Author: Frank Deux

A day after Romania’s pro-European coalition government survived a no-confidence vote, anti-government protesters took to the streets of the capital Bucharest on Saturday. The demonstration by far-right groups was held to demand a second round of presidential elections after the first round, which was won by a far-right populist, was annulled due to Russian interference allegations. No-confidence vote on Friday A no-confidence vote on Friday, which was backed by AUR and two other far-right opposition…

One person was killed and nine others wounded in clashes near Damascus between forces affiliated to Syria’s new rulers and gunmen from the minority Druze community on Saturday, according to a Syrian human rights monitor. Clashes between Syrian forces and Druze gunmen turn deadly

French President Emmanuel Macron said he is ready to start discussions on a nuclear deterrence for Europe, in an interview published Saturday. It came as more than a dozen European leaders are set to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in London on Sunday following Zelensky’s extraordinary clash with US President Donald Trump in the White House.  Macron reopens debate on European nuclear umbrella after Trump-Zelensky showdown

French former surgeon Joël Le Scouarnec on Friday admitted to sexually abusing the 12-year-old daughter of his eldest son in the latest shocking revelation to emerge from France’s biggest child abuse trial, which is currently under way in the western city of Vannes. Le Scouarnec is facing charges of allegedly raping or sexually abusing 299 children. Former surgeon admits to victimising granddaughter during France's biggest child abuse trial

An initially cordial meeting between US President Donald Trump, that started so well, compliments and pleasantries exchanged until Vice President JD Vance erupted towards Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Oval Office. Pent up and angry the VP could not hold back his antipathy for Zelensky and suddenly the meeting descended into a shouting match as Trump and Vance accused Zelensky of being “disrespectful” and ungrateful for US aid. World leaders react to Trump-Zelensky clash…

In tonight’s edition, South Sudan’s leaders are fueling violence and instability in the young nation, a United Nations report said. Also, After recent promises of job opportunities in Spain, thousands of Gambians rushed to apply for a job in the European country. And King Mohammed VI urges Moroccans not to perform the Muslim rite of slaughtering sheep during Eid al-Adha this year. UN says South Sudan leaders fuelling violence and instability

Residents of the Indian Ocean islands Mauritius and La Reunion rushed to stockpile essential items on Thursday, as Cyclone Garance approached the two territories. The storm, which is expected to pass 50 kilometers from La Reunion’s shores, prompted authorities to impose a “red alert”, closing airports and schools, and urging all inhabitants to stay inside, except law enforcement and emergency services. At least two people were killed as Cyclone Garance slammed the Indian Ocean island…

Nuclear-armed North Korea said on Friday it had tested strategic cruise missiles to warn its enemies of its “counterattack” capabilities and readiness of its nuclear might, as neighboring South Korea prepares for its “Freedom Shield” military exercises with the US next month. N. Korea showcases 'counterattack' abilities with new missile tests

Mexico sought to avoid US President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs by agreeing to a “series of coordinated actions” on Thursday centering fentanyl smuggling. Mexico agreed to a “historic” handover to the US of 29 alleged traffickers, a group which reportedly includes Caro Quintero, who is accused of murdering a US agent. Mexico extradites 29 drug suspects to avoid sweeping Trump tariffs

Elon Musk appeared at the first cabinet meeting of US President Donald Trump’s second term on Wednesday to address the drastic efforts his Department of Government Efficiency have made to cut government spending. The world’s richest man insisted his efforts are to keep the US from going “bankrupt”, while Trump said to “throw out” anyone who was unhappy with Musk’s actions.

US President Donald Trump and his threats to slap punishing tariffs on Canada dominated a televised leadership debate Monday as part of the race to become the country’s next prime minister. FRANCE 24’s Sharon Gaffney speaks to Guillaume Lavoie, Associate Member, Raoul-Dandurand Chair in Strategic and Diplomatic Studies, at the University of Quebec in Montreal. He says that the standoff with Donald Trump has given Canadian Liberals a second life. Trump-standoff-has-given-canadian-liberals-a-second-life-analyst-says”>Trump standoff has given Canadian…

President Donald Trump says Ukraine “could forget about” joining the NATO military alliance as he prepares to host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House on Friday. FRANCE 24’s Fraser Jackson reports from Washington. Trump says Ukraine can ‘forget about’ joining NATO

