Category: France 24
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Iran Presidential Election Heads to Runoff Amid Record Low Turnout
The recent Iran presidential election witnessed the lowest voter turnout since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, with only 40% of eligible voters participating. This election is heading to a second round between reformist Massoud Pesan and hardline conservative S Jal. Despite being considered an outsider at the onset of the race, Massoud Pesan has managed to…
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Kharkiv Evacuations Intensify Amid Rising Shelling, Ukrainian President Seeks European Support
In the wake of escalating shelling in the Kharkiv region of Ukraine, residents have begun evacuating, seeking safety from the constant threat of explosions. With the conflict intensifying since a major ground assault was launched by Moscow in May, the situation has forced many to leave their homes, carrying the hope of returning soon. Ukrainian…
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Kenyan Activists Demand President Ruto’s Resignation Amid Mourning for Tax Protest Victims
In a recent development from Kenya, activists are rallying for fresh protests and demanding the resignation of President William Ruto, following a period of violent demonstrations against tax increases that resulted in the death of at least 23 individuals. Despite President Ruto retracting the contentious Finance Bill, the call for change persists, highlighting a broader…
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Biden Criticized for Confused Debate Performance, Trump Accused of Falsities; Kenya’s Parliament Stormed by Protesters; Julian Assange Returns to Australia After Plea Deal
In a comprehensive discussion on FRANCE 24 English, recent developments in global and political affairs were dissected, highlighting President Biden’s debate performance, unrest in Kenya, and Julian Assange’s release. The program covered Biden’s criticized debate against Donald Trump, the impactful protests in Kenya against a finance bill, and Assange’s return to Australia after striking a…
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Month-Long Molière Festival Concludes at Versailles with Accessible Performances
The month-long Molière festival at Versailles, celebrated for bringing classical theater to a wider audience, has recently concluded. The festival, renowned for its affordability and accessibility, offered over 300 performances, with tickets priced as low as two euros. Emphasizing the importance of making cultural events accessible to all, the festival showcased plays by Molière, known…
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Democrats Reevaluate Strategy After Biden’s Underwhelming Debate Performance Against Trump
Following a recent debate, there has been a noticeable stir within the Democratic Party due to President Joe Biden’s performance, which some of his supporters found lacking in vigor, especially in contrast to Donald Trump’s approach. The debate has sparked discussions on both sides, with Trump’s supporters criticizing Biden’s appearance and Democrats expressing concern over…
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Israel Intensifies Gaza Bombardment, Civilian and Paramedic Casualties Reported
Israel’s military operations in Gaza have intensified, with reports of widespread bombardment affecting various regions, including southern and central Gaza, as well as Gaza City. The airstrikes and shelling have resulted in multiple casualties, including civilians and Palestinian civil defense paramedics. The situation has been described by witnesses as catastrophic, with accounts of chaos and…
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Mauritania Faces Linguistic Controversy Following Government’s Enforcement of Arabic in Schools
In Mauritania, a significant educational reform has stirred controversy by enforcing Arabic as the main language of learning, sidelining other local languages and raising concerns about linguistic diversity. The law, adopted in August 2022, has prompted activists and educators to advocate for the inclusion of other local languages like Pulaar, Wolof, and Soninke, which were…
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Biden Shows Struggles in Debate as Trump Spreads Misinformation; Democrats Question Biden’s Candidacy
In the first presidential debate held in Atlanta, former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden engaged in a heated exchange that saw Trump disseminating numerous falsehoods on topics ranging from insulin costs to extreme positions on abortion, while Biden struggled with articulation and responding to Trump’s assertions. The debate covered immigration, taxes, and their…
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Misinformation Debunked: No Mass Exodus of Israelis Over Fears of War with Hezbollah
A recent video clarifies misinformation circulating online suggesting a mass exodus of Israelis from Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport due to fears of war with Hezbollah. The video debunks viral posts showing crowded scenes at the airport, explaining that the imagery is out of context and not related to current events. It also addresses another…
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Bolivia Experiences Failed Coup Attempt Amidst Political Turmoil and Economic Challenges
Bolivia is grappling with the aftermath of what appears to be a failed coup attempt, marked by the arrest of at least 12 individuals, including a high-ranking military officer. This incident has exposed deep political divisions within the country, amid an ongoing economic decline and political uncertainty. The event has triggered a mobilization of support…
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Biden and Trump Debate Without Live Audience: Impact on Campaign Strategies and Public Perception Explored
In a recent discussion on FRANCE 24 with debate specialist Patrick Stewart, author of “The Audience Decides,” the upcoming presidential debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump was examined, emphasizing the absence of a live audience due to its potential to bias the debate’s outcome. Stewart highlighted how Trump has previously leveraged live audiences to…
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WTO Chief Okonjo-Iweala Discusses Trade, Development, and the African Continental Free Trade Area on FRANCE 24
In a recent interview with FRANCE 24 English, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the head of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and former Nigerian Finance Minister, discussed the critical aspects of Africa’s trade and development, emphasizing the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area, the need for value addition to African products, and the challenges of…
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Kenyan Protests Persist Despite President Ruto’s Reversal on Tax Hikes
