France

France is actively working to form a "blocking minority" within the European Union, aiming to halt the impending trade agreement with four South American nations, as articulated by President Emmanuel Macron. This deal, which unites the European Union and the Mercosur bloc—comprising Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay—was heralded as a "win-win" by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen last December. However, it is now mired in substantial opposition from France, particularly its agricultural sector.…

In a tragic incident that sent shockwaves through the community, a knife attack in Mulhouse, eastern France, has resulted in the death of one person and left two police officers in serious condition. President Emmanuel Macron wasted no time in labeling this horrifying event as an “Islamist terror act.” A nation is left grappling with the implications of such violence, raising questions about safety and security. This harrowing attack, carried out by a 37-year-old man who was already on a terror prevention watchlist known as…

In the quiet corners of West Africa, the landscape of military alliances is subtly shifting, as if echoing an unspoken dialogue between the past and the present. France, known for its significant military footprint across the African continent, has chosen a different path in recent months. This transformation, while not definitive, marks a chapter in the intricate narrative of international relations and defense strategies. During a ceremony in the vibrant heart of Côte d'Ivoire's capital, French Defence Minister…

In an unprecedented turn of events for a former French president, Nicolas Sarkozy is set to wear an electronic monitoring device following his conviction for corruption, a source familiar with the case disclosed. This marks a significant moment in France's political history, shedding light on the accountability of those in power. In December, France's Supreme Court upheld the decision that mandates Sarkozy to don this ankle tag for an entire year. The conviction stems from illegal attempts to gain favors from a judge, a…

Police headquarters in the lively Italian city of Crotone | Photo: ARCHIVE/ANSA/GIUSEPPE PIPITA Deep in the heart of southern Italy, the police in Crotone scored a significant victory, clamping down on a sinister underworld network. They nabbed the alleged kingpin of a notorious human trafficking syndicate, the footprint of which has left French authorities reeling. The story reads almost like a crime thriller. A 42-year-old Nigerian, cloaked in mystery and infamy, was brought in by the Italian police. Known by the…

In a shocking case that has caught international attention, French authorities have placed charges against Isaac Steidl, the mastermind behind an adult website linked to horrific sexual crimes. Prosecutors allege that one of the site's users, a French national, orchestrated the brutal assault of his heavily sedated wife, recruiting numerous strangers to participate in this despicable act. Steidl, who operates the site Coco.fr, was taken into custody on Tuesday. He faces serious allegations, including enabling an online…

The father of a French student, whose testimony regarding the use of caricatures depicting the Prophet Mohammad in a free speech lesson contributed to the gruesome murder of a teacher, is now facing trial on charges of associating with a terrorist network. This chilling sequence of events unfolded in 2020 when Samuel Paty, aged 47, introduced his class to the caricatures. In retaliation, an 18-year-old assailant from Chechnya brutally attacked him outside his school located in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, a suburb of…

Born in France, Menka Gomis chose to carve his future in Senegal, the birthplace of his parents.The 39-year-old is among the growing wave of French Africans exiting France, attributing it to the surge in racism, discrimination, and extreme nationalism.BBC Africa Eye has been delving into this "silent exodus," investigating why individuals like Mr. Gomis feel disenchanted with life in France.Establishing a travel agency, the Parisian now offers travel packages connecting individuals to their African roots and operates an…

Lee Carsley faced his first hurdles as England's stand-in coach following an audacious lineup choice that went awry, leading to a 2-1 defeat against Greece in the Nations League on Thursday. Meanwhile, at just 24, Erling Haaland set a new milestone for Norway by becoming the top scorer with his brace in a commanding 3-0 victory over Slovakia. On the flip side, even without the iconic figures of Kylian Mbappé and the retired Antoine Griezmann, France comfortably overpowered Israel 4-1. Carsley, having steered England to…

PARIS/LONDON — In a concerted diplomatic maneuver, France and the UK have expressed their refusal to join any potential U.S. military endeavors against Iran. This decision comes on the heels of Iran's responsive attacks on Israel dated April 13, 2024. Both countries urged Israel to show restraint and avoid responding with force on Iranian territories, sources acquainted with the affairs have indicated. Their appeal for calm follows a surge in tensions across the Middle East, ignited when Iran, along with its allies,…