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Culture news

Why is Nicolas Sarkozy's prison memoir already a big hit?

Rushed to print to take control of the narrative, the book has become a powerful political tool for the former head of state.

Culture news

‘Welcome to hell’: Nicolas Sarkozy’s prison memoir published

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy's prison memoir hits shelves today. In it, he describes his 20-day prison stay, including his diet and weak showers, and advises on appealing to the far-right.

France

French MPs adopt contentious 2026 social security budget

The high-stakes vote gives some respite for the weakened French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu

France

French far right wants to reopen brothels with sex workers in charge

National Rally (RN) lawmaker Jean-Philippe Tanguy said his proposed bill would allow sex workers in France to be "empresses in their kingdom."

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Europe News

French unions stage new strike against budget plan as turnout dwindles

The call for strike action by three trade unions (the CGT, FSU and Solidaires) saw a significantly lower turnout compared to previous occasions in September and October.

France

France's top court upholds Sarkozy's conviction in Bygmalion case

This decision is another blow to the former president's reputation and legacy, just two weeks after his release from prison pending an appeal in another campaign financing case.

France

France's parliament overwhelmingly votes to suspend pension reform

Some of France's European partners have been watching the political turmoil closely as the country struggles to rein in a budget deficit which has become the largest in the euro zone.

Economy

France considers €2 fast-fashion import tax as EU drags its feet

The French parliament will debate a €2 fast-fashion import tax this week that will enter into force next year, as similar EU levy faces possible delays until 2028. The parliament could impose an additional €5 environmental levy on budget retailers down the line.

The Cube

Is France going to link its digital ID to your social media accounts?

Misleading narratives about digital IDs are commonplace online, as various European countries and the EU itself gear up to introduce them to the public.

France

Brigitte Macron harassment trial opens debate on free speech in France

Defendants claim freedom of expression as prosecutors denounce a years-long cyber-harassment rooted in a hoax.

France

First woman in France sentenced to life without parole for murder

The case sent shockwaves through France and reignited a heated debate over the country's immigration policies.

France

Three La Santé inmates in custody after Sarkozy taunted in French jail

Three inmates at La Santé prison in Paris were placed in special custody over their involvement in jeers and heckles lobbed at Nicolas Sarkozy, who is serving a jail sentence there.

France

Former president behind bars: France grapples with Sarkozy’s jailing

The unprecedented jailing of a former head of state exposed deep divisions over justice and the legacy of Nicolas Sarkozy’s years in power.

Markets

French bond prices decline after unexpected S&P downgrade

After a surprise downgrade from S&P Global Ratings on Friday, French bond yields jumped and prices declined, reflective of the increased risk felt by investors.

France

France's beleaguered PM Lecornu survives two no-confidence votes

Lecornu’s survival also spares the immediate need for French President Emmanuel Macron to call snap legislative elections.

France

France's PM proposes suspending retirement age law until 2027

With his government hanging by a thread, France's newly reappointed prime minister must make concessions to avoid a no-confidence vote this week.

France

Former French President Sarkozy to go to prison in Paris on 21 October

On 25 September, a Paris court found the former French leader guilty of criminal conspiracy involving the use of funds from Libya to finance his 2007 presidential campaign.

France

French PM Lecornu names new cabinet ahead of 2026 budget deadline

Lecornu, France's fourth prime minister in a year, formed his first government last week before resigning just hours later. He was re-appointed on Friday night.

France

French President re-appoints Sébastien Lecornu as PM in shock move

Lecornu’s comeback was as a major surprise following comments by him on Wednesday that he was not “chasing the job” and that his “mission is over.”

France

French President Macron to name a new prime minister by Friday evening

French President Emmanuel Macron will name a new prime minister within 48 hours of Wednesday evening, the Élysée Palace has announced, as outgoing PM Sébastien Lecornu dismisses the possibility of parliamentary elections.