In Nairobi, Kenya, protests persist despite President William Ruto’s decision to withdraw a contentious tax bill, which had previously incited widespread unrest and led to the deaths of at least 23 individuals. Despite the withdrawal, the number of protesters has decreased, partly due to heavy police intervention using tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition.…
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Biden-Trump Debate Marked by Low Expectations and Strategic Challenges
In a highly anticipated debate, expectations are notably low for the upcoming face-off between Joe Biden and Donald Trump. According to FRANCE 24 English, this debate, occurring unusually early in the election cycle, is deemed one of the most consequential in modern US history. With a backdrop of mutual disdain between the two candidates, the…
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Sunak and Starmer Engage in Fiery Debate Ahead of UK Election, Discuss Tax, Immigration, and Political Integrity
In a conclusive and spirited final debate ahead of the UK election, Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer presented their cases to the electorate, engaging in a direct confrontation over key issues such as tax policies, immigration, and political integrity. Sunak, trailing in the polls, targeted Starmer with accusations of planning to raise taxes and adopting…
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Bolivia’s Coup Attempt Thwarted: President Asserts Control, Former General Arrested
An attempted coup in Bolivia was quickly thwarted after President Luis Arce took decisive action by installing a new military command following an irregular military movement led by former General Commander Sunika in the principal square of Bolivia. Sunika had declared intentions to correct the country’s ongoing issues, including the economic crisis and rising food…
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Biden and Trump Set New Debate Rules for Their 2024 TV Rematch
In a significant development towards the 2024 US Presidential Election, Donald Trump and Joe Biden are set to face each other in a historic debate, as announced by CNN. To ensure a more orderly discussion than their previous encounters, new rules have been established, including muting the microphone of the candidate not speaking. The debate,…
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French Court Confirms Arrest Warrant for Bashar al-Assad for 2013 Chemical Attack
A French court has upheld an international arrest warrant against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad for his alleged involvement in a chemical attack in the Damascus suburb of Ghouta in August 2013. The attack, which involved sarin gas, resulted in the deaths of over 1,000 people, including many children. This decision by the Paris appeals court…
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Kenyan President Ruto Withdraws Controversial Finance Bill Following Deadly Protests
In response to deadly protests in Kenya, President William Ruto has announced the withdrawal of a contentious finance bill that proposed increased taxes, after a day of violent demonstrations in Nairobi and other cities resulted in the death of at least 22 people. The protests saw participants breaking into Parliament, vandalizing its interior, and setting…
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Analyzing the Far-Right’s Momentum: A Global Debate on Political Shifts
In a comprehensive discussion on FRANCE 24 English, experts delve into the rising tide of far-right politics across the globe, from the United States to France, and its potential effects on governance and democracy. The conversation covered a wide range of topics, including the impact of economic policies, demographic challenges, and the role of populism…
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Paris Prepares for Summer Olympics Amid Transportation and Infrastructure Concerns
Paris is gearing up to host the Summer Olympics, with the opening ceremony scheduled for one month from now. As the city prepares, questions about the readiness of its infrastructure, particularly in transportation and accommodations for the influx of visitors and athletes, are at the forefront. While some advancements, like the extension of Metro Line…
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Concerns Mount Over Paris’s Preparedness for Olympic Games One Month Before Opening Ceremony
As the Paris Olympics approach, concerns are mounting over France’s preparedness for the event, with particular emphasis on security measures and environmental conditions. With only a month to the opening ceremony, scheduled to take place along the River Seine—a first of its kind outside a traditional stadium—questions arise regarding the massive security operation required. Additionally,…
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Kenya’s President Ruto Promises Decisive Action Following Deadly Protests Over Tax Increases
In response to a series of violent anti-tax protests across Kenya, President William Ruto has committed to a “full” governmental response to restore order. The unrest, sparked by opposition to proposed tax hikes, saw protesters clashing with police, storming the Parliament building, and setting it partially ablaze. Despite the public outcry and demands to scrap…
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Julian Assange Pleads Guilty in US Deal, Reactions Mixed Among Political Figures
Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, has pleaded guilty in a deal with the United States, according to FRANCE 24 English. The reaction among political figures to this development has been mixed, with some condemning the deal while others suggest Assange has already paid a significant price for his actions. The news coverage highlights the…
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At Least Five Killed in Kenya Amid Protests Over Tax Hikes
In Kenya, significant unrest has unfolded as at least five individuals were killed during demonstrations against a contentious finance bill, sparking massive protests and leading to part of the Parliament building being set ablaze. President William Ruto has pledged a stern response to the violence and anarchy, deploying the military in Nairobi and other major…
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Fact-Check Reveals Viral Video of Muslim Woman Burning French Flag Actually Filmed in Morocco
A recent video that has gone viral, claiming to show a Muslim woman burning the French flag in France as a protest against the country, has been debunked. The footage, which garnered at least 11 million views, was actually taken from a demonstration in Tangier, Morocco, in front of the French Consulate. The protest was…
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Iran Holds Snap Presidential Election Amid Low Voter Turnout Concerns
Iran is gearing up for an unexpected presidential election following the death of President Ibrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash. The election has sparked a mix of anticipation and voter apathy, with the Supreme Leader urging high turnout to showcase national unity against perceived external threats. Amidst low voter turnout in the previous election, this…

