trucker strike.
In tonight's edition: Reuters journalists find evidence of a systematic, illegal abortion programme run by the Nigerian army. It says thousands of terminations have been carried out, often without women's consent. Also, could Uganda be turning the corner in its battle against Ebola? No new cases have been detected for a week. Finally, French energy giant TotalEnergies is in court facing allegations of environmental damage in Tanzania and Uganda, where the company has major oil drilling projects.
We've seen a very different kind of fan during this World Cup in Qatar, be it for reasons of cost, travel or even politics. These changes are substantial and it's made for some dramatic changes to the ambiance and atmosphere. One of the most visible effects is perhaps what we saw after Morocco's victory over Spain: a show of immense unity in the Arab World.
After years in front of the camera, she's now crafted a teen romance with a difference. Director Charlotte Le Bon’s haunting "Falcon Lake" conjures up the intensity of first love. She joins us in the studio to talk about building a complex female protagonist, about how visual arts feed into her filmmaking and touches on playing trailblazing artist Niki de Saint Phalle in the future.
A three-day general strike is taking place in Iran this week. It's a show of defiance, as the anti-regime protest movement approaches its three-month mark with no sign of abating. On Monday, the strike was observed in dozens of Iranian cities, from the capital Tehran to Isfahan, Tabriz and the Kurdish regions. Facing its greatest existential challenge since the 1979 revolution, the Iranian regime has responded with a crackdown. Hundreds of people have been killed and thousands more arrested, including 11 sentenced to death.
Wildlife trafficking is the third most profitable illegal activity in the world, after arms trafficking and drug trafficking. In Brazil, where traffickers can earn nearly $2 billion a year, some 80 percent of trafficked animals are birds – often endangered species. Many are intended for local collectors and breeders. With the help of environmental police, Brazilian activists are seeking to save these endangered birds. But under outgoing President Jair Bolsonaro, the budget of the environmental police has been drastically cut, complicating their work. Our correspondents report.
As Donald Trump eyes a return to the White House, a jury has found the Trump Organization guilty of 17 counts of tax fraud. The company paid less in tax by compensating executives with "off the books" perks such as luxury apartments. In addition to a fine, the Trump Organization will find it harder to get access to financing. Also, we take a look at protests against corruption and inflation in Mongolia. Finally, we discover the Japanese spider robots that could help with the upkeep of the country's ageing sewage system.
It was a historic match at the Education City Stadium as Morocco beat Spain on penalties. The Atlas Lions reach their first ever World Cup quarter-finals. Our sports editor Simon Harding was at the game, and even though it finished 0-0 in regulation time, it was one of the most enthralling results of this tournament.
A distraction campaign is underway on Twitter; if you type location tags of major Chinese cities such as Beijing, your Twitter feed will be flooded with provocative 'dating spam,' to distract users away from images of the protests. We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake.
Kenya's former president Uhuru Kenyatta says progress has been made after peace talks between the DRC & armed rebel groups.Those talks hosted by Nairobi, have just wrapped up. Also, in a fashion first Chanel holds a fashion show in Dakkar, its first ever catwalk in sub-saharan Africa. We meet some of Senegal's up and coming design talent.
Indonesia's parliament approved legislation on Tuesday that will outlaw sex outside marriage. Critics are already calling this a huge setback to rights. It was endorsed by all nine political parties in a sweeping overhaul of the criminal code. Rights groups are protesting against the amendments, denouncing them as a crackdown on civil liberties and political freedoms as well as a shift towards fundamentalism.
The brain-computer interface company Neuralink, owned by Elon Musk, is under investigation by the US Department of Agriculture for its treatment of animals, Reuters has revealed. FRANCE 24's tech editor Peter O'Brien tells us more about the allegations.
One year ago, on December 6, 2021, a law was passed in France to enable parents to give a name to stillborn babies, a move hailed as progress by grieving families. With more than one in every 100 pregnancies in France resulting in a miscarriage, the national health agency is calling for better access to healthcare in a bid to reduce the perinatal mortality rate. Meanwhile, French maternity wards, understaffed like never before, are calling on authorities to act. Our team reports.
The French artist JR has presented his latest performance in New York – a powerful illustration of the struggle of women in Iran. The work shows the face of 16-year-old girl Nika Shakarami, who died during protests in September. Her hair is formed by volunteers. Iranians have been taking to the streets since the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in the custody of the morality police. The protests have been met with a fierce crackdown, with hundreds of demonstrators like Shakarami killed.
Climate change is having an immense impact on African countries and people need more information and awareness. That's the view of a leading climate activist from Kenya, who has her own climate podcast and spoke recently at the COP27 climate summit in Egypt. Abigael Kima has seen the effects of climate change on her home community in the west of Kenya and has now turned her attention to trying to change attitudes. Africa is only responsible for less than 4 percent of global emissions but is disproportionately affected by climate disasters. Kima joined us for Perspective.
We explore the life and artwork of French artist Rosa Bonheur, who was a pioneer – both as a painter and as a woman – in 19th century society. Two centuries years after her birth, major exhibitions are being held in France to celebrate her extraordinary legacy. In Paris, the Musée d'Orsay is hosting a special exhibition for this anniversary. Co-curator Leïla Jarbouai tells us more about Bonheur's body of work.
IN THE PRESS – Tuesday, 06.12.2022: The British papers are discussing the upcoming documentary by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. We also find out what the French papers think of this Tuesday's debate at the National Assembly on immigration. The US papers are diving into the racist origins of Georgia's Senate run-off election. Finally, we find out about a "ginormous, donkey-sized prop" that had TV viewers' jaws dropping.
Samba kings Brazil are through to the World Cup Quarter finals after an absolutely stunning first-half display that saw them defeat South Korea 4-1. With Neymar's return, the team had no trouble in showing their technical superiority. The World Cup also saw its first penalty shootout of the competition so far, with Croatia coming out on top over Japan. It was so close but so far for the Samurai Blue, who thought they had done enough after Daizen Maeda's opener. But Ivan Perisic headed in an equaliser for Croatia and the match was finally decided from the penalty spot.
Military leaders and the main pro-democracy group in Sudan have signed a deal this Monday to establish a civilian-led transitional government. But, already the deal has been heavily criticized by democracy activists. Also, the ANC says it will vote against any attempts to impeach president in relation to allegations of money laundering and fraud. And as vigils are held in DR Congo following an alleged massacre last week, ceasefire talks between rebels and the government grind to a halt.
Amidst massive zero-Covid protests raging in China right now, Chinese State TV finds witty ways to cut away from maskless supporters in World Cup broadcasts. We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake.
Can Iran’s hardline theocracy make concessions? Since September, there has been no sign of it. Now though, is something afoot? The attorney general floating the idea of scrapping the morality police, the force that is blamed for the death of 22-year old Mahsa Amini. Others hint at a repeal of the 1983 law that criminalized defiance of the mandatory headscarf for women. So far, no follow up. Are authorities serious? And will it be enough?
Montreal's rising music star Fernie has been making a name for himself with beautiful sensitive pop and a voice that has been compared to the likes of Frank Ocean. He tells us about bringing his first album to France and working with Patrick Watson. We also chatted to Gaz Coombes about his heart warming new album 'Turn The Car Around', which is set to be released on January 13th, and also about what it was like playing at Taylor Hawkins (Foo Fighters) tribute night.
It's a school like no other. Since 1822, the Centre of Naval Instruction, in the French port city of Brest, has trained the cadets of the French Navy. Every year, 240 youngsters aged between 16 and 18 join the famous "Mousses School". They board for 10 months, taking theoretical classes and learning about military life: teamwork, discipline and the meaning of commitment. But navy life isn't for everyone, so as a taster, the first sea outing is a crucial moment. During their ten months of training, the apprentice sailors are put through some severe tests, none more so than the daunting field exercises. We take a closer look.
After a two-year delay due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the COP15 summit will open on December 7 in Canada to address the biodiversity crisis. We take a closer look at the African nation of Gabon, which the UN considers a leader in protecting the environment. Gabon is home to many threatened or endangered species, such as African forest elephants. These animals find a safe haven in the Congo Basin rainforest, which covers 90 percent of Gabon's territory. Our France 2 colleagues report, with FRANCE 24's Jack Colmer Gale.
An award-winning Ukrainian cartoonist has told FRANCE 24 that he draws his cartoons to fight against the propaganda of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The work of Vladimir Kazanevsky is currently on display at the cultural centre of the Ukrainian embassy in Paris. He was forced to leave Ukraine when the war broke out, so he uses his talent to do what he can for the war effort. Kazanevsky is also in Paris to take part in a roundtable discussion on freedom of the press in times of war, alongside FRANCE 24 reporter Elena Volochine. He joined us for Perspective.
Starting this Monday, all Russian oil sold on international markets will be subject to a G7 and EU-imposed price cap. The measure is aimed at cutting into Moscow's financing for the war in Ukraine, while maintaining global supply. The bar has been set at $60 a barrel, which Ukraine's president has criticised as being too high. Russia has responded by saying it won't sell crude to customers abiding by the cap. This Monday also sees an EU embargo on maritime deliveries of Russian crude oil come into force. Also in the show, we take a look at the EU's response to the US Inflation Reduction Act.
A weekly news show produced with photos, videos and personal accounts from France 24 Observers around the world - all checked by our staff here in Paris.
IN THE PRESS – Monday, 05.12.2022: We look at how the French and British papers are covering their nations' World Cup wins, as well as their future face-off in the quarter-finals. We also discuss the possibility of the Iranian morality police being disbanded. The South African press weighs in the political future of President Cyril Ramaphosa. Finally, in the art world, the papers are covering a Banksy theft and a potential deal over the Parthenon Marbles.
England and France set themselves up for a first-ever encounter in the knockout stage of the World Cup as they oust Senegal 3-0 and Poland 3-1.
It wasn't a day for the underdogs, but they fought on until the very end. Argentina beat Australia 2-1 and the Netherlands fought off the USA 3-1 to make it through to the quarter finals.
A female MP in Senegal slapped, kicked and knocked to the ground in the country’s National Assembly, this after allegedly insulting a pro-opposition religious leader. South Africa’s president Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to fight for his position, after a preliminary investigation found he may have committed serious crimes. And we also bring you all of the football news from the world cup in Qatar.
The World Cup group stage ends on Friday and the knockouts start just a day later with the last 16. So far, who have shown their stripes as favourites? What can we expect from the first knockout round that kicks off on Saturday, as the Netherlands face the USA and Argentina take on Australia?
First time since 1976 a French president sets foot in New Orleans. Emmanuel Macron visiting the former French colony that Napoleon sold as part of a three-day state visit to the United States. Thursday's White House state dinner was a first for the tee-totaling Joe Biden who toasted his country's old ally with ginger ale.
Cities across China have rolled back some Covid-19 restrictions, requiring less testing and allowing people to isolate at home instead of in quarantine centres. The authorities have been careful not to send any signal that the relaxing of rules were in any way a response to rare displays of public discontent. For more, we speak to Nathan Law, a Hong Kong pro-democracy activist who was a prominent student leader during the 2014 Umbrella Movement and now lives in exile in London.
Calls grow for the South African President to step down after an independent probe finds grounds for possible impeachment proceedings. We speak to our correspondent in Cape Town. December 1st is World AIDS day. Our team in Kenya have a report on one county where the epidemic is particularly prevalent, and we discuss what more can be done to get a handle on the disease. Also, fighting threatens a fragile ceasefire in eastern DR Congo. Kinshasa accuses M23 rebel soldiers of massacring 50 civilians just days ago.
Talking Europe speaks to Eamon Ryan, the leader of the Irish Green Party and minister for the Environment, Climate, Communications and Transport in the current coalition government in Dublin. We caught up with him after he attended a signing ceremony for the Celtic Interconnector, a project that will link the electricity grids of Ireland and France for the first time. Due to come into service in late 2026 or early 2027, the cable will provide power in both directions. Ryan says the project is part of a "new industrial revolution" that will connect European countries and ultimately reduce their energy dependence on Russia and the Middle East.
Angela Yeoh is on the road to stardom with her role in the #MeToo film "She Said", about the investigation into Harvey Weinstein. The former FRANCE 24 presenter plays Rowena Chiu, the Hollywood producer's former assistant, in the movie directed by Maria Shrader. Carey Mulligan and Zoe Kazan play the New York Times journalists who exposed the film producer. Angela speaks to Eve Jackson about her role and how she went from FRANCE 24 to the audition rooms of Hollywood. Weinstein is serving 23 years in prison and is currently on trial in Los Angeles on other sexual assault claims.
Located in a far-flung corner of the south Atlantic, the Islas Malvinas, or Falkland Islands, are at the heart of an age-old rift between Argentina and the UK. Back in 1982, this escalated into a ten-week war between the two countries. Four decades on, Argentina's defeat against the British remains a gaping wound for the South American nation. More than eight out of ten Argentinians say their government should continue to claim sovereignty over the islands. FRANCE 24's Éléonore Vanel, Nicolas Flon and Flavian Charuel report.
This summer, an unprecedented marine heatwave hit the Mediterranean Sea, causing mass die-offs of marine life. Will ecosystems ever recover? The Down to Earth team takes a closer look.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola is urging the EU to send a strong signal to the Western Balkans at an upcoming summit in Albania on December 6. "Young people from those countries are hungry for the EU," she says, and the EU "should not turn away from them". But as several of those countries sat in the waiting room for years, disillusionment set in. This summer, Albania and North Macedonia did start accession talks, but questions remain as to whether enlargement really is a priority for the EU. We discuss what's at stake with two MEPs.
If there was one word to describe the latest round of ready-to-wear offerings for summer 2023, it would be freedom, a desire to liberate bodies – and minds – from all forms of restraint. Japanese designer Yohji Yamamoto rejects any fashion that treats women like dolls rather than people, while his compatriot Hidenori Kumakiri reimagines military uniforms and French designer Mossi Traoré finds inspiration in binmen’s uniforms. Meanwhile, French stalwart Isabelle Marant does what she’s always done, championing fashion that transcends space and time.
More than 200 million girls and women have undergone female genital mutilation (FGM) across 30 countries, according to the United Nations. Rooted in cultural beliefs, FGM is deeply harmful; risking in death or long-term health issues for the victim. Many nations have made the practice illegal but the tradition still continues. Annette Young meets Tanzanian activist, Rhobi Samwelly, who has established several safe houses for girls wanting to escape the procedure. We also report on a hospital in Nairobi, Kenya where FGM survivors are undergoing reconstructive surgery. Plus with many caught up with World Cup fever, we report on an Argentinian women's football team which is making a mark on the pitch.
More than a million Ukrainian refugees have arrived in Germany since the beginning of the year. The number of asylum seekers from Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan has also increased. In 2022 alone, Germany has already taken in more people than at the peak of the migrant crisis in 2015. Currently, the capital Berlin is home to around 100,000 Ukrainian refugees – more than in the whole of France. Although German local authorities are doing their best to welcome the new arrivals, some are warning that the influx of refugees represents a significant logistical challenge that could spark renewed tensions. Our correspondents report.
To justify the invasion of Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin used the false pretexts of "denazification" and "demilitarisation" of the country. Russian state propaganda is built around the myth of a Ukraine in the hands of "Nazis", one where the Russians come to "liberate" the "Russian speakers". This propaganda is disseminated not only in Russia, but also in the occupied Ukrainian territories, where the population is plunged into a parallel reality. FRANCE 24's reporter Elena Volochine went to meet locals and exposed the terrifying real-life consequences of Russian propaganda on the ongoing war in Ukraine.
As the international advocacy officer at Ukraine's Center for Civil Liberties, Oleksandra Drik works to rally global support for Ukraine and fight against Russian disinformation. On a recent trip to Kenya and Ethiopia, she found that many wrongly consider the invasion of Ukraine as a proxy war between Russia and the West. Drik also fights for accountability, notably calling for a special tribunal to prosecute the crime of aggression. She says that the Center for Civil Liberties has documented over 27,000 Russian war crimes since the invasion began nine months ago. In October, the group was jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Drik joined us for Perspective.
IN THE PRESS - Friday, December 2: We look at reactions in the South African papers as Cyril Ramaphosa's political career hands in the balance after a corruption scandal. Will he stay or will he go? Also in the news: British tabloids accuse Prince Harry and Meghan Markle of stealing the limelight from Prince William and Kate Middleton as Netflix releases a trailer for their docu-series. We also look at the shortlist for the wildlife photographer of the year awards. Finally, Pantone releases "Viva Magenta", the colour of 2023!
It was a day when the giants of football fell. First Belgium were eliminated after a 0-0 draw with Croatia. Morocco's 2-1 victory over Canada saw them topping Group F in stunning fashion. The Atlas Lions will face Spain in the next round after another shock result saw La Roja lose to Japan 1-2, meaning the Samurais top the group. And all that means Germany are eliminated on goal difference, despite beating Costa Rica 4-2.
As widespread protests break out across China, we take a closer look at the impact of the zero-Covid policy on workers, businesses and the economy, by speaking to Professor Chang-Tai Hsieh of the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. "There is no question that this has been an unmitigated economic disaster. The growth is down to levels that we haven't seen in decades," he told us.
Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson is known for his large-scale installations that challenge people to rethink the way they see world issues, especially global warming. His immersive works have been shown around the world, from Paris to Tokyo. Eliasson talks to FRANCE 24 about his latest exhibition "Trembling Horizons" at the Castello di Rivoli museum of contemporary art in Turin, Italy. Also on the programme, we go out and about in Paris with street artist Seth. Plus we visit a new exhibition in the south of France showing the voluptuous art of Niki de Saint Phalle.
We've talked about the baguette multiple times on French Connections, but this week has seen some exciting news for this quintessential symbol of France. The French baguette has been added to UNESCO's list of cultural treasures known as 'intangible heritage'. The idea of the register is to protect traditions and skills, such as Belgian beer culture or Neapolitan pizza, so they are not lost over time. But if the French baguette is so popular, why does it need protecting? And how do you make a baguette? We take a closer look.
The Warao people are Venezuela's second-largest indigenous group and live in the low-lying grasslands of the Orinoco Delta, in the east of the country. They have been hit particularly hard by an outbreak of HIV/AIDS. The severity of the situation came to light 15 years ago, when a group of doctors travelled to San Francisco de Guayos, one of the villages in the region. One 2013 study found a community where as many as 35 percent of men were infected with HIV. Many Warao villagers develop full-blown end-stage AIDS, since HIV positive people there struggle to access food and medicine due to shortages and stigma. Our correspondents report.
It's the biggest legal consequence so far in the wake of the January 6 insurrection. Stewart Rhodes, who heads the Oath Keepers militia, has been found guilty of seeking to keep Donald Trump in power by carrying out a mob attack on the US Capitol. A conviction on sedition is very rare and carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in jail. We take a closer look.
World AIDS Day is dedicated to raising awareness and remembering those who lost their lives to the illness. Although the world has come a long way in terms of both destigmatising and treating HIV/AIDS, much remains to be done. The United Nations says different forms of inequality are still preventing progress in ending the epidemic. For more, Nathan Lachowsky, assistant public health professor at the University of Victoria, joined us for Perspective.
Once a darling in the business and tech world, Sam Bankman-Fried has become a pariah. The founder of crypto exchange FTX, which declared bankruptcy last month, has given his first media interview since his platform collapsed. He denied any intention to commit fraud and pleaded ignorance at the mismanagement of user funds. Also in the show, we take a look at the struggles facing Venezuela's oil industry, even as US energy giant Chevron resumes some operations in the country.
IN THE PAPERS – Thursday, December 1: We bring you the front pages of the British papers after Prince William's godmother and royal aide quits over racist remarks she made to a London charity boss. Also, we look at the Chinese papers following the death of former president Jiang Zemin. Plus, Australians go crazy after the Socceroos' incredible win against Denmark. Finally, a TikTokker goes viral for crazy vintage recipes he makes!
Argentina are into the next round of the World Cup after breasing past Poland 2-0, but despite the loss, the Europeans still head through to the round of 16 against France.
Saudi Arabia against the run of play found a goal through Salem al Dawsari and that means at the end of the day, goal difference separates the teams.
Poland will take on France who topped Group D. And that's despite loosing to 1-0 to Tunisia in Wednesday's earlier game.
What a maximum effort from the Australian team to beat Denmark 1-0 and advance to the last 16 as the second team in Group D.
That's the second time the Aussies will be in the next round of the World Cup and it was all thanks to a 60th minute strike from Matthew Leckie.
As a reward... they now face Argentina!
In tonight's edition: The trial opens in Ivory Coast over the 2016 jihadist attack at the Grand Bassam beach resort, outside Abidjan. Hundreds protest in South Africa against the upcoming release of Janusz Walus, the man who murdered anti-apartheid leader Chris Hani, in 1993. And heartbreak for Tunisia at the World Cup in Qatar, the Carthage Eagles took a hugely symbolic win over world champions France but were denied a spot in the knockout stages.
Last week's surprise burst of protests across China seemed to subside as quickly as they erupted. Overnight clashes breaking out in the southern port city of Guanzhou. Social media images from the megacity's Haizhu district include the sound of glass breaking and shouting with arrests following. The clashes came hours after local authorities announced a partial loosening of Covid lockdown rules.
"Les Amandiers" or "Forever Young" is the latest autobiographical film from French-Italian actress and director Valeria Bruni-Tedeschi. It follows a group of ambitious drama students in the 1980s, depicting a time of casual drug use and the rising spectre of AIDS. But its release has been overshadowed by rape and domestic violence allegations against one of its lead actors, Sofiane Bennacer, which has led some cinemas to cancel showings of the film.
Just a few hours before the world learned of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8, India was busy getting rid of traces of its British colonial past. At the instigation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, an avenue built by the British and originally called the "Kingsway" has been renamed "Kartavya Path", which means "path of duty" in Hindi. More recently, Modi inaugurated a statue of Subhas Chandra Bose, a controversial Indian freedom fighter, at the same spot where a statue of King George V had stood until the 1960s. Beyond renaming monuments, a part of Indian society wants an apology from the British for the atrocities they committed, such as the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre in 1919. Our correspondents report.
For decades, Iranian Kurdish opposition groups have sought refuge in neighbouring Iraq. But in recent weeks, they have been targeted by dozens of missile and drone attacks launched by Tehran. Authorities there accuse them of supporting anti-government protests that have swept across Iran since the death in police custody of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini. The campaign comes as Turkey steps up its cross-border operations against Kurdish groups in both Iraq and Syria. Our correspondents Yasmine Mosimann and Marie-Charlotte Roupie have been meeting civilians caught up in the violence in Iraqi Kurdistan.
Human history is a long arc of progress. Thanks to technological innovation, we've never lived longer or healthier. But the distribution of that progress is uneven. According to the World Bank, global inequality is rising for the first time in decades, while even within developed nations, gaps between the rich and poor are expanding. So what drives progress and its unequal distribution? Economist Oded Galor's book "The Journey of Humanity" explores these questions. He joined us for Perspective.
French President Emmanuel Macron's state visit to the US is bringing simmering EU-US tensions over economic policy to the boil. At the heart of European criticisms are multi-billion-dollar economic support packages that could be perceived as giving the US an unfair advantage. Also in the show, the US Congress is heeding Joe Biden's call to do whatever it takes to avert a costly railroad shutdown. Plus, French butchers take to the streets to protest the rise in energy prices.
IN THE PRESS – Wednesday, November 30: We look at shocking video footage of migrants being tasered or beaten by law enforcement in June at Melilla, a Spanish border post with Morocco. An investigation by several European newspaper sheds light on the violence, in which at least 23 asylum seekers were killed. In other news: there's World Cup joy for the British, American and pan-African press. Finally, find out why being a cheap date is an attractive quality these days!
