Browsing: French politics

France’s Former President Sarkozy Loses Appeal in Corruption Case

Europe

France’s highest court, the Cour de Cassation, has upheld a corruption conviction against former President Nicolas Sarkozy, rejecting his appeal. The ruling means that Sarkozy, who served as president from 2007 to 2012, must now wear an electronic monitoring bracelet for a year.

‘PM plans reset’ & ‘French government collapses’ – Paper Talk UK

News Briefing

Political turmoil dominates the UK front pages, with speculation that Prime Minister Keir Starmer is aiming to “reset” his government following a challenging start in No. 10.

In France, Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s government collapsed on Wednesday after a no-confidence vote, leading to his ousting just months into office. President Macron now faces growing calls to resign.
Tabloids continue to spotlight allegations against MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace, with right-leaning outlets pressing the BBC for cultural reform after failing to address the issue sooner.

Criminal activities also make headlines, including the arrest of dozens linked to a global “crypto cartel” laundering funds through unregulated digital currencies.

In New York, police have launched a manhunt after American CEO Brian Thompson was shot dead in what is believed to be a targeted attack.

Macron to blame for political crisis

EU

“Perhaps, if one is permitted to draw a lesson at such a dramatic moment, his excess of programmatic Europeanism, coupled with a lack of pragmatic Europeanism, has ultimately turned against him. If he had succeeded in realising at least some of the projects he announced, if he had really dared to share with his allies the military and nuclear supremacy he wields in Europe, France and Europe themselves would not be reduced to this pitiful state today.”

New PM would curb Le Pen’s party influence

EU

“The appointment of a new prime minister and a new government would significantly curb Marine Le Pen’s party’s influence. Right now, everyone realises that the future of the government lies in her hands, since it can only stay in power thanks to her goodwill. She is playing this card well by raising the stakes. If a new government is appointed in the near future, whether on a joint (undoubtedly more left-wing) basis or as a ‘technical’ government, her influence would be severely limited, if not reduced to zero.”