Politics

November polls for 2027 election: Le Pen lead grows as centrists seek ways to unite

Centrists and right-wing groups consider primary for unified candidate, as President Macron plans ambitious grand coalition

Democrats win big in US midterm elections

Republican Party loses control of Senate and Congress as Democrats in France call results 'a great day for Democracy'

Canada-EU summit: What is proposed through new ‘associate member’ status?

Deeper alliance across Atlantic sought in context of geopolitical tensions – but will anything change?

opinion

Bardella and Farage’s immigration promise is a provocative pipe dream

Columnist Nick Inman argues that the politicians’ mutual ‘memorandum’ is a hollow media stunt

UK bid to rejoin EU: ‘so many bumps in the road’

Cambridge professor says UK would have to negotiate terms

High-school students march in Paris as a protester holds an “Aux armes citoyens” placard.

Violence is terrible, but French pupils are right to protest

Injustice should always be challenged, says columnist Nabila Ramdani

UK could rejoin EU in coming decade, says French think tank expert

November 20 talks offer a chance for a ‘new horizon-setting summit’ on UK-EU relations, Sébastien Maillard tells The Connexion

Rejoining the EU would reopen doors for Britons in France, but ‘a long tail to Brexit’ remains

Sociologist Michaela Benson warns that the lost opportunities and the damaged sense of belonging cannot simply be reversed

Burnham’s UK debate on rejoining EU marks ‘significant break’, says Sorbonne Nouvelle professor

Pauline Schnapper says, however, it is far from certain that the EU would grant the same sort of status that Britain had before

France would favour gradual UK return to EU, says Sciences Po professor

‘British society needed to go through Brexit to realise that Britain is a European country’

Who are the French protesters and what do they want?

A closer look at the main groups planning demonstrations in the coming weeks

French senator: 'We are very pleased about the UK wanting closer links with the EU'

Olivier Cadic says a return of the UK 'would change everything'

‘It is such a relief to hear UK PM Andy Burnham talking this way’

Groups representing Britons in France have welcomed the prospect of a UK return to the EU

UK bid to rejoin EU likely to be welcomed by France, say experts

Remarks from UK prime minister Andy Burnham represent major change but many challenges remain

French shopkeepers told to strengthen security ahead of weekend protests

Authorities promise ‘massive’ security operation as Lyon moves to ban protests

US postal votes from France are possible – with perseverance

Reader says US voters in France can successfully mail their ballots

Raphaël Glucksmann smiles in a suit at a rally in Aubervilliers, with supporters behind him.

Centre-left chooses candidate for French presidential race

Raphaël Glucksmann takes 66% of the vote

French finance minister becomes latest to back UK rejoining EU

‘Come back, anytime,’ said Mr Lescure, but what would rejoining look like?

Marine Le Pen plans to tax French companies €1,000 a year for hiring foreign workers

Tax outlined in far-right leader’s five-year budget would apply to all non-EU citizens including Britons and Americans

Sebastien Lecornu stands outdoors at a commemorative ceremony in Suresnes, France.

French PM says diesel stockpile release will cut prices by up to 18 cents per litre

Sébastien Lecornu used televised speech to promise release of ten million barrels of diesel and address lycée protests

Does France need a prankster to shake up its presidential race?

Britain’s Count Binface and Belgium’s Noël Godin have given pause for thought regarding political satire

‘It can’t be done’: US voter struggles to mail ballot from France

American readers report continued postal problems

Graphic: what is included in France’s 2027 budget

Several major changes to pensions, taxes, and spending as government seeks to reduce debt

‘Welcome back’: Macron would support UK attempts to rejoin EU

French President and Spanish Prime Minister would be open to UK returning to bloc, as Prime Minister Andy Burnham opens door to closer links

France’s far-right to form Senate group after election gains

Alliance will have up to 15 senators, allowing them to influence debates and motions in chamber

Portrait of Marine Le Pen wearing a dark jacket in Ollioules, France.