Security outside the Al-Thumama stadium in Doha stopped our journalists from filming as clashes erupted between rival Iranian supporters after the Iran-USA game. Football fans opposed to the Iranian regime were attacked by pro-regime supporters. Meanwhile on the pitch, the US, England, Senegal and the Netherlands all sealed their spot in the last 16.
Senegal are through to the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar after a sensational 2-1 victory over Ecuador. Also, lawyers are striking in Chad over a mass trial of detained anti-government protesters following deadly demonstrations in late October. And the convicted murderer of anti-apartheid hero Chris Hani has been stabbed. Just days after South Africa's top court ordered his release from jail, Janusz Walus was attacked at a correctional centre in Pretoria.
A satellite photo of Europe being shared on social media appears to show a complete blackout in Ukraine. But the power outages, albeit extensive, are not total. The photo has been manipulated – we explain how in this edition of Truth or Fake.
The human rights defender Bianca Jagger continues her battle against the political repression of the Ortega regime in Nicaragua, where she was born. Several bishops and priests are incarcerated in Nicaragua, where the Catholic Church is suspected of supporting the opposition. In an interview with FRANCE 24, Jagger appealed directly to Pope Francis, asking him to "condemn" the acts of President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo, Ortega's wife. She also urged the international community to "impose serious sanctions" on the regime, saying it is committing "crimes against humanity".
In France, working the soil is often a family business. In the western city of La Rochelle, we meet three generations of cereal farmers who have been working the fields since 1912. A little further north, in the Mayenne region, a whole family has converted to organic farming. For all of them, each working day is a chance to learn or pass on know-how.
In a rare move, general practitioners in France will go on strike on December 1 and 2, demanding greater investment from the government in local doctors' surgeries. They say that if their working conditions don't improve, the state can kiss goodbye to traditional local surgeries, since recruiting the next generation of doctors will be almost impossible. These GPs are complaining of increasingly long days and endless paperwork. To better understand the situation, we spent a day with a doctor in a small town south of Paris. We also met a GP who was recently signed off work after suffering from burnout.
Iranian security forces have widely used shotguns to repress the protests exploding around the country. At least 20 protesters have died after being hit by shotgun blasts, according to Amnesty International. A member of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard’s militia, the Basij, told us how security forces are trained to control protests.
IN THE PRESS – Monday, 28.11.2022: We take a look at how the press is covering the anti-Covid protests in China. We also discuss the anti-regime movement in Iran and a controversial World Cup move to support it. In food news, we find out the challenges facing the EU chocolate industry and how dolphins aren't put off by the taste of hot peppers. Finally, the papers are talking about a French employee who was fired for refusing to partake in his workplace's "spicy/fun" culture.
Fighting continues in eastern DR Congo despite a deadline for M23 rebels to end hostilities. The rebels say they were not consulted over the ceasefire, which was agreed between regional leaders including from DR Congo and Rwanda.
Four-time champions Germany are on the brink of another early elimination after failing to pick up a win in their first two games, while Belgium are beaten 2-0 by a spirited Moroccan side. Canada's journey ends after they suffer a second defeat, while Costa Rica beat Japan as they hit the target for the first time in Qatar. Our team in Doha (Simon Harding and Selina Sykes) join Karim Baldé and James Vasina in Paris to review and preview all the action in Qatar.
A video report attributed to broadcaster Al Jazeera has been circulating online, claiming that drunken Ukrainian football fans were detained at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar for giving a Nazi salute and defacing posters with a Hitler moustache. But all is not as it seems, so what’s true and what’s fake? Find out in this edition with Vedika Bahl.
A Russia in retreat on the battlefield is trying to put the lights out in Ukraine. The hardship comes the same week that the capital got its first snowfall of the season. Kyiv residents are lining up for water in near-freezing temperatures. Ukrainians are wondering if Moscow intends to turn Kherson into another Mariupol. Vladimir Putin had mostly gone quiet since the Russian retreat from Kherson. But he waded back into it when he welcomed a sample of mothers and wives of soldiers ahead of the Russian calendar's Mother's Day.
In 1977, 13-year-old Megumi Yokota vanished from the Japanese coastal city of Niigata on her way home from school. Twenty-five years later, North Korea admitted that its agents had snatched her away, along with 12 other Japanese citizens, in order to train its spies. In a groundbreaking diplomatic move, Pyongyang returned five of them in 2002, but not Megumi, claiming she had committed suicide. Her brothers Takuya and Tetsuya Yokota, who have spent the last 45 years waiting for answers, speak to FRANCE 24.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto doesn't rule out vetoing a ninth package of sanctions against Russia over its war on Ukraine – a package that is currently being prepared by the EU, along with a proposed price cap on Russian oil. "We want peace, not another [sanctions] package," he says. "We are a direct neighbour of Ukraine. The impact of the war on us is immediate and severe," he asserts. Szijjarto defends his country's close energy ties with Moscow and responds to the EU's continuing accusations of corruption. The day after this interview was recorded, the EU Commission president announced that she would recommend the freezing of payments to Hungary under the EU pandemic recovery fund as well as under regular EU cohesion funds, because of rule of law concerns in Hungary.
In a special edition, we mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and ask what it will take to end this global epidemic; particularly domestic violence. Annette Young talks to Dr Jane Monckton-Smith, a UK criminologist and a world leader on coercive control and Sarah McGrath, the founder of the NGO Women for Women France. As well, we report on the failure of the French legal system in prosecuting rape cases.
In November 1922, in the Valley of the Kings near Luxor in Egypt, after years of searching, a team led by English archaeologist Howard Carter discovered the remains of ancient Egypt's boy pharaoh, Tutankhamun. They had been hidden away for more than 3,000 years. To mark a centenary since the historic discovery, Egyptologist Aidan Dodson speaks to Eve Jackson about ancient Egypt's most famous king, what was inside the tomb and why it still fascinates us today.
It's nicknamed the intense island. Located 10,000 kilometres from the French mainland, in the Indian Ocean, Reunion Island contains a thousand treasures for the senses. Some 40 percent of the territory is a UNESCO World Heritage site. On the coast, whale song punctuates the missions of oceanographers. Meanwhile, on the Grègues plantation, a bright orange root is harvested by hand to make a popular spice: turmeric.
A seven-hour drive southwest of the Tunisian capital lies Chott el-Djerid, north Africa's largest salt lake and the setting for the thirteenth edition of Tunis Fashion Week. The youngest designer participating, 18-year-old Haroun Ghanmi, celebrates the Tunisian techno scene, while fellow designer Yousra Sen creates one-of-a-kind pieces. Everyone here knows the value of a beautiful backdrop – the communications potential was too good to miss even for Ukrainian label Kristina Laptso, whose team spent more than three days travelling to the festival's stunning location. However, the designer herself was unable to leave Lviv.
We take a look at how French consumers have adopted the American tradition of Black Friday sales. With clothing expected to the number one item that will be purchased in France during the discounted period, we also find out how the globe's appetite for fast fashion is having a dire effect on Chile's desert.
After decades of threats from mainland China, tensions over Taiwan are arguably higher than at any time since 1949. As Chinese President Xi Jinping considers the use of force to invade the island and steps up military preparations, the threat of war hangs over 23 million Taiwanese citizens. FRANCE 24's team went to Taiwan to experience first-hand how people are coping. They met citizens tempted by independence, young politicians on the campaign trail and billionaire warmonger Robert Tsao, who is spending his fortune on preparing the defence of Taiwan.
"Quiet quitting" is the latest trend to sweep across the American workforce. The concept doesn't involve actually leaving one's job, but rather making a conscious decision not to go above and beyond basic duties. The expression began circulating in July when a New York-based engineer published a video on TikTok that went viral. But employers shouldn't dismiss this as a social media trend, warns Allyson Stewart-Allen, CEO of International Marketing Partners. "This is not a passing fad or just another employment cycle. This is a profound reassessment that people are taking time to do, to think about balance."
In 2017, a report from the Thomson Foundation named the Egyptian capital Cairo as the world's most dangerous city to be a woman. Some 99 percent of female residents there report having been sexually harassed. Egyptian women also struggle to access healthcare, education and the labour market. For a long time, it was taboo to even discuss these topics. But that was until the rise of a new generation of feminist activists, who are using the internet and social media to denounce sexual violence and support victims. Our correspondents report.
IN THE PAPERS - Friday, November 25: Journalists working at the Kyiv Independent document life under power outages caused by Russian missile strikes and vow to continue their work. Also, we look ahead to important local elections in Taiwan, the first since China's military escalation there. Cartoonists give us their views on the UN-mandated day to eliminate violence against women. Finally, we look at the celebrity secrets of turning male pattern baldness into a signature statement!
Richarlison became a Brazilian hero on his World Cup debut as his two goals secured a 2-0 win over Serbia, kickstarting the seleção's campaign. That came after Portugal's hard fought 3-2 win over Ghana, as Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score in 5 World Cups.
A viral video on social media allegedly shows President Zelensky dancing with a rocket launcher, as the war in Ukraine drags into its ninth month today. The man in the video is actually a parody actor, not President Volodymyr Zelensky. We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake.
Demonstrators march in eastern DR Congo, a day after regional leaders agreed a deal to end months of attacks by rebels. Protesters say the agreement does not address Rwanda's alleged backing of the M23 rebels -- with the rebels themselves, just a short while ago saying the deal does not concern them.
Who would have thought that a Supreme Court ruling in the United States could trigger a constitutional amendment in France? After all, there is zero threat here to a woman's right to terminate a pregnancy on the books since 1975. Earlier this month we saw the blowback in the US to that June decision by the high bench in Washington with midterm election results pointing to record mobilization there by young people. For them, women’s rights were on the ballot.
One of the best things about France is its food. Each region has its own culinary wonders that reflect the area's culture and history. Join Genie Godula and Florence Villeminot as they embark on a road trip to discover France's regions through gastronomy. Their first stop is Normandy. Known for its world-famous beaches and towering monuments – like the Mont-Saint-Michel – the region is also a foodie's paradise. From the creamy delight that is Camembert to the apple brandy named Calvados, we take you to discover the region of Normandy through its culinary specialties.
British Gambian artist Sona Jobarteh plays the kora, a string instrument that has been the preserve of men since the 13th century, passed down from father to son in a special set of families in West Africa for hundreds of years. That was until she decided to change things. After picking up the kora at the tender age of three, Sona has been playing for audiences across Europe, Africa and the United States since her 2011 album "Fasiya". She gained international success following her 2015 song "Gambia", which was released to celebrate Gambian independence. It became country’s unofficial national anthem with 24 million views on YouTube. The musician is in Paris to perform in the Afrocolor Festival.
The European Space Agency (ESA) unveiled its new class of career astronauts on Wednesday, selecting France's Sophie Adenot and four other candidates from a list of more than 22,500 applicants. A helicopter pilot in the French army, Adenot becomes France's second woman astronaut after Claudie Haigneré. She spoke to FRANCE 24 about reaching this historic milestone, what inspired her to become an astronaut and why she feels space exploration is important.
Since 2016, Colombian cyclists have topped the podiums in the French, Spanish and Italian tours. Yet these successes hide a dark secret: a doping problem. Along with Costa Rica and Italy, Colombia has the highest number of cyclists sanctioned for taking performance-enhancing drugs. The Colombian anti-doping agency is trying to track down and test potential cheaters, with some 30 doctors spread across the country. But their mission is far from easy, as our team in Colombia reports.
Brazilian surfer Maya Gabeira spends much of her life in the ocean. She's seen and felt it changing over the past 20 years: from acidity levels to fewer fish to encountering plastic pollution everywhere she goes. She compares the task of protecting it to navigating a massive wave, both topics she knows a lot about as a record-holding big wave surfer and as UNESCO Champion of the Ocean and Youth. Curretly in Paris for UNESCO's "Université de la Terre", Gabeira joined us to talk about her love of the ocean, climate change, carving out her place in a male-dominated sport and using her platform for good.
Outgoing Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is challenging the election he lost last month to left-wing rival Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Bolsonaro blames a software bug and is demanding that the electoral authority annul most of the votes cast on electronic voting machines. Although Lula's victory has already been ratified by the Superior Electoral Court, Bolsonaro's claims could fuel protests from a small but committed group of his supporters.
Talks are taking place in Brussels on a proposal to set the ceiling for the price of Russian natural gas at €275 per megawatt hour. The plan has come under criticism from all sides for either being too complicated, too high or unnecessary. Meanwhile, the G7's plan to cap Russian oil prices will also be discussed. Also in the show, we take a look at one of the most prestigious brands in sport, which could soon be up for sale: Manchester United.
IN THE PAPERS - Thursday, November 24: French MPs are debating a controversial bill on banning bullfighting for the first time. Also in the news: papers react to Germany's loss to Japan in its World Cup group stage match, while the world's oldest cat is designated by Guinness World Records. Finally, this Thanksgiving, the tradition continues for a grandma and young man brought together by a mistaken text seven years ago!
The Samurai of Japan refused to fall on their swords as they shocked 2014 World Cup champions Germany with a comeback 2-1 win on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Luis Enrique's Spain side staked an early claim as contenders with a clinical display as they dismantled Costa Rica 7-0.
DR Congo and Rwanda have struck a deal to end months of fighting between Congolese troops and rebels in eastern DRC. The agreement was reached with the mediation of the East African community, but it hinges on the withdrawal of M23 rebels from occupied areas.
A viral photo on Twitter allegedly shows two images of Lionel Messi's injured ankle, 24 hours before Argentina's World Cup debut in Qatar. One of the ankles in the photo belongs to Messi, while the other one doesn't. In other news, did football fans find a clever technique for smuggling alcohol into football stadiums in Qatar? We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake.
Back in September, when Iran's protest movement caught the world by surprise, conventional thinking was that with patience and ruthlessness, the regime would eventually outlast whatever came its way. After all, that has been the playbook so many times since the Islamic revolution of 1979. But is this time different?
The 2022 World Cup in Qatar has become a focal point for geopolitics. Iran's team refused to sing their national anthem before their first match, in a gesture of support for protesters. Some Iranian visitors also took the opportunity to support the anti-government protests back home with signs and chants outside the stadium in Doha. Meanwhile, Tehran is blaming protests for the stinging defeat of its team against England. FRANCE 24's Jean-Emile Jammine tells us more.
Actor Timothée Chalamet has reunited with "Call Me by Your Name" director Luca Guadagnino for a cannibal love story – he is a heartthrob with a difference in "Bones and All". Film critic Ben Croll tells us why the disparate elements of this gory teen romance make for a wild ride at the cinema.
When the Covid-19 pandemic put a temporary stop to tourism, some hotels in the French capital were turned into homes for families in need. But now, with hotels reopening to tourists, families are being forced out with no suitable alternatives. In Paris alone, this means that 2,500 people are having to leave what had been their homes for the past two years. Some of the accommodation proposed to them is unsanitary, with cockroaches, bed bugs or even mice. Our team reports.
Humanitarian groups have warned that the situation in Mali risks deteriorating rapidly after Bamako announced a ban on NGOs financed by France. The move came in response to France's decision to cut off public funding to Mali because of its alleged involvement with the Russian paramilitary group Wagner. Also in this edition: our correspondents talk to victims of police violence in Kenya as President William Ruto pledges reform. And lastly: South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa gets the full royal treatment in London on his first state visit to the UK under King Charles III.
In 2009 the archipelago of Mayotte, nestled in the Indian Ocean between Madagascar and the African coast, voted in a referendum to become France's newest overseas department. Many hoped the change would help the territory avoid the violence that plagued the nearby Comoros Islands, which opted for independence in the 1970s. But 13 years on, violence in the overseas department is worse than ever. Mayotte lawmaker Estelle Youssouffa, who warns that the islands even risk descending into civil war, joined us for Perspective.
Saudi Arabia beat Argentina 2-1 in a game that will go down in football history. France meanwhile begin their campaign with a 4-1 win against Australia, while Lewandowski sees a penalty saved by Mexico’s keeper Ochoa.
Many football fans have already been denied entry into Qatari football stadiums for showing their support for the LGBTQ+ community. However, contrary to viral claims, this was not the case for the German football team. We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake.
It was always a stretch, Emmanuel Macron keeping the lines of communication open with Vladimir Putin while Russia’s propaganda machine and the mercenaries of Wagner fueled anti-French sentiment in Africa. In an interview on the sidelines of a Francophone nations summit in Tunisia, it sounds like now, the gloves are off.
Witnessing the birth of a nation... French photographer Anne de Henning travelled through Bangladesh in the early 70s, during the war of independence, photographing freedom fighters, families, refugee trains and women fleeing villages. To mark the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh’s independence, Paris’s Guimet Museum is hosting an exhibition of Anne de Henning’s work called "Witnessing History in the Making". Anne de Henning spoke to Eve Jackson about what she saw when she was in Bangladesh.
While much of the international community denounces the repression of the Uighur ethnic group in Xinjiang, a region in western China, these Uighur "influencers" are offering an idyllic vision of their daily life. In a study published mid-October, an Australian research centre has dissected more than 1,700 videos to show how they are in fact part of the complex Chinese propaganda network under President Xi Jinping.
After Russian forces left Ukraine's northeastern city of Kharkiv, residents started to piece their lives back together. In March, our reporters filmed in the bombed-out neighbourhood of Saltivka, a residential area which had been shelled day and night. Most inhabitants fled, although a few terrified, isolated and yet defiant locals remained. Their stories deeply moved many of our viewers. This autumn, FRANCE 24 returned to Saltivka to see how the survivors were getting on.
IN THE PRESS - Tuesday, November 22: Iran's football team dominate the front pages today after their courageous decision to boycott the national anthem during their match against England. Also, we look ahead to France's first pool match against Australia. In other news, the French food charity Restos du Coeur reports a sharp increase in the number of people turning to them for food. And the world's worst boss designation has been awarded to P&O Ferries CEO Peter Hebblethwaite.
New York City's Harlem neighbourhood became the center of Black American culture in the 1920s, and another "Harlem Renaissance" has been taking place in more recent years, this one driven by immigrants from sub-Saharan Africa. The new book "Africans in Harlem: An Untold New York Story" shines light on the African cultural influence shaping the neighbourhood. Author Boukary Sawadogo, associate professor of cinema studies at the City University of New York, explains that three quarters of African arrivals to the US came after the year 2000, many of them economic migrants from French-speaking countries like Senegal, Mali and Burkina Faso. Sawadogo joined us to chat about the African affinity for Harlem, the relationship between Africans and African-Americans, and the power of seeing Black heroes on screen in films like "Wakanda Forever" and "The Woman King".
In her first interview since the start of this year's uprising in Iran, lawyer Shirin Ebadi talks to FRANCE 24 about the Iranian people's desire for democracy. Ebadi was Iran's first female judge before losing her right to practice in 1979 amid the creation of the Islamic Republic. She has dedicated her life to defending the most vulnerable in Iran, and tried to demonstrate the contradictions of the Islamic laws. Awarded the Nobel Prize in 2003, she was forced to flee Iran in 2009.
England begin their World Cup campaign with a powerful 6-2 win against Iran, as their opponents refrain from singing the national anthem amid the mass protests back home. Deprived of Sadio Mané, Senegal suffer a 2-0 defeat against the Netherlands, while Gareth Bale rescues a point for Wales who draw 1-1 with Team USA.
The region has been in the grip of an offensive by the M23 armed group and 900 Kenyan soldiers were recently sent to the area. Also in this edition: South Africa's disgraced ex-president Jacob Zuma could go back to prison, and we talk to Nigerian climate expert Chukwumerije Okereke, who is the Director of the Centre for Climate Change and Development. And lastly, guest Karim Baldé breaks down the Senegal's loss against the Netherlands in the World Cup.
A 2016 video of Islamic preacher, Zakir Naik, has gone viral on Twitter, as users claim that Naik is converting people to Islam during the FIFA World Cup. We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake.
If the rise of cryptocurrencies seemed too good to be true, Bitcoin and its ilk have lost 74-percent of their value since reaching dizzying heights just one year ago. What was billed as the insurgent innovation that would decentralize and democratize global finance has instead proven an unregulated mess prey to money laundering and scams. Now comes a real reckoning with the collapse of a company that as recently as September was valued at 32 billion dollars: FTX.
Eagle-Eye Cherry shot to fame in the late 1990s with his debut album “Desireless”, which featured the planetary hit “Save Tonight”. The Swedish American alternative rock singer-songwriter is back with a new album “Back on Track” out on January 27. He tells FRANCE 24 how coming from a musical family – his father was jazz trumpet player Don Cherry, his half-sister is hip-hop singer Neneh Cherry – helped him recognise the moment he hit fame with “Save Tonight” as a rare thing.
Thousands of Nepalese workers have died in Qatar since 2010 on the construction sites of the World Cup. But victims' grieving families are rarely given any compensation by Qatari companies. Most deaths are due to workers falling from high buildings or suffering heart attacks. Human rights groups have questioned working conditions in Qatar, where temperatures often reach 50 °C. Some workers do return home, but their health is ruined. Despite this, many Nepalese continue to flock to the Gulf.
When nine-year-old Naza Alakija left Iran with her mother, they were stopped by morality police because she was not wearing a hijab. The experience made her aware of her body at a young age. As an adult, Alakija founded the SAGE foundation, an NGO dedicated to education, women's empowerment and the environment. She joined us for Perspective to discuss the challenge of reconciling religion and feminism, as well as the global outcry over attacks on women's rights from Iran to Afghanistan to the United States.
IN THE PRESS – Monday, 21.11.2022: The papers cover the positive, and negative, aspects of the COP27 climate deal, with many lamenting that emission cuts did not make the final agreement. The papers are also paying tribute to, and criticising, Qatar's World Cup opening ceremony. Plus, New Zealand discusses age discrimination and Joe Biden celebrates his 80th birthday.
Qatar has spent more than $200 billion preparing for the World Cup by building roads, stadiums and hotels. Although much of the infrastructure spending has been part of a larger public investment project, this tournament will be the most expensive World Cup ever. Plus, in a surprise reshuffle, Disney's former CEO Bob Iger is returning to the helm, less than a year after retiring.
In an interview with FRANCE 24, the president of Seychelles hailed the deal reached at the COP27 climate conference on a "loss and damage" fund for vulnerable nations as "good news". Wavel Ramkalawan said that "loss and damage" had been a long-standing request of small island states like his, but added that the key now was implementation and funding. "I hope that this good news is translated into reality immediately, because the world doesn't have time to wait," he said. Ramkalawan underlined that the islands of his archipelago face a very real risk of disappearance if no serious action is taken against climate change.
Qatar lose their first World Cup game to Ecuador, becoming the first ever host nation to be defeated in an opening match. Meanwhile, France are trying to remain positive despite star striker Karim Benzema's absence. Plus, will Iran put England to the test on Monday? Also on Monday, Wales gear up to face Team USA in the Welsh team's first World Cup appearance in 64 years.
In today's show we cross to Kenya, as former president Uhuru Kenyatta and Rwanda's President Paul Kagame have agreed on the need for M23 rebels to cease fire and withdraw from captured territories in east Congo.
M23 rebels have waged several offensives in east Congo this year, their first major come-back since 2012, prompting clashes with the army that have displaced thousands of civilians since March.
A video circulating widely on social media since November 13th shows pickup trucks being demolished by construction equipment -- and according to internet users, France is behind this destruction either in Mali, or Burkina Faso. These posts have generated strong anti-French sentiment, but what's true and what's fake? We take a closer look in this edition with Vedika Bahl.
No World War Three this week no nuclear winter but Nato got a scare. How close did Nato come to an escalation with Russia? A Russian-made missile landing on a Polish farming village Tuesday, killing two agricultural workers. The Polish president found that initial evidence pointed to Ukranian anti-air defence a claim backed by NATO allies but initially denied by a Ukranian president who stated "I have no doubt that this is not our missile."
