Reintroducing a wealth tax has become a particularly divisive issue in France’s ongoing budget battle. In a world where the richest 1 percent hold more wealth than the bottom 95 percent combined, Susana Ruiz, Tax Policy Lead at Oxfam International, tells FRANCE 24 that taxing the rich is “a new common sense.” Also in this segment, Elon Musk’s Starlink has come under scrutiny amid allegations it is helping to power online scam centres in Southeast Asia.
It’s one of the French capital’s most coveted retail spots — and fast-fashion giant Shein will soon be setting up shop there. To the dismay of competitors, environmentalists and Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo, the Chinese firm is opening its first-ever physical boutique in the city, inside the BHV department store. FRANCE 24’s Sharon Gaffney speaks with fashion editor Dana Thomas about Shein’s impact on fashion, consumption and the environment.
Kenya has lost one of its most prominent political figures with the passing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. The 80-year-old spent much of his career in opposition and ran unsuccessfully for president five times. However, his ability to form strategic alliances with former adversaries earned him the nickname “Agwambo” (or the mysterious one). Current President William Ruto – one of the figures with whom Odinga reconciled – was among those who paid their respects following news of Odinga’s death at a health retreat in India.
Viral posts accuse US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents of arresting and zip-tying very young children in Chicago, as part of Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown. In reality, the footage shared in these posts was filmed in 2024 by a father playing “cops and robbers” with his son. We take a closer look in this edition of Truth or Fake.
Can we really draw a link between Nepal and Madagascar? Bangladesh and Peru? Indonesia and Morocco? Why are waves of defiance sweeping nations that are oceans apart? That defiance now bears a name: Gen Z protests. The generation born after 1997 has had its fill of corrupt elders clinging to power – and their offspring flaunting excess on social media. There too, new hashtags have taken root: nepo babies and nepo kids. The contempt of the ruling classes is as old as French queens quipping, “let them eat cake”. So what is it about the digital age that seems to rub it particularly hard in young people’s faces – or rather, on their screens?
Critic Emma Jones reviews this week’s major releases, including Kristen Stewart’s directorial debut, “The Chronology of Water”, and the Japanese drama “A Pale View of Hills”. Director Myriam El Hajj offers a compelling portrait of a society in turmoil in her latest documentary, “Diaries from Lebanon”, following Georges, Joumana, and Perla Joe. The film exposes Lebanon’s simmering tensions amid economic, political, and humanitarian crises. El Hajj shares the challenges of filmmaking in Lebanon in recent years and how her subjects inspired the energy and optimism to complete the project.
Researchers, professors, and scientists are leaving Donald Trump’s America in increasing numbers, choosing to settle in Canada. Their reasons are often the same: concern over the country’s authoritarian drift and the freezing or cancellation of thousands of scientific research grants. The US brain drain is real. In response, Canadian cities are launching targeted recruitment drives and programmes for international students to attract fresh talent. François Rihouay and Joanne Profeta bring this report.
France’s new Prime Minister, Sébastien Lecornu, has proposed freezing President Emmanuel Macron’s controversial pension reform in a bid to avert a no-confidence vote. The concession meets a key demand from the Socialist Party, whose support is crucial in parliament. Paul Smith, a French politics expert at the University of Nottingham, told FRANCE 24 he was surprised Lecornu “went as far as he did” by suspending Macron’s flagship economic reform until the next presidential election. He added that “an awful lot of decisions depend on timing”, noting that this move will keep the pension reform front and centre ahead of the 2027 vote.
FRANCE 24 speaks to Arthur Genre, author of La France made in USA which explores the influence of American culture in France. He shares just how FRANCE 24 speaks to Arthur Genre, author of La France made in USA, which explores the influence of American culture in France. He discusses just how Americanised France has become and what the country is doing to push back.
French startup Le Pavé and its co-founder and CEO, Marius Hamelot, were awarded the Ivy Tech Prize for Young French Entrepreneur of the Year this Tuesday. Hamelot joins us on set to explain the process he uses to upcycle everyday waste, how it reduces carbon emissions, and the importance of aesthetics.
