Author: Andrew Harding
In a quaint French village lies a disturbing trial that has rocked the nation. Gisèle Pelicot, a brave woman, revealed how her husband drugged her for a decade and allowed strangers to rape her. The shocking case has caused tensions in the village of Mazan, where the Pelicots lived, and beyond. While some downplay the severity of the crimes, others recognize the need for change in male behavior. Gisèle’s decision to speak out has made her a symbol of defiance for French women, inspiring many to fight against such atrocities. As the trial unfolds, emotions run high, with Gisèle’s daughter…
Emmanuel Macron, the charismatic French President, faced a significant political setback after hastily calling for early parliamentary elections. The results led to a fractured chamber among three blocs – the left, center, and populist right. Macron’s strategic move to appoint Michel Barnier as the new Prime Minister aims to stabilize the political landscape. However, doubts loom over Macron’s ability to restore public faith and navigate a tense political environment marked by discontent and street demonstrations. As Macron treads carefully to protect national stability, the rise of the far-right National Rally poses a looming threat. The possibility of future electoral victories…
Tragedy Strikes as Migrant Boat Sinks in English Channel A devastating incident in the English Channel claimed the lives of six children and a pregnant woman among 12 individuals who perished when their overloaded boat sank near the French coast. The local prosecutor’s office confirmed that 10 of the deceased were female and two were male, with over 50 survivors rescued, two of whom are in critical condition. The disastrous event marks the highest loss of life in the Channel this year, prompting speculation of a Syrian smuggler’s involvement. While officials believe most victims were of Eritrean descent, exact nationalities…
French authorities are staging an unprecedented security operation for the opening ceremony A unique Olympic opening ceremony in Paris is set to showcase athletes parading through the city’s heart on barges. However, with an extraordinary security deployment of up to 75,000 personnel, including police, soldiers, and hired guards, Paris is on high alert. Roads are closed, barriers are up, and QR codes control access, impacting residents and tourists. Despite disruptions, the event promises a grand celebration of Paris’s splendor. France has put tens of thousands of troops on the streets of Paris ahead of the Olympics With international cooperation for…
The Drama and Vitriol of France’s Summer Election Published 3 hours ago by Andrew Harding, Paris correspondent France’s sudden summer election has come to an end, but the real struggle lies ahead in building a functional coalition from the inconclusive results. As France faces risks of deadlock, the political landscape is uncertain. The upcoming battles in the National Assembly are expected to be intense, with potential guillotines-at-dawn scenarios. With the New Popular Front leading in seats, the choice for the next prime minister becomes critical in a fragmented political scenario. Meanwhile, President Macron’s position remains in question, trapped between opposing…
3 hours ago By Andrew Harding, Reporting from France, Belgium, Luxembourg and the UK BBC A story of a smuggler known as Jabal – “The Mountain” in Arabic, unfolds as a BBC investigation uncovers the dangerous journey organized by the smuggler that resulted in the death of a seven-year-old named Sara. The investigation spans from Calais to Luxembourg, revealing a complex web of smuggling networks operating in Europe. The piece sheds light on the desperation of migrants seeking passage to the UK, the violence of smugglers, and the tragic consequences of their actions. Through meticulous tracking and surveillance, the BBC team…