Politics

US ambassador in France snubs official summons over controversial social media post

It is the second time Charles Kushner has failed to attend a summons from the French Foreign Ministry

Can you vote by proxy in French elections?

French and EU citizens are eligible to vote in municipal elections

Plans for new French youth worker contract that makes firing easier criticised

Union compared proposals to controversial ‘CPE’ contract plans that sparked major protests

practical

Who decides if a political party is far left or far-right in France?

Parties can contest the status with which they are labelled

11 arrests over death of French far-right activist Quentin Deranque

Assistant to far-left MP among suspects being questioned

‘Medical deserts’ major issue in upcoming local elections in France

Access to healthcare is now a more pressing concern than education, mayors say

Death of right-wing protester in Lyon sparks fears of further political violence

Quentin D, 23, died after reportedly being ambushed by far-left activists near site of political conference

Former French Interior Minister announces 2027 presidential candidacy

Bruno Retailleau recently asked prefectures to be tough on immigration

How France’s new food strategy aims to change the national diet

The plan outlines new goals for meat consumption

World corruption: France better than US but worse than UK

High-level public figures in France have a ‘feeling of impunity’, the ranking says

France must do more to protect citizens detained in Iran, says former hostage

French-Irish citizen Bernard Phelan tells Théophile Larcher how 221 days in an Iranian prison have changed him irrevocably

Trump’s rhetoric feeds France’s long tradition of national decline

Columnist Nabila Ramdani offers a view on the American president's impact on French culture

France finally passes 2026 budget - what it means for residents

Budget has measures to help homeowners and low earners but is more punitive to business and local authorities

New French 2026 budget plan – key points for residents

Higher public spending and increased tax on businesses included as overtures to Socialist Party

Marine Le Pen appeals public office ban: how could this impact France's 2027 presidential election?

Month-long appeal begins today but no result is expected until summer 2026

Mercosur trade deal explained: why French farmers are angry and will it pass?

A decisive vote is due on Friday December 19. Unions say if it passes there will be major disruption

Bardella: ‘great patriot’ Nigel Farage will be next UK PM

Meeting is first time Farage has agreed to meet with French far-right

‘Leave Brigitte Macron alone after anti-feminist comment’: Government official

The president’s wife was filmed backstage at a show by a controversial comedian

French MPs vote in favour of 2026 Social Security budget: What changes for you?

Pension reform suspended but planned freezes on this and other benefits removed

Far-right MP suggests reopening of legal brothels in France

‘The current system is the height of bourgeois hypocrisy’, he has claimed

Voluntary national military service to return to France

Proposal has widespread support across political spectrum and public in a poll

Public transport, roads, tap water: French residents’ priorities for local spending in poll

Majority of people experienced infrastructure issue in last year

Table: How suspension of pension reforms would affect workers in France?

See how you may be impacted according to your year of birth. Further changes are possible following the 2027 presidential election

Nicolas Sarkozy to be released from Paris prison after three weeks

Former president will remain free until appeal for original five-year sentence is heard

Far-right win ‘historic’ first vote in French parliament over French-Algerian treaty

Vote may signal end of blanket ban by other groups against far-right proposals

French budget stand-off, potential new elections and why November 15 is key date

MPs are set to hold a crucial budget vote on November 4 but it looks unlikely that consensus on text will be found

Facts and figures: All about the Paris prison where Nicolas Sarkozy will be incarcerated

Five-year sentence for former president begins next week

French PM survives two votes of no confidence

The far-left motion came very close to toppling the government

Visual: How does suspension of pension reform affect workers in France?

Further progress on the reform has been delayed until 2027

France’s 2026 draft budget: what it means for you

Freeze on pensions, benefits, and income tax bands among measures proposed - as well as changes to the ALD long-term illness system and school tax benefits

French prime minister suspends pension reform in bid for budget backing

Sébastien Lecornu is now expected to remain in position for budget negotiations and says he will not force through the bills

What is included in France’s 2026 draft budget - and what if no agreement?

