France

An Elabe poll for BFMTV and La Tribune Dimanche positions Édouard Philippe as best placed to face the Rassemblement national in the presidential runoff, with narrow wins against Jordan Bardella or Marine Le Pen. Jordan Bardella dominates the first round in most scenarios, except against the former prime minister. All other tested candidates lose to RN figures.

March 28, 2026 Reported by AI

French police arrested a 17-year-old minor attempting to ignite an explosive device outside Bank of America on rue La Boétie in Paris's 8th arrondissement overnight Friday to Saturday. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez suggested a possible link to the Middle East conflict. An anti-terrorism investigation has been opened.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, visiting Paris for a G7 meeting, clarified the White House’s strategy toward Iran and urged European allies to help reopen the Strait of Ormuz.

March 26, 2026 Reported by AI

Loana Petrucciani, star of the first season of 'Loft Story' in 2001, was found dead on March 25 at her Nice apartment at age 48. Her death, which occurred several days earlier, has prompted an investigation into the exact causes, as media figures pay tribute and criticize a Charlie Hebdo caricature.

A Drees study reveals that 35% of people retiring between 2012 and 2020 saw their living standards rise, with retirees now faring almost as well as workers. Three COR-commissioned studies confirm the benefits of raising the legal retirement age, an economically sound but politically charged option.

March 25, 2026 Reported by AI

Paris criminal court sentenced Tariq Ramadan to 18 years in prison in absentia on Wednesday for raping three women. The 63-year-old Islamic scholar, absent throughout the three-week trial due to health reasons, was found guilty as per prosecutors' requests. The ruling includes eight years of judicial supervision and a lifetime ban from French territory after serving the sentence.