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Carrefour to halt Pepsi sales over price rises

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French supermarket giant Carrefour has announced its decision to cease selling Pepsi products in its stores due to what it deems “unacceptable price increases.” The move, affecting items like Pepsi soda, Doritos, and Quaker cereals, was communicated to customers through signs displayed in stores. Pepsi has expressed its commitment to continuing negotiations in “good faith” despite the disagreement.

The disagreement arises amid France’s struggle with rapidly increasing food prices, as indicated by a recent report showing a 7.1% rise in food prices in December compared to the previous year. French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire has been urging major food companies to lower prices and has even threatened special taxes on what he considers “undue” profits. The government has accelerated the deadline for price negotiations between food companies and supermarkets in an attempt to address the issue.

Pepsi, citing rising costs, has implemented price increases in recent years, with expectations of further hikes in 2024. The company has also faced criticism for “shrinkflation,” reducing product sizes without corresponding price decreases. Carrefour, as the second-largest grocer in France, has been notably resistant to this practice and, in September, displayed signs highlighting “shrinkflation” on certain products, including Lipton Ice Tea, a Pepsi brand.

Carrefour’s decision to no longer sell Pepsi products is accompanied by notices explaining the move as a response to “unacceptable price increases.” Despite this decision, existing Pepsi products on the shelves will still be available for purchase by French consumers. Pepsi has stated that discussions with Carrefour have been ongoing for months, and they remain committed to finding a resolution to ensure their products’ availability.

While public disputes over pricing are unusual, they are not unprecedented. In 2022, Tesco clashed with Kraft Heinz over price hikes for staples like baked beans and ketchup. Similarly, German grocers Edeka and Rewe halted sales of certain Mars products, citing price increases. Edeka also faced a dispute with Pepsi in the previous year, and a standoff between Mondelez, the maker of Milka chocolate, and Belgian supermarket Colruyt resulted in a supply gap last year.

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French booze-free January falls flat with Macron government

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France’s President Emmanuel Macron is under scrutiny for not endorsing the alcohol-free “Dry January” initiative, with accusations that he succumbed to pressure from the wine lobby. A group of 50 addiction specialists expressed their disappointment in an open letter, claiming that the government’s indifference compromises its commitment to a coherent policy against alcoholism. Despite Dry January gaining popularity since its introduction from the UK in 2020, government officials, including Agriculture Minister Marc Fesneau, have distanced themselves, citing a decline in overall alcohol consumption and expressing a preference for moderation over complete abstinence.

Critics argue that the government’s reluctance to support Dry January is indicative of prioritizing the interests of the powerful wine lobby over public health. Macron, known for his public endorsement of alcohol, faced allegations that he personally discouraged backing for the initiative. His previous statements, such as being elected Personality of the Year by a wine magazine and publicly consuming alcohol, have contributed to perceptions that he may be influencing the government’s stance against initiatives promoting alcohol abstinence.

Despite France being Europe’s fourth-largest alcohol consumer, government officials argue that the decline in overall alcohol consumption and individual choice make campaigns like Dry January irrelevant and intrusive. Former Health Minister Aurélien Rousseau, before his resignation, expressed suspicion about the government dictating lifestyle choices to the public. Critics maintain that these reactions reflect the government’s alignment with President Macron, who they believe prioritizes not upsetting the wine lobby over championing public health.

Proponents of Dry January highlight France’s status as the fourth-largest consumer of alcohol in Europe and emphasize that alcohol is responsible for over 40,000 deaths annually in the country. They argue that a government-backed campaign would have a more significant impact, reaching beyond the 16,000 participants in 2023. The accusation that Macron personally discouraged support for Dry January is underscored by his past public endorsements of alcohol, including statements about drinking wine daily and engaging in public acts of alcohol consumption. Despite the economic importance of the wine industry, critics contend that Macron’s public drinking is not only rational for supporting French winemakers but also serves as a populist gesture to counter perceptions of being “out-of-touch.”