Marine Le Pen should have had the dignity to stand down

Columnist Nick Inman argues that leading political figures need to take more responsibility for their brazen actions

Pressure mounts on Burnham to deepen UK-EU ties

Talks on issue likely at upcoming UK-EU summit

Former French president François Hollande pictured during a visit to Greece, 2022

No one wants François Hollande to return as president of France

The Socialist is reportedly considering a running in 2027

Composite portrait of a woman speaking beside two men in separate settings

France 2027 presidential vote: polls show tight race for second place

Far-right keep commanding lead polling at an average of 34%

Hundreds of Bordeaux residents selected at random to take part in mairie’s decisions

Citizens will be able to raise neighbourhood concerns, suggest projects and advise on how local funds are spent

Protestors on gilets jaunes demonstration

Calls for new ‘gilets jaunes’ protests in October on social media

New round of protests may impact 2027 presidential election

Marine Le Pen speaks at a podium against a dark background in Châlons-en-Champagne, France.

Marine Le Pen outlines ‘national preference’ policies for French housing sector

Far-right candidate wants citizens to have priority access to social housing and to exclude non-citizens from housing benefits

Close-up of the Eiffel Tower’s iron lattice, arches, columns and lamps against a pale sky.

Female representation in France needs to progress quicker

Columnist Nick Inman argues that it is time to rectify the imbalance

Marine Le Pen speaking with raised hands during an interview in an office at the French National Assembly in Paris.

Marine Le Pen dwarfs rivals in 2027 French presidential election poll

Far-right candidate predicted to easily win first round voting

Explained: The senate elections taking place in France this September

Half of upper chamber will be contested

10 presidential facts ahead of France's 2027 election

Find out more about the president's role, from nuclear powers to also being the world's only elected monarch

Centre-left Raphaël Glucksmann announces French presidency bid

Politician is popular among Socialists but struggles with his image as a member of the intellectual elite who is out of touch with the everyday challenges of French people

French politician hospitalised by snake bite - where vipers are found and how to protect yourself

Incident involving France Insoumise MEP highlights dangers posed by snakes in the wild

Is Mont Blanc in France or does it belong to Italy?

Discover the history of the 160-year border dispute over western Europe’s highest mountain and why the summit remains contested

Large crowd marching along a tree-lined avenue in Paris during a public protest, with flags and banners visible.

France's 2027 presidential election date criticised by right wing

May Day timing favours left-wing parties, says leader of Les Républicains

Could François Hollande make a comeback in France’s 2027 presidential election?

Former Socialist president can act as unifying ‘soft-left’ candidate… but would have a mountain to climb

Russian political commentator issued with order to leave France

Xenia Fedorova has been accused of spreading Russian propaganda

The money’s now on Marine Le Pen in France's 2027 race

Columnist Simon Heffer looks ahead to next year's presidential election

Barnier deserves better than Brexit insults

Reader believes EU negotiator was dealt tough hand and lacks so-called 'arrogance'

Michel Barnier speaking at a European Parliament committee meeting in Brussels, with an EU flag in the background.

Michel Barnier was too arrogant like all at EU

Reader says EU chief scuppered last chance for UK to remain in bloc

Water storage, pesticides: why France’s new farming bill is controversial

Emergency bill follows farmer protests at start of the year

Elon Musk backs Le Pen as ‘France’s last hope’

Trillionaire made comment in social media post referencing Le Pen’s polling figures

Is it fair to call Marine Le Pen a far-right figure in France?

She will lead Rassemblement National for fourth successive presidential campaign next year

Marine Le Pen speaking in front of a podium

Poll: 59% say Marine Le Pen should not run for French presidency in 2027

Far-right figurehead announces fourth bid after court ruling

Marine Le Pen launches 2027 presidential bid despite conviction

What could a far-right election win change for foreign residents

Marine Le Pen appeal: Election ban lifted but prison sentence upheld

The ruling means the far-right MP is legally free to stand in 2027, although she has said she would not run if required to wear an electronic bracelet

Marine Le Pen appeal ruling nears as court weighs 2027 presidential election ban

Opponents are divided over whether Le Pen or Jordan Bardella is the more dangerous far-right candidate next spring as 2027 election dates revealed

Jordan Bardella smiling in a suit at an indoor launch event

Jordan Bardella is unsuited to be French head of state

Reader lists reasons that far-right politician is not qualified

French PM to chair crisis meeting as new heatwave looms

Public services are preparing for new struggles from this weekend

Power to the (shy) people: why citizen assemblies could replace career politicians

Writer and academic Hélène Landemore says ordinary people need to be at the heart of the political process

Pope Leo XIV in white vestments smiles while addressing the faithful at St Peter’s.