As the 2022 World Cup kicks off in Qatar, we take a look at the fate of thousands of migrant workers, mostly from South Asia, who helped build infrastructure but went home in coffins. We also speak to Swedish investigative journalist Martin Schibbye, who spoke to their families and created alternative football cards with their stories. Finally, we look at how millions of people in India still have no access to clean sanitary facilities, despite a years-long government drive to eradicate open defecation.
Rising gas and oil prices have plunged Europe into its worst energy crisis in decades. France has been hit hard, but perhaps not for the reasons you would expect. Nuclear and hydroelectric power, the country's main sources of electricity, are both running out of steam. Has the French energy mix hit a breaking point? We take a closer look in this edition of Down to Earth.
Talking Europe speaks to a veteran of the European and Italian political scenes, former EU Commissioner and former Italian foreign minister Emma Bonino. She shares her thoughts on the bitter dispute between Rome and Paris over the fate of the migrants on the Ocean Viking rescue ship, and says an EU migration policy won't happen without EU treaty change. "If we don't overcome national vetoes, be it on Covid, be it on energy, be it on migrants, we won't have European solutions. We will just keep dreaming of European solutions," she tells Armen Georgian. Bonino also touches on women's rights and what she has called the "reactionary social agenda" of the new coalition governing Italy.
With women twice as likely to develop Alzheimer's disease, why are the medical and scientific communities not doing more to find out why? Annette Young talks to Dr Antonella Santuccione Chadha, the CEO of the Women's Brain Project.
From the new wave of French language sci-fi movies to Paris's immersive movie experience bringing you face-to-face with an Arnold Schwarzenegger lookalike, plus a visit to an exhibition commemorating 100 years since the death of French literary giant Marcel Proust, join Eve Jackson for a look at the week's culture news.
November 19 is World Toilet Day, a crucial health issue in India. According to the World Bank, nearly 15 percent of the country's population does not have access to a toilet and the consequences are severe: water pollution, waterborne diseases and sexual violence. In 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised that open defecation would be eradicated in India. Eight years after the government's promise, India still lacks toilets and the country's sanitary problems are not getting any better. Our correspondents report.
We all know the drill: the winners of prestigious fashion prizes are lauded by all, showered with flowers and thrust into the limelight. But what about the other finalists, who go home empty handed? At the 37th edition of the Hyères International Fashion Festival, 10 designers made it to the final round. Only three won prizes, so we decided to give the floor to the other seven, all of them fiercely creative and determined to make their mark on the fashion industry.
In El Salvador, a state of emergency declared in March over widespread gang violence is still in place. The country's president, Nayib Bukele, has declared total war on ultra-violent criminal gangs, suspending constitutional rights in the process. Almost 60,000 people have been arrested since March, some as a result of arbitrary detentions. Thousands are now in prison. Although this crackdown is supported by most of the population, it has been strongly criticised by human rights groups. FRANCE 24's Laurence Cuvillier and Matthieu Comin report.
IN THE PRESS – Friday, 18.11.2022: With the World Cup kicking off this weekend, we take a look at how the papers are covering Qatar’s controversy-ridden tournament. The papers are also paying tribute to Nancy Pelosi's term as Speaker of the House, now that she's retiring. We also discuss the British government’s austerity plan, which the papers are calling a "Nightmare before Christmas". Finally, Time tells us it’s not just kids who want toys for Christmas.
If you build it, they will come. Qatar 2022 is now upon us with the opening kickoff slated for Sunday. The World Cup in a tiny desert dictatorship with virtually no footballing tradition. What could possibly go wrong? When the opening whistle blows, will we all forget about human rights, the carbon footprint of air conditioned stadiums built from scratch and a fall schedule that factors in the desert heat?
This week, we're focusing on Qatar and asking what the economic impact of hosting the FIFA World Cup could be. Can this be a transformative event for the gas-dependent country? Or will it be a financial abyss worth an estimated $200 billion? We ask Alexis Antoniades, an economics professor at Georgetown University’s campus in Qatar.
This week, NASA's next-generation Moon rocket blasted off with three test dummies aboard. The successful launch brings the United States one step closer to putting astronauts back on the surface of the Moon. If everything goes according to plan, Artemis 1 will propel a capsule to orbit around the Moon and then return to Earth with a splashdown expected in the next three weeks. For more, we speak to Jean-François Clervoy, an astronaut at the European Space Agency who was previously at NASA.
On September 16, Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish woman, died in a Tehran hospital, three days after being arrested by the morality police for wearing her headscarf incorrectly. Iran has since been rocked by protests, which are closely followed and supported by the diaspora abroad. In Paris, the Iranian community gathers every week to cries of "Woman, life, freedom" and has high hopes that the regime in Tehran will fall. FRANCE 24's Mandi Heshmati, Abdelkader Dermas, Gilles Terrier and Camille Nedelec report.
The female nude dates back to the very beginning of art, but it remains a contested symbol. American photographer Renée Jacobs speaks to Eve Jackson about reclaiming it and using it as a form of queer and feminist activism. The artist also talks about the frightening power of female sexuality, why the terms of female and male gaze are reductive and the effect the city of Paris has on women. Jacobs' photo books are entitled "Paris" and "Polaroids" and her exhibition "Dreams & Desires" is being shown at the Sinner hotel in Paris.
In tonight's edition: The UN food agency says that 15 trucks carrying food aid have entered Ethiopia's Tigray region. It comes as humanitarian groups gain access to the area for the first time since a ceasefire deal was signed two weeks ago. We speak to David Miliband, president of the International Rescue Committee, about the latest developments. Plus the family of prominent South African anti-apartheid hero Dulcie September are seeking justice in a Paris court.
Elon Musk has defended himself in court over a massive pay package at Tesla, as the billionaire speeds up the restructuring of Twitter following his acquisition. But first, the British finance minister is set to unveil a revised budget plan in parliament. With tens of billions of pounds in tax hikes and spending cuts, it will mark a complete reversal of the previous mini-budget, which triggered market turmoil and led to Liz Truss's resignation as prime minister.
US photographer Scott Langley began documenting the death penalty more than 20 years ago, after he was moved by an experience he had standing outside a prison "death house" in his native Texas. His photos are currently on display at the 8th World Congress Against the Death Penalty, which is taking place this week in Berlin. They aim to expose the "inhumanity" of capital punishment by allowing people to imagine the executions, which take place behind closed doors, often in the dead of night. Langley joined us for Perspective to discuss why the United States remains an outlier when it comes to the death penalty, and what he would say to the families of victims who wish to see perpetrators executed.
IN THE PAPERS - Thursday, November 17: We look at reactions in the British papers and illustrated press as Jeremy Hunt prepares to unveil the most severe budget in decades. Also, criticism pours in ahead of the World Cup and Qatari authorities are forced to apologise after a video showed them trying to shut down a Danish reporter's liveshot. Plus we look at a spy crisis engulfing Sweden. Finally, Scrabble's dictionary gets an update with hundreds of new words.
Some users are sharing CCTV footage and photos that have nothing to do with the blast that killed six people in Istanbul on November 13. We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake.
All it takes is a spark. After a day when Russia missiles rained down across the whole of Ukraine, two projectiles landing over the border in a Polish farming village killing two. We gauge the evidence and the latest reactions from NATO headquarters where according to its Article 5, an attack against one is an attack against all.
There are some places in France where the destination is less important that the actual journey; beautiful roads that are just delightful to take. The road bordering Lake Annecy is both a challenge and a reward for cycling enthusiasts. Meanwhile on the French Riviera, the Grande Corniche, which has inspired so many filmmakers, is best enjoyed at the wheel of a vintage car. As for the Passage du Gois in the Vendée region, a submersible road that links the Atlantic island of Noirmoutier with the mainland, it is also used to pick shellfish, on foot. But watch out for high tide!
Guest film critic Emma Jones speaks to Eve Jackson about the latest film news, including Sebastián Lelio's adaptation of Emma Donoghue's story "The Wonder", starring Florence Pugh. They also discuss "She Said", the movie that looks at the uncovering of one of the biggest scandals in Hollywood history. Finally, French pick of the week "More Than Ever" portrays a young woman diagnosed with an incurable lung condition, played by Vicky Krieps.
In an interview with FRANCE 24, former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan reacted to the November 3 assassination attempt against him at a protest rally, during which he was shot in the leg. Officially, the gunman is believed to have acted alone, but Khan said he suspected the assailant was merely a decoy serving the interests of a state-level conspiracy. He directly accused current top Pakistani government leaders, saying they feel threatened by his party's popularity in view of the next elections in the country. Khan also said he feared he could be attacked again in the near future: "They think that the only way to get me out of the way is actually [to] eliminate me. So I think that there is a threat, still."
Turkey says it plans to pursue targets in northern Syria following the blast that killed six people and injured more than 80 others in Istanbul on November 13. Ankara blames Kurdish militants for the attack and has detained a Syrian woman they believe to be the suspected bomber. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack and both the Turkish PKK and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces deny any involvement. For more, we talk to Yavuz Baydar, editor-in-chief of the independent news website Ahval.
Ukraine's recapture of the city of Kherson comes two months after another military success: the liberation of large swathes of the northeastern Kharkiv region from Russian occupation. There, too, there were celebrations, as local people greeted soldiers with flowers, hugs and tears. But now as winter approaches, people are struggling to rebuild their towns and their lives. Evidence continues to emerge of systematic torture of civilians who were detained by the Russian occupying forces. FRANCE 24's Gulliver Cragg and Denys Denysov report from the town of Balakliya.
For the fifth time in a row, the soft drink producer Coca-Cola has won the unfortunate title of worst plastic polluter of the year, according to a brand audit run by the NGO Break Free From Plastics. This year's audit found that more than 31,000 Coca-Cola branded products were among trash collected by volunteers, three times the proportion found in 2018. As a result, the company's role as sponsor of the COP27 climate summit in Egypt is raising eyebrows. Also in this edition, we take a look at the cash crunch felt by local governments in China as they find themselves unable to pay for mass Covid testing.
There's no official family photo on the schedule for this year's G20 summit, an indication of just how much the war in Ukraine has complicated global cooperation efforts. Without directly naming Russia, China's President Xi Jinping said the threat of nuclear weapons was unacceptable. Similarly subtle, Indian PM Narendra Modi called for a ceasefire. In a more open condemnation, Western leaders blamed Russia alone for the war. For more on the summit, geopolitics professor Yves Doutriaux joined us for Perspective.
IN THE PAPERS - Wednesday, November 16: We bring you reaction from the European and Polish press after two missiles land in Polish territory near the Ukrainian border, an incident which some papers see as an act of war. Also, we look at reactions to Donald Trump's announcement of his 2024 presidential bid. Finally, we discover the baffling titles of millennial jobs!
In tonight's edition: As jailed British-Egyptian activist Alaa Abdel Fattah breaks his seven-month-long hunger strike, Egypt's human rights record comes into the spotlight as the COP27 climate summit continues. Also, Senegal recently imposed a price cap on various items from food to rent, as inflation continues to bite, but not everyone has welcomed the move. Plus the world has officially surpassed 8 billion inhabitants. As the global population grows, the majority of that growth is projected to come from five countries on the African continent. We take a closer look.
As concern grows over the climate crisis, so does its toll on our mental well-being. Public health officials have coined the term "eco-anxiety" to describe the fear of environmental doom. They warn that the phenomenon could have damaging long-term effects and amplify health and social inequalities for the most vulnerable. One recent international survey found that large numbers of 16 to 25 year olds worldwide had suffered psychological effects owing to the climate crisis. We take a closer look at the situation in France.
Climate change is a global threat, but countries in Asia are particularly vulnerable. We speak to Melati Wijsden, a climate youth leader and the founder of YOUTHTOPIA, about her mission to eliminate plastic waste and inspire other young people to become actors for change. Also in this edition: millions of people in Pakistan remain displayed after historic flooding, and Bangladesh turns to coal amid an energy crisis.
The European Commission’s energy supremo, Estonian Kadri Simson, recently visited Ukraine to discuss what can be done to help energy infrastructure damaged in Russian missile attacks. She details plans to transfer specialised machinery and devices to Ukraine through a dedicated fund. The Commissioner also updates us on the negotiations among EU member states on a possible price cap on gas imports – a potential response to Europe's energy crisis.
As the war in Ukraine continues to rumble on, watching events very closely are Russia's neighbours. Five of those countries are led by women including Georgia. Annette Young speaks to the Georgian President, Salome Zurabishvili about the impact of the war on her country and the region. The president also talks about all five women leaders being constantly in touch as they watch events unfold in both Russia and Ukraine. As well, the Georgian leader speaks for the need for greater European support after her nation failed to get EU candidate status alongside Ukraine and Moldova.
Despite being responsible for less than 1 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, Pakistan is among the countries worst affected by extreme weather events due to climate change. This summer, it was hit by torrential rains during what the UN chief called "a monsoon on steroids". In just a few weeks, a third of Pakistan was submerged. Some 1,700 people were killed and two million houses were destroyed. In total, 33 million people were affected by the flooding, or 1 in 7 inhabitants. FRANCE 24's Shahzaib Wahlah and Sonia Ghezali report, with the collaboration of Sameer Mandhro.
In this week's climate change edition, we go to Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt where the COP27 summit is taking place. With climate change expected to disproportionately affect the African continent, we ask what future lies in store if the goals of today are not met or changed. Countries across the continent are already feeling the heat. Kenya's worst drought in four decades has led to the death of hundreds of animals in the country's nature reserves.
A strong performance by Joe Biden's Democratic Party defied predictions of a Republican "red wave" in the US midterm elections, despite consumers feeling the pinch of high inflation. Americans have seen wages and benefits increase, but the standard of living has not. Delano D'Souza asks Abigail Watt, US Research Economist at abrdn, what we can expect from the US president on the economic front going forward.
The US midterms saw more of a pink wave than a red one as President Joe Biden's Democrats fared better than expected against the Republicans. However, the GOP still looks on track to narrowly win the House of Representatives and block much of Biden's agenda for the last two years of his term. FRANCE 24's Monte Francis breaks down the results so far and explains what they mean for former president Donald Trump's influence on US politics.
Israeli forces killed at least four Palestinians on Thursday while the Israeli election count was ongoing. Benjamin Netanyahu's new far-right coalition does not herald an end to the violence. Over in Brazil, former president Lula narrowly defeated Jair Bolsonaro in the presidential run-off. Plus, the UN voted for the 30th time against the 60-year-old US embargo on Cuba, but so far there’s no sign of US President Joe Biden budging. And electricity blackouts take place across Ukraine, as Russia evacuates Kherson in preparation for a Ukrainian counter-attack.
A weekly news show produced with photos, videos and personal accounts from France 24 Observers around the world - all checked by our staff here in Paris.
Following the truce deal between Ethiopia's government and Tigray forces, the country looks ahead to peace and reconciliation. But as Amnesty International researcher Donatella Rovera warns, many women were subject to horrific attacks and not enough is being done to make sure they get justice. Ahead of COP 27 on Sunday, we also take a look at how Africa is faring in the emerging climate emergency. In Rwanda, tea growing has had to move to the mountains while hundreds of wildlife in Kenya have died due to a historic drought.
Debunking claims circulating online that the Ukrainian president Volodymr Zelensky wrote and will be releasing a book with the same title as Adolf Hitler's infamous manifesto. We take a look in this edition of Truth or Fake with Vedika Bahl
As world powers prepare to begin crucial climate talks at the COP27 summit in Egypt, we speak to Chiara Martinelli, director of the Climate Action Network Europe, which describes itself as Europe's leading NGO coalition fighting dangerous climate change. Martinelli says the EU should, in Sharm-el-Sheikh, agree to upgrade its previous commitment to cut carbon emissions by 55 percent and now target a 65 percent reduction in emissions. "This would send an important signal to the other negotiating parties that Europe is doing its fair share globally, and that it is committed to containing the global temperature rise within 1.5 °C," she tells Armen Georgian.
Japan is the only G7 country which does not recognise same-sex unions. But this week, its capital Tokyo began rolling out a partnership certificate scheme. It allows same-sex couples to be treated as married couples for certain public services, this for the first time. Those services include housing, medicine and welfare. To analyse how big a victory this is for same-sex couples, we're joined by Olivier Fabre, a member of a LGBTQ+ advocacy group in Japan.
In this special edition, Annette Young heads to the US as the country prepares for its midterm elections. With the Supreme Court having overturned Roe v. Wade and thus ending the constitutional right to access to abortion, November 8th has become a milestone election for American women.
This weekend, the United Nation's climate change conference COP27 kicks off in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. Losses from climate-related disasters are on the rise, and the question of who will foot the bill is likely to dominate discussions. Developing nations, bearing the brunt of the crisis, won't shy away from demanding that richer countries pay up. In this special edition of Down to Earth, we take a closer look at the growing rift between the North and global South.
Starting on November 6, Egypt will host the COP27 climate change conference. Nearly 100 heads of state are expected in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh. Egypt itself has been experiencing first-hand the effects of climate change, as a lack of water threatens agriculture. The waters of the Nile, a symbol of prosperity in Egypt since ancient times, are no longer enough to support the needs of a growing population. Our correspondents Edouard Dropsy, Justine Babin and Matthew Thompson report.
It was a tragic day that became a symbol of the rise of the far right in the US during the presidency of Donald Trump. On August 12, 2017, during a rally by White supremacists in the city of Charlottesville, Virginia, a young neo-Nazi sympathiser rammed his car into a crowd of counter-protesters. One young woman was killed and dozens of other people were injured. Five years on, FRANCE 24's reporters Fanny Allard and Matthieu Mabin returned to Charlottesville to meet residents.
With her powerful performances she questions gender, race and the aftermath of colonial oppression. Nora Chipaumire has forged an artistic path from Zimbabwe to New York through choreography and dance, picking up multiple awards along the way. As her piece "Nehanda: Manifesting Thinking" comes to the stage in Paris, Nora joins us in the studio to talk about Charwe Nyakasikana, who resisted British colonial rule in Rhodesia in the 19th century and how this female revolutionary hero informed her own work.
Things aren’t looking great for the future of the planet, but this year's Hyères International Fashion Festival has some innovative suggestions. Designers from across the world are coming up with increasingly daring ways to reduce fashion's ecological footprint. The big winners of the festival's 37th edition – Jenny Hytönen, Valentin Lessner and Sini Saavala – show us how it’s done.
Fintech startups increased in value by more than 80 per cent across Africa last year, led by strong performances in South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya. Funding for these firms has more than doubled in the first six months of this year, with over 640 tech hubs now in operation across the continent. But the startup market accounts for less than one per cent of global venture capital funding. To find out why, we're joined for Perspective by Boum III Junior, co-founder of the fintech Daba.
FRANCE 24 takes you on a journey through the American heartland, from the Midwest to the South, for a closer look at the issues that could decide the crucial November 8 midterm elections. Our reporter Fanny Allard met with Americans in cities along the Mississippi River to find out how they feel about police reform, guns, abortion, the economy and climate change.
IN THE PAPERS – Friday, November 4: We look at Donald Trump's expected comeback, the spectre of political violence and Joe Biden's perceived lack of charisma in various articles focusing on the US midterm elections. We also look at reactions in Pakistan after the attempted assassination of Imran Khan and what it means for politics there. Finally, a new royal book reveals some very personal tidbits about King Charles, from the teddy bear he travels with to his hatred of square ice cubes!
Far from being over, the Covid-19 pandemic has created another widespread problem: long Covid, the persistence of symptoms beyond the initial infection. In some cases this can last months and be seriously debilitating. There are 2 million long Covid patients in France. The World Health Organization says there are some 145 million worldwide. However, the French government’s scientific council COVARS has concluded that it's a psychosomatic problem. Has enough been done to understand long Covid?
A weekly news show produced with photos, videos and personal accounts from France 24 Observers around the world - all checked by our staff here in Paris.
In this week's show we focus on environmental activism in France. The issue has been in the spotlight following a standoff between authorities and environmentalists over the construction of an agriculture water storage project in western France. The local project grabbed national headlines after violent clashes between law enforcement agents and activists. According to Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin, the activists' methods amount to "eco-terrorism". The situation is potentially explosive for the government. Critics say the environmentalist movement is seeing growing extremism within its ranks, but the tradition of environmental activism runs deep in France.
America goes to the polls next week for crucial midterm elections that could see the Democrats lose control of Congress. In this special edition, we look at why Tuesday's vote is so important. We also take a trip down the Mississippi River to talk to voters about some of the key campaign issues. Finally, we report on how the city of Charlottesville has changed since a young woman was killed at a protest against White supremacists there in 2017.
Director Lotfy Nathan joins us to talk about his latest film "Harka", a devastating take on Tunisian society a decade after the Arab Spring. We discuss the insurmountable challenges faced by protagonist Ali, as well as the existential and emotional experience of a young man caught up in the socio-economic struggles of his country.
Director Lotfy Nathan joins us to talk about his latest film "Harka", a devastating take on Tunisian society a decade after the Arab Spring. We discuss the insurmountable challenges faced by protagonist Ali, as well as the existential and emotional experience of a young man caught up in the socio-economic struggles of his country.
Yanjin, a city built along the Yangtze river in southern China, is the narrowest in the world: just 30 metres wide in some places. But despite growth being constrained by the area's stunning geography, residents have managed to turn this former mountain trading hub into a bustling metropolis of some 400,000 people. The once-isolated city has been thrust into the spotlight by Chinese social media users, who made drone footage of Yanjin go viral. With just two streets running along each bank of the river, the city is hoping to capitalise on its newfound popularity and attract more and more tourists. Our France 2 colleagues report, with FRANCE 24's Camile Nedelec.
Yanjin, a city built along the Yangtze river in southern China, is the narrowest in the world: just 30 metres wide in some places. But despite growth being constrained by the area's stunning geography, residents have managed to turn this former mountain trading hub into a bustling metropolis of some 400,000 people. The once-isolated city has been thrust into the spotlight by Chinese social media users, who made drone footage of Yanjin go viral. With just two streets running along each bank of the river, the city is hoping to capitalise on its newfound popularity and attract more and more tourists. Our France 2 colleagues report, with FRANCE 24's Camile Nedelec.
Unpaid wages, under-reporting of migrant worker deaths and an eye-watering carbon footprint are just some of the concerns being expressed by human rights groups and environmentalists as Qatar prepares to host one of the planet's biggest sporting events. Just weeks before the opening match, we bring you a special edition on the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Unpaid wages, under-reporting of migrant worker deaths and an eye-watering carbon footprint are just some of the concerns being expressed by human rights groups and environmentalists as Qatar prepares to host one of the planet's biggest sporting events. Just weeks before the opening match, we bring you a special edition on the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
In France, puppet shows attract children and adults alike. All year long, puppeteer Jacky Cartillier and his daughter Carole-Anne criss-cross France with their Guignol show. They have passed down the show from generation to generation for 70 years. Guignol, the most famous French puppet, was created in the city of Lyon in 1808. Two centuries later, Guignol and his sidekick Gnafron have lost none of their banter. Meanwhile, Marie and Sandrine belong to the Talabar puppet theatre company. Since its founding in 1987, the female artist-puppeteers have produced 14 different shows.
In France, puppet shows attract children and adults alike. All year long, puppeteer Jacky Cartillier and his daughter Carole-Anne criss-cross France with their Guignol show. They have passed down the show from generation to generation for 70 years. Guignol, the most famous French puppet, was created in the city of Lyon in 1808. Two centuries later, Guignol and his sidekick Gnafron have lost none of their banter. Meanwhile, Marie and Sandrine belong to the Talabar puppet theatre company. Since its founding in 1987, the female artist-puppeteers have produced 14 different shows.
