The Local France

From slum-dweller to senator? French Roma woman aims high

Sun, 24 Sep 2017 12:51:26 +0200

Anina Ciuciu, a 27-year-old law student who once begged for centimes, is vying to become France's first Roma senator on Sunday.

France told there's no more money for TGVs

Fri, 30 Sep 2016 13:50:36 +0200

The Senate Finance Committee on Thursday announced its opposition to the construction of more high-speed TGV routes in France for at least the next 15 years, targeting three planned high speed rail routes in particular.

Senators urge France to recognise Palestine

Thu, 11 Dec 2014 13:35:17 +0100

The French Senate followed in the footsteps of the lower house on Thursday when it urged the French government to recognize the state of Palestine.

French Socialists lose control of the Senate

Mon, 29 Sep 2014 10:47:00 +0200

There was more election misery for François Hollande and his Socialist party on Sunday when the left lost control of the Senate. And there was more evidence of the growing influence of the far-right National Front party, which won seats for the first time.

Five things to know: French Senate elections

Tue, 16 Sep 2014 17:30:00 +0200

An important but subdued ritual in French democracy takes place in less than two weeks when nearly half of the seats in the Senate will be up for election. Here are five things you should know about this unusual vote.

Senate blocks Hollande's anti-corruption crusade

Tue, 16 Jul 2013 12:45:00 +0200

French President François Hollande’s crusade against political corruption hit a roadblock early on Tuesday morning after the Senate voted to remove the most crucial article that would have forced ministers to make their assets public.

French Senate adopts gay marriage bill

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 13:58:00 +0200

France moved a step closer to legalizing same sex marriage on Friday when the Senate adopted a gay marriage bill after days of heated argument. Only National Assembly deputies now stand in the way of it becoming law.

Senate approves 'Nutella' tax on palm oil

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 14:35:00 +0100

Nutella and other similar spreads look set to become more expensive after a decision by the Senate this week.

French left claims historic Senate win

Sun, 25 Sep 2011 21:50:00 +0200

France's left-wing opposition won an historic victory in senatorial elections on Sunday, in a blow to centre-right leader President Nicolas Sarkozy seven months before he is to seek re-election.