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French Riviera Cleans Up After Deadly Floods
France experienced flash flooding this past weekend that overturned cars and injured many. Also, at least 20 people were killed in the floods. President Hollande visited an affected town to give his condolences to families and thank rescue workers who had been helping in the time of tragedy. Some credit the recent flooding to unchecked urbanization that prevents the natural runoff of rainwater. This is important because it may have made France more aware of the necessity to check urbanization. -
France to hos diplomatic meeting against ISIS
France is hosting a meeting focusing on the recent terroristic acts of ISIS. They plan to discuss the safety of their citizens and a proposal for resolution of the problem. Russia does not plan on attending this meeting. The purpose of this meeting is to further insure French citizen's safety. -
‘France to stand by Greece to lighten debt burden’, says Hollande
The French president, Francois Hollande, pledged to help Greece handle its debt by backing Athens as they request renegotiations. Since 2013, Hollande has stated that he praises Greece’s determination to stay on the course of economic reform. The socialist president is one of the only to outspokenly state his support of Alexis Tsipras, Prime Minister of Greece.
This is important because France is an ally of Greece, and continuing to stand behind them will keep their alliance strong. -
French foreign minister’s son targeted by US arrest warrant
Summary: Thomas Fabius, oldest son of French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius, is wanted in the US. While he was in Las vegas he wrote a false check to cover gambling debts of about $3.5 million.
Significance: Thomas Fabius risks arrest if he ever enters the United States. -
'Great tragedy': 43 die in French bus, truck crash
Summary- There was 43 people killed in a head on crash. A bus and a flat-bed truck were the two vehicles in the accident. It is said to be the worst road accident in 30 years. 8 people survived the crash, but many died. A man and his 3 year old son were in the truck. They both died in this terrible crash. The van consisted of mostly elderly people.
Significance- Many people lost lives. -
France will not extradite ‘Air Cocaine’ pilots to Dominican Republic
Summary- Two pilots fled an island nation by boat to escape a conviction for alleged cocaine smuggling. France will not hand over two French pilots to the Dominican Republic, government spokesman Stéphane Le Foll said Wednesday. Significance- Won’t get put in jail and they are able to smuggle more cocaine. -
France Ending Ban on Gay Blood Donors
Summary: France's health minister, Marisol Touraine says the country will now end the recent discrimination and allow gays/ bisexeuals to donate blood.
Significance: Now all people are allowed to donate blood. -
France decides to deploy aircraft carrier to assist in operations against IS group
France is going to deploy an aircraft carrier named Charles De Gaulle to assist others in the operation against the Islamic State group found in Syria and Iraq. Deploying this aircraft carrier will more than double France’s military presence in the IS region. Charles De Gaulle will most likely be accompanied by an attack submarine and refueling ship. This event will help in the movement to defeat the IS. -
France to tackle work hours as part of ambitious labor reform
France will be seeing a change in their labour code early next year. Issues such as the adjustment of hours working in a day, paid leave, rest time, and overtime pay will be adjustable by companies through agreements according to the government. This will effect the French working class. -
France launches global drive for climate deal
Summary: France launched a diplomatic drive to shepherd nations big and small towards a major climate change deal. Climate diplomacy has never been a big deal until recently.
Significance: Many countries are tagging along with France to help stop climate change. -
France's 'chief Islamic State group recruiter' goes on trial
Summary- The trial of France's alleged top recruiter for the Islamic State (IS) group started Tuesday in Paris. Salim Benghalem will be tried in absentia, as he is believed to be in Syria. Six others accused of being part of Benghalem’s terror network will also stand trial in Paris. The trial is expected to last until December 7.
Significance- Could have been a part of the recruiting of the men in the recent shooting in France. -
Paris terror attack suspect may be in Syria
Summary:One of the paris bomber suspects Salah Abdeslam is said to be now hiding in Syria. Prior to the attack Salah was seen buying ten detonators from a fireworks store. There is word that more bombs were prepared.
Significance: Salah Abdeslam helped set off bombs in pairs to kill 130 people and injure hundreds. -
France shuts mosque, arrests man in crackdown after attacks
France shut an Islamic mosque down east of Paris following the Nov. 13th attacks. Authorities have already closed two down in the past week. Officers found jihadist documents in the mosque that was closed. This was important because there had just been Islamist attacks in France, causing a large panic in the nation. -
France demands billions from Google in back taxes
French authorities demand Google to pay 1.6 billion pounds in back taxes. Google, along with other multinational corporations, has come been put under the spotlight for paying extremely low taxes by shifting their revenue across borders in a maze of financial arrangements. Google will now have to start paying higher taxes. -
French PM calls for ban on Islamic headscarves at universities
The French prime minister, Manuel Valls, recently said that he believes the wearing of the Muslim headscarf should be banned at universities in France. This has sparked a lot of controversy, as other ministers and university leaders speak out about opposition against this idea. This is very significant because since the Islamist attacks that occurred in November in France, there has been a lot of controversy about what the nation should do and how they should respond.