French journalist Laurent Richard founded Forbidden Stories in 2017 with a simple mission: to continue the work of journalists who have been assassinated or otherwise silenced. That same year, Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia was killed in a car bomb. The organisation worked to continue her investigations and identify her killers, exposing corruption at the highest levels of the Maltese government. For Richard, the ultimate goal of Forbidden Stories is twofold: to bring crucial reporting to the world and to deter crimes against journalists by showing that "it doesn't make sense to kill a reporter when there are 50 others ready to carry on their work". He joined us for Perspective as we mark the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists.
French journalist Laurent Richard founded Forbidden Stories in 2017 with a simple mission: to continue the work of journalists who have been assassinated or otherwise silenced. That same year, Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia was killed in a car bomb. The organisation worked to continue her investigations and identify her killers, exposing corruption at the highest levels of the Maltese government. For Richard, the ultimate goal of Forbidden Stories is twofold: to bring crucial reporting to the world and to deter crimes against journalists by showing that "it doesn't make sense to kill a reporter when there are 50 others ready to carry on their work". He joined us for Perspective as we mark the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists.
IN THE PRESS - Wednesday, November 2: The Israeli papers react to preliminary election results that put Benjamin Netanyahu on the cusp of victory and see a far-right politician with anti-Arab sentiment taking third place. In Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro speaks for the first time since losing his election to Lula. We also look at a scandal engulfing the American leisure sport of cornholing. Finally, social media pays tribute to slain rapper Offset from the group Migos.
IN THE PRESS - Wednesday, November 2: The Israeli papers react to preliminary election results that put Benjamin Netanyahu on the cusp of victory and see a far-right politician with anti-Arab sentiment taking third place. In Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro speaks for the first time since losing his election to Lula. We also look at a scandal engulfing the American leisure sport of cornholing. Finally, social media pays tribute to slain rapper Offset from the group Migos.
By holding its fifth election in less than four years, can Israel break the stalemate? Prime Minister Yair Lapid hopes to remain in power after his coalition collapsed in June, but veteran politician Benjamin Netanyahu, now 73 years old and on trial for corruption, is eyeing a comeback. Many say the country's proportional representation system does not help stability in the Knesset. Meanwhile, some one million Palestinian voters make up 17 percent of the Israeli electorate but are historically disenfranchised. What will this election hold for them?
By holding its fifth election in less than four years, can Israel break the stalemate? Prime Minister Yair Lapid hopes to remain in power after his coalition collapsed in June, but veteran politician Benjamin Netanyahu, now 73 years old and on trial for corruption, is eyeing a comeback. Many say the country's proportional representation system does not help stability in the Knesset. Meanwhile, some one million Palestinian voters make up 17 percent of the Israeli electorate but are historically disenfranchised. What will this election hold for them?
Intense fighting in DR Congo's North Kivu province is leading to major population displacement. We take a closer look. But first, Algeria hosts its first Arab League summit since the Covid-19 pandemic. Food security, political turmoil in Libya and Sudan and the Nile dam dispute are on the agenda. Finally, at the second Presidential Summit on Gender-Based Violence in South Africa, activists call out President Cyril Ramaphosa by asking what he's done to combat violence against women since his first summit in 2018.
Intense fighting in DR Congo's North Kivu province is leading to major population displacement. We take a closer look. But first, Algeria hosts its first Arab League summit since the Covid-19 pandemic. Food security, political turmoil in Libya and Sudan and the Nile dam dispute are on the agenda. Finally, at the second Presidential Summit on Gender-Based Violence in South Africa, activists call out President Cyril Ramaphosa by asking what he's done to combat violence against women since his first summit in 2018.
Some web users are falsely claiming that Paul Pelosi and the suspect who attacked him are gay lovers. Elon Musk, the new owner of Twitter, tweeted then deleted this unfounded conspiracy theory published by the Santa Monica Observer. Also, did Musk fire an employee on a live Joe Rogan show? We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake.
Some web users are falsely claiming that Paul Pelosi and the suspect who attacked him are gay lovers. Elon Musk, the new owner of Twitter, tweeted then deleted this unfounded conspiracy theory published by the Santa Monica Observer. Also, did Musk fire an employee on a live Joe Rogan show? We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake.
The Great Mosque of Paris or Paris Central Mosque is the most visited mosque in France. Its construction began in 1922, with the aim of thanking Muslim soldiers who fought for France in World War I. Back then, the state financed the building of the edifice. But a century later, the context is quite different. Financing the construction of a mosque in France today can prove a challenge. We take a closer look.
The Great Mosque of Paris or Paris Central Mosque is the most visited mosque in France. Its construction began in 1922, with the aim of thanking Muslim soldiers who fought for France in World War I. Back then, the state financed the building of the edifice. But a century later, the context is quite different. Financing the construction of a mosque in France today can prove a challenge. We take a closer look.
In an interview with FRANCE 24, former Iranian television host Ehsan Karami says he has no desire to return to his homeland where the government continues its harsh crackdown on mass protests sparked by the death last month of Mahsa Amani. The 22-year-old woman died just days after she was arrested and beaten by Iran's "morality police" for allegedly wearing an "improper" hijab. Outrage over her killing has led to protests worldwide – women chopped off their hair and many Muslim women burned their hijabs. Karami, now living in California, says he is determined to use his voice to support the Iranian people who have been rising up in unprecedented numbers in defiance of Iran's repressive regime.
In an interview with FRANCE 24, former Iranian television host Ehsan Karami says he has no desire to return to his homeland where the government continues its harsh crackdown on mass protests sparked by the death last month of Mahsa Amani. The 22-year-old woman died just days after she was arrested and beaten by Iran's "morality police" for allegedly wearing an "improper" hijab. Outrage over her killing has led to protests worldwide – women chopped off their hair and many Muslim women burned their hijabs. Karami, now living in California, says he is determined to use his voice to support the Iranian people who have been rising up in unprecedented numbers in defiance of Iran's repressive regime.
Ukraine's forces continue to gain ground in territory occupied by Russia, with Vladimir Putin warning that the world is facing its most dangerous decade since World War II. Next, "Ready for Rishi" was his campaign slogan. Now Rishi Sunak has become the first ever prime minister and major party leader of colour in British history. Meanwhile, Brazil is nearing the end of its highly divisive and tense election, with election fatigue setting in as voters tell us they are fed up with the whole process. Finally, protests over the death of Mahsa Amini in Iran show no signs of slowing down.
Ukraine's forces continue to gain ground in territory occupied by Russia, with Vladimir Putin warning that the world is facing its most dangerous decade since World War II. Next, "Ready for Rishi" was his campaign slogan. Now Rishi Sunak has become the first ever prime minister and major party leader of colour in British history. Meanwhile, Brazil is nearing the end of its highly divisive and tense election, with election fatigue setting in as voters tell us they are fed up with the whole process. Finally, protests over the death of Mahsa Amini in Iran show no signs of slowing down.
In this special edition of the programme, we take you to Asia NOW, Europe's premier Asian art fair. This year, it was relocated from a private mansion in the French capital to the Monnaie de Paris, which houses the world’s oldest continuously running mint. Some 27,000 people attended this eighth edition. Many galleries managed to sell the majority of their works on display, with some netting six-figure sums. While there were big names like Takashi Murakami or Ai Weiwei, the fair also featured young talents who may become the art world's stars of tomorrow.
In this special edition of the programme, we take you to Asia NOW, Europe's premier Asian art fair. This year, it was relocated from a private mansion in the French capital to the Monnaie de Paris, which houses the world’s oldest continuously running mint. Some 27,000 people attended this eighth edition. Many galleries managed to sell the majority of their works on display, with some netting six-figure sums. While there were big names like Takashi Murakami or Ai Weiwei, the fair also featured young talents who may become the art world's stars of tomorrow.
It's the main article of later versions of the Hippocratic Oath: "First, do no harm". But sexism in healthcare often leaves that pledge unfulfilled. From invasive exams to missed diagnoses and even sexual assault, women are disproportionately affected by gender bias in medicine, often with grave consequences. Erin Ogunkeye spoke to journalists Maud Le Rest and Eva Tapiero, whose recent book "Les Patientes d'Hippocrate" delves into what sexism in medicine means for female patients.
It's the main article of later versions of the Hippocratic Oath: "First, do no harm". But sexism in healthcare often leaves that pledge unfulfilled. From invasive exams to missed diagnoses and even sexual assault, women are disproportionately affected by gender bias in medicine, often with grave consequences. Erin Ogunkeye spoke to journalists Maud Le Rest and Eva Tapiero, whose recent book "Les Patientes d'Hippocrate" delves into what sexism in medicine means for female patients.
FRANCE 24's Europe team brings you a new series of Europe Now programmes, focusing on "levelling up" – efforts aimed at making life more equal across Europe's many and diverse regions. We examine both national efforts to level up, and the role that EU funding plays in those attempts. EU structural and cohesion funds have become even more important in the light of the war in Ukraine and the ensuing energy crisis, which threatens to increase unequal living standards around Europe.
FRANCE 24's Europe team brings you a new series of Europe Now programmes, focusing on "levelling up" – efforts aimed at making life more equal across Europe's many and diverse regions. We examine both national efforts to level up, and the role that EU funding plays in those attempts. EU structural and cohesion funds have become even more important in the light of the war in Ukraine and the ensuing energy crisis, which threatens to increase unequal living standards around Europe.
Qatar's hosting of the upcoming 2022 World Cup brought in thousands of migrant workers to build stadiums and other infrastructure. These foreigners left everything behind in search of a better life. But once in Qatar, they have often experienced exploitation: unpaid wages, confiscated passports and extreme working conditions that have led to several thousands of deaths, according to various NGOs. Some migrant workers agreed to speak to our reporters Chloé Domat and Rammohan Pateriya for this special full-length report. They explain how their Qatari dream has turned into a nightmare, even if Doha also offers some opportunities for upward social mobility.
Qatar's hosting of the upcoming 2022 World Cup brought in thousands of migrant workers to build stadiums and other infrastructure. These foreigners left everything behind in search of a better life. But once in Qatar, they have often experienced exploitation: unpaid wages, confiscated passports and extreme working conditions that have led to several thousands of deaths, according to various NGOs. Some migrant workers agreed to speak to our reporters Chloé Domat and Rammohan Pateriya for this special full-length report. They explain how their Qatari dream has turned into a nightmare, even if Doha also offers some opportunities for upward social mobility.
Created to reduce the gaps and inequalities between the different regions of the European Union, the bloc's cohesion policy was caught out by the unexpected arrival of Covid-19. But did it fail to act against the pandemic? We take a closer look.
Created to reduce the gaps and inequalities between the different regions of the European Union, the bloc's cohesion policy was caught out by the unexpected arrival of Covid-19. But did it fail to act against the pandemic? We take a closer look.
The Covid-19 pandemic and Russia's invasion of Ukraine have reversed three decades of progress in reducing poverty, according to the World Bank, which is warning that the global goal of eradicating extreme poverty by 2030 is now out of reach. In its latest report, the Washington-based lender estimates that 70 million more people were forced into extreme poverty in 2020, the largest increase since monitoring began in 1990. Solange Mougin speaks to Mari Pangestu, Managing Director of Development Policy and Partnerships at the World Bank and a former Indonesian trade minister.
The Covid-19 pandemic and Russia's invasion of Ukraine have reversed three decades of progress in reducing poverty, according to the World Bank, which is warning that the global goal of eradicating extreme poverty by 2030 is now out of reach. In its latest report, the Washington-based lender estimates that 70 million more people were forced into extreme poverty in 2020, the largest increase since monitoring began in 1990. Solange Mougin speaks to Mari Pangestu, Managing Director of Development Policy and Partnerships at the World Bank and a former Indonesian trade minister.
FRANCE 24's Solange Mougin takes a closer look at the economic benefits of Israel and Lebanon's maritime border agreement. The deal is not only a political and diplomatic milestone between the two nations, which are technically at war. It also has the potential to bring in hundreds of millions of dollars to both nations as they tap into offshore gas fields.
FRANCE 24's Solange Mougin takes a closer look at the economic benefits of Israel and Lebanon's maritime border agreement. The deal is not only a political and diplomatic milestone between the two nations, which are technically at war. It also has the potential to bring in hundreds of millions of dollars to both nations as they tap into offshore gas fields.
There are just a few days to go until the second round of the presidential run-off in Brazil. Both incumbent Jair Bolsonaro and his left-wing rival Lula da Silva are leaving no stone unturned in trying to convince voters that they've got what it takes to lead the country going forward. Bolsonaro is considering raising the minimum wage and adjusting the salaries of civil servants for inflation. This comes as universities in the country say they're desperate after years of budget cuts imposed during his term in office. Our correspondents report.
There are just a few days to go until the second round of the presidential run-off in Brazil. Both incumbent Jair Bolsonaro and his left-wing rival Lula da Silva are leaving no stone unturned in trying to convince voters that they've got what it takes to lead the country going forward. Bolsonaro is considering raising the minimum wage and adjusting the salaries of civil servants for inflation. This comes as universities in the country say they're desperate after years of budget cuts imposed during his term in office. Our correspondents report.
A weekly news show produced with photos, videos and personal accounts from France 24 Observers around the world - all checked by our staff here in Paris.
A weekly news show produced with photos, videos and personal accounts from France 24 Observers around the world - all checked by our staff here in Paris.
On May 5, 1992, on the French island of Corsica, local football club Bastia were hosting Marseille for a French Cup semi-final. But what should have been a day of celebration turned into a nightmare. Less than 10 minutes before the start of the match, the top of the temporary metal stand that had been installed to double the Furiani stadium's capacity collapsed. Hundreds of people fell dozens of metres to the ground in a tangle of metal: many crushed in the collapse, others in the mayhem that followed. In total, 19 people were killed and more than 2,300 injured. Three decades on, Annabel Lecouffe-Robaglia, Florie Castaingts and Thierry Derouet went to meet survivors and victims’ families.
On May 5, 1992, on the French island of Corsica, local football club Bastia were hosting Marseille for a French Cup semi-final. But what should have been a day of celebration turned into a nightmare. Less than 10 minutes before the start of the match, the top of the temporary metal stand that had been installed to double the Furiani stadium's capacity collapsed. Hundreds of people fell dozens of metres to the ground in a tangle of metal: many crushed in the collapse, others in the mayhem that followed. In total, 19 people were killed and more than 2,300 injured. Three decades on, Annabel Lecouffe-Robaglia, Florie Castaingts and Thierry Derouet went to meet survivors and victims’ families.
Speaking to FRANCE 24, Vera Jourova, a Vice-President of the European Commission, strongly condemned what Russia says are evacuations of civilians in the Kherson province of southern Ukraine. "I come from Czechoslovakia and this is the old playbook," she told Catherine Nicholson. "The Soviet military invasion of 1968 was presented as brotherly help." Jourova went on to outline efforts to help journalists in Ukraine and to support media freedoms inside the EU. She also reviewed the latest talks between the EU and Poland on the thorny issue of rule of law – a standoff that could in theory lead to Poland losing some of its EU funding.
Speaking to FRANCE 24, Vera Jourova, a Vice-President of the European Commission, strongly condemned what Russia says are evacuations of civilians in the Kherson province of southern Ukraine. "I come from Czechoslovakia and this is the old playbook," she told Catherine Nicholson. "The Soviet military invasion of 1968 was presented as brotherly help." Jourova went on to outline efforts to help journalists in Ukraine and to support media freedoms inside the EU. She also reviewed the latest talks between the EU and Poland on the thorny issue of rule of law – a standoff that could in theory lead to Poland losing some of its EU funding.
The first is an English designer who fights for a cleaner world, through more responsible design. The second is an Australian lingerie designer who also works as an artist. The third is a Ukrainian designer, determined to stay true to her cultural and sartorial roots. Stella McCartney, Michaela Stark and Lilia Litkovska are three women using fashion to undermine oppression, whatever form it may take. FRANCE 24 went to meet them.
The first is an English designer who fights for a cleaner world, through more responsible design. The second is an Australian lingerie designer who also works as an artist. The third is a Ukrainian designer, determined to stay true to her cultural and sartorial roots. Stella McCartney, Michaela Stark and Lilia Litkovska are three women using fashion to undermine oppression, whatever form it may take. FRANCE 24 went to meet them.
This year, France is celebrating Portuguese culture. Fado music is often upheld as the essence of Lisbon, a mainstay in a rapidly changing capital city. In this special show from Portugal, Eve Jackson meets the duo reinventing the music that embodies the nation's soul. Fado Bicha are Portugal's queer anti-racist feminist musicians and they're challenging the traditional, conservative, ritualistic fado.
Boris Johnson is soon to leave Downing Street for the last time. According to a recent Ipsos survey, the British public rank him as the country's worst performing postwar leader. Johnson will be forever remembered as one of the men behind Brexit and as a PM who attended illegal parties at Downing Street during lockdown. But some Conservatives are already nostalgic for the leader they affectionately call "Boris". FRANCE 24's Julien Sauvaget and Clovis Casali report from across the UK on Johnson's divisive legacy.
France's Bastille Day is usually synonymous with joyful street parties and colourful fireworks. But six years ago in the Mediterranean city of Nice, the festivities ended in tragedy. Some 86 people were killed and more than 400 injured when an Islamic State group sympathiser rammed a truck into crowds on the promenade. On the opening day of the trial of eight people accused of having a role in that bloodshed, FRANCE 24 spoke to counter-terrorism expert Raffaello Pantucci for Perspective.
On Sunday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz presented the third package of its kind since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. We take a closer look at the raft of measures that will bring financial support to cash-strapped German households and the windfall tax on energy providers that's due to finance part of it. Meanwhile, faced with a climate crisis in addition to an energy crisis, we see how the US town of Commerce, Georgia is banking on green technology for the future.
In this edition: Kenyans await the Supreme Court’s verdict on last month's presidential election, slated for Monday. Defeated candidate Raila Odinga claims electoral fraud after losing by a razor-thin margin. Also: South Africa's ruling ANC party suggests chemical castration as a punishment for convicted rapists. And finally, founder of sustainability non-profit Yayra Agbofah talks about what can be done to tackle Ghana’s massive textile waste problem.
He changed the course of history. Mikhael Gorbachev passing away this week at 91. Thirty years after the last Soviet president left power, he is remembered in the West as an unlikely hero. We have images of then president Leonid Brezhnev pinning a medal on the then-chair of the Communist Party Standing Commission on Youth Affairs date back to 1979. Who knew that six years later, the unassuming apparatchik would rise to the rank of radical reformer.
Two hundred years ago, a young French linguist had a major eureka moment. In 1822, everything suddenly made sense for Jean-François Champollion as he deciphered hieroglyphics – the ancient Egyptian code which had bamboozled scholars for years. Thanks to his hard work, the mysterious symbols chipped into stone finally had meaning. In this special edition of France in Focus, we travel to the town of Vif in France's eastern Isère region to follow in the footsteps of the child prodigy who would become the first head of the Louvre museum's department of Egyptian antiquities.
From a film on abortion rights to a biopic about Marilyn Monroe, there's plenty in store at this year's Deauville American Film Festival. The mistress of ceremonies, FRANCE 24's very own Genie Godula, speaks to Eve Jackson at the Normandy beach town about what to look out for during this annual celebration of US cinema.
In June 2020, a military base was attacked by jihadists in Kafolo, in north-eastern Ivory Coast near the border with Burkina Faso, leaving 14 soldiers dead. Other attacks followed and the Ivorian authorities have been working to improve the security situation. Our correspondent Samuel Bernard was able to join the army on anti-terror patrols and meet local residents. In this border region, the Fulani people claim to be subject to special surveillance and denounce what they consider discriminatory measures. Security forces deny targeting any specific group in their fight against terrorism.
To kick off a new season, Annette Young is in Scotland whose haunting beauty has served as a backdrop to many films and TV series about sorcery and witches such as "Harry Potter" and "Outlander". But in the 16th century, a true horror tale began as thousands of women were persecuted, tortured and killed after being accused of witchcraft. Now 400 years on, the Scottish Parliament is set to clear their names. Annette Young meets the two women who are behind the campaign to get Scottish authorities to pardon the accused.
In the town of Saumur in France's Loire Valley, the riders of the Cadre Noir represent excellence in the world of French equestrianism. The military-style academy trains elite riders who take part in top international competitions. Its expertise has been recognised by UNESCO, which listed it as Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2011. FRANCE 24 takes you behind the scenes of the stables.
The summer of 2022 has seen unprecedented droughts that have ravaged crops, threatening the livelihoods of millions across the world. France wasn't spared, with almost all departments facing water restrictions. Increasingly, farmers are turning to water reservoirs, a method decried by environmentalists. In this episode of Down to Earth we travel to western France, where tensions are mounting over the management of water supplies.
In tonight's edition: Renewed fighting in northern Ethiopia intensifies further, both federal forces and Tigrayan rebels accuse each other of opening up new fronts. In South Africa, parents of the 21 young people who died in June at a tavern in the Eastern Cape are told their children died of suffocation and gas price hikes in Togo boosts the demand for coal.
First the glaciers melt, then the monsoon rains stall. As Pakistan bails out from unprecedented floods comes the stark realization: this is not some freak of nature, it is the new normal for a nation that scientists rank among the most vulnerable to global warming. We ask about the latest, the challenges faced by rescuers.
In tonight's edition: A political spat between Morocco and Tunisia continues after being sparked over the weekend by Tunis's hosting of the head of the Polisario Front. But first, a report released by a crisis monitoring organisation suggests that Russian mercenaries in Mali target civilians in well over half of their operations. The report also accuses Wagner fighters of also attacking non-military targets in Central African Republic. Finally, we take a closer look at Egypt's centuries-long tradition of wine making.
IN THE PRESS – Thursday, September 1: The UN has released a highly-awaited report accusing China of serious human rights violations against Uighur Muslims in the Xinjiang province. The China Daily fiercely refutes these accusations in its edition today. Also, French papers pay tribute to the late Mikhail Gorbachev. Finally, a US pilot issues a stern warning to rowdy passengers mid-flight who kept "airdropping" nude pics to him.
Can a single person change the world? Yes is the consensus after the passing of Mikhaïl Gorbachev. And change it for the better, claims the West: the last Soviet leader boldly brought the USSR in from the cold, reforming, agreeing to independence for satellite states, all without bloodshed.
In an interview with FRANCE 24, Dr. Cary Fowler, the US Special Envoy for Global Food Security, discussed the issue of global hunger, particularly in Africa. Dr. Fowler hailed the arrival in Djibouti of a UN-chartered ship loaded with 23,000 tonnes of Ukrainian wheat, destined for millions at risk of starvation in Ethiopia and Somalia. "Ukraine's grain is getting out and it's getting to the world's hungry," he said, stressing that the docking of the bulk carrier MV Brave Commander "gives us some hope" and is "a step in the right direction".
IN THE PAPERS - Wednesday, August 31: We look at reactions in the front pages and illustrated press after the last Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev passed away at the age of 91. Also, Pakistan and the UN launch an appeal after devastating floods that are being blamed on climate change. Finally, this Wednesday marks 25 years since Princess Diana's shocking death in a Paris car crash. We take you through how the papers covered her untimely passing in 1997.
In tonight's edition: Kenya's Supreme Court starts working on the petition challenging the result of this month's presidential election. The UN warns the humanitarian situation in northern Ethiopia is alarming. A ship loaded with 23,000 tons of Ukrainian grain finally arrives in Djibouti on its way to Ethiopia. And former Rwandan lawyer turned designer Lambert Shumbusho wows clients from around the world with his skillfully crafted furniture.
As quickly as Baghdad erupted, Moqtada al-Sadr's supporters went home. All it took was a word from the leader a demonstration of force by the populist Shiite cleric as protracted coalition building in Iraq spills over into a power play with neighbouring Iran. Can Al Sadr stare down pressure from across the border? His umpteenth announcement Monday that he was quitting politics was the signal for clashes that killed at least 30.
