The Local France

French minister admits 'Obama engagement' slip

Mon, 17 Aug 2015 17:26:19 +0200

France's ecology minister has explained why she tweeted to the US president to congratulate him on his engagement - even though Obama has been married for 22 years.

Hollande ex-partner angry over adultery ad

Mon, 25 Nov 2013 11:34:00 +0100

Ségolène Royal, the former partner of French President François Hollande, has reacted angrily to the use of her likeness in a controversial billboard campaign advertising a particularly naughty website.

Battle Royal between Hollande's women enthrals France

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 11:32:00 +0200

France's Socialist President François Hollande hoped he could keep his love life private and distinguish himself from his showy predecessor Nicolas Sarkozy. But his feisty first lady appears to have dashed those plans.

Hollande falls for radio prankster

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:44:04 +0100

Socialist presidential candidate François Hollande was invited to take part in a TV show with a French star presenter. Hollande at first accepts the offer. Then he hears the details.

Royal anger over 'face to slap' headline

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 10:51:00 +0100

Socialist politician Ségolène Royal reacted angrily on Thursday to a magazine headline that named her as one of the "faces to slap" of 2011.

Most annoying politicians named in poll

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 10:10:00 +0100

Former Socialist presidential candidate Ségolène Royal tops a new poll asking French people to name the most irritating politicians.

French region surprised to be named in top ten

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 10:12:00 +0100

The western region of Poitou-Charentes has been named as one of the top ten regions to visit in 2012 by travel guide the Lonely Planet.

Student complains after 'letters of blood' hazing

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 10:22:29 +0100

A first-year student at a Paris university has lodged an official complaint after an initiation ceremony left him with letters written in blood on his back.

Socialists ride high in new poll

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 10:52:00 +0200

Newly-elected Socialist party candidate François Hollande will be cheered by two new polls that predict a clear victory over Nicolas Sarkozy in next year's presidential elections.

French Socialist rivals turn up heat after debate

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 16:32:00 +0200

The two remaining candidates for the French Socialist Party's presidential nomination turned up the heat on Thursday after a tense but inconclusive final televised debate.

Socialists line up for first TV debate

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 11:00:00 +0200

Six Socialist candidates who are aiming to be chosen as the party's candidate for presidential elections in the spring of 2012 will face each other in a first televised debate on Thursday evening.

Female students are 'main victims of hazing'

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 11:30:10 +0200

Despite being made illegal 13 years ago, the custom of initiation rites, or hazing, is still common at French universities, according to a report from anti-hazing organization CNCB (Comité national contre le bizutage).

José Bové in court over destruction of GM crops

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 11:34:00 +0200

Veteran farmer, anti-globalization campaigner and Euro MP José Bové has gone on trial in Poitiers for destroying genetically modified maize in 2008.