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Two arrested in France over alleged bedbug scam

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In France, two individuals have been arrested for allegedly scamming elderly people by convincing them to pay exorbitant amounts for unnecessary bedbug treatments. The suspects, operating in Strasbourg, would visit the homes of their victims, conduct fictitious inspections, and then exploit the situation by overcharging for purported treatment products. The victims, numbering 48 in total, were predominantly elderly women, many of whom were over 90 years old. This fraudulent activity comes amid a growing concern over the rise of bedbug infestations across France, prompting government officials to consider measures to address the issue.

The modus operandi of the alleged scammers involved contacting potential victims, informing them of a bedbug infestation in their neighborhood. Subsequently, the suspects would visit the targeted individuals’ homes, posing as health officials. They would simulate a treatment process using aerosol sprays, then offer a supposed bug-repelling ointment, which, in reality, was a basic eucalyptus-scented cream. The victims, unaware of the scam, were charged varying amounts ranging from €300 to €2,100. Authorities received a total of nine formal complaints related to suspected fraud, leading to the surveillance and arrest of the suspects as they left the residence of an alleged victim in Strasbourg.

The escalating bedbug issue in France has raised concerns about its potential spread, with fears that Parisian infestations could impact other cities, including London. London mayor Sadiq Khan expressed apprehension about the threat to the capital’s public transport system, emphasizing efforts to prevent a similar problem. In October, he reported engaging with counterparts in Paris and officials at Transport For London to collaborate on strategies aimed at averting the potential spread of bedbug-related challenges.

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Samuel Paty: Six French teenagers on trial over teacher’s murder

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Six teenagers in France, aged between 13 and 15 at the time, are currently on trial for their alleged complicity in the murder of teacher Samuel Paty in 2020. The tragic incident occurred when Paty, who had shown cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad during a class on freedom of expression, was killed by a Chechen refugee. The teenagers are accused of slander and of guiding the murderer to Paty at the school.

The youngest among them, a 13-year-old girl, had been suspended from school just days before the murder, for reasons unrelated to the case. However, she falsely claimed to her father that she confronted Paty over an alleged request for Muslim students to leave the class, leading to social media posts that prosecutors believe influenced the killer’s actions.

These teenagers face serious charges, and if convicted, they could be sentenced to a maximum of 2.5 years in prison. The case has sparked significant public attention and highlights the complex dynamics surrounding the events leading up to Paty’s murder. The teenagers are not accused of directly committing the murder but rather of playing a role in facilitating the tragic incident.

In addition to the ongoing trial of these six teenagers, a second trial is scheduled for next year. It involves eight adults, including the father of the 13-year-old girl currently on trial. The second trial will further explore allegations of complicity in the murder, bringing to light the broader network and individuals who may have contributed to the events leading up to Paty’s death.

The broader context of this case includes accusations against two friends of the Chechen refugee who carried out the murder. They are facing charges of “complicity in a terrorist murder,” the most severe crime in this case. One is accused of accompanying the murderer to buy weapons, while the other is accused of driving him to the school where Paty taught on the day of the murder. These accusations underscore the serious nature of the events surrounding the teacher’s death and the varied roles individuals are alleged to have played in its execution.

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French march against antisemitism shakes up far right and far left

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In an unprecedented turn of events in Paris this weekend, a significant demonstration took place in response to the Israel-Hamas conflict, drawing representatives from major political parties. Notably, the far right, including Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella of the National Rally, participated, while the far left, led by Jean-Luc Mélenchon of France Unbowed, boycotted the event, citing it as a gathering for supporters of the Gaza massacre.

This shift is symbolic, considering historical political dynamics in France. Traditionally, the far right was ostracized due to its perceived anti-Republican views, especially on Jewish issues. The far left, on the other hand, despite criticism, remained part of the broader political spectrum. However, the current scenario reflects a shake-up in the political landscape.

The contemporary far right in France, now labeled as “hard right” or “national right,” has shifted focus from past anti-Semitic stances to prioritize issues such as immigration, insecurity, and Islamism, aligning with some Jewish perspectives. Meanwhile, the far left interprets the Gaza conflict through an anti-colonial lens, emphasizing solidarity with the oppressed against perceived superpower aggression.

This unusual alignment sees a party with a history of Holocaust denial, like the National Rally, supporting French Jews openly. Conversely, a party built on human rights and equality, like France Unbowed, faces accusations of antisemitism for not condemning Hamas as a terrorist organization.

