French President

Hard right wants more EU power to reflect likely election gains

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Hard right wants more EU power to reflect likely election gains

French right-wing lawmaker Jean-Paul Garraud expects nationalist and eurosceptic parties to gain influence in the upcoming EU assembly election. Polls predict radical right parties will increase their seats across the EU, including France, Germany, and Italy. Garraud anticipates far-right parties could have positions in committees or even hold key roles in the European Parliament, allowing them to influence policies related to green initiatives, free trade, and immigration. The rise of radical right parties is fueled by a growing gap between mainstream parties and distrustful voters, as well as concerns over issues such as the cost of living, illegal migration, and changing geopolitical dynamics. Critics warn that the influence of the hard right could weaken Europe and potentially lead to closer ties with China and Russia.

French actor Gerard Depardieu to be tried in October over alleged sexual

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French actor Gerard Depardieu to be tried in October over alleged sexual

French actor Gerard Depardieu will be tried in October for alleged sexual assaults against two women during a 2021 film shoot.

France’s foreign minister looks to prevent Israel-Hezbollah conflict escalation in Lebanon visit

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France’s foreign minister is visiting Lebanon to prevent further escalation and potential war between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah. France has proposed Hezbollah pull back 10 km from the Israeli border and Israel halt strikes in southern Lebanon. The proposal has not moved forward, but France wants to keep momentum in talks. Hezbollah will not discuss until there is a ceasefire in Gaza, while Israel wants calm on its northern border. Lebanon believes the French initiative could bring peace and security to the region.

When institutions work

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When institutions work

Corruption is a common element in politics, with different countries handling corruption cases in varying ways. In Spain, the judiciary is investigating Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s wife for allegedly using her influence to secure a bailout for an airline, followed by funding for a research program. The media and judges will ultimately decide the outcome, and despite the accusations, no defamation lawsuits have been filed. Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy is facing legal troubles for illegal campaign financing, with media extensively covering the case. Sarkozy has been stripped of his political rights for three years, and no lawsuits have been filed to stop media coverage.

EU corporate tax ‘harmonisation’ reforms would be opposed, Harris says

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EU corporate tax ‘harmonisation’ reforms would be opposed, Harris says

Ireland does not support reforms of the European Union’s internal market that propose harmonization of national corporate tax rates.

Paris 2024 torch lit in ancient Olympia [PHOTOS+VIDEO]

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Paris 2024 torch lit in ancient Olympia [PHOTOS+VIDEO]

The torch for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games was lit in ancient Olympia in a traditional ceremony. The torch was lit by Greek actress Mary Mina using a backup flame due to cloudy skies. The torch relay will culminate with the lighting of the Olympic flame in Paris at the opening ceremony. Russian and Belarusian athletes will compete as neutral athletes with no national flag or anthem. The torch relay began with Greece’s Olympic rowing champion Stefanos Ntouskos passing the flame to France’s three-time Olympic medallist in swimming, Laure Manaudou. The French torch relay will last 68 days and end in Paris on July 26.

Analysis: TikTok’s popularity among European politicians rises despite security fears

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Analysis: TikTok’s popularity among European politicians rises despite security fears

Simon Harris, Ireland’s prime minister-in-waiting, has embraced TikTok to connect with younger voters, despite security concerns about the Chinese-owned platform. European politicians like French President Macron and German Health Minister Lauterbach have also joined TikTok to reach a wider audience. Mainstream parties are feeling pressured to engage with TikTok to prevent fringe parties like the AfD from dominating the platform. Concerns about data privacy and influence from China persist, but politicians are finding ways to use TikTok effectively while addressing these issues.

Kremlin rejects Macron, ’s assertion that Russia seeks to disrupt Olympics

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Kremlin rejects Macron, ’s assertion that Russia seeks to disrupt Olympics

Fact: Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov rejected assertions by French President Emmanuel Macron that Russia would malevolently target the Paris Olympics this summer. Peskov also denied a claim by the Czech Republic’s transport minister that Russia had been trying to sabotage the EU’s railway networks through hacking.