IN THE PAPERS - Tuesday, August 30: We look at deadly unrest in Iraq after the resignation of a prominent Shiite cleric. It comes months after failure to form a government following elections. Also, we look at the Paul Pogba scandal, which could overshadow France's preparations for the World Cup. As Serena Williams begins her last Grand Slam before retirement, Time Magazine looks back at her legacy for women's sports. Finally, a Nebraska man sets a new record for the longest paddle in a pumpkin!
Angola's president is declared as the winner of last week's election, but that win is tarnished by accusations of fraud. Also in this edition: After months of mounting tensions, people in Tripoli fear a return of violence after dozens are killed over the weekend as rival militia clashed violently in the Libyan capital. And finally: we bid farewell to the summer with a look back on some of the highlights of the Tunis festival season.
How to avoid the unthinkable when Europe’s largest nuclear power plant finds itself on the front line of war. As UN inspectors prepare to visit Zaporizhzhia in hopes of securing a facility hit by power outages and alleged attacks, we ask about accusations of Russian shelling from the compound, the risk of a Chernobyl-style meltdown, and the toll it’s already taken on a complex that’s now under Russian control but still operated by under pressure Ukrainian staff.
Haute couture is a sartorial discipline revered in France and across the world, but at its best it's also an expression of often complex philosophical ideas and convictions. Designers are continually grappling with the tension between body and spirit, between being and merely appearing, between functionality and seduction. FRANCE 24 takes a deep dive into the latest Haute couture collections from Iris van Herpen, Yuima Nakazato, Imane Ayissi, Adeline André and Alexandre Vauthier.
As regular viewers will know, French Connections is all about exploring the intricacies of life in France and tearing apart common clichés about the French. There are indeed many stereotypes. Always fascinating, frequently baffling, France is a country that non-French people often like to reduce to preconceived notions. So what are the prevailing clichés about the French and why is it so hard to shake them off? For this 40th episode of French Connections Plus, Florence Villeminot and Genie Godula bring you a special show on stereotypes about France.
The French President has kicked off a three day visit with economic ties on the agenda, and a bid to reset often tense relations between Paris and Algiers. Also in this edition: Angola's ruling party edges closer to an election win after the tightest presidential race in decades. And finally: in Senegal, hundreds of plastic recycling plants are to be built to crack down on pollution.
An uptick in fighting in recent weeks near the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear facility in southern Ukraine, Europe's largest, has led to fears of a nuclear accident. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) wants to send a mission to inspect the plant but has yet to gain access. In an exclusive interview with FRANCE 24, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi expressed hope that the visit would take place within "days".
In tonight's edition: Angola's on the eve of the most competitive elections in it's history. Also, Kenyans forced off their land by British settlers during colonial rule take the UK to the European Court of Human Rights. And scientists have recently discovered a crater off the coast of Guinea. While it was not as impactful as the asteroid that definitively killed off the dinosaurs, its regional impact would have been huge.
In tonight's edition: former kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga is cheered on by his supporters as he hoists boxes of material for his Supreme court challenge of last week's election result. Also, in Angola, at the final day of campaigning the opposition's electoral coalition calls for change are met with excitement but the ruling MPLA are still going strong. And the community at the heart of mango production in Egypt holds a festival in honour of the fruit on which their livelihoods rely.
On World Humanitarian Day, we talk to the UN's coordinator for aid work in South Sudan about the perils of humanitarian work there. Five aid workers have been killed in the country since the beginning of the year.
At least 38 people have died in devastating wildfires that have ripped through Algeria's eastern mountains. More than 800 hectares of forest and almost 2,000 hectares of woodland have been destroyed in blazes this month alone. Algeria's prime minister has defended the government's response to the blazes.
Mali calls for an emergency UN security Council Meeting over alleged French “acts of aggression”. Bamako accuses Paris of espionage and supporting jihadists as French troops, who'd been in the country on an anti-terror mission, pulled out. Also a week ahead of the tightest general election Angola has faced since 1992, voters able to cast their ballot from outside the country for the first time. And the Open smartphone responds to voice commands delivered in dozens of African languages.
In tonight’s edition: On what's likely to be his last shot at the top job, Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga legally challenges tight presidential election results that hand victory to Ruto. Also, a decade after South African police shot dead 34 miners in the Marikana massacre, thousands demand justice and better pay and conditions for workers in the sector. And a tech researcher in Niger is hoping that his innovation in automatic irrigation could be a game changer for rural communities.
The outgoing Deputy President won a narrow victory over his rival Raila Odinga. However, four of the seven candidates including Raila Odinga have contested the results.Also, soldiers from Cote d'Ivoire have been charged as mercenaries in Mali; Cote d'Ivoire contests the claim saying the troops were sent as reinforcements to a UN peacekeeping mission in the country.Finally in Sudan, flooding has killed more than 50 people and affected at least eight thousand homes.
Presidents and ministers from global powers have been crisscrossing Africa over the past few weeks - we get some analysis on the geopolitical chess game taking place on the continent from Eric Olander, Editor-in-Chief of The China-Global South Project.
In Senegal, a recent election saw Macky Sall lose control of parliament, but a recent defection of an independent MP to the presidential coalition has dramatically changed the picture. In Cameroon, a skin-whitening drink product has been removed from the market following a report broadcast on France 24.
Kenya is still waiting for official news of who its next President will be, this as speculation has run rife online about the outcome of last Tuesday's vote. Also in this edition: in Guinea, the main opposition group FNDC has accused the transitional government of operating like a mafia, after the coalition was disbanded by the authorities. And finally: the vodun religion, sometimes referred as voodoo, is being celebrated at a festival in the town of Ouidah.
Kenya awaits the results of Tuesday's election, and it's still too close to call for the two fronts runners Raila Odinga and William Ruto. Also in this edition: Anthony Blinken has arrived in Rwanda after having visited DR Congo. He is expected to address tensions between the two countries over accusations Rwanda has supported the M23 rebel group active in eastern DR Congo. And lastly, Amnesty International has denounced arbitrary arrests and excessive use of force in Guinea.
A report released by Amnesty International marking one year since the withdrawal of US and NATO troops concludes that the Taliban has decimated the rights of girls and women in Afghanistan. To understand exactly what's happening in the country today, FRANCE 24 spoke to Dr. Habiba Sarabi, a former Afghan minister for women's affairs and former governor of Bamiyan province. She urged the international community to "take responsibility for the Afghan people and Afghan women in particular".
FRANCE 24 sat down with Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine's deputy prime minister and minister of digital transformation. The ministry was created in 2019 because President Volodymyr Zelensky had promised that Ukraine would be a pioneering e-government. Since the Russian invasion, digital transformation has been put on a "war footing", Fedorov said. He told FRANCE 24's Gulliver Cragg about several projects: a chatbot that allows people to send information about the movements of the Russian army, a joint project on drones with the Ukrainian military, as well as the use of artificial intelligence for facial recognition. The latter includes identifying slain Russian soldiers and informing their families via social media.
In tonight's edition: Kenyans are just hours away from heading to the polls for a general election. They will choose governors, MPs, and a new president, marking the end of Uhuru Kenyatta's 9 years in office. Also, as grain exports from Ukraine slowly resume, we take a closer look at another product from that part of the world that Africa depends on: fertilizer. Finally Chad's military government and more than 40 opposition groups sign a deal to launch national peace talks this month.
After three years of talks, a peace deal has been signed between separatists and the national government in Senegal's southern Casamance region. It is hoped that this could bring an end to one of the longest running conflicts on the continent, one in which thousands of people have been killed and displaced since 1982.
Elsewhere, the Rwandan government says it has not supported the revived M23 rebel movement in eastern DR Congo, this despite UN experts asserting Kigali provided weapons and uniforms to the group.
The Congolese government says it would like the so-called MONUSCO peacekeeping mission to leave the country before the end of 2024. They say their efforts to quell conflicts with the M23 and other armed groups in eastern DR Congo have failed.
On Friday, more than 5,000 people attended a mass burial for 10 protesters killed during recent anti-UN demonstrations in the city of Goma.
Macky Sall's hopes for a controversial third term as Senegalese president were dealt a blow on Thursday as the opposition deprived him of a parliamentary majority. Cost-of-living concerns lead voters to support Sall’s detractors in last Sunday's vote.
In tonight's edition: Displaced people in Ethiopia's Afar region plead for food assistance as aid heads to the neighbouring Tigray region. Also, as worldwide investment in startups stagnates or drops off, African innovation continues to excite. Funding for African startups has doubled in the first half of this year. Finally, Togolese soprano Clémentine Ayéfouni mixes Western classical opera and traditional African rhythms in unique performances to share her passion for classical music. Our correspondents went to meet her.
In tonight's edition: After dozens of deaths during last week's violent demonstrations against the United Nations, DR Congo's government reexamines the withdrawal plan for the UN's MONUSCO mission. Also, the head of al Qaeda, Ayman al-Zawahiri, was killed in a US drone strike on Sunday. He helped mastermind terror attacks on American embassies in Tanzania and Kenya in the late 1990s. Finally, Kenyans hope fresh elections will hope find a way out of an inflation crisis.
IN THE PRESS – August 2: We begin by looking at reactions to the US drone strike that killed al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri. Also, papers lambast US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's planned trip to Taiwan for spurring tensions with China at a thorny time in geopolitics. Finally, French teenagers swap their phones for fishing rods (sort of) and discover the joys of fishing this summer!
In tonight's edition: Both Senegal's opposition and the ruling coalition claim victory in Sunday's legislative elections. Kenya is heading to presidential polls next week. The electoral body says lessons have been learned . And a project in Benin lays bare the mysteries of the vodoo culture.
The African National Congress gathers this weekend to decide on its policies for the next five years, and top of the list: how to deal with corruption. Meanwhile ANC workers were out protesting as some have not been paid in two months. Also in this edition: we take a closer look at the conflict between M23 militants and DR Congo. And finally: kick off the weekend with South Africa's trendy export, Amapiano music.
IN THE PRESS - Friday, July 29: We look at reactions to Mohamed Bin Salman's visit to Paris and talks with Emmanuel Macron. Joe Biden and Xi Jinping hold marathon talks over a proposed trip to Taiwan by House speaker Nancy Pelosi. Also, two mountaineers survive a terrifying avalanche in New Zealand. Lastly, Beavis and Butthead — a staple of MTV in the 90s — gets a 2022 reboot!
Despite warnings from enviromental groups that drilling in peatlands and forests could amplify global warming, on Thursday DR Congo opened an auction of exploration licences for 30 oil and gas blocks. And elsewhere in the country, an uneasy calm returned to the streets after violent protests on Wednesday. Also in this edition: Senegal gears up for elections and Zimbabwe launches a real gold coin as currency.
IN THE PRESS - Thursday, July 28: The US says it could strike a deal with Russia to free WNBA player Brittney Griner detained in Russia on drugs charges. Also, we look at the women's Euro final, Tour de France champion Jonas Vingegaard's hero's welcome in Copenhagen and the beginning of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Finally, Australia's long running soap opera Neighbours that launched the careers of Kylie Minogue and Margot Robbie, comes to an end.
In tonight's edition: Millions of people in Somalia are on the brink of starvation. We speak to Rein Paulsen from the FAO, who is in Somalia meeting with drought-affected communities. Meanwhile, campaigning for Kenya's presidential elections picked up again on Wednesday after a deeply underwhelming presidential debate. And Senegal heads to the polls on Sunday for legislative elections in which 165 seats are up for grabs.
IN THE PAPERS - Wednesday, July 27: We look at reactions to the resignation of a close adviser to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, following comments he made about the “race mixing” of Europeans and non-Europeans. Also, France's women's football team confronts Germany for a spot in the Euro final. Finally, we look at what “Bennifer” got up to during their Paris honeymoon and Damien Hirst's latest project, which will see him burn his own artworks.
In tonight's edition: At least three UN peacekeepers and 12 demonstrators are killed in escalating anti-UN protests in eastern DR Congo. Also, French President Emmanuel Macron says that his country will open colonial archives on Cameroon to shed light upon the painful era. He is in Yaounde at the start of a tour of Central Africa aimed at further resetting relations with the continent.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba spoke to FRANCE 24 about the four-way agreement on the export of Ukrainian wheat, the delivery of arms to Ukraine and the military situation on the ground, especially around the city of Kherson. He stressed that Ukraine would do everything in its power to resume the export of agricultural products and combat famine and rising food prices, especially in Africa and Asia.
In tonight's edition: The French president has kicked off a tour of Cameroon, Benin and Guinea-Bissau at a time when French influence in Africa is being called into question in several countries.
It's summer and French vacationers are back on the road, on the rails, and in the air. After two years of suffering through the Covid-19 pandemic, it is time to recharge, rest and take in the sun.
Ireland's foreign minister has told France 24 that Dublin sees the United Kingdom's search for a new prime minister as "an opportunity for a fresh start" in the two countries' relations. This Friday, the European Commission launched new legal action against the government of Boris Johnson — this, as it pushes on with moves to unilaterally breach part of the Brexit treaty relating to Northern Ireland.
As August 15 marks one year since the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan, we again report on the plight of Afghan women. Annette Young talks to Fawzia Aminy, a Supreme Court judge who managed to escape to Britain via Greece within weeks of Kabul falling, and to the woman who helped facilitate her rescue, Baroness Helena Kennedy QC, the director of the International Bar Association's Human Rights Institute. The two are seeking to help those women left behind.
Nearly a quarter of Paris' house sparrows have vanished in less than 15 years. It's a global phenomenon that baffles scientists and conservationists. In London, Hamburg and Amsterdam, the species is also in free-fall. We take a closer look.
Unpronounceable volcanoes, Björk, Vikings, Game of Thrones – these are some of the things you might think of relating to Iceland. This remote and fascinating island, located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean with a population of 360,000 people, is one of the most creative nations in the world. Is it due to isolation, the inspiration from nature or its centuries-old folklore legends? Eve Jackson goes to the land of ice and fire to find out why Iceland has such an exceptional and disproportionate amount of artists.
In tonight's edition: Tunisia is gearing up for a referendum that would consolidate powers in the presidency, with critics calling it a power grab. Meanwhile, Kenya’s presidential campaign has been hit by misinformation and fake news on social media. Finally, we enter into the last days of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, with the host nation taking on South Africa on Saturday for the title. The run-off for third place takes place on Friday between Nigeria and Zambia.
The pandemic and a weak economic recovery have pushed back progress on closing the gender gap around the world. Saadia Zahidi, Managing Director of the World Economic Forum, says that issues including family care policies, an increasingly digital economy, and ongoing struggles in certain industries have all been setbacks for women. The WEF Global Gender Gap Report 2022 now projects it will take 132 years to reach gender parity.
Progressive US lawmaker Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez was arrested on Tuesday at an abortion rights protest. Donning bandanas reading "We won't back down", she along with other prominent Democratic lawmakers marched from the Capitol building to the Supreme Court, denouncing the Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. In total, 35 people were arrested, including 17 - exclusively Democratic - members of Congress.
Vladimir Putin works his Middle East connections. For his first international outing since the war in Ukraine, he went to Iran to meet with supreme leader Ali Khamenei and Turkish strongman Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Iran and Russia are seeking closer ties in the face of Western sanctions. Also on the agenda: negotiations over blockaded imports of Ukrainian grain and the situation in Syria.
Although Ottawa defends itself, the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration found that Canada’s immigration process could be ridden with bias and racial prejudice. In 2021, the rejection rate for visas for French-speaking African students was close to 70%. A processing software used by the ministry called Chinook was also targeted by the group. Several organisations and immigration advocates are calling out the processes in place, which they say lead to systemic racism.
As Sri Lanka's protest movement reaches 100 days, the people proudly and defiantly said that their fight is not over. Indeed, in addition to political uncertainty, the country faces a long list of problems, with years of mismanagement coupled with external shocks. The coronavirus pandemic has battered the tourism industry, and the war in Ukraine has contributed to soaring inflation. On the ground, there are also long queues for food and fuel. For more, we speak to France 24's correspondent Navodita Kumari in Colombo.
No matter the state of the world, fashion’s job is to keep people dreaming. By emphasising the power of artistry, fashion not only provides welcome distraction, but props up the economy – and can also be subtly political. At Dior, Maria Grazia Chiuri is working hand-in-hand with Kyiv-based artist Olesia Trofymenko. Jean-Paul Gaultier meanwhile, now managed by Spanish group Puig, has invited Balmain’s Olivier Rousteing to interpret the label’s sartorial DNA.
Summer is here in France — an opportune moment for us to look back on this last parliamentary season in Europe, which got underway in September 2021.
For FRANCE 24's Europe team, our job involves travelling around the continent to hear from locals and decision-makers in EU member states. Here are a few moments that stood out for us in our last few programmes.
In the Sahel, the number of informal mines is rising as gold mining areas escape state control. Mali is emerging as a gold-purchasing hub for Sahelian countries, while Dubai has become the main destination for artisanal gold production from the African continent. From the hidden smelters of Bamako to the artisanal mines of the Ivory Coast and a major gold market in Dubai, Caroline Dumay investigates the transforming global gold industry.
With a minimum of 30 days of paid leave per year, French people have the reputation of being on vacation all the time. During the summer months of July and August, parts of the country virtually shut down. So, what do they do with these cherished “congés payés”?
The world faces a catastrophic collapse of societies if action is not taken to stop the breaching of “planetary boundaries” – safe spaces within which humanity could continue to develop and thrive. That is the stark warning from the Centre for the Study of Existential Risk at Cambridge University. One of the centre’s researchers, Tom Cernev, who authored a paper that was recently published by the UN’s Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, is our guest in the France 24 interview.
This month marks 80 years since the Vél d'Hiv roundup, when French police detained 13,000 Parisian Jews, including 4,000 children, acting on orders from occupying German forces and their French allies in the Vichy Regime. Many were first sent to the Vélodrome d'Hiver stadium, which gave its name to this sinister chapter of French history, before being deported to Auschwitz, never to return. FRANCE 24’s Claire Paccalin and Stéphanie Trouillard met with survivors who managed to escape.
IN THE PAPERS - Thursday, July 7: We look at reactions in the British papers after yet another catastrophic day for Boris Johnson, who's refusing to resign. Also, the Pamplona bull fighting festival and Hajj pilgrimage both celebrate a return to normal after two years of COVID. We look at players to watch at the women's Euro championship underway. Finally Kim Kardashian and her behind pay tribute to Balenciaga workers in her eye-raising outfit at Paris Fashion Week!
Are Planned Parenthood centers 'closing down all over the country?' Were bricks placed near the capitol for pro-choice rioters? We debunk these fake news stories in this edition of Truth or Fake.
After forcing the Russians out of Snake Island, Ukrainians endure the shelling of civilians. Is Vladimir Putin also sending a calling card to NATO after an historic summit that has pledged its biggest boost in troops since the Cold War and approved new members Finland and Sweden? Also, what Xi Jinping means by "true democracy" when he travels to Hong Kong, Donald Trump's mark on democracy in America and the takeaway from the verdicts of the Paris terror attacks trial.
This French Renaissance-style castle would probably have remained largely unknown if it hadn't become home to the secret wife of Louis XIV, Madame de Maintenon. Françoise d'Aubigné – her real name – was a woman of humble origins who is often compared to Cinderella. After Louis secretly married her, the Château de Maintenon underwent numerous transformations as she put her own stamp on it. Meanwhile, the French-style garden was designed by renowned landscape architect André Le Nôtre but was only laid out in 2013.
The International Monetary Fund has concluded "constructive" talks with the government of Sri Lanka over a possible bailout. The island is facing its worst economic crisis on record, with protests over food, fuel and medicine shortages. Also on the show: why France is faring better than its neighbours when it comes to inflation. Plus FRANCE 24's Madrid correspondent Sarah Morris reports on the Spanish companies suffering from a diplomatic spat with Algeria.
Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine is breathing new life into NATO, which has not only committed to turbocharging its eastern flank but is now more than doubling its borders with Russia, as Finland and Sweden join an alliance that has rediscovered its purpose.
The Mexican state of Michoacan is facing an unprecedented wave of violence. Since January, more than 800 homicides have been recorded there, making it Mexico's most violent state. While criminal groups wage a war to control territory, the state's residents pay a heavy price: kidnappings, murders and forced displacements. Our correspondents met one local man who decided to stand up to organised crime by leading a vigilante group. For many other residents, though, exile is the only viable choice.
IN THE PAPERS - Tuesday, June 21: We look at the political headache that awaits French President Emmanuel Macron after the disastrous parliamentary election results for his centrist bloc. Some papers warn that he may need to seek support for each individual bill. Also, after global swimming, rugby league authorities provisionally ban transgender female athletes amid claims that they possess physical advantages. Finally, a Spanish local council is now imposing fines for urinating in the sea!
Whether you like it or not, the term "woke" has entered our vocabulary. Born out of the anti-racist struggles of African Americans in the 1950s, it initially meant awake or politically aware. More recently, its meaning has morphed into a derogatory term, often used by right-wing commentators, for people who fight for a cause. Here in France, the term le wokisme is also emerging, but nearly always in its negative connotation. In Perspective, we spoke to Alex Mahoudeau, author of "La panique woke, anatomie d'une offensive réactionnaire", or "Woke panic, anatomy of a reactionary offensive".
A new US law that imposes a near-blanket ban on imports from China's Xinjiang province comes into force this Tuesday. Companies now have to prove that goods they bought from the region were not made with forced labour. Beijing accuses Washington of fabricating accusations of human rights abuses. Plus, the EU urges member states not to backtrack on their commitment to fight climate change, as several nations including Germany decide to burn more coal to replace Russian gas.
A violent attack on several women in northern China earlier this month has raised questions over gender-based violence in the country. CCTV footage from a restaurant in the city of Tangshan showed a man getting rebuffed after he put his hand on the back of a woman. He then slapped her, then with other men beat the group of women before punching, kicking and dragging them outdoors. For more on women's safety and their rights in China, we talk to Professor Maria Jaschok from the University of Oxford.
In tonight's edition: Relatives of murdered Congolese independence hero Patrice Lumumba attend a moving ceremony in Brussels as Belgium returns his tooth. It's all that remains of him after his assassination in 1961. The former colonial power was found to be morally responsible for Lumumba's shocking death. Also, to mark World Refugee Day, we report on how one NGO in South Africa is trying to make sure that refugees don't fall behind at school more than necessary.
A video has done the rounds on social media, claiming to show attempts by the Ukrainian army to enrol young recruits by force. The video depicts men in army fatigues chasing a young man around a residential complex. We tell you why these claims are false.
Where did he go wrong? Eight weeks after his re-election, French President Emmanuel Macron is now in uncharted territory. On Sunday, voters left him no obvious path to a working majority in parliament. We ask about the strong inroads of an opposition split between a left-wing coalition and a far right that succeeded beyond its wildest expectations. More broadly, should this result be cheered as a result of the will of the people, or are France's institutions headed for crisis?
Since 2018, a strange creature has been stalking the streets of the south-western French city of Toulouse. Standing 13 metres tall and weighing in at 46 tonnes, Asterion the Minotaur is a giant wood and steel puppet who has become one of the city's emblems. This unusual artistic language is made possible thanks to extraordinary mechanics: a French-made exoskeleton controlled by five operators who move the minotaur's arms, torso and head. The hard work put in behind the scenes by the designers, technicians and operators turns this giant puppet into a genuine work of art.
French four-piece MNNQNS are back with "The Second Principle", a sophomore album which led them to experiment a lot in the studio and embrace new progressive space rock sounds whilst keeping their hypnotic post-punk vibes and pop song structures. Singer and guitarist Adrian d'Epinay popped by the FRANCE 24 studios to tell us more. We also take a look at new releases from Viagra Boys, Biga Ranx and Lous and the Yakuza.