Change to tax allowance for pensioners is among proposals

New French government announced but already faces threat of ousting

Several parties are expected to issue a vote of no confidence against new government

French PM resigns on Monday and renamed on Friday - what next?

Sébastien Lecornu promises ‘surprises’ in his new government. Socialists say the dissolution of parliament and fresh elections are now the most probable outcome

Emmanuel Macron to appoint new French prime minister within 48 hours, announces Elysée

Resigning Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu backs president and says calls to oust Macron or call new elections should be ignored

French parliament rejects bid to impeach Emmanuel Macron

Prime minister resigned - but is now trying to seek enough cross-party support to pass a 2026 budget

Poll: French people find their politics ‘embarrassing’

Most back decision of Sébastien Lecornu to resign as prime minister but are disheartened by state of French politics

‘French MP elections are likely now - and far-right set to make gains’

Political expert Luc Gras looks at possible scenarios following the resignation of Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu resigns after record-short stint in office

The new cabinet announced by Sébastien Lecornu over the weekend faced widespread criticism

French PM promises not to force through 2026 budget, urges compromise

Sébastien Lecornu outlining budget approach in first televised address

Exploring Christophe Guilluy's theory: France's urban elite versus the 'ordinary majority'

The author explains his controversial theory on France's divide and its implications on society and globalisation

Quick look: sentences for Sarkozy and allies in 2007 campaign funding case

The former president is to spend five years in prison due to illegal financing with funds linked to Colonel Gaddafi’s Libya

How did populist parties perform in France compared to other countries in last EU elections?

Most - but not all - countries saw the right significantly outperform the left

Can you name, in order, France's seven prime ministers since 2017?

President Macron has appointed a joint-record number of people to the position

Meet Sébastien Lecornu, France’s new prime minister

Macron’s close ally has been perennial cabinet figure but inherits political chaos of predecessors

Le Pen: date set for appeal that will determine if she can run for president in 2027

Marine Le Pen lawyer criticises timing saying it will disrupt municipal elections

What’s next for France as prime minister falls in confidence vote?

New prime minister, new elections, or presidential resignation all touted as possibilities

French prime minister toppled after vote of no confidence

François Bayrou must resign after 364 MPs went against his government in critical vote

François Bayrou interview: key takeaways on confidence vote, Zucman tax, and government debt

Political rivals across spectrum responded negatively to interview, as prime minister looks certain to be ousted next week

What are President Macron’s options if the government falls on September 8?

A defeat could force difficult choices about the country’s political future

‘Total blockade’ France September 10: major unions joins call to action

The blockade has been called in response to the government’s budget plans

France 'total blockade' call for September 10: how much support does it have?

The mysterious movement is being backed by some unions, politicians, and protest groups

French PM’s vote of confidence: kamikaze gamble or smart poker move?

François Bayrou appears to lack enough support to win September 8 vote

Why is France’s article 49 back in the news and what is it?

Use of the article by French PM could see him toppled next month

2026 budget: French prime minister calls for confidence vote on September 8

François Bayrou warns that France faces ‘immediate danger’ if no action is taken and that debt is growing by €12million every hour

'Bloquons tout': how serious is call for total France shutdown in September?

The mystery blockade movement calling for country-wide boycotts and acts of civil disobedience has gained support from politicians despite claiming no political allegiance

Britons in France prompted to send postcards to their UK MPs

Campaigners are urging for a link to be made with British MPs to convince them of the benefits of ‘overseas constituencies’.

Farming law approved but France upholds ban on pesticide

France’s top court rejected part of new law amid environmental concerns

How France’s 2026 draft budget could affect you – in detail

From frozen pensions to new charges for doctor visits, we break down what has been proposed

French MPs respond to outcry over re-legalisation of pesticide linked to bee deaths

Law aims to re-authorise pesticide that is only banned in France, but more than 1.5 million sign petition against it

Threats of censure, ‘social war’, ‘too hard on middle-class’: reaction to France’s austerity budget

François Bayrou looks set for an uphill struggle to pass text with €44 billion of savings this autumn but has backing of centrist MPs after ‘brave’ announcement