FRANCE: Roma expelled by French government land in Bucharest
The first flight carrying Roma expelled from France has arrived in Bucharest, with a further flight scheduled for later Friday. Many of the Roma on board the flight pledged to return to France as soon as they could. Read More
FRANCE: Roma expelled by French government land in Bucharest
The first flight from France carrying expelled Roma has landed in Bucharest. The French government’s summer clampdown on undocumented immigrants has led Romanian President Traian Basescu to call for an EU-wide “integration plan”. Read More
FRANCE: Government and media on a collision course over Bettencourt scandal
The French government came out swinging Friday against news web site Mediapart and its director Edwy Plenel, slamming them as “the trashcan of the Internet” after the organisation published a series of revelations on the “Bettencourt Affair”. Read More
FRANCE: Government defends pension reform despite strikes
Prime Minister Francois Fillon (pictured) has insisted the French government will press ahead with planned reforms to the pension system that would see the retirement age rise from 60 to 62, a day after nationwide strikes. Read More
FRANCE: Government to raise retirement age to 62, unions cry foul
The French government unveiled Wednesday a proposed reform of the state pension system, raising the minimum retirement age to 62 and introducing higher taxes for the rich in an attempt to tackle the country’s ballooning public deficit. Read More
FRANCE: Government to push for unpopular retirement age hike
French President Nicolas Sarkozy will prioritise the pushing back of France’s retirement age during the second half of his term, aides confirmed Tuesday, in a move expected to meet fierce resistance from the French public. Read More
FRANCE: Government moves to further tighten immigration laws
French Immigration Minister Eric Besson (pictured) has unveiled a bill to toughen immigration rules and penalties against those employing foreigners without work permits. It is the sixth time since 2002 that France has tried to tighten such laws. Read More
FRANCE: Government to drop carbon tax in another setback for Sarkozy
Prime Minister Fillon (pictured) indicated Tuesday that the government is set to drop plans for a carbon tax. The move is another blow for President Nicolas Sarkozy, who had labelled the bill a cornerstone of the fight against global warming. Read More