For the latest edition of Europe Now, we head to Poland and Hungary. These two EU members both border Ukraine and have both taken in large numbers of Ukrainian refugees. But on more political issues, their governments' responses to the war have been drastically different. Our team meets lawmakers from across the political spectrum of both countries to discover why the Polish and Hungarian governments have taken such different stances. We also explore other key issues, such as the ever-expanding EU files on degradations of rule of law.
The World This Week analyses the first visit to Ukraine by the leaders of France, Germany and Italy since the start of the war. Is it enough to steel the European Union's resolve when it comes to Russia? Our panel of journalists also weighs in on soaring inflation, oil prices and how Russia's loss could be Saudi Arabia's gain. Leaders and golfing professionals alike are ready to overlook the kingdom's human rights record.
Flexible hours, a four-day working week and a sense of purpose are just some of the things that employees are looking for in a job. And if they feel like they're not appreciated, they might just jump ship. A recent survey found that one in four people in France are looking to quit their jobs in the next two years, as they seek better pay and better benefits. We take a closer look.
Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, spoke to FRANCE 24 a day after the visit of the French, German, Italian and Romanian leaders to Kyiv and Irpin. While welcoming this display of European unity with Ukraine, Podolyak called for more heavy weapons to be sent to his country. He said that such a move would change the situation on the ground in favour of the Ukrainian troops, faced with Russian advances in the eastern Donbas region.
Google is set to pay $US118 million to settle a class-action lawsuit that accused it of systematically underpaying women. But will other companies take note? Annette Young talks to author and gender equality consultant, Gill Whitty-Collins. Also as the bloody war continues in Ukraine, we head to a school in Kosovo that's training Ukrainian women to clear deadly Russian landmines that now dot the landscape. Plus a goal for equality on the football field with Italy giving the go-ahead for a women's professional league.
The world "missed a historic chance for a clean energy recovery", warns the sustainable energy network REN21. Despite growing investment, clean energy still lags behind fossil fuels when it comes to powering homes and businesses. FRANCE 24's Kate Moody talks to REN21's Executive Director Rana Adib.
Since the start of the war in Ukraine, over 7 million people have fled the country. Multiple reports have outlined the specific difficulties that African refugees faced as they attempted to cross the Polish border and enter the European Union. Georgina Robertson and Sophie Samaille take a look at a Facebook post falsely claiming that refugees from Africa were shot at by Polish police.
To mark the opening of its new exhibition "On the Road to Chiefdoms of Cameroon", Paris's Musée du Quai Branly gave multidisciplinary Cameroonian artist Blick Bassy carte blanche. His first move was to invite Cameroonian musicians Kareyce Fotso, Ami Yerewolo and Poundo to put on a concert. For him, these three women represent the contemporary African new wave, with a dynamic vision of how to celebrate African culture around the world – including an important role for fashion.
Every day, nearly 3,000 dugout canoes cross the Oyapock River, which serves as a natural demarcation in South America between Brazil and French Guiana. The river's banks are the scene of trafficking, illegal immigration and unlawful gold panning. Locals play cat and mouse with the border police, who try their best to monitor the comings and goings. The Covid-19 pandemic should have meant a hermetic closure of the border. Instead, it showed more than ever how uncontrollable this frontier is. FRANCE 24's Fanny Lothaire and Laura Damase report, with Séverine Bardon and Olivier Marzin.
The Mexican state of Michoacan is facing an unprecedented wave of violence. More than 800 homicides have been recorded there since January, making it Mexico's most violent state. Criminal groups are waging war to control territory, while the state's residents have become hostages and victims of the violence. Our correspondents Quentin Duval, Laurence Cuvillier and Juan José Estrada Serafín report.
This week, Iraq was plunged into more political uncertainty. Lawmakers from the parliamentary bloc of powerful Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr resigned en masse at their leader's request. The Sadrist bloc is the largest in parliament and since an election last October, parties have been unable to form a government. The move aims to up pressure in a bid to end the country's political paralysis. We take a closer look.
A weekly news show produced with photos, videos and personal accounts from FRANCE 24 Observers around the world – all checked by our staff here in Paris.
A court in London rejects an emergency bid to block the deportation of asylum-seekers to Rwanda. The first refugees will be flown to the east African country next week despite public outcry over its human rights record. Also in this edition: Disappointment in South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo as Pope Francis postpones a much-anticipated visit due to a knee injury. And finally, presenter Julia Kim speaks with Federico Bonaglia, the deputy director of the OECD development centre.
The Chinese fast fashion retail giant is facing allegations of child labor on social media. Shein debunked these claims with a TikTok video of their own. We tell you what we actually know about the fashion brands working conditions, in this edition of Truth or Fake.
After being definitively acquitted of crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court last year, Charles Blé Goudé, the former right-hand man of ex-Ivorian president Laurent Gbagbo, is expected to soon return to Ivory Coast after more than a decade in exile. On May 30, Blé Goudé received an Ivorian passport via the current president, Alassane Ouattara. In an interview with FRANCE 24, Blé Goudé discussed his upcoming return home, as well as his political ambitions.
A public primetime hearing in Washington conducted by the Jan 6th investigative committee has thrust Donald Trump back in the headlines. A marathon presentation to the american public of what happened on that day in 2021 where a crowd of Trump supporters stormed the capital and seemingly attempted to disrupt and overturn the counting of the electoral votes, which made Joe Biden the president of the United States.
Amid a growing food crisis sparked by disrupted grain exports from Ukraine and Russia, the EU's ambassador to Ukraine Matti Maasikas told FRANCE 24 that exports by land more than doubled between April and May, from 600,000 tonnes to 1.5 million tonnes.
Pablo Picasso's problematic relationship with the opposite sex has long been documented: by the women who shared his life and by the art critics and biographers who relayed the artist's musings, such as "there are only two kinds of women: goddesses and doormats". As the Picasso Museum in Paris invites feminist artist ORLAN to revisit his portraits in "Weeping Women Are Angry", we speak to art critic and author Judith Benhamou. She tells us why "like many geniuses, Picasso was a monster" and how his sexual appetite fuelled his creative impulses.
Senegalese President Macky Sall, who is the current chair of the African Union, granted an interview to FRANCE 24 and RFI in Paris. He discussed his meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin last week in Sochi, which focused on the issue of grain supplies stuck in Ukrainian ports. Sall said he stressed to Putin that Africa is suffering from the war in Ukraine, as it already faces a shortage of grain and fertiliser. He warned of a possible "famine" on the continent if African farmers have insufficient fertiliser for their crops.
In what is set to be a landmark agreement for gender equality, the EU is to vote on legislation where companies will face mandatory quotas to ensure women have at least 40 percent of seats on corporate boards. Annette Young talks to Carlien Scheele from the European Institute for Gender Studies on what it means for businesses across the European bloc. Also as the Taliban continues to ban schooling for girls aged over 11, we meet the Afghan people risking all to ensure girls receive an education. Plus the story of Viola Smith, the first female professional jazz drummer who fought for greater recognition of women in the industry.
It's a utopian city without money, without a government, without religion and which welcomes all nationalities. Auroville was founded in southern India in February 1968 by Mirra Alfassa, a French woman nicknamed "the Mother". After her death in 1973, the city developed, despite being located in the middle of the desert, thanks to the work of its residents. Some 3,300 people from 52 different countries live there today. Half of the population is Indian and a fifth is French. Together, they dream of building a new humanity, where people live in peace and harmony. FRANCE 24's Marion Laouamen, Lucile Perrone and Navodita Kumari report.
As the war in Ukraine continues in the eastern Donbas region, Ukrainian soldiers are defending themselves against Russian troops with weapons delivered by Western countries, including France. One Ukrainian artillery brigade showed a team of reporters how they are using French-supplied mobile Caesar howitzer vehicles in their counter-offensive. Our colleagues at France 2 report, with FRANCE 24's Nicholas Rushworth.
In an online video, a train is seen transporting tanks. Claims on social media have suggested that these images show Finland sending military equipment towards the Russian border. The video was seen by some as a sign of imminent conflict and an escalation of the war in Ukraine. FRANCE 24's Georgina Robertson and Sophie Samaille take a look at the video in more detail.
The word sand usually conjures up images of a holiday on the beach. But the fine grains also happen to be a precious commodity. Humans extract 50 billion tonnes of sand and gravel every year, making it the second most exploited resource on the planet. Can the world keep digging for more? The Down to Earth team investigates.
The migration crisis, the rise of nationalism and the Covid-19 pandemic have put borders back in the headlines. Although frontiers had never disappeared, globalisation and modern forms of transport had seemed to render them obsolete, at least in many regions. FRANCE 24 brings you a documentary series on four borders that are emblematic of our times. Our reporter Lucile Wassermann travelled to the Arar border crossing between Iraq and Saudi Arabia, which is coming back to life in the middle of the desert.
Journalist and author Linda Kinstler's new book, "Come to This Court and Cry: How the Holocaust Ends", combines a deeply personal family history during World War II with the universal themes of collective memory, justice and national identity. The topics are all the more relevant as Europe grapples with its worst land war in decades. She joined us on Perspective to tell us more.
South Africa's oldest private airline faces liquidation after a tough couple of years. Comair is going out of business after a rescue plan failed to raise funding, leaving some customers out of pocket. Also in this edition: Anglophone insurgents claim responsibility after five military police are killed in Cameroon. Finally, the healing power of art is on display at the Dakar Biennale as patients showcase paintings that they've created during therapy.
Some Facebook posts circulated by pro-Russian accounts claim that NATO helicopters and tanks deployed in Ukraine, as well as warehouses containing NATO equipment, have been destroyed by Russian missiles. We debunk these false claims in this edition of Truth or Fake.
The European Central Bank is setting the stage to raise interest rates in July, for the first time since 2011. Policymakers have been under growing pressure to tackle soaring inflation, which hit a record 8.1 percent in the eurozone in May. Frédérik Ducrozet, Head of Macroeconomic Research at Pictet Wealth Management, tells FRANCE 24 it will take time for households and businesses to feel the effects of the change.
In France, the parliamentary elections are almost seen as a simple procedure that confirms the president's hold on power with a majority in parliament. Indeed, the polls take place just a few weeks after the presidential election. But will this year be different? Emmanuel Macron secured his second term as president fairly comfortably, with over 58 percent of the vote in the second round. But this may have been less of an endorsement and more of a resigned move to block the far right.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine is derailing the global economy's recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) is the latest to slash its global GDP growth forecast for 2022, from 4.5 percent projected in December to just 3 percent in its latest outlook. Driving that slowdown is the cost of living crisis that's impacting households and businesses around the world. For more, Kate Moody speaks to the OECD's deputy secretary-general and chief economist, Laurence Boone.
Director Alex Garland’s latest film burrows into the dark heart of toxic masculinity, with female protagonist Harper leading the way. Jessie Buckley plays the leading role. She sat down with Eve Jackson to talk about using the challenging roles she is offered to rethink the societal paradigms that we're encouraged to accept.
This week, the US pledged close to $2 billion in private sector funds to help fight migration, adding to another billion already promised in December. US Vice President Kamala Harris made the announcement on day one of the Summit of the Americas, which is taking place in Los Angeles. The move is supposed to help control migration from Central America, one of the major themes of the talks. But there were some key players missing from the US-hosted summit. We take a closer look.
IN THE PRESS – Thursday, 09.06.2022: The French daily Libération continues its investigation into pillaged artefacts. Papers are also making pleas to the Brazilian government to step up the search for a British journalist and a Brazilian indigenous activist who have both gone missing in the Amazon. Finally, from elderly driving to chasing a wheel of cheese, we see how two women are moving forward.
A weekly news show produced with photos, videos and personal accounts from FRANCE 24 Observers around the world – all checked by our staff here in Paris.
This week, we explore the upcoming French legislative elections, the so-called "third round" of the presidential race. This time, French voters are electing 577 MPs to the Assemblée nationale, the lower house of parliament. Though arguably just as important as the race for the Élysée Palace, turnout tends to be lower. So do these elections work? We tell you more in this edition of French Connections.
Since February 24, Ukraine has been putting up fierce resistance against Russia: on the ground, but also in the digital sphere. FRANCE 24 spoke with Ukraine's Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation, George Dubinskiy. He explained that Ukraine, which suffered several large-scale cyberattacks long before February 24, has been in a digital war against Moscow "since 2014" and is defending not only its land borders, but also digital ones.
Thailand is one of the few Asian countries where tigers still live in the wild. In recent years, the country has set up cameras and patrols to protect the felines and those efforts have paid off. However, while there are some 200 tigers roaming free in Thailand, ten times as many live in captivity, often in theme parks where the animals are treated as a tourist attractions. Wildlife conservation NGOs say these tiger parks are exploiting the big cats. Our colleagues at France 2 report, with FRANCE 24's James Mullholland and Camille Nedelec.
It caused a scandal at the 1973 Cannes Film Festival and changed our critic Lisa Nesselson's life. Jean Eustache's masterpiece has now been restored and re-released for a new generation; we hear about the Parisian wanderings and wonderings at the heart of "The Mother and the Whore". Meanwhile, Olivier Assayas revisits his 1996 cult film "Irma Vep" in an eight-part series, with actress Alicia Vikander vamping it up in the title role. We find out why this most meta of comedies is a stylish homage to silent-era screen heroines.
The EU has agreed on the text of a law to force smartphone makers to equip their devices with a single, common charging port known as USB Type-C. The deal with member states and lawmakers comes as a setback to Apple, which had argued that imposing a universal cable could hinder innovation. We take a closer look. But first, the World Bank warns of 1970s-style stagflation as it sharply lowers its forecast for global growth.
IN THE PRESS – Wednesday, 08.06.2022: We take a look at how the war in Ukraine is sending the price of wheat skyrocketing and how mines along the Black Sea could keep grain shipments stuck for six months. We also look at reactions to Matthew McConaughey's speech about gun violence – an emotional appeal using a murdered child's green Converses. We also dive into Disney weddings, from the company's apology over a viral video to choosing Mickey and Minnie over catering.
An ongoing maritime dispute between Lebanon and Israel has re-entered the spotlight after a production vessel docked in an offshore gas field on Sunday. The Lebanese claim the ship is in disputed territorial waters, but the Israelis refute this. Both countries have yet to agree on maritime demarcation lines and have called on the US to mediate new talks. For more analysis, we speak to oil and gas policy expert Laury Haytayan, who is MENA Senior Officer at the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI).
North Korea is one of the world's poorest and most isolated countries, and yet it still has one of the most formidable – and dangerous – hacking networks on the planet. The Lazarus Group has targeted major international companies, stolen millions from banks and even shut down hospital departments. Investigative journalist Geoff White's forthcoming book "The Lazarus Heist" recounts how these networks emerged and the growing threat they pose today. He joined us for Perspective.
In tonight's edition: South Africa calls for the UAE to quickly extradite two arrested brothers accused of using their poltical influence to corruptly win state contracts. The Guptas fled in 2018 and were subject to an Interpol red notice. King Philippe of Belgium has begun a historic visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo. And Sudanese musician Noureddine Jaber gives voices to long marginalised eastern communities with his band 'Dorpa'.
It is a word on a lot of lips these days, imperialism. Ukrainians use it to denounce an invasion that they say recalls the days of Czarist Russia, Vladimir Putin uses it to rally support against the U.S. and its allies. In the spotlight over the next week, one of the darkest examples of imperialism as the King of Belgians kicks off a tour of DR Congo.
Feminist writer Melissa Febos is the author of four memoirs, including the essay collection "Girlhood". Dubbed "a book every woman should read", it investigates how adolescent girls are conditioned to accept patriarchal structures. Her first novel "Whip Smart" recounts her four years working as a Manhattan dominatrix to pay for college and drugs. By sharing her "unspeakable bodily truths", Febos aims to liberate herself and her readers. She spoke to FRANCE 24 about power, addiction, breast reduction surgery and expanding the definition of what's possible for women and feminists.
For more than nine months, Afghan girls over the age of 11 have been prohibited from going to high school. The Taliban have not reneged on the ban they imposed on taking power last August, despite their initial promise to do so. In the western city of Herat, FRANCE 24's reporters followed one teacher who hopes that her former students will be able to continue their education. They also met a teacher who is defying the ban by giving clandestine lessons. Meanwhile, some fathers are trying to convince the authorities to reopen girls' schools for their daughters.
IN THE PAPERS – Tuesday, June 7: We look at reactions in the British papers after PM Boris Johnson survives a no-confidence vote. Also, the girl who inspired one of the Vietnam War's defining photos speaks out, 50 years after the picture was taken. Meanwhile, we look at the worrying disappearance of a longtime correspondent for the Guardian and his colleague in a part of the Amazon rainforest notorious for illegal mining and drug trafficking. Finally, we find out why punctuality is making a comeback.
After studying philosophy, Brazilian national Pedro Cesarino grew tired of Western systems of knowledge and decided to study other ways of thinking and living. He is now a renowned anthropologist and has published articles and books based on his field research with the Amazon's Marubo community. His first novel tells the story of a melancholy anthropologist hoping to track down a myth in the Amazon rainforest. It explores the certainty with which many anthropologists approach the communities they study and the resulting misunderstandings. He joined us for Perspective.
Japan was one of the last countries in the world to keep its borders shut to foreign tourists because of the Covid-19 pandemic, but that is slowly changing. The government is cautiously taking steps to revive tourism. But in a crucial election year and with the border restrictions popular among voters, it's a tricky balancing act for Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. We speak to Professor Seijiro Takeshita from the University of Shizuoka.
Elon Musk's legal team has warned Twitter that the Tesla boss could walk away from a $44 billion deal to buy the social media giant, accusing it of breaching its contractual obligations by not sharing information about how fake accounts are calculated. We take a closer look. Plus, at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference in Palo Alto, Apple launches a redesigned MacBook Air and a MacBook Pro with a new chip that makes them faster and more powerful.
The French port of Rouen hosts some of the biggest cargo ships in the world. But to get there, these giants of the seas have to be guided over the 80 kilometres of the Seine estuary. Navigating the river is risky for these huge ships. To guide them, expert pilots board the cargo ships at sea and take them to port. We go on deck with them.
French singer-songwriter Gaspard Royant has transitioned from recording his poptastic retro rock in analogue studios with a live band, to getting more experimental with keyboards and electronics. The songwriting remains playful, fresh and uplifting as he tackles themes like toxic masculinity and frustration with the modern world whilst telling the stories of dark characters. He stopped by the FRANCE 24 studios to tell Marjorie Hache more about his third album, "The Real Thing".
As war continues to rage in Ukraine, neighbouring countries worry that they might see the conflict spill over into their territory. In Poland, fears are centered around the Suwalki gap, a strip of Polish land that lies between the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad and Belarus. NATO troops are currently training nearby, in anticipation of every possible scenario. Our team reports.
IN THE PRESS – 06.06.2022: We take a look at how the papers are treating Vladimir Putin's threat of more air strikes across Ukraine. We also find out how the papers are covering former French PM Manuel Valls's latest political defeat and his adieu to Twitter. The Spanish press is widely congratulating Rafael Nadal on his 14th French Open win, but Mediapart tells us of the tournament’s dark side. Finally, after the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, British PM Boris Johnson is fighting for his political life.
Senegal's President Macky Sall appeals to the West to ease sanctions on Russia to facilitate the export grain to Africa. Millions on the continent face hunger amid a global food crisis sparked by the Ukraine war. We talk to David Laborde, Senior Research Fellow at the International Food Policy Research Institute about the crisis.
Also in this edition: Sudan marks the three-year anniversary of the June 3rd massacre, and in Cameroon, refugees prepare to go back home to the Central African Republic.
Social media users worldwide are claiming that an ingredient in the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine - namely the "chimpanzee adenovirus vector" - is the reason behind the increase in global Monkeypox infections. However, these viruses are completely unrelated. We tell you why in this edition of Truth or Fake with Vedika Bahl.
What can stop Russia's offensive in eastern Ukraine? François Picard's panel weighs in on the impact of western sanctions on Moscow and world economy. Also on the show: A record-breaker who has gone platinum, Britain marking Queen Elizabeth's 70 years on the throne. On the other side of the Atlantic, Johnny Depp-Amber Heard case sparking online vitriol.
In this edition, we're looking at one of the key consequences of climate change: drought. From parched fields, to burning forests, to houses cracking as the ground beneath them dries up, droughts are becoming more frequent in France and around the world. As scientists look for solutions, many are calling for changes to our agricultural model and the way we consume, in the hope of conserving Earth's most precious resource: water.
In the week that EU leaders agreed on a sixth round of sanctions against Russia, Polish Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Pawel Jablonski speaks to FRANCE 24 about the effect he hopes the measures will have on the Russian economy, his disappointment at the Hungarian government's stance regarding sanctions and the latest developments in Poland's rule of law dispute with the European Commission.
Tucked away in the north-eastern corner of Argentina is Ibera park, the world's second-largest wetland. Much of its wildlife vanished during the 20th century due to hunting and aggressive agricultural practices. But over the past 15 years, scientists and conservationists have taken a gamble to "rewild" the area by reintroducing endangered or previously extinct native species, including anteaters, scarlet macaws and even jaguars. The initiative is proving beneficial for both the environment and local communities. Our correspondents report.
Our TV critic Dheepthika Laurent looks at a new series from Disney+ that brings police brutality and racism in 1980s France to the small screen. Also, we look at Netflix's weird, controversial but entertaining docu-fiction about notorious Swedish gangster Clark Olofsson, who gave rise to the term "Stockholm syndrome". Apple TV+'s "Now and Then" is an addictive Spanglish murder mystery set in opulent Miami. Finally, we take a deep dive into 1970s London with a new show looking at the rise (and fall) of iconic punk group Sex Pistols.
Does the verdict in the Amber Heard-Johnny Depp trial spell the end of the #MeToo movement? We ask the question as women's activists express their anger over an American jury decision which found Amber Heard defamed ex-husband Johnny Depp with an article in which she said she was a victim of domestic abuse. Plus, it may have had a slow start here in France but the #MeToo movement is beginning to have an impact in a variety of sectors including the media and politics. As well, Annette Young talks to French-Canadian feminist and creator of "Les Glorieuses" newsletter, Rebecca Amsellem, on how defamation lawsuits are becoming a weapon to silence women in #MeToo cases.
IN THE PRESS – Friday, 03.06.2022: We take a look at how the papers are discussing the latest hypothesis as to why giraffes have long necks. But first, we delve into articles about Ukraine's 100 days of war and see how Belgium is trying to make amends for its brutal colonial past with the return of a "trophy tooth". We also look at how the papers are celebrating the Queen's Platinum Jubilee and the winner of the US national spelling bee, as well as discussing the smell of Vegemite.
The world is on the verge of its worst food crisis in history. In this special edition, FRANCE 24's Business Editor Kate Moody asks leaders in Davos what they are proposing to protect the most vulnerable. Our reporters also look at how Finland has become one of the most food-resilient countries in the world. Plus we meet Apeel CEO James Rogers, who's fighting against food waste with an all-natural spray that extends the shelf life of fresh fruit and vegetables.
No art form is better suited to interrogating the representation of the body, and the value society attributes to our bodies, than dance. The dance collective (La)Horde has headed up Marseille's National Ballet since September 2019. For more than 10 years, Marine Brutti, Jonathan Debrouwer and Arthur Harel have been coming up with new and exciting ways to conceive of the medium of dance, both classical and contemporary. They are also shaking things up on the fashion front. We take a closer look.
With the war in Ukraine now in its 100th day, we focus on the situation in Transnistria, a small breakaway region of Moldova on Ukraine’s south-western border. Western countries suspect the region of acting as a rear base for the Russian military. The separatist enclave, which has claimed its independence since the fall of the Soviet Union, is located near the strategic Ukrainian port city of Odesa on the Black Sea. Our reporter Lauriane Dherbecourt gained rare access to Transnistria, which for now refuses to take part in the conflict in Ukraine. She discovered a land whose people are torn between East and West.