PRESS REVIEW – Wednesday, October 15: Papers focus on French PM Sébastien Lecornu’s suspension of the pension reform, with some describing it as a “surrender to the left”. Meanwhile, in Russia, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa arrives for his first visit since the fall of the Assad regime. Also, Die Zeit publishes an exclusive on the life of former dictator Bashar al-Assad. Finally, Donald Trump criticises Time magazine’s “really weird” choice of cover photo.
A late equaliser for Hungary denied Portugal an early World Cup berth even as Cristiano Ronaldo became the top scorer in qualifiers history with 41 goals.
FRANCE 24's Sharon Gaffney speaks with Professor Tim Lenton, founding director of the Global Systems Institute at the University of Exeter, and lead author of the Global Tipping Points report, which has revealed that the world’s coral reefs now in an almost irreversible die-off, marking what scientists describe as the first “tipping point” in climate-driven ecosystem collapse.
Here in France, we’re used to heated debates in the National Assembly – especially during political crises. But this time, it’s not the MPs making the noise. On social media, users claim that a group of youngsters caused chaos inside the hemicycle – using videos created with the AI video generator Sora. We take a closer look in this edition of Truth or Fake.
In the face of an unprecedented political crisis, France's re-appointed prime minister Sébastien Lecornu proposed suspending President Emmanuel Macron's signature pension reform enacted in 2023. Speaking before parliament, Lecornu warned however of the estimated cost of such a move as he pressed lawmakers to agree on next year's budget. Also in the segment, the US and China have started collecting new tit-for-tat port fees imposed on each other's maritime transport and shipping industry.
The situation in Madagascar escalated on Tuesday as the army announced it was taking control of the country, dissolving most governing institutions except for the lower house of Parliament. Colonel Michael Randrianirina, who led a mutiny of an elite army unit over the weekend, said the military would run the country alongside a transitional government for up to two years while elections are arranged. President Andry Rajoelina’s whereabouts remain unclear; he is reportedly in hiding and may have left the country. He has refused to resign despite growing calls for his exit following weeks of protests, which began as a youth-led outcry over water and power utilities before evolving into a broader rejection of his leadership.
Was it enough for France’s minority government to clear the first hurdle of a trigger-happy, hostile parliament that can call a vote of no confidence at any time? Reappointed Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu is offering a suspension of Emmanuel Macron's flagship reform – the raising of the retirement age. We’ll review the general policy speech of a Lecornu who, this time at least, made it to the National Assembly. Last week, his initial coalition government imploded spectacularly after just 14 hours.
Fortnite, Valorant, and Rocket League tournaments are taking French stadiums by storm, drawing packed arenas and thousands of fans to spectacular shows. Esports is booming in France: the sector’s turnover has tripled in four years, clubs are becoming more established, and pro players are emerging as stars. Sonia Baritello, Olivia Salazar-Winspear, and Elodie Radenac followed the Vitality club during the Rocket League World Championships in Lyon to capture the excitement of this highly anticipated event. They also discussed the issue of gender equality in gaming with pro player Lou Henguelle during the Valorant World Championships at the Bercy arena in Paris.
The first French contestant on RuPaul’s Drag Race – and the fearless host of Drag Race France – Karl Sanchez, better known as Nicky Doll, joins Eve Jackson on Arts24 to share the story behind the persona. In this episode, Karl opens up about his powerful new album “Apollo • Artemis”, his journey balancing masculinity and femininity, and how drag has become a platform for art, fashion, and activism. He also tells us about the first-ever Drag Race France Live All Stars Royal Tour.
Hours after returning from a Gaza peace summit in Egypt alongside President Emmanuel Macron, French-Israeli activist Ofer Bronchtein told FRANCE 24 that negotiations must continue following a historic hostage and prisoner swap. Bronchtein, co-founder and president of the International Forum for Peace, warned, “I really hope nobody is going to look for an excuse [...] to go back into fighting.” He was instrumental in pressing Macron to recognise a Palestinian state at September’s UN General Assembly, stressing that “there is no other solution” than mutual recognition of each side’s right to exist.
امید سلطانی
I love u saman