Pope will hold public mass in Paris during France visit

Leo XIV to celebrate mass at Place de la Concorde and Champs Elysées in September

French presidential candidate Gabriel Attal calls for the UK to rejoin the EU

Former prime minister said Brexit was a ‘disaster’ for both the UK and continent

France should not fall for Kremlin propaganda

Political commentator Simon Heffer examines reasons for growing sympathy toward aggressor

The age of French far-right leader Jordan Bardella is not the point

Readers argue that it is wrong to focus on this aspect of the far-right politician

10 years on: Barnier talks Trump, Johnson, the Queen and what to learn from Brexit

Former negotiator says "we must not revert to 'every man for himself' like the British"

Why the far-right is now a major contender in France's 2027 elections

Movement now has realistic path to power, analysts say

A view of Macron (left), Bardella (centre) and Mélenchon (right)

The battle between old and new France is now impossible to ignore

Columnist Nabila Ramdani argues that the colonial mindset is still very strong in a country looking to the past

Painted portrait of a royal figure in elaborate dress holding a sword in an ornate interior.

Reinstating the French monarchy makes no sense at all

Columnist Nick Inman argues against a right-wing delusion

Appeal trial of former French President Nicolas Sarkozy ends

Judge will give verdict over claims of corruption and illegal campaign financing in November

French justice minister calls for three-year halt to legal immigration

‘We have reached the limits of our capacities for integration and assimilation’, Gérald Darmanin says

Mbappé–Bardella clash highlights France's identity divide

Discussions risk becoming less political and more personal, says think tank leader

UK King’s Speech and Britons in France: postal votes and closer EU links

Plans fall short of major voting changes called for by campaigners and some MPs

French mayor Hittler speaks about attention to his name

Charles Hittler's re-election in Arcis-sur-Aube drew international media coverage, but also highlighted local priorities and his family history

Seven-year sentence demanded for former French president Nicolas Sarkozy

Appeal concerns alleged Libyan financing of his 2007 presidential campaign

France passes anti-fraud bill with 100 plus new measures: key points

Crackdown focuses on social welfare fraud. Officials will be allowed greater access to bank statements and healthcare log-in information

Jordan Bardella raises his arm at a rally, amid supporters in tricolour sashes

Jordan Bardella is too young to be President of France

Columnist Nick Inman argues for the benefits of experience and age in French politics

Plans underway for Pope to visit France at the end of September, say bishops

It will be the first state visit to France by the new Pontiff, with stops in Paris and Lourdes expected

French far-right well ahead in new poll for 2027 presidential election

Jordan Bardella would face Edouard Philippe in second round, according to results but poll raises questions

Photos: Protesters across France join anti-Trump ‘No Kings’ rally

Demonstrations in Nice, Paris, Bordeaux and elsewhere part of 3,300 worldwide

Why the Pope arrived in Monaco by helicopter for historic visit

Novel transport helped avoid diplomatic headache

Politics

November polls for 2027 election: Le Pen lead grows as centrists seek ways to unite

Democrats win big in US midterm elections

Canada-EU summit: What is proposed through new ‘associate member’ status?

Bardella and Farage’s immigration promise is a provocative pipe dream

Trending

French universal vehicle tax mooted to offset falling fuel revenues

How will Thursday’s strikes impact drivers in France?

November polls for 2027 election: Le Pen lead grows as centrists seek ways to unite

UK-EU deal could ease rules on pets, cheese and British sausages

La veille: watch out for this word in French

What is expected for November 5 strikes in France?