Writer August Cole is at the forefront of a push to explore how emerging technologies will affect the future of warfare and defence. Through an approach he calls FICINT, he combines fiction writing and intelligence to imagine future possibilities based on technological innovations. His latest book "Burn-In", co-written with P. W. Singer, follows an FBI agent working with an advanced police robot to stop a futuristic enemy: an anti-technology terrorist. He joined us on Perspective to tell us more.
A photoshopped picture is circulating online, of two shops in Prague that allegedly refused entry to Ukrainians. The owners of the shop denied these claims. Then, others claim that Ukrainian refugees were evicted from a hotel in Bulgaria. We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake.
Do monarchies still matter? In Britain, four days to celebrate seventy years of the world's longest reign. It is a very different United Kingdom from the one where Queen Elizabeth first saw the light of day in 1926. What is the platinum jubilee about in post-Brexit Britain?
Olivia Salazar-Winspear brings us the cultural angle on the Queen's jubilee... a lot of arts event are taking place over the next couple of days to celebrate Queen Elizabeth's 70 years of reign.
Much of the wildlife in Ivory Coast has become virtually extinct after decades of heavy deforestation. But a nature reserve nestled in the centre of the country is doing its best to restore the region's fauna. In just over 20 years, the N’zi River Park has managed to recreate an animal ecosystem, fight poaching and organise its own safaris. Our correspondents report.
The US town of Uvalde, Texas began to bury its dead this week after the country's worst school shooting in a decade. Nineteen students and two teachers were shot dead by an 18-year-old gunman. When President Joe Biden went to console grieving families, he was greeted with protesters shouting "Do something!". But can he actually do anything? FRANCE 24's international affairs commentator Douglas Herbert gives us his analysis.
Although the royal family has been rocked by tragedy and scandal over the years, 96-year-old Queen Elizabeth II has enjoyed an enduring popularity with the British public throughout her 70 years on the throne. The monarch is marking her Platinum Jubilee without her beloved husband Philip, who passed away in April 2021. To discuss this historic jubilee and more, we're joined for Perspective by Ed Owens, historian of the modern British monarchy and an expert on the House of Windsor.
Like the poverty threshold, France's Inequality Observatory has published a report defining who is considered financially wealthy in the country. But first, we see how Saudi Arabia could step in to boost global oil production. Also, we take a look at Sheryl Sandberg's legacy following her decision to step down from her role as COO of Facebook's parent company Meta. Finally, we discuss the economic impact of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.
IN THE PAPERS – Thursday, June 2: It's royal fever! We look at joy and excitement in the papers as Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee celebrations get underway. We also take a look at reactions to the verdict in Johnny Depp and Amber Heard's defamation trial. Finally, we talk about nipple pasties and how they've gone from underwear to outerwear!
In tonight's edition: Relations between DR Congo and Rwanda continue to be tense this week. Two Rwandan soldiers have been released however in peace talks mediated by Angola. Hundreds of Sudanese protesters have demanded the dismissal of the United Nations mission chief, who is working to resolve a political crisis sparked by last year's military coup. And Pritzker Prize winner Diebedo Francis Kéré is given a hero's welcome on a trip back to Ouagadougou.
Some users claim that CNN & NBC news used two different fathers for the same Uvalde school shooting victim. This claim that the networks used paid actors is fake. Then, in other news, some users actually believed that the colors of the Ukrainian flag were added to the Pride Flag. We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake.
First it was a stadium fiasco, then a blame game. Now will political football lead to sackings? The French senate questioning Emmanuel Macron's interior minister after first the tear gassing of Liverpool fans shut out of last Saturday's Champions League final, then the claim that up to 40-thousand English supporters showed up with forged tickets or no tickets.
Fresh from her 34th trip to the Cannes Film Festival, FRANCE 24 film critic Lisa Nesselson shares her highlights from the 75th edition. One of her favourites is "Crimes of the Future", an eerie dystopian tale starring Viggo Mortensen and Léa Seydoux as a couple who perform surgery on each other. It’s the latest film from Canadian director David Cronenberg, a master of delicious discomfort.
The Mekong is one of the largest rivers in the world, beginning in China and flowing through Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia. Nearly 70 million people in Asia are dependent on its waters for fishing or to irrigate their rice fields. But this watery giant is threatened due to the dredging of its sand, which is wreaking havoc on the ecosystem. Our colleagues from France 2 report, with FRANCE 24's Camille Nedelec and James Mulholland.
Israel has signed a free trade deal with the United Arab Emirates – its first with an Arab country. The historic pact builds on the normalisation of ties in 2020 and eliminates tariffs on 96 percent of goods. It aims to bring growth and lower prices to both countries. We take a closer look.
The new German government is making most public transport across the country available until the end of August for a monthly fee of only €9. The move aims to offset inflation and reduce carbon emissions. Our Berlin correspondents Anne Mailliet and Nick Spicer report. Also in this edition, we see how an EU embargo on Russian oil risks backfiring.
IN THE PAPERS – Tuesday, May 31: We look at reactions from the European and Russian papers as the EU agrees to a deal to ban up to 90 percent of Russian oil imports by the end of the year. Also, French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin is slammed for blaming the Champions League final fiasco on fake tickets. Plus, we look ahead to a "night of giants" as Rafael Nadal takes on Novak Djokovic in the highly-anticipated quarter finals at the French Open.
Witold Pilecki was a Polish resistance fighter who volunteered to go to Auschwitz, from where he sent secret messages to warn the world about the true nature of Nazi Germany's largest concentration camp. After the war, Pilecki was tried and executed. For years, he was described as a traitor and an enemy of the Polish state. Our Perspective guest has written a book about his incredible story. Jack Fairweather is the award-winning author of "The Volunteer: One Man, an Underground Army, and the Secret Mission to Destroy Auschwitz". He told us about the parallels between Pilecki's legacy and the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The western Chinese region of Xinjiang and its Muslim inhabitants have been in the headlines for several years amid reports of mass incarceration, family separations, forced labour and even forced sterilisation. Last week, UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet went on a long-awaited visit to the region. But her six-day tour was not about fact-finding. Bachelet spoke only briefly about the repression in Xinjiang, urging Beijing to make sure any counter-terrorism measures don't infringe on human rights. Eleanor Hart, assistant director at the European Uyghur Institute, gives us her analysis.
Some 300 million pairs of socks are sold in France every year. Although most are made in China, some small French firms are carving out a market with their "made in France" offerings. One of them is Broussaud. For three generations, this family-run business based in the Limousin region has been constantly innovating, with increasingly complex designs. FRANCE 24 went to find out the secret of its success.
As funerals continue for the massacre in Buffalo, New York, the news cycle has already moved on to South Texas, where a teenager shot up an elementary school classroom using an assault rifle legally purchased the day after his 18th birthday. Nineteen children and two teachers were killed. The inaction is playing out with emotional pleas at NBA basketball press conferences, on the floor of the US Senate and in the middle of a press conference by Texas governor Greg Abbott, with the Republican incumbent being interrupted by Democratic rival Beto O'Rourke.
This week's episode of Talking Europe takes a bird's-eye view of current events in Europe, with Luuk Van Middelaar, a Dutch historian and political theorist and a professor of EU law at Leiden University. Speaking to Armen Georgian, the historian addresses the EU's approach to the major crises of the past decade, as well as the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Sums, geometry, algorithms... many pupils groan at the very mention of mathematics. France's most recent education minister, Jean-Michel Blanquer, removed the often-unloved discipline from the common core teachings of French high schools in 2019. But with educators and economists ringing alarm bells about the importance of maths across multiple sectors, mathematics is expected to soon return to the classroom for all French high school students. We take a closer look.
Created on the island of Sicily in the mid-19th century, Cosa Nostra soon became one of the most powerful branches of the Italian mafia. In 1986, the Italian justice system launched a counter-offensive, with the Palermo prosecutor's office leading the charge. Judge Giovanni Falcone became a symbol of the fight against the mafia but on May 23, 1992, he was killed in a car bombing, along with his wife and three bodyguards. His colleague and friend Paolo Borsellino was murdered less than two months later. Three decades on, our correspondents report on how these assassinations by Cosa Nostra sparked an awakening and an ongoing fight against the mafia.
Throughout history, Venetians have learned to live with high tides, known as acqua alta. But now, climate change is taking its toll on the ancient city, with flooding increasing in both frequency and intensity. Massive barriers, which temporarily separate the Venetian lagoon from the sea, have been designed to fend off the water. But they have also raised a difficult question: should Venice save itself or the lagoon’s fragile ecosystem?
This year's ready-to-wear winter collections are all about love and seduction: the delicate balance between what's shown and what isn't. Vaquera has found inspiration in the iconic black latex jumpsuit worn by Maggie Cheung in the 1996 film "Irma Vep" directed by Olivier Assayas. Victor Weinsanto, meanwhile, showcases an extravagant corset-and-cape look for "Emily in Paris" star Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu. Finally, the Love Brings Love exhibition offers a moving homage to late iconic designer Alber Elbaz.
In this edition, Argentina may be a global leader in trans rights but the age expectancy for a trans person is only 40 years old. Our team on the ground report on the discrimination still being experienced by the community. Also how companies in Benin are seeking to improve conditions for their female employees, particularly for working mothers. Plus the French female rappers who are now asking men to twerk instead.
The ethnic minority Rohingya Muslims suffer severe persecution in Myanmar. Following a deadly crackdown by the Burmese army in 2017, some 740,000 Rohingya fled to neighbouring Bangladesh, where they were settled in the southern town of Cox’s Bazar. Five years on, the town is home to the world’s largest and most dangerous refugee camp, with frequent floods, fires and gang wars. In December 2020, the Bangladeshi government decided to relocate some of the Rohingya refugees to a remote island in the Bay of Bengal. Our reporters Alban Alvarez and Mathilde Cusin managed to gain access to it.
Cypriot President Nikos Anastasiadis granted an interview to FRANCE 24 from the capital Nicosia. The northern third of the Republic of Cyprus has been under Turkish domination since 1974. Anastasiadis said that Russia's invasion of Ukraine uses the "exact same arguments that Turkey used to invade Cyprus". Asked about tensions with Turkey over hydrocarbons, he expressed hope that Ankara will not "will not attempt to do anything that will cause conflagration and risk peace in the region".
This year's World Economic Forum in Davos has been dominated by the war in Ukraine and its implications on the global economy. With the drop in grain exports from the region, concern is growing over a looming food crisis. FRANCE 24's Business Editor Kate Moody spoke to IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, who criticised food export restrictions by countries such as India for "only making a crisis worse". She also called for governments to help "speed up" agricultural production "where this is still possible".
We focus on one of the most iconic features of life in the French capital: not the Eiffel Tower or Notre-Dame Cathedral, but the Paris underground metro network. How has it evolved since it was first inaugurated 120 years ago? And how is it dealing with current challenges like the growing number of commuters, as well as strike action? In this episode of French Connections Plus, Florence Villeminot and Genie Godula take a trip underground to discover the Parisian metro.
A weekly news show produced with photos, videos and personal accounts from FRANCE 24 Observers around the world – all checked by our staff here in Paris.
Last month, Giorgia Meloni, the president of the far-right Brothers of Italy party, strongly criticised EU defence policy, claiming that no country is meeting its defence spending commitments. FRANCE 24's Georgina Robertson and Sophie Samaille look at some defence spending figures to debunk this claim.
A phony account on Twitter, with at least four different identities since February, claims to be the brother of slain Al-Jazeera journalist, Shireen Abu Akleh. In this edition of Truth or Fake, we explain how we uncovered this fraudulent Twitter account with over 35 thousand followers.
There's political upheaval in Nigeria after ten government officials step down, signalling their interest in the 2023 elections. And Somalia prepares for a presidential poll this weekend, after months of delays. Sunday's winner will have no shortages of challenges, as the country faces an Islamist insurgency, famine, and drought. Finally, in Niger, anti-corruption NGOs file a legal complaint over the government's accounting. They allege that over 95 million euros of state funds are missing.
Who has got the momentum in Ukraine? François Picard’s panel weighs in on Russia bolstering NATO unity. Also the outrage over the killing of Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, China doubles down on its zero Covid policy, and the politics surrounding the Eurovision song contest.
Eleven years after the start of the conflict in Syria, the COVID-19 pandemic and the consequences of the war in Ukraine have made the economic situation in the war-torn country even worse. FRANCE 24 interviewed Peter Maurer, president of the International Committee of the Red Cross, who recently met President Bashar al-Assad in Syria. Maurer said Assad was "very aware of the international environment and the pressure it exerts on Syria" and that the Syrian leader was "grateful for the humanitarian work" but "crystal clear in his vision that things cannot go on this way".
Hungary's government is "holding European Union decision makers hostage" by refusing to join an EU-wide embargo on Russian oil, according to Lithuania's foreign minister. This comes as EU leaders continue their efforts to gather support for a sixth sanctions package on Russia from all 27 EU member states. The government of PM Viktor Orban has claimed that an import ban on Russian oil would ruin the Hungarian economy. Lithuania's Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis tells FRANCE 24 that "Europe is weaker" as a result, and that he is "still hoping Budapest will be responsible in their decisions".
As Peru slowly emerges from the devastating Covid-19 pandemic, the government is trying to help the country's Covid orphans. According to the medical journal The Lancet, around 100,000 children in Peru lost at least one of their two parents to the pandemic; more than anywhere else in the world. The poorest Peruvians have been hit the hardest and many Covid orphans and widows are struggling to survive, both financially and emotionally. Our correspondent reports.
Coal mining has long polluted the natural environment, with devastating consequences. But today, could it be a source of renewable energy? Down to Earth travels to the UK where disused, flooded coal mines are now reservoirs of geothermal energy.
With anger over misogyny in the Australian parliament, women's rights have dominated the election campaign as Australia heads to the polls later this month with a record number of female candidates standing as independents. Also the Taliban has ordered women in Afghanistan to cover their faces when in public while encouraging the use of the burqa. Plus fury over the fact that only five out of 22 directors competing at this year's Cannes Film Festival are women. Annette Young talks to French talent agent, Solène Edouard, about why this is happening despite a pledge by organisers in 2018 to improve gender representation.
This year, France is celebrating Portuguese culture with concerts, exhibitions and performances from the country's top artists. To mark the occasion, FRANCE 24's culture show Encore! takes you on a musical voyage to Lisbon. The Portuguese capital has a sound like no other European city, where a boom in music influenced by African beats is eroding social barriers and making waves internationally.
IN THE PAPERS – Friday, May 13: We look at reactions to Finland and Sweden's imminent bid to join NATO. Spanish lawmakers will soon discuss a proposal to offer period pain leave to women, which, if passed, would make Spain the first Western nation to do so. Also, the US wins hosting rights to the Rugby World Cups in 2031 and 2033. We then look at Friday the 13th and why there's even a word for people who fear the day. Finally, Indian parents sue their son... for not giving them grandchildren!
The 9th edition of FIMO, Togo's international fashion festival, didn’t open with a series of fashion shows, but instead with a science symposium organised by the University of Lomé. The theme of the discussion: how to pursue ethical fashion production while Africa continues to be the recipient of thousands of tonnes of the rest of the world’s unsold merchandise? And how to make the most of the rich pool of African design talent? We get some insightful answers from designers, fashion students and academics.
The "Maghreb-Orient des livres" book festival takes place in Paris this weekend, focusing on literature from north Africa and the Middle East. One of those taking part is Jérémie Dres, the author of the graphic novel "The day I met bin Laden". It features the story of two young French men who travelled from France to Afghanistan in the spring of 2001, just months before the 9/11 terror attacks. The pair then found themselves trapped in Afghanistan and were later sent to the Guantanamo Bay detention camp. The author joined us for Perspective to tell us more.
Thousands of West African soldiers fought for France against the Nazis during World War II. But on December 1, 1944, scores of them were gunned down in unclear circumstances by the very French forces they fought alongside. What really happened on that fateful day at the Thiaroye military camp near the Senegalese capital Dakar? Eighty years on, the documentary "Thiaroye 44" takes a closer look at this dark page of French history.
Cryptocurrency markets are in turmoil as so-called stablecoins, designed to be protected from extreme volatility, have tumbled in recent days. One such token, Luna, has all but evaporated, plunging from a high of $118 last month to less than one cent. Plus, the airline industry is struggling with staff shortages ahead of the summer holiday season – we find out why.
Inflation is at its highest level in decades in many parts of the world. In the US, consumer prices were 8.3 percent higher in April than a year earlier. In the eurozone, they rose by around 7.5 percent. Energy prices have been driving the surge, with Russia's war in Ukraine further fuelling the trend. But higher inflation tends to have a bigger impact on low-income households. Xavier Jaravel from the London School of Economics discusses this and more with FRANCE 24's Kate Moody.
Recent visitors to France will no doubt have noticed the return of foreign tourists. Two years of Covid-19 took a heavy toll on what is otherwise a booming business and an important part of the French economy. Now things appear to be looking up again for the tourist industry. For decades, France has been the number one tourism destination in the world, ahead of Spain and the US. So what explains this lasting success? We take a closer look in this edition of French Connections.
The US has pledged tens of billions of dollars for Ukraine. With time of the essence, President Joe Biden signed legislation that was last used during World War II. We take a closer look at the Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2022 and get analysis from FRANCE 24's International Affairs Commentator, Douglas Herbert.
On May 15, parliamentary elections will take place nationwide in Lebanon. The Lebanese diaspora, estimated to be double the size of the domestic population, already cast their ballots last week. Around 60 percent of people across 58 countries turned out, slightly more than in 2018. We bring you a special edition of Middle East Matters on Lebanon's first elections since the mass protests of 2019.
A masterpiece of classical architecture, the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, located outside Paris, was the forerunner of Versailles. Contained within its walls are three and a half centuries of history. That legacy is now the responsibility of the three brothers who inherited it on the death of their father: Ascanio, Alexandre and Jean-Charles. The château is regularly the scene of construction sites but some restoration must be done by hand, for instance to restore the central wrought iron gates to their former glory. FRANCE 24 takes you behind the scenes.
The Marcos political dynasty is back in power in the Philippines. Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the son of the late dictator, has rebranded his family name and won the presidential election. Nonetheless his popularity comes as something of a surprise, as his father was ousted by a popular revolt 36 years ago. We take a closer look.
Posts on social networks have propagated the theory, based on claims by French doctor Didier Raoult, that vaccination has increased Covid-19 infections. FRANCE 24’s Georgina Robertson and Sophie Samaille look at some of the statistics and investigate in this week's show.
The surgical mask has become a potent symbol of the pandemic…and an intimate part of our daily lives. In this episode, we’re exploring how covering our faces for almost two years now has affected us. For example, does catching a glimpse of just the eyes change our perception of a person? How have we learned to interpret non-verbal clues and the emotions expressed behind that mask? And what happens when we finally take them off?
Independent since 1964, Malta has been a member of both the European Union and NATO since 2004. FRANCE 24's Europe team takes us to the smallest EU member state by both size and population, where our team looks into several areas in which these islands hold an important place in European affairs.
In tonight's edition: Human Rights Watch accuses Russian private security forces invited into Central African Republic of killing civilians. We speak to the daughter of Rwandan opposition figure Paul Rusesabagina. The 'Hotel Rwanda' hero's family has filed a $400 million lawsuit against Kigali over alledged kidnapping and torture. And our reporters look into the mixed Press Freedom rankings for Africa.
Pro-Russian war bloggers embeded in Russian military units, with hundreds of thousands of followers on social media, report on the war in Ukraine. Their reports fall somewhere in between journalism and disinformation. We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake.
As EU member states consider tightening restrictions on Russian energy imports, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi is among those calling for closer European integration. He says the bloc needs 'structural solutions' to deal with soaring energy prices. Also in the show - Italy and the UK take different stances over 'windfall taxes' for energy giants as they reap record profits, and India's heatwave pushes electricity consumption to a record high.
It is only a leak of a draft. Still, punches have already been thrown outside the US Supreme Court in the first standoff over justice Samuel Alito's 98-page argument in favour of overturning the 1973 ruling that legalised abortion in the United States. We ask whether the document leaked to Politico is a turning point for more than just reproductive rights.
Domestic violence is on the rise, but under-reported in Cameroon. Campaigners say official figures account for only a fraction of the women who have suffered - or even died - at the hands of their partners. And for those seeking justice, advocates say successful prosecutions are rare due to the failings and corruption within Cameroon's judicial system.
His latest graphic novel sketches out the trajectory of a leader who has cast a shadow over geopolitics for two decades. Vladimir Putin’s inscrutable features haunt the pages of Darryl Cunningham’s book “Putin: The Rise of a Dictator”.
The author and illustrator tells us more about capturing Putin’s inscrutable expression, and we discuss how press crackdowns have affected Russian public opinion. We also hear from Natalia Kaliada of the Belarus Free Theatre, whose recent production “Dogs of Europe” is a warning shot in response to Russian authoritarianism, revealing the high price that Putin’s critics have paid.
IN THE PAPERS - Tuesday, May 3: We look at the extraordinary US Supreme Court leak of a draft majority opinion that plans to roll back the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade abortion rights ruling. On International Press Freedom Day, the Swiss paper Le Temps features Dmitri Mouratov, editor of the Kremlin critic newspaper Novaya Gazeta on its front page. Also, controversial changes to the Olympic sport of pentathlon, and a little Dutch boy who goes for an early morning joyride in his mother's car!
French photojournalist and war photographer Patrick Chauvel has covered over thirty conflicts, from Vietnam to Bosnia and Iraq – and now Ukraine. He explains how his early appetite for adventure soon evolved into an impulse that would go on to shape his life profoundly: a desire to tell the stories of people who find themselves caught up in extraordinary – and often horrifying – circumstances.
The River Seine is the beating heart of Paris. The banks of the river attract 8 million visitors each year, making it one of the busiest places in the French capital. We meet those who take care of the Seine seven days a week, from the technicians checking water quality to members of the river patrol, who respond to emergency call-outs and use radar to explore the river's depths.
In The World This Week, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres tries to negotiate humanitarian corridors in Ukraine while on a visit to Kyiv. French President Emmanuel Macron's re-election honeymoon period proves short-lived, with the focus quickly turning to June legislative elections. And Tesla founder Elon Musk makes a $44 million offer for social media platform Twitter.
In one of the final televised debates before the first round of the French presidential election, the far-left candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon claimed that if he were elected, he would become the head of the European Union for six months. FRANCE 24's Georgina Robertson and Sophie Samaille look at what it actually means to be at the helm of the Presidency of the Council of the EU and how long the French presidency will last.
Germany has been in focus this week after lawmakers in the Bundestag on Thursday overwhelmingly backed a decision to send heavy weapons to Ukraine. Meanwhile, as Russia cut off gas supplies to EU member states Poland and Bulgaria over their refusal to pay for the fuel in roubles, Germany remains heavily reliant on Russian gas imports – more so than the EU average. We speak to Parliamentary State Secretary at the Ministry for Economy and Climate, Franziska Brantner, a German MP with the Green Party.
Europe is at a crossroads. Amid the war in Ukraine, can the continent wean itself off Russian gas? An energy transition is underway, but the alternatives could lock countries into dirty fossil fuels for years to come. We take a closer look in this edition of Down to Earth.
The Lyon Fashion Film Festival is open to admissions from both art schools and brands. This year’s second edition of the event showcased a parade of fresh young talents who aren’t afraid to ruffle a few feathers. The winner of the designers' prize, Rémy Perrier, credits fashion with helping him to discover his true queer identity. Meanwhile, the collective 16:25 was awarded the Students' Prize for "Programmé.e", their mesmerising depiction of the drawn-out agony of the mourning process, juxtaposed with the frenetic pace of disposable fashion. FRANCE 24 takes a closer look.