While nuances exist, the overall trend shows the National Rally under Marine Le Pen successfully integrating into the mainstream, while France Unbowed under Jean-Luc Mélenchon appears to be distancing itself. Opinion polls reinforce this, with Marine Le Pen leading in presidential election polls, while Mélenchon’s support has declined.

Serge Klarsfeld, a prominent figure in the fight against antisemitism in France, acknowledges the irony. He appreciates the far right’s departure from antisemitism, seeing it align with Republican values, yet expresses sadness over the far left’s perceived abandonment of efforts to combat antisemitism.

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Macron calls on Israel to stop killing Gaza’s women and babies

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In this news article, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his stance on the conflict in Gaza. He condemned the bombing of civilians in Gaza, stating that there is “no justification” for it, and called for a ceasefire, emphasizing the need to protect civilians. Macron also condemned the actions of Hamas, recognizing it as a terrorist organization, while urging other leaders, including those in the US and the UK, to join his calls for a ceasefire.

On the topic of Ukraine, Macron characterized Russia’s invasion as imperialism and colonialism, emphasizing the duty of his country and others to support Ukraine in its defense. He warned of the potential threat posed by a victorious Russia to other former Soviet states and the entire continent.

Macron also discussed online extremism, singling out Facebook’s parent company Meta and Google for not fulfilling their promises to moderate hate speech on their platforms. He expressed concern about insufficient moderators for French language content on many online platforms.

Regarding climate change, Macron mentioned its role in contributing to terrorism, citing the example of Lake Chad in West Africa, where the effects of global warming led to political instability.

In summary, Macron called for a ceasefire in Gaza, condemned the actions of both Israel and Hamas, expressed support for Ukraine against Russia’s invasion, criticized online platforms for inadequate moderation, and highlighted the link between climate change and terrorism in certain regions.

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Storm Ciarán: Floods ravage Tuscany leaving five dead

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Severe flooding and strong winds have ravaged large parts of Tuscany, resulting in the loss of five lives and leaving several others missing. The River Bisenzio overflowed, sweeping away cars and forcing people to seek refuge on rooftops. The impact of the storm, named Ciarán, extended beyond Italy, causing more than 12 fatalities across Western Europe. France experienced winds reaching 207 km/h (129 mph), while Belgium reported two casualties due to falling trees, including a five-year-old child.

The havoc extended to other countries, with disruptions in transportation and power outages. Jersey’s residents were evacuated from their homes, and the storm caused chaos in various regions of Europe, including southern England, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and the Atlantic coasts of Spain and Portugal.

In Tuscany, the situation was particularly dire, with Livorno, Prato, and Montemurlo being among the hardest-hit areas. Montemurlo witnessed a deluge of 200mm (7.8in) of rain in less than a day, leading to the River Bisenzio breaching its banks in multiple locations. The flooding claimed the life of an 85-year-old man who was unable to escape his submerged home. The governor of Tuscany described the rainfall as unprecedented in a century and urged people to seek safety on higher floors.

Videos captured the terrifying sight of vehicles being swept away by the floodwaters. Campi Bisenzio residents were forced to take refuge on their rooftops, while around 100 individuals sought shelter in a local shopping center. Meanwhile, the mayor of Prato lamented the devastating impact, with extensive flooding leaving vast areas underwater and the town’s Santo Stefano hospital partially inundated.

Additionally, the storm caused significant damage in Milan, leading to a second instance of flooding in a single week after the River Seveso overflowed. Veneto, in the northeast, faced similar challenges, with one person reported missing and 160mm of rainfall in just 24 hours. Further east, red weather alerts were issued in Slovenia and Croatia, warning of strong cyclones, high winds, hail, and thunderstorms.

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German vice-chancellor Habeck hits out against rising antisemitism

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German Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck has pledged a strong political response to the rise of antisemitism in the country. He addressed various sources of antisemitism, including Islamists, the far right, and segments of the political left, in a widely viewed video that garnered significant attention in Germany.

