FRANCE 24 explores events across Europe, including in the 27 member states of the European Union and the United Kingdom. Follow our on-the-ground reports, interviews and analyses of the events affecting social and political life on the Continent and Europe’s role in the world.
-
US and UK spy chiefs praise Ukraine for 'audacious' Russia incursion
07 September 2024
The heads of the CIA and Britain's spy service said in an op-ed on Saturday that "staying the course" in backing Ukraine's fight against Russia was more important than ever as they warned that the world order was "under threat in a way we haven't seen since the Cold War".
-
'Denial of democracy': Protesters rally against Macron across France
07 September 2024
Thousands of protesters gathered Saturday in Paris and across France to protest against President Macron and his recent rejection of New Popular Front candidate Lucie Castets in what they call a "denial of democracy", FRANCE 24's Yinka Oyetade said, pointing to demonstrators waving placards calling for Macron to step down.
-
Disabled journalist speaks about the legacy of the 2024 Paralympics
07 September 2024
Organisers hoped the Paris Paralympics would set the new standard in terms of access, inclusion and media coverage. Tunisian journalists Besma Essoussi, who is almost completely blind, and Sarra Fourti spoke about their experiences covering the Games and how Los Angeles can aim even higher for 2028.
-
‘Charged up’ and ‘busy’ atmosphere in Paris as thousands rally against Macron
07 September 2024
The atmosphere in central Paris is “charged up” and “busy” as protesters gather to rally against President Macron and his recent nomination of Michel Barnier as prime minister, FRANCE 24’s Yinka Oyetade said, adding that police are expecting between four thousand and eight thousand demonstrators. The protests were originally called by youth organisations which were then joined by hard-left France Unbowed, the communists and the Greens, Oyetade said.
-
‘Huge’ task of forming cabinet lies ahead of new French PM
07 September 2024
A huge task awaits new French Prime Minister Michel Barnier who has been asked by President Macron to form a government despite a hung parliament. “First of all, he’s got to get enough people into his government, and if he really wants to show he's a broad church, he’s going to have to convince people from the left”, said Susan Collard, University of Sussex senior lecturer in French politics and contemporary European studies.
-
Thousands expected to march in Paris to protest Macron's PM pick
07 September 2024
Thousands of protesters are expected to rally in Paris after President Macron announced his surprise pick – Michel Barnier – for prime minister. "We're expecting around four to eight thousand people to take to the streets here," FRANCE 24's Yinka Oyetade said, adding that the number was revised upwards from the two thousand originally expected when the protest was first called for at the end of August. "A lot of the protesters say that the election has been stolen from them", Oyetade said, adding that protesters were frustrated after the leftist coalition the New Popular Front's candidate for prime minister was discarded by Macron.
-
French left to hold protests as new PM Michel Barnier takes office
07 September 2024
French left-wing parties and student unions have called for protests across the country as the newly appointed Prime Minister Michel Barnier tackles his first challenge of forming a cabinet. Barnier’s nomination has come as a shock for many and a disappointment for the left-wing coalition, New Popular Front, which won the snap elections called for President Macron two months ago.
-
New French PM says won't repeal Macron's pension reform law
07 September 2024
New French Prime Minister Michel Barnier on Friday pledged he would work independently from President Emmanuel Macron but signalled he would defend some of the president's key policies such as the widely contested pension reform while toughening the government's stance on immigration.
-
Italy's Meloni pledges unwavering support for Ukraine after Zelensky talks
07 September 2024
Italy's Giorgia Meloni said her country would not waver in its support for Kyiv after holding talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of a business forum on Saturday. Zelensky earlier rejected calls for a ceasefire voiced by Hungary's Kremlin-friendly Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who was also attending the summit in northern Italy. Read our live blog to see how the day's events unfolded.
-
Telegram CEO Durov announces new features to combat illicit content
06 September 2024
Russian-born Telegram boss Pavel Durov announced on Friday a range of new features for the social media app that aim to tackle illicit content, bots and scammers. Durov was released on bail last week after being placed under formal investigation by French authorities following his arrest as part of a probe related to illegal content carried on the platform.