France Archives - The Diplomatic Envoy

Marine Le Pen, the leader of France’s National Rally party, was found guilty of embezzling funds from the European Parliament along with 23 others, according to Politico. The amount embezzled totaled over four million Euros, with Le Pen being held responsible for 747,000 Euros. Le Pen was sentenced to four years in prison, including two years suspended and two under house arrest, and received a 100,000 Euro fine.

2024

September 20, 2024 Sophie Ulm

Michel Barnier Named French Prime Minister

A moderate conservative with a 50-year political career, Michel Barnier was named prime minister almost two months after snap elections were held in France to determine a new government.

2024 March 2024 International News Europe

March 25, 2024 Ashley Yomtob

“Mon corps, mon choix”: France makes abortion a constitutional right

On Monday, March 4, 2024, France made history by becoming the first nation to guarantee abortion as a constitutional right. Lawmakers in France passed this revolutionary amendment with a 780-72 vote. According to the BBC, The Palace of Versailles erupted in a standing ovation following the announcement of the results. President Emmanuel Macron described the move as ‘French pride’ that had sent a ‘universal message.’

World Europe

March 5, 2024 Clare Dueweke

French Farmers Storm Agriculture Fair in Paris

On Saturday, February 24, a large group of French farmers led a protest through one of Paris’s largest agricultural fairs. The farmers were protesting extreme costs, green regulations, and other issues plaguing the farming community.

2024 January 2024 Opinion Africa

January 29, 2024 Envoy Staff Writer

U.S. Struggles to Maintain Presence in Niger after France’s Withdrawa

The United States stands as the largest contributor to NATO and its military capabilities, with the US Air Base 201 in Niger being one among many in Africa which support the country and its allies’ continental security interests.

October 2023 2023

October 30, 2023 Sophie Ulm

Hoax Bomb Threats Made in France

According to CNN, the threats are widespread across the nation. There were threats made to sites near Paris, as well as airports in Lille, Nantes, Strasbourg, and Lyon, among other places. A suspicious item was found at the Palace of Versailles on October 17, but as of now none of the threats have resulted in an actual bombing.

2023 October 2023 International News

October 16, 2023 Emmanuel Adjei

France Withdraws from Niger as Tensions Boil After Coup

The July coup saw the overthrowing of the Nigerien government and its president, Mohamed Bazoum, which was led by the newly self-proclaimed military junta leader Presidential Guard commander General Abdourahamane Tchiani, , according to the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

Study Abroad 2023 Foreign Correspondents

September 23, 2023 Anna Thibodeau

The Struggles of Assimilation as an American Studying in France

I did not even come close to becoming fluent during my short time in France, but after experiencing so many moments of complete confusion, I am confident I can finally give someone directions in French.

Study Abroad 2023 Foreign Correspondents

September 23, 2023 bunceeric

French Protest Culture: A National Treasure

Protests in France are a different breed for a few main reasons: their frequency, widespread diffusion, and relatively high success rate.

Study Abroad 2023 Foreign Correspondents

September 23, 2023 Sophie Ulm

Examining French Protests as an American Abroad

These strikes have come in response to a recent, unpopular law that implements an increase in the minimum retirement age and changes in pension plans across the country. The strikes that I saw throughout my semester abroad in Spring 2023 have reshaped the way that I think about protests.