Antisemitic incidents in Germany have surged in the aftermath of the 7th of October attacks in Israel, during which Hamas militants killed 1,400 Israelis and took more than 230 hostages. In response, Israel initiated a military campaign aimed at destroying Hamas, resulting in significant casualties.

Habeck’s video emphasized the need to protect Jewish communities and condemned actions such as burning the Israeli flag or supporting Hamas, which are considered crimes under German law. He called for legal consequences, including possible deportation, for those involved in such activities.

While some praised Habeck’s address as a comprehensive assessment of the situation, others criticized him for suggesting that Muslim migrants and refugees were responsible for bringing antisemitism into Europe.

Germany’s Interior Minister announced a ban on all activities linked to Hamas and a pro-Palestinian network called Samidoun, citing their anti-Israel and anti-Jewish propaganda. The move was intended to facilitate interventions in gatherings of their supporters.

Antisemitic incidents have increased by 240% in Germany since the Hamas attacks, with reports of vandalism and attacks on Jewish-owned properties. Similar incidents have also been reported in neighboring Austria.

In France, a Moldovan couple was detained for spray-painting Stars of David on walls in Paris. They claimed to have acted on behalf of a third party and are now facing expulsion. Prosecutors are investigating whether the tags were intended as an insult to the Jewish community.

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Paris graffiti recall 1930s antisemitism, says mayor

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In recent developments in the Paris area, an unsettling series of events has unfolded, with the discovery of multiple Stars of David graffitied on buildings, invoking a chilling reminder of historical anti-Semitic sentiments. Approximately 60 Stars of David were found painted on walls in the 14th arrondissement of Paris during the course of Monday night.

The surge in anti-Semitic incidents within France has been a growing concern, with over 850 such acts reported since the Hamas attacks in Israel on 7th October, as disclosed by Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin. Paris authorities have swiftly responded, announcing the launch of an investigation into the degradation of property exacerbated by racist intent.

Residents affected by this abhorrent act expressed their distress, one individual shared with BFMTV, “I am crying, because I am once again seeing the hate that we received when I was a child. I can’t understand it.”

In a statement, the mayoralty of the 14th arrondissement emphasized that the incidents “recall the events of the 1930s… which led to the extermination of millions of Jews.” Deputy to Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, Emmanuel Grégoire, pledged to remove the stars and initiate a comprehensive investigation, affirming that “antisemitism continues to kill. We will never give up the fight.”

The spread of the graffiti extended beyond the Parisian center, with similar markings discovered in suburbs such as Vanves, Fontenay-aux-Roses, Aubervilliers, and Saint-Ouen. Reports indicated that some of the stars were accompanied by inscriptions like “from the river to the sea, Palestine will win.”

Expressing condemnation and concern, various political leaders, including Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne and President Emmanuel Macron, voiced their alarm at the disturbing trend. A notable concern is the potential spillover of tensions from the Israel-Hamas conflict into France. According to a poll conducted for BFMTV, 83% of French people are troubled by the sharp increase in anti-Semitic incidents.

In response to the escalating situation, Mayor Karim Bouamrane of Saint-Ouen demanded that the perpetrators of the “antisemitic and racist” graffiti be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. However, prosecutors have cautioned that it is still uncertain whether the stars are inherently antisemitic in nature.

Addressing the issue, Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti disclosed that approximately 400 individuals had been arrested for committing anti-Semitic acts this month, underscoring the urgency to confront and counteract this disturbing trend.

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French arrests after bomb scares trigger evacuations at airports and Versailles

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A recent spate of bomb threats in France has led to the arrest of 18 individuals, predominantly minors, involved in the disruptive activities. The threats have targeted significant landmarks such as the Palace of Versailles and the Louvre, along with schools, airports, and hospitals.

These incidents follow the recent stabbing of a teacher in Arras. Despite the heightened tension, the authorities maintain that there is no immediate specific threat. The bomb scares have been communicated through phone calls, emails, and a dedicated website.

Justice Minister Éric Dupond-Moretti has warned the culprits of the consequences they will face, as authorities employ various means, including IP addresses and phone numbers, to track them down. Perpetrating a fake bomb threat in France constitutes a punishable offense with potential imprisonment of up to three years and a fine of €45,000 (£39,000).

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