Les Blogs de la Rédaction

FRANCE 24’s press reviewer Elena Casas takes you through her pick of the French newspapers every weekday morning at 7:10 and 11:10 Paris time, and what’s making news in the international press at 9:10 and 13:10. In this blog she takes a look at what’s going on behind those headlines – and what they reveal about how France sees itself and the world.

Follow Helena on Twitter @elenaf24 and join the Press Review discussion on Faceboook.

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 20:09

The campaign that was - and the problems it's left President Hollande

The French left is still celebrating - but when the hangovers kick in, so will the legacy of a divisive campaign, and the tough subjects that were often forgotten. I take a look both forwards and back.

Wed, 04/11/2012 - 14:10

What do young voters want?

Amid fears of record low turnout, especially among the young, candidates are busy pitching to first-time voters with promises like cheap driving lessons - but isn't it all a bit patronising?

Wed, 04/04/2012 - 08:02

Is Sarkozy milking the fear of radical Islam for political gain?

At least 24 people have been arrested on suspicion of plotting a terrorist attack in France in the last few days - two and a half weeks before election day, is this coincidence or political manoeuvering?

Sun, 03/18/2012 - 20:31

Storming the Bastille

Far left presidential candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon led thousands of supporters in a march on the Bastille on Sunday, as he hits over 10% in polls - but why is he doing so well?

Sat, 03/17/2012 - 17:05

The candidates' European problem

François Hollande staked a claim to being France's best defender of Europe in a speech today. He's treading a pretty thin line between pitching to Eurosceptic voters and trying to impress his foreign counterparts.

Sat, 03/10/2012 - 14:13

Sarkozy and the city

Nicolas Sarkozy holds the biggest rally of his election campaign tomorrow in Villepinte in the Paris suburbs. In 2007, he promised a 'Marshall plan' that would turn those suburbs around - so what happened to that?

Thu, 03/01/2012 - 12:08

On the French campaign trail - in London

This election will see France score a world first - by electing MPs to represent voters living abroad. But what will these people actually do? We spoke to the candidates to find out.

Mon, 02/20/2012 - 13:04

Getting out the vote - in Paris' poorest suburbs

There's a new buzzword for French politicians - 'peuple', the people - as they all try to appeal to the working class. I went to find out how that's going down in one of France's most deprived suburbs.

Wed, 02/15/2012 - 18:17

New to Twitter? Tips for @nicolassarkozy

The French president joined Twitter today, and there's a row over whether Facebook gave his team an unfair advantage - but the real story is, why are French politicians so bad at social networking?

Tue, 02/07/2012 - 16:26

17 and alone in a foreign country

There are 1700 foreign children in the care of local authorities in Paris, having arrived in Europe alone. I went to find out who they are, how they got here and what happens to them next.

Mon, 02/06/2012 - 11:22

"The insufferable Mr. Gueant"

French interior minister Claude Gueant is making headlines this morning for yet another controversial remark on Islam - but is he really speaking out of turn, or is all part of a carefully planned strategy on the right?

Fri, 02/03/2012 - 23:53

Housing for all!

With 8 million people classed as badly housed - homeless, in overcrowded houses or unable to pay the rent - all France's presidential candidates have something to say about the housing crisis. But will they really make a difference?

Mon, 01/30/2012 - 10:03

Policy making in the last chance saloon

Nicolas Sarkozy made what looked to many commentators like a desperate bid to stay relevant in the presidential race with a big TV interview on Sunday night - but has he already lost?

Mon, 01/23/2012 - 11:04

Banker bashing - the way to election victory?

François Hollande thrilled the socialist faithful yesterday by promising to fight the financial system - but with Marine Le Pen and centrist François Bayrou also claiming to be outside the 'system', can that pitch work for all of them?

Thu, 01/19/2012 - 19:14

Is Mexico's experiment with democracy over?

In 2000, Mexico celebrated what was globally celebrated as its first free and fair election. Twelve years later and six months from a fresh poll, mired in drug trafficking, violence and corruption, this seems a distant memory.

Thu, 01/19/2012 - 16:18

Sun, sand, sea... and corruption

How tourist demand for pristine beaches in the Mexican Caribbean is leading to the carving up of the rainforest for quick profits.

Tue, 12/20/2011 - 09:50

Have the French finally had enough of corruption?

The French have long had a reputation for tolerating all sorts of financial misbehaviour on the part of their politicians - but today rising Socialist star Arnaud Montebourg tells an interviewer voters have had enough. Is he right?

Sun, 12/11/2011 - 18:21

"France is Christian and should remain so"

French theatres and art galleries are being targeted by a vocal right-wing Catholic protest movement that pickets work it deems blasphemous, but what motivates them?

Fri, 12/09/2011 - 23:38

Votes for foreigners!

Should you have to be French to vote in France? The Senate says no - but that doesn't mean anything will change, while both parties kick the issue around like a political football.

Mon, 12/05/2011 - 14:00