A UN-led coalition warns of a “wave of extreme brutality” in Haiti, reporting numerous killings and mass displacements. According to the group, families have been massacred, and children shot while fleeing. Despite the Kenyan-led security mission’s reinforcements, gang dominance in the capital and widespread violence persist. “Entire families have been brutally wiped out in their homes, while others, including children and babies, have been shot dead as they tried to escape,” the group, organised by…

The Israeli army conducted air strikes on military sites in southern Syria on Tuesday, targeting weapon depots and command centers. At least two people were killed at a Damascus-area military unit, though their civilian or military status remains unverified, according to a war monitor. Israel strikes Syrian military targets The invading Israeli army said it carried out airstrikes targeting military sites containing weapons in southern Syria on Tuesday, just days after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu…

Pope Francis’ health was reported to be “slightly improving” on Monday, as he continues to battle pneumonia in both lungs, and the onset of kidney failure. The 88-year-old head of the Catholic Church has been in the hospital for 11 days, prompting his followers to pray for his recovery, while discussions surrounding his potential successor have started to emerge. Pope Francis shows ‘slight’ health improvement

Kinshasa estimates that more than 7,000 people have been killed in eastern DRC-Congo since M23 rebels began seizing territory in the centre of the country this year, while the Rwanda-backed rebels claim to be conscripting soldiers who surrendered to their onslaught. M23 rebels claim thousands of surrendered Congolese soldiers enter into “ideological retraining”

In an effort to “facilitate engagement” with Syria’s new leaders, the European Union on Monday suspended sanctions on Syria’s energy, transport, and banking sectors, on the condition that the new government show progress towards respecting minorities’ rights and establishing a democracy. EU eases sanctions on major Syrian economic sectors

French President Emmanuel Macron will meet with US President Donald Trump on Monday in Washington DC, on the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Macron is hoping to use his “unique” relationship with Trump to convince him to include Europeans in any settlement of the war, French officials said. The meeting comes as the US president makes increasingly friendly overtures to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Follow our liveblog for all the latest. Live: Macron…

Hamas has said that it will not continue negotiations with Israel on a ceasefire agreement unless Palestinian prisoners are released as agreed. Israel announced on Sunday that it was delaying the liberation of hundreds of prisoners until Hamas held up its side of the hostage release deal. Hamas says no more talks with Israel unless Palestinian prisoners released as agreed

Key US agencies, including the FBI, State Department and the Pentagon, have instructed their employees not to respond to an email from cost-cutting chief Elon Musk ordering federal workers to explain what they accomplished last week — or risk losing their job. The pushback from appointees of President Donald Trump marked a new level of chaos and confusion within the beleaguered federal workforce. The level of stupidity to tell FBI, DOD, and CIA employees to reply to…

Ugandan opposition figure Kizza Besigye was charged with treason on Friday in an escalation of legal troubles stemming from allegations he plotted to remove President Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled the country since 1986. FRANCE 24’s regional correspondent Juliette Montilly reports. Ugandan opposition politician charged with treason, faces death penalty

German politicians made a last push for votes on Saturday ahead of pivotal elections, with the far right making rapid gains amid economic woes and security concerns.  Germany braces for pivotal elections as far-right makes further gains

Pope Francis, 88, continues to be in critical condition after suffering a respiratory attack, the Vatican said Saturday. While alert, he continues receiving treatment for double pneumonia at Rome’s Gemelli hospital, where he has spent nine nights. Pope remains in 'critical' condition after respiratory attack, Vatican says

Every year thousands of farmers convene in the French capital for a nine-day exhibition of livestock, produce and farming tools. The event attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors and is an essential stop for France’s top politicians Can farming really be that exciting, we take a closer look as to why this competition attracts Frances premier politicians and influencers. Why is Paris’ annual agriculture show such a big deal in France?

Israel was still in shock Friday after the revelation that one of the bodies purportedly belonging to four dead hostages being returned by Hamas was in fact an unknown woman. Hamas later handed over what they said was the correct body of deceased hostage Shiri Bibas to the Red Cross.  Israelis in shock after confusion around release of hostage Shiri Bibas' body