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French Government Survives Twin No-Confidence Votes Over Energy Law

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The French government has survived two no-confidence motions in the National Assembly after pushing through a new energy law by decree earlier this month. The motions were filed by the far-right National Rally (RN) and the hard-left La France Insoumise (LFI), but neither secured the 289 votes required to topple the government. The RN-backed motion received 140 votes, while the LFI motion gathered 108, allowing Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu to remain in office.

The outcome offers temporary relief to Lecornu’s minority administration, which has faced repeated challenges since taking power. Earlier this year, the government also survived two no-confidence votes linked to the passage of a delayed budget. However, political uncertainty persists in France, with President Emmanuel Macron experiencing low approval ratings as he approaches the end of his second term.

The contested energy law outlines a revised national strategy that scales back renewable energy targets and eases operational pressure on state-owned utility Electricite de France (EDF), including reversing a previous mandate to shut down 14 nuclear reactors. The measure sparked intense debate between lawmakers advocating continued renewable subsidies and those favouring investment in nuclear power, amid concerns over the country’s high debt and long-term energy security.

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Trump’s Envoy to France Sparks Diplomatic Strain After Skipping Summons

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Tensions between Washington and Paris have intensified after Charles Kushner, U.S. President Donald Trump’s envoy to France, twice failed to appear when summoned by the French foreign ministry. Kushner, who arrived in Paris last summer, has drawn criticism for bypassing traditional diplomatic norms, including publishing an open letter accusing France of not doing enough to combat antisemitism. His remarks were publicly rebuked by Emmanuel Macron, who called them unacceptable for a diplomat.

The latest friction followed the embassy’s reposting of U.S. State Department comments regarding the killing of a French far-right activist, prompting another summons that Kushner did not attend. French officials signaled he could be temporarily barred from meetings with government representatives. However, Kushner later held what both sides described as a frank and amicable call with Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, agreeing to meet in the coming days and reaffirming cooperation as the two nations mark 250 years of diplomatic relations.

Kushner’s tenure reflects a broader pattern of Trump-appointed ambassadors stirring debate across Europe. A real estate executive with no prior diplomatic experience, he has prioritized concerns about antisemitism, which surged in France after the 2023 Gaza conflict. While critics view his approach as confrontational and dismissive of diplomatic protocol, supporters argue his close ties to Trump give him influence and urgency. Observers say the episode underscores deeper strains in U.S.-France relations over trade, regulation and sovereignty issues.

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Louvre Director Resigns After Crown Jewels Heist Shakes Museum

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The director of the Louvre Museum, Laurence des Cars, has resigned months after a high-profile theft of France’s crown jewels stunned the art world. She submitted her resignation to Emmanuel Macron, who said the museum now needed “calm and a strong new impetus” to move forward with major security and modernisation projects.

The brazen raid took place on 19 October, when thieves used a stolen vehicle-mounted mechanical lift to access a balcony near the River Seine and break into the museum’s Gallery of Apollo. While four suspects have been arrested, eight pieces of jewellery worth an estimated €88 million remain missing. Among the stolen items were historic jewels, including pieces linked to Napoleon, while a 19th-century diamond-studded crown belonging to Empress Eugénie was dropped during the escape and damaged, though officials say it can be fully restored.

In the aftermath, des Cars acknowledged that perimeter CCTV systems were weak and outdated, with critical blind spots near the point of entry. A parliamentary inquiry is now investigating what a preliminary report described as “systemic failures” that enabled the break-in. The museum, which attracts more than 8.7 million visitors annually and houses masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa, has also recently faced a suspected ticket fraud scheme and infrastructure issues, adding to the challenges confronting its leadership.

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Macron Urges Calm Ahead of Rallies for Slain Activist in France

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French President Emmanuel Macron has called for calm ahead of planned marches honoring a far-right activist killed last week. Speaking at the opening of the International Agricultural Fair in Paris, Macron stressed that violence has no place in the Republic and warned against the rise of militias. He said the government would remain vigilant and confirmed a meeting next week with the prime minister and key ministers to address concerns over extremist groups.

The rallies are being held in memory of Quentin Deranque, a 23-year-old who was beaten to death in a violent altercation that was widely shared on video and shocked the country. Authorities fear that the demonstrations could escalate into clashes between far-right activists and opposing antifascist groups.

The largest gathering is expected in Lyon, where Deranque was killed and where tensions between rival groups have been high. The interior ministry estimates that between 2,000 and 3,000 people may attend the Lyon march, with smaller rallies planned in several other towns across France.

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Macron and Meloni Clash Over Killing of French Far-Right Activist in Lyon

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French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni exchanged sharp criticism following the killing of a French far-right activist, Quentin Deranque, who died after being beaten during protests in Lyon. French prosecutors confirmed that seven people will face murder charges, including an assistant linked to the far-left party France Unbowed (LFI), while several others were arrested in connection with the incident. The case has sparked outrage in France and intensified political tensions.

Meloni described the killing as a tragedy caused by groups connected to left-wing extremism, calling it a “wound for all of Europe.” Her comments drew a strong response from Macron, who accused nationalist leaders of interfering in other countries’ internal matters. Speaking during a visit abroad, Macron directly confirmed his criticism was aimed at Meloni, underscoring ongoing ideological divisions between the two leaders on broader European political issues.

The killing has fueled political fallout within France, damaging the reputation of left-wing groups while providing an opportunity for far-right parties to highlight concerns over extremist violence. One suspect accused of helping instigate the attack has been placed in pre-trial detention, though he denies responsibility for the fatal blows. Meloni’s office later expressed surprise at Macron’s remarks, emphasizing that her comments were intended to convey sympathy and concern over the violent death.

