FRANCE NEWS

Telegram becomes free speech flashpoint after founder Pavel Durov's arrest

The company's growth -- it now has more than 900 million users -- has been driven partly by a commitment to free speech. Telegram's light oversight of what people say or do on the platform has helped people living under authoritarian governments communicate and organize. But it has also made the app a haven for disinformation, far-right extremism and other harmful content.

Telegram’s Pavel Durov made a ‘miscalculation’ fleeing Russia, says Kremlin

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev stated that Pavel Durov, Telegram founder, erred by leaving Russia. Durov was detained in France on charges linked to his app and its misuse. Medvedev had previously warned him about the consequences of not aiding law enforcement. The Russian embassy in France demanded consular access, noting France's lack of engagement. The incident highlights the complex relationship between Russia and its expatriates.

Australia's 'right to disconnect' law set to come into force

The law, which passed in February, protects employees who refuse to monitor, read or respond to contact from their employers outside work hours.

Explained: Why is natural gas still flowing from Russia to Europe across Ukraine?

Russian natural gas continues to flow through Ukraine’s pipeline network to Europe despite the ongoing conflict and sanctions. This gas, passing through the Sudzha measuring station, supplies Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary. The pre-war transit agreement between Russia and Ukraine remains in effect until the end of the year.

US bolsters military presence in West Asia as UK, France, Germany warn Iran against Israel aggression

The United States is enhancing its military presence in West Asia by deploying an additional guided missile submarine, amid rising regional tensions. This move coincides with a joint statement by the UK, France, and Germany on August 12, commending the efforts of Qatar, Egypt, and the US in brokering a ceasefire and securing the release of hostages. The leaders of these nations emphasized the importance of de-escalation and urged Iran and its allies to refrain from actions that could escalate tensions further. The situation remains highly volatile, with continued international calls for stability.

Olympics men's basketball quarterfinals: USA faces Brazil, France plays Canada; when and where to watch on TV and live streaming

Olympics men's basketball is currently the biggest hot-shot and trending event at the Paris Olympics 2024, as Team USA are currently riding on as the favorites here. Meanwhile, they will be facing a tough battle in the quarterfinals stage as they face Brazil on Tuesday. Here's how you can catch all the live action around the Olympic men's basketball event from the US.

Tourists' favourite French island draws the line on overcrowding

To address overcrowding, Île-de-Brehat, a popular French island off Brittany, has imposed new visitor limits, capping daily numbers at 4,700 from 08:30 to 14:30 until August 23. This move comes as the island, which has only 400 residents, faces up to 5,000 tourists daily in summer.

9 controversies that jolted Paris Olympics

Lionel Messi's Argentina apologizes to Kylian Mbappé's France. Here's what has happened

Lionel Messi and Argentina's Copa America 2024 triumph has turned into a political controversy after a song sung following the victory against Colombia in the final, targeted French soccer star and Real Madrid footballer Kylian Mbappe.

Seven killed in building fire in France's Nice

Rescuers said they were confronted by a "violent apartment fire" on the seventh floor of the building. They carried out three aerial ladder rescues and evacuated dozens.

Leaders across Europe express relief mixed with concern about the French election result

European leaders reacted with mixed feelings to the outcome of the French legislative election, which has resulted in a hung parliament and potential political paralysis. The far-right National Rally did not emerge as the strongest party, alleviating some fears among pro-European leaders. However, no political group holds a majority in the National Assembly, leading to concerns about governance.

Violence erupts in France as left-wing coalition leads snap election

French election night turned turbulent as results showed a left-wing coalition poised to claim the majority of parliamentary seats, prompting both celebrations and unrest in Paris, Fox News reported. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal announced his resignation as a far-left political alliance unexpectedly surged ahead in the snap elections.

France election gives leftists most seats over far right, but leaves hung parliament and deadlock

The results showed just over 180 seats for the New Popular Front leftist coalition, which placed first, ahead of Macron’s centrist alliance, with more than 160 seats. Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally and its allies were restricted to third place, although their more than 140 seats were still way ahead of the party’s previous best showing — 89 seats in 2022.

Russian-linked cybercampaigns put a bull's-eye on France. Their focus? The Olympics and elections

French officials and cybersecurity experts from Europe and the United States have identified disinformation campaigns targeting France, orchestrated from Russia. These efforts increased significantly due to France's legislative elections and the upcoming Paris Olympics.

Explained: Why is France targeting Nvidia?

France's antitrust regulator is set to charge Nvidia in relation to alleged anti-competitive practices. The move comes after dawn raids by French authorities in September last year, which sources said targeted Nvidia. The raids were the result of an ongoing probe into the cloud computing industry.

Meloni camp pulls ahead of Macron's in EU parliament

Parliamentary insiders however say the balance of power in the 720-seat European legislature remains essentially unchanged from the last legislature. It lies with a centrist tie-up made up of the conservative European People's Party (EPP), the biggest group with 189 seats, the leftist Socialists & Democrats (S&D) with 136, and the liberal Renew Europe that includes the French president's party.

Kylian Mbappe sustained a broken nose at Euro 2024, but France gets 'positive' news

The French Football Federation said Tuesday it had received "positive" news about Mbappe's chances of continuing at Euro 2024 as he will not need immediate surgery. But it did not specify how long it would be before he is able to play again.

France's snap election: How does it work and what's next?

France has 49 million registered voters. There are 577 constituency contests, one for each seat in the National Assembly, the lower house of parliament.

French left vows 'total break' with Macron policies

Left-wing outfits including hard-left France Unbowed (LFI), the Socialist, Communist and Green parties on Thursday agreed an election alliance called the New Popular Front.

French finance minister warns of financial crisis if far right wins election

French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire warned of a potential financial crisis in France if the far-right, led by Marine Le Pen, wins upcoming elections, urging support for Emmanuel Macron's party.

Rishi Sunak apologises for skipping a D-Day ceremony to return to the election campaign trail

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak apologised for leaving D-Day commemorations early to focus on the election campaign, a move criticised by rivals. Sunak admitted his decision to depart France prematurely was a mistake, missing a key memorial event at Omaha Beach. Opposition leaders condemned his absence, with Labour's Keir Starmer attending alongside global leaders. Sunak faced backlash for prioritising politics over honoring veterans and their sacrifices.

China's spacecraft takes off from far side of Moon to bring home first samples

China's Chang'e-6 probe on Tuesday lifted off from the far side of the Moon for its journey back to Earth carrying the first rock samples ever collected from the rarely explored terrain, in an ambitious mission that underscored the country's rise as a major space power. The ascender has entered a pre-set orbit around the Moon after taking off from the far side this morning, the China National Space Administration (CNSA) announced.

France says conditions not right to recognise Palestinian state

France does not see the conditions as suitable to officially recognize a Palestinian state. Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne emphasized the need for more than symbolic gestures in this decision.