French second-home tax bills have begun arriving: what you need to know

UK bid to rejoin EU: ‘so many bumps in the road’

Violence is terrible, but French pupils are right to protest

UK could rejoin EU in coming decade, says French think tank expert

Rejoining the EU would reopen doors for Britons in France, but ‘a long tail to Brexit’ remains

Burnham’s UK debate on rejoining EU marks ‘significant break’, says Sorbonne Nouvelle professor

France would favour gradual UK return to EU, says Sciences Po professor

Who are the French protesters and what do they want?

French senator: 'We are very pleased about the UK wanting closer links with the EU'

‘It is such a relief to hear UK PM Andy Burnham talking this way’

UK bid to rejoin EU likely to be welcomed by France, say experts

French riots mean election run-off will be choice of two extremes

Latest poll predicts far-right vs far-left run-off for 2027 French presidential election

October 24 protest: turnout falls by almost half as France appears calm

French shopkeepers told to strengthen security ahead of weekend protests

What is 'fiche-S' government watchlist Limoges mairie fire suspect was reportedly on?

Riots: curfews imposed in several cities across France

Gilets jaunes plan more protests on October 24 - and mayors call for solidarity gatherings

Latest poll shows Marine Le Pen widening lead in 2027 election

Marine Le Pen vows to massively cut France’s funding to the EU if elected president

US postal votes from France are possible – with perseverance

Centre-left chooses candidate for French presidential race

French finance minister becomes latest to back UK rejoining EU

Marine Le Pen plans to tax French companies €1,000 a year for hiring foreign workers

French PM says diesel stockpile release will cut prices by up to 18 cents per litre

Does France need a prankster to shake up its presidential race?

‘It can’t be done’: US voter struggles to mail ballot from France

Graphic: what is included in France’s 2027 budget

‘Welcome back’: Macron would support UK attempts to rejoin EU

France’s far-right to form Senate group after election gains

Marine Le Pen should have had the dignity to stand down

Pressure mounts on Burnham to deepen UK-EU ties

No one wants François Hollande to return as president of France

France 2027 presidential vote: polls show tight race for second place

Hundreds of Bordeaux residents selected at random to take part in mairie’s decisions

Calls for new ‘gilets jaunes’ protests in October on social media

Marine Le Pen outlines ‘national preference’ policies for French housing sector

Female representation in France needs to progress quicker

Marine Le Pen dwarfs rivals in 2027 French presidential election poll

Explained: The senate elections taking place in France this September

10 presidential facts ahead of France's 2027 election

Centre-left Raphaël Glucksmann announces French presidency bid

French politician hospitalised by snake bite - where vipers are found and how to protect yourself

Is Mont Blanc in France or does it belong to Italy?

France's 2027 presidential election date criticised by right wing

Could François Hollande make a comeback in France’s 2027 presidential election?

Russian political commentator issued with order to leave France

The money’s now on Marine Le Pen in France's 2027 race

Barnier deserves better than Brexit insults

Michel Barnier was too arrogant like all at EU

Water storage, pesticides: why France’s new farming bill is controversial

Elon Musk backs Le Pen as ‘France’s last hope’

Is it fair to call Marine Le Pen a far-right figure in France?

Poll: 59% say Marine Le Pen should not run for French presidency in 2027

Marine Le Pen launches 2027 presidential bid despite conviction

Marine Le Pen appeal: Election ban lifted but prison sentence upheld

Marine Le Pen appeal ruling nears as court weighs 2027 presidential election ban

Jordan Bardella is unsuited to be French head of state

French PM to chair crisis meeting as new heatwave looms

Power to the (shy) people: why citizen assemblies could replace career politicians

Pope will hold public mass in Paris during France visit

French presidential candidate Gabriel Attal calls for the UK to rejoin the EU

France should not fall for Kremlin propaganda

The age of French far-right leader Jordan Bardella is not the point

10 years on: Barnier talks Trump, Johnson, the Queen and what to learn from Brexit

Why the far-right is now a major contender in France's 2027 elections

The battle between old and new France is now impossible to ignore

Reinstating the French monarchy makes no sense at all