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Lagarde May Leave ECB Early Ahead of French Election

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European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde is reportedly considering an early departure from her post, potentially before France’s 2027 presidential election. The move, cited by the Financial Times, would allow outgoing President Emmanuel Macron to have a say in selecting her successor, as a far-right victory next year could complicate the choice. ECB officials, however, insist Lagarde remains focused on her current term and has made no final decision.

France, as the eurozone’s second-largest economy, traditionally plays a major role in appointing ECB leadership, with Germany also influencing the selection. Potential successors include Klaas Knot, Pablo Hernández de Cos, and Joachim Nagel, all mainstream central bankers expected to maintain policy continuity. Lagarde’s early exit could also accelerate appointments for other key ECB executive roles, including chief economist Philip Lane and market operations head Isabel Schnabel.

The news follows the early resignation of François Villeroy de Galhau, enabling Macron to influence domestic central bank appointments. Despite political maneuvering, markets remain calm, with inflation stable and interest rates neutral, making the ECB’s current policy environment relatively stable and predictable. Analysts warn, however, that attempts to preempt a far-right government could have unintended political consequences.

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Rubio Signals ‘New Era’ Ahead of Munich Summit

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U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has described a “defining moment” in global affairs as he arrived in Europe to lead the American delegation at the Munich Security Conference. His visit comes amid heightened transatlantic tensions following President Donald Trump’s renewed remarks about annexing Greenland. Rubio said the world was entering a “new era in geopolitics” that would require allies to reassess their roles and priorities within the evolving international order.

European leaders have responded with a mix of caution and resolve. Emmanuel Macron has urged Europe to prepare for greater strategic independence from the U.S., while NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stressed that transatlantic ties remain vital. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said she would meet Rubio to address U.S. comments regarding Greenland, as concerns grow over Washington’s long-term commitment to NATO and European security.

The conference agenda includes the war in Ukraine, tensions with China and prospects for a renewed U.S.-Iran nuclear deal. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky said the gathering could yield “new steps” for shared European security. Meanwhile, German and British leaders, including Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, are expected to hold key discussions on defence spending and alliance cohesion, as policymakers navigate shifting geopolitical dynamics.

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France Passes 2026 Budget After Months of Political Deadlock

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France’s 2026 budget has finally been approved after two no-confidence motions failed in the National Assembly, bringing an end to months of political uncertainty. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu, leading a weak minority government, secured the passage of the budget with targeted concessions to Socialist lawmakers, including delaying an unpopular pension reform. Lecornu emphasized that the budget reins in public spending without raising taxes for households or businesses.

The delayed budget, which had unsettled markets and alarmed European partners, now provides a period of stability ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Despite a still-high deficit of 5% of GDP, investor confidence has improved, and the French debt risk premium has returned to pre-election levels. Lecornu’s flexibility and compromise have preserved Macron’s legacy of attracting foreign investment.

With domestic reforms largely stalled, President Emmanuel Macron is now focusing on foreign policy, including reducing Europe’s dependency on foreign powers and addressing trade disputes with the U.S. Meanwhile, the centrist bloc faces uncertainty with no clear successor, while former prime ministers Edouard Philippe and Gabriel Attal, along with Lecornu, position themselves for the upcoming presidential race.

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France Moves to Ban Social Media for Under-15s Amid Child Safety Concerns

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France’s National Assembly has approved legislation to ban children under the age of 15 from accessing social media platforms, citing rising concerns over online bullying, mental health risks and youth violence. Lawmakers voted 116 to 23 in favour of the bill, which would also restrict social-networking features embedded within wider digital platforms. The proposal now heads to the Senate before returning to the lower house for a final vote.

President Emmanuel Macron has strongly backed the move, urging France to follow Australia’s lead after it introduced a world-first ban on social media access for under-16s in December. Macron wants the French ban to take effect by the start of the next academic year in September. Supporters of the bill argue that social media is harming children’s well-being, with lawmakers warning it is reducing sleep, reading habits and self-esteem among young users.

If enacted, the law would require platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Snapchat to enforce age restrictions using verification systems compliant with EU regulations. While enforcement remains a challenge, public backing in France is strong, with a 2024 survey showing nearly three-quarters of respondents support the ban. The legislation would also extend France’s existing smartphone ban in schools to include high schools, as debate continues across Europe on setting minimum ages for social media use.

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France Unveils Voluntary Military Service to Boost National Readiness

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France has launched a nationwide recruitment drive for a new 10-month voluntary military service aimed at strengthening the country’s ability to respond to growing security and civil-defence challenges. The programme, announced by President Emmanuel Macron last year, will begin in September and is open to French citizens aged 18 to 25 who want to contribute to national resilience in an increasingly uncertain global environment.

Under the scheme, 3,000 young people will join the army, navy or air force from September, with numbers rising to 4,000 in 2027 and up to 10,000 a year by 2030. Participants will earn about 800 euros a month and carry out a wide range of tasks, including disaster relief, counter-terrorism surveillance and technical roles such as drone operation, mechanical work, medical support and logistics.

The initiative is part of a wider European shift as countries reassess their defence needs amid concerns about Russia and uncertainty over long-term U.S. security commitments. French Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin said the programme supports a move toward a more flexible “hybrid” military model, with recruits free to return to civilian life, join the reserves or pursue full-time service after completing their term.

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