In this edition, Annette Young meets Haitian-Canadian singer, songwriter and guitarist, Mélissa Laveaux, whose latest album celebrates strong women. Also we head to El Salvador which bans abortion in all cases, and where terminating a pregnancy can send a woman to jail for up to eight years. Plus why the Japanese sushi chef has traditionally been a man and the women who are working hard to change that.
Sixty years ago, Algeria won its independence after a brutal war with France. There is plenty of documentation on the 1954-1962 Algerian War, but one topic remains extremely taboo: the systemic rape of Algerian women by French soldiers during the conflict. Survivors have yet to see justice, and time is running out. FRANCE 24's Florence Gaillard reports.
According to the UN World Food Programme, the war in Ukraine is creating a local agricultural and global food supply catastrophe beyond anything seen since World War II. Some 30 percent of the world's wheat supply comes from the region, with some African and Middle Eastern countries depending on Russia or Ukraine for up to 80 percent of their wheat imports. Rabah Arezki, former chief economist for the MENA region at the World Bank, joined us on Perspective to tell us more.
Amazon records its first quarterly loss since 2015 as online sales drop, while Apple warns of an $8 billion hit from the war in Ukraine and Covid-19 lockdowns in China. Also, French growth hits zero as consumer spending falls, and the IMF warns of dangers for the economies of sub-Saharan Africa.
After Elon Musk's $44 billion bid to buy Twitter was accepted, rumours exploded that Musk had reinstated former US president Donald Trump on the platform. However, Trump's Twitter account is still suspended. Meanwhile, in the Johnny Depp and Amber Heard defamation trial, Heard's legal team is getting grilled in the court of public opinion over her use of concealer. We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake.
Coal producers in South Africa try to recover some of the market share lost by Russia following Europe's sanctions. Some of them last traded with the continent more than a decade ago. Also, the Central African Republic makes Bitcoin its official currency alongside the CFA franc, but the move is raising eyebrows in a country with little internet access. And we take you to the Paris Saint-Germain football academy in Rwanda, six months after it opened.
A victory for free speech or for disinformation? That's the $44 billion question after Elon Musk's swoop on Twitter. Does it matter any more than Amazon's Jeff Bezos owning The Washington Post or all the French captains of industry whose often money-losing media purchases buy them a platform to voice their views?
French voters have re-elected Emmanuel Macron for another five-year term, handing him victory over far-right candidate Marine Le Pen for the second time in a row. So what's next for the French economy and the number one issue for voters, the cost of living crisis? Kate Moody asks Frederik Ducrozet, senior European Economist at Pictet Wealth Management.
A new group exhibition hopes to serve as a rallying cry and a wake-up call by asking humans to embrace a more gentle relationship with the planet we live on. "Reclaim the Earth" sees an international group of artists engaging with environmental concerns through a collection of work at the Palais de Tokyo in Paris.
After buying Twitter for $44 billion, Elon Musk is promising to protect free speech and bring about much-needed changes, including taking on bots and introducing an edit button to the platform. We take a closer look at the billionaire Tesla founder. For more analysis on what changes the latter might bring to Twitter, we speak to Chris Bail, Director of the Polarization Lab at Duke University.
IN THE PAPERS – Thursday, April 28: Russia's decision to cut off gas to Poland and Bulgaria continues to dominate the papers as fears grow that Moscow could make similar moves against other European countries like Germany. Meanwhile in India, the bulldozer has become a symbol of PM Narendra Modi's repression against Muslims. Finally, as Emmanuel Macron thwarts a cherry tomato attack while visiting a Parisian food market, we explore a long-standing French tradition of president-heckling.
This week, we take a special in-depth look at the Yarmouk camp on the outskirts of the Syrian capital Damascus. It was once home to the largest concentration of Palestinian refugees. During the Syrian civil war, Yarmouk was placed under a brutal siege from 2013 to 2015, leading it to be described as the "worst place on Earth". We speak to filmmaker Abdallah Al-Khatib, who chronicled this period in his documentary "Little Palestine (Diary of a Siege)".
A weekly news show produced with photos, videos and personal accounts from FRANCE 24 Observers around the world – all checked by our staff here in Paris.
After an unusual campaign, Emmanuel Macron has won re-election as French president, defeating the far right's Marine Le Pen in the run-off. However, a record number of voters cast ballots for the far right and the far left during the two rounds of the election. The abstention rate in the run-off was the highest since 1969 and the country remains polarised. Macron faces a tough challenge to unite the country.
Earlier this month, India's northwest sweltered under a heatwave that came unusually early. Every year, hundreds of people die during heatwaves in India and the country usually also suffers severe water shortages. There are fears that because of climate change, heatwaves are coming earlier and may be more severe. Nagraj Adve, a climate activist and author of "Global Warming in the Indian Context", tells us more.
President Volodymyr Zelensky's top aid, Igor Zhovka, spoke to FRANCE 24 from the Ukrainian capital Kyiv. The deputy head of the presidential office assessed the situation on the two main front lines of the country, in Donbas and Mariupol, the latter of which he said was a city almost wiped out by Russian shelling but which he said will "never surrender". Zhovka hailed the reelection of President Emmanuel Macron but said he also expects more from France, including a more consistent supply of heavy weaponry.
Every second in France, 57 kilos of cheese are produced; that's nearly 2 million tonnes a year. In the French city of Tours, the cream of cheesemakers from around the world compete to win the title of World's Best Cheesemaker. From choosing food to go with their cheeses, to blind tests, to putting together a cheese platter, they put their expertise to the test. The Belgians, Dutch and Japanese regularly make it to the podium, providing stiff competition for the French cheesemakers.
Spain’s Alejandro Sanchez, Germany’s Marie-Thérèse Kaiser and Italy’s Fabrizio Busnengo all have two things in common: They are under 35 and are positioning their respective far-right political parties at the gates of power. Each of them shrugs off the dark side of their countries’ history, campaigning with gusto for parties that are less than a decade old: Vox in Spain, Germany's Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) and Brothers of Italy. Our correspondents Sarah Morris, Céline Schmitt, Armelle Exposito, Anne Mailliet, Louise Malnoy and Lorenza Pensa report on the new faces of the far right in Europe.
Mass graves dug by Russian forces have been discovered in the Ukrainian city of Mariupol. The city's mayor says there are at least 20,000 dead but the real figure is expected to be much higher. Over in Mali, an information war is underway, as France says Wagner mercenaries have faked a "French atrocity" in Gossi. Plus, Covid-19 comes full circle in China, where the impact of the country's strict zero Covid policy is now under scrutiny. Finally, did British PM Boris Johnson lie to parliament over "partygate"?
A number of wealthy cryptocurrency enthusiasts have dreamt up schemes to spend the rest of their days chilling on a Bitcoin beach or a crypto cruise ship, away from the institutions, currencies and taxes that govern the lives of everyone else. But only a few are determined enough to try to make it happen. On this week's Tech 24, Peter O'Brien takes us through some of the real-life attempts to create a utopian, libertarian, offshore paradise... and explains why they've all been doomed to fail so far.
With three days to go before the second and final round of the French presidential election, it's time for our final show. We focus on the traditional highlight of the campaign: the fiery debate between the finalists. The incumbent was anxious not to appear condescending, while Marine Le Pen tried to reassure voters that she could be presidential. Our reporters followed both candidates on their last stops of the campaign trail. Plus, FRANCE 24's Karina Chabour explores what heartbroken left-wing voters might decide to do on Sunday.
In this programme, we unpack the first round of France's presidential election, which left incumbent Emmanuel Macron and far-right leader Marine Le Pen in the running for the most powerful job in France. Our guest is Jacques Rupnik, Research Professor at the Centre for International Studies at Paris's Sciences Po university.
The false claim that Slovakia opposes NATO and is instead turning toward Russia was made using a video posted on Twitter on March 10. However, the video takes out of context a protest involving Slovakian MPs from nationalist parties about an agreement between Slovakia and its NATO partner, the United States. Georgina Robertson and Sophie Samaille have the story.
He doesn't often speak to the media, but when he does, we listen. Since 2018, Italian designer Riccardo Tisci has been at the helm of British fashion powerhouse Burberry. The chief creative officer speaks to us exclusively about his life and his sartorial vision. Back in Paris, we take a look at the latest offerings from Yohji Yamamoto and Christelle Kocher, who both place diversity and cultural exchanges at the heart of their work.
The deepfake video of President Zelensky was first broadcast on hacked Ukranian news website, Ukraine 24. In the false video circulating this Wednesday, Zelensky states that he ‘will lay down arms and return to his family.’ We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake.
Who are the people keeping Vladimir Putin in power? Much is made of the oligarchs and their billions of dollars. Their support has been vital to keeping Putin financed. But how is Putin's influence protected? This is now down to his St Petersburg friends a collection of hard men who are now in positions of power that they own to Putin.
In an extraordinary show of dissent, journalist Marina Ovsyannikova held up an anti-war poster on Russian state television on Monday before being arrested, fined and later released by authorities. In an interview with FRANCE 24, she spoke out against Russian state "propaganda" and called for an end to the "fratricidal" war in Ukraine.
The French presidential election is just around the corner. With the official campaign period in full swing, we explore a particularity of the French electoral system: a candidate's access to mass media. France has a very egalitarian view when it comes to a candidate's access to TV and radio. The idea is for candidates, big or small, to have an equal playing field and for voters to have access to a wide range of ideas. But is this complex system still in step with modern politics?
As Russia continues to bombard Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky made a landmark virtual address to the US Congress this week. US lawmakers gave him a standing ovation the moment he showed up on screen. Speaking almost three weeks after the Russian invasion first began, Zelensky showed a graphic video of victims of the war and referred to the September 2001 terror attacks in the US, saying Ukraine has been experiencing a 9/11 every day for three weeks.
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development has warned of a major shock to the global economy from the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In its latest report, the OECD estimates that it could wipe a percentage point off global economic growth this year, and drive up inflation by 2.5 percentage points. Chief Economist Laurence Boone tells FRANCE 24 that EU countries could see an even bigger hit to growth from the conflict.
Three weeks ago at dawn, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared the start of a "special military operation" in Ukraine. Since then, Ukrainian forces have fought back against the full-scale invasion. Some 3 million people have already fled the country, and the UN estimates that 2 million more are internally displaced. FRANCE 24's Rob Parsons, Clovis Casali and Abdallah Malkawi went to meet Ukrainian soldiers, as well as regular citizens – some trying to flee, others choosing to stay and resist.
In the three weeks since the outbreak of war in Ukraine, more than 3 million people have been forced to flee their homes to seek refuge abroad. To discuss parallels with previous conflicts, we speak to writer and anthropologist Maggie Paxson.
IN THE PAPERS - Thursday, March 17: We look at reactions from the British papers after the release of two British citizens who had spent several years in an Iranian prison. Also, the papers react to Volodymyr Zelensky's speech to the US Congress and Vladimir Putin's speech to lawmakers. Here in France, the prison beating of a Corsican nationalist hero and convicted murderer becomes a controversial election issue. Finally, we explore a new phenomenon: Goblin mode, or the art of being a happy slob!
In tonight's edition: We speak to Burkinabé architect Diébédo Francis Kéré, who is the first African to be awarded the prestigious Pritzker Prize. But first, at least two Cameroonians have died in Ukraine since the war began. Hundreds of others remain trapped in the country. And in Ethiopia, hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced by fighting in the region of Afar, east of Tigray. Local fighters facing Tigrayan forces say they've been abandoned by federal troops.
In mid-January, French presidential candidate Eric Zemmour said that English should no longer be used in EU institutions post-Brexit. However, English remains an official language of both Ireland and Malta. FRANCE 24's Georgina Robertson takes a closer look at what languages are spoken in Brussels.
Ukrainian writer-director Maryna Er Gorbach and film critic Lisa Nesselson join Eve Jackson in the studio to discuss a timely tale that's all too real about a pregnant woman refusing to leave her home on the Ukraine-Russia border when faced with war. Er Gorbach's award-winning feature "Klondike" shows the toll of war on ordinary people amid the Donbas conflict in 2014. She explains why she's part of a group of seven Ukrainian directors calling for a complete boycott of Russian artists.
Turkey is one of the many countries calling for calm in Ukraine. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says his government will relentlessly try to find a long-lasting ceasefire and Turkey has already hosted the first high-level peace talks between the Russian and Ukrainian foreign ministers. But Ankara is walking something of a tightrope because it's traditionally a friend of Ukraine and has been supplying drones to Kyiv. Yet it also depends on Russia for gas. Our Turkey correspondent Jasper Mortimer tells us more.
How far is China willing to go to support Russia amid its war in Ukraine? Washington has warned there will be consequences if Beijing offers financial assistance or military support to Moscow. Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping may have pledged a no limits relationship, but there is a cost to standing up together to their joint rival: America. Regardless, the war provides China with a case study of Western resolve, and an opportunity to learn from Russia's mistakes.
We're less than one month away from the first round of a very unusual presidential election, shadowed by the pandemic and the war in Ukraine. FRANCE 24 takes a look at one of voters' top priorities: the cost of living. We also report from the latest climate protests, where French citizens have called for more attention to the environmental crisis.
Russia this week widened its military offensive in Ukraine. For the first time, Russian forces have begun striking targets in the west of the country. But in addition to bombarding new cities, Russia is continuing its bombardment of Mariupol in the south, as well as Sumy and Kharkiv to the northeast. Satellite images of the long-awaited Russian convoy suggest that it is attempting to encircle the capital, Kyiv.
A week after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed off on his country's formal application to join the European Union, EU leaders have pledged to "strengthen bonds" and "deepen the partnership" between Ukraine and the bloc. This falls short of the promise to speed up the candidacy procedure that some had been calling for. But Croatia's prime minister told FRANCE 24 that the 27 member states have sent a "strong political signal". Andrej Plenkovic spoke to our Europe Editor Catherine Nicholson during this week's EU summit in Versailles.
Open-source intelligence (or OSINT) has grown up. Digging up the truth about criminals, conflicts and cartels using only what's available online used to be the obscure realm of hobbyists. Now with the war in Ukraine, OSINT enthusiasts and professionals alike have been thrust into the spotlight and hundreds of thousands of people are poring over their work. They have a new, global audience and new responsibilities, as we explore in this week's Tech 24.
In Sri Lanka, 13 years after the end of the civil war with the Tamil Tigers that lasted a quarter of a century, reconciliation appears elusive. Elected in 2019, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, seen by the Sinhalese majority as a hero and accused by the Tamil minority of war crimes during the conflict, embodies this divide. FRANCE 24's Thomas Denis reports, with Navodita Kumari.
On March 15, 2011, the Syrian revolution began. Ameer al Halbi covered the ensuing conflict as a photographer for several years, before fleeing his hometown of Aleppo and finding refuge in France. Once there, he continued to work as a photographer, driven by the same commitment and passion. Halbi was seriously injured at the end of 2020 while covering a protest in Paris. In this first-person report, he tells us about his relationship to photography, war and exile.
Ukraine's former finance minister has told FRANCE 24 that any company doing business with Russia is indirectly financing the war in Ukraine. Natalie Jaresko was in office from 2014 to 2016, when Russia annexed Crimea and conflict was raging in the eastern Donbas region. She described the current situation facing Ukraine as an "economic strangulation of the country" and called on global firms to stop any operations in Russia.
War may have broken out in Europe, but the world of fashion has decided that the show – that is, next winter's ready-to-wear Fashion Week – must go on. Financial interests no doubt played a large part in that decision, but so too did the conviction that now isn't the time to be stifling artistic expression. For the occasion, Dior takes advantage of technological innovation, Caribbean duo Botter defend coral reefs and the French Institute of Fashion encourages its students to embrace virtual reality.
As war continues in Ukraine, in a special edition, we focus on its impact on women. With hundreds of thousands fleeing the conflict, it's also putting women and girls at heightened risk of violence. We talk to those who stayed behind including one of the country's first female combat soldiers as she prepares to defend Kyiv from Russia. We also speak to those from afar who are now watching in horror as their country transforms into a battlefield.
After 130 years away, 26 stolen artefacts from Benin are finally being displayed at home after having been returned by France. The pieces were looted by French soldiers from the kingdom of Dahomey in 1892 and are now taking pride of place at the presidential palace. Our team on the ground reports.
Many posts on social media claiming to pertain to the current conflict in Ukraine are in fact videos and photos different events in other regions that happened several years ago. We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake.
Today we take a look at day two of Russia's attack against Ukraine, with shelling and combat claimed on several fronts. Ukrainian forces fought off Russian troops in the capital Kyiv on Friday, as Russian President Vladimir Putin called on the Ukrainian army to remove the country's leadership.
Russian forces have launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine by land, air and sea. This is the biggest attack by one state against another in Europe since World War II. Speaking to FRANCE 24 in an exclusive interview, the EU’s Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell slams Putin as untrustworthy: “After having said so many times that he is not going to invade Ukraine, and doing what he is doing now, it’s certainly not someone that you can trust”.
In the run-up to, and after it was invaded, Ukraine has faced a large-scale assault not just by land, sea and air, but by cyberspace as well.
In January, two women's rights organisations filed a petition with the New Delhi's High Court seeking to criminalise marital rape in India. They want to strike down a legal loophole in the Indian penal code which stipulates that rape within a marriage is not against the law. Indian law states that intercourse between a husband and wife over the age of 15 cannot be considered as rape.
Russia's top banks, technology and aerospace industries, and debt markets are targeted by the United States, Britain and the European Union in response to the invastion of Ukraine. But the West remains divided on excluding Russia from the SWIFT interbank transfer system.
Discovered in Serbia's Jadar region, jadarite might be considered miraculous – at least by the Serbian government and the Rio Tinto mining group. They view this lithium derivative as an ideal raw material source for electric car batteries. But activists say it destroys ecosystems and causes severe illnesses. After months of protests, the government cancelled the project, but as elections loom, many suspect it is purely a political manoeuvre. FRANCE 24’s Laurent Rouy reports.
In India, a loophole in the penal code states that rape within marriage is not against the law if the wife is over 14 years old. Two rights organisations have now filed a petition with the New Delhi's High Court seeking to criminalise marital rape, but the move has polarised public opinion.
IN THE PAPERS - Friday, February 25: We bring you some of the shell-shocked reactions from the world's papers after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. One image in particular of a bloodied woman emerging from bombardments has defined this first day. We also look at the Russian papers and one anti-Kremlin publication which vows to publish in both Russian and Ukrainian as a symbol of solidarity. Finally, we bring you the illustrated press' reactions as well.
Western powers ramp up sanctions against Russia, but will it be enough? Never since World War II has a sovereign state attacked another with such force. Russia launched an invasion with attacks by land, sea and by air. It followed a speech in which President Vladimir Putin promised the “de-Nazification” of Ukraine's democratically-elected government.
Luxembourg’s second-largest city, Esch-sur-Alzette, is a community with a heavy industrial past. It’s located near the French border and sits as a monument to the country’s 20th century steel industry boom. Its numerous post-industrial brownfields bear witness to that, as well as its multiculturalism: 120 nationalities live here, including one in particular: the French. Many of them migrated to the Grand Duchy decades ago to work in the country’s successful steel industry.
The head of the International Energy Agency, Fatih Birol, has said the crisis in Ukraine could be a "historic turning point" in how European countries source their energy. Speaking to FRANCE 24 on Wednesday, before the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Birol noted that supplies of Russian gas to Europe had already fallen last year before the recent escalation of tensions. He said it could be an impetus for EU policymakers to turn to alternative sources, as the cost of gas and electricity have soared.
In tonight's edition: Kenya's incumbent President Uhuru Kenyatta is backing his long-time rival Raila Odinga in the upcoming election. And opposition parties in South Africa protest the budget and World Bank loans. Finally, we head to Kinshasa, where Congolese rumba, which emerged in the 1940's, is still being celebrated today.
It's being hailed a “historic victory” by campaigners, as Colombia becomes the latest Latin American nation to decriminalise early abortions for all women. Terminations will now be permitted in the first 24 weeks of pregnancy, having previously only been possible in limited circumstances, such as in cases of rape, or if there was a risk to the mother's health. President van Duque, whose term in office ends later this year, has slammed the constitutional court's ruling as “heinous”.
Prolific actor Gérard Depardieu embodies iconic French inspector Jules Maigret in Patrice Leconte's latest take. FRANCE 24's film critic Lisa Nesselson tells us why she thinks Depardieu was born to play this role.
Iran is demanding world powers to lift all sanctions against it to revive the 2015 nuclear deal. According to the Iranian foreign minister, ongoing talks in Vienna are now making significant progress. The 2015 agreement offered Tehran sanctions relief in exchange for the country curbing its nuclear programme. But under president Donald Trump, the United States in 2018 pulled out of the deal and re-imposed harsh economic sanctions.
What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a border? It may be the infamous border wall in the United States, the barbed wire fencing used in several European countries, or simple border posts with armed guards - all used to keep migrants out. The vast majority of the world's borders are actually relatively nondescript, often even beautiful. That's what photographer Valerio Vincenzo reveals in his photography book borderline. He joined Erin Ogunkeye on Perspective.
Hong Kong is facing its toughest test yet in its "Dynamic Zero Covid" strategy. The number of cases this year is now higher than the number of infections seen in both 2020 and 2021. The city's health system is under pressure, suffering from a lack of hospital beds, inadequate testing capacities and over-strained quarantine centers. But the health crisis is turning political. For more on this, we turn to Jean-Pierre Cabestan, a political scientist at Hong Kong Baptist University.
The eastern French town of Lunéville has played a key role in France's fashion history. It's the birthplace of Lunéville stitch embroidery, which features on UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage list. To teach it, there is only one person left: Aude. Her students come from all over the world to learn the techniques passed on to her by her grandmother. We also take you behind the scenes at Hermès, whose square silk scarves are made by a highly skilled team near the French city of Lyon.
After French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France and its European partners are to begin a military withdrawal from Mali after more than nine years fighting a jihadist insurgency, FRANCE 24 speaks to Belgium's prime minister. Alexander De Croo calls the French-led pullout "unfortunate" and insists it is "important to not break any ties with Mali. We are very concerned about the political developments, but the moment you break ties, we don't have any influence anymore. It's important for the Sahel region to get stabilised."
As climate change takes its toll, warm winter and unreliable snow are now the new reality. Will skiing become a relic of the past? Ski resorts can improvise and adapt, but can they survive? We take a closer look in this edition of Down to Earth.
An oil producer hard hit by the slump in global prices, Venezuela has seen its economy gradually deteriorate over the past decade, with international economic sanctions aggravating the crisis. The late former president Hugo Chavez, in power from 1999 to 2013, wanted to make his country the home of "21st century socialism". But despite this promise to eradicate inequality, the most vulnerable seem in a more precarious situation than ever. However, some economic indicators have recently improved. To take stock of the situation, our team reports from Caracas, a capital where cameras are not always welcome.
Haute couture is about innovation and exquisite tailoring, but it's also about ideas. Franco-Cameroonian designer Imane Ayissi, the first Black designer honoured with the title of "couturier" by France's Federation of Haute Couture and Fashion, offers a collection that fuses Western and African influences. Meanwhile, Japan's Yuima Nakazato interrogates the limits of our abilities of perception with his "Liminal" collection. And after a two-year absence, Lebanese couturier Elie Saab is overjoyed to be back in Paris. FRANCE 24 takes you to the catwalks at Paris Fashion Week.
Less than 60 days from April's French presidential election, we focus on conservative candidate Valérie Pécresse after her first big rally. Some of her former allies have recently pledged allegiance to Emmanuel Macron as Pécresse stalls in popularity behind Marine Le Pen. The far-right leader is herself being challenged herself by former pundit Eric Zemmour, who can count on the backing of a movement of young supporters called "Generation Z". FRANCE 24 finds out who they are and what their strategy entails.