'The Week in France' is an in-depth look at the political and social events shaping France, hosted by Melissa Bell. Watch the show on FRANCE 24 Tuesdays at 18:40 am Paris time.
A final goodbye to victims of Xynthia, the storm that battered France's west coast, as survivors take stock of what's left. French reactions to Amflora, the genetically-modified potato that's become an election campaign issue, we find out who's in favour and who's giving it a roasting. And the best of Gallic pop - the artists who triumphed at this year's 'Victoire de la Musique' awards in Paris.
France's firecest weather in over a decade causes havoc and kills more than 50 people. A massive clear-up operation has begun. Trying to turn the page of history, we follow an historic visit to Rwanda by President Nicolas Sarkozy. And Regional elections are looming here in France, and in some areas, the campaigning has turned very personal.
In this edition: the chief suspect in a notorious double murder investigation commits suicide in jail, despite being under strict surveillance; a full body scanner is tested at France's biggest passenger airport; and how Brittany's historic capital is trying to save its medieval architecture.
In this edition: unions brace themselves for battle with the French president over a proposed increase in the retirement age; hospitals in France are in the spotlight as complaints from patients reach new highs; and an almost forgotten dialect from southern France is making a comeback.
In this edition: why "what does it means to be French?" was not an easy question to answer, even here in France; plans to ban trade in bluefin tuna get the thumbs up from French authorities but many believe protecting the species will not do any good; and why a short cartoon addressing homosexuality has brought about a political debate.
As a trial opens to establish responsibility for the fatal crash of an Air France Concorde jet outside Paris ten years ago, we take a look back at the crown jewel of Franco-British engineering. Also in this edition: will the media exposure of a second 'Clearstream' trial help put the political career of former Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin back on track?
In this edition: France pulls together to offer support and aid for the victims of the Haiti earthquake; why illegal immigrants are still gathering in Calais, months after the so-called jungle was shut down; and as a new film about the life of French musician Serge Gainsbourg hits the big screen, we reveal why the French biopic is so popular.
This week, like in much of Europe, France has been struggling with heavy snowfall and freezing conditions. Also in the news: a teenager at a suburban school is stabbed to death by a classmate, raising questions over the necessity of security checks in schools. Finally, we meet French actor and singer Jacques Dutronc, who has made a successful come-back after 17 years out of the limelight.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy gave a glitzy New Year's address, but with his popularity ratings at an all-time low, his message was defensive. Meanwhile, the French government prepares to sell off a huge surplus of swