FRANCE: Former PM ‘suspects’ graft in submarine sales scandal
Former French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin told a court he had “strong suspicions” that French officials received kickbacks from submarines sales, but saw no link in the freeze of kickbacks and a deadly 2002 attack. Read More
FRANCE: PM Fillon vows to push forward budget-cutting reforms
In his first address after last week’s cabinet reshuffle, French Prime Minister Francois Fillon on Wednesday promised to continue pushing through austerity measures, despite criticism over pension reforms and other budget-cutting policies. Read More
FRANCE: French PM François Fillon pulls away from Sarkozy
Ahead of an expected cabinet reshuffle in France that could see him lose his post, French Prime Minister François Fillon has sought to distance himself from Nicolas Sarkozy in a rare television interview. Read More
FRANCE: PM Fillon uses dreaded ‘austerity’ word on Japan trip
French Prime Minister François Fillon has created a stir by bringing up France’s “budgetary austerity” in a speech during an official visit to Japan. The French government has taken great pains to steer clear of the dreaded “A” word. Read More
ECONOMY: France joins other EU nations announcing austerity plan
French Prime Minister Francois Fillon (photo) has announced an austerity plan that will slash state spending by 45 billion euros. The three-year plan aims at bringing public deficit back down to the EU’s limit of three percent of GDP by 2013. Read More
FRANCE: Villepin challenges Sarkozy with yet-to-be-named party
Former French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin has detailed plans to create a new “independent political movement”, publicly challenging his bitter rival President Nicolas Sarkozy. Read More
FRANCE: Villepin plans new party to challenge Sarkozy
Former French prime minister Dominique de Villepin has detailed plans to create a new right-wing political party to challenge his bitter rival President Nicolas Sarkozy. Read More
FRANCE: PM Fillon and Sarkozy to meet for talks after UMP defeat at polls
French Prime Minister François Fillon (pictured) and President Nicolas Sarkozy will meet for talks Monday after their UMP party’s decisive defeat in regional polls. Sarkozy is expected to reshuffle his cabinet amid pressure for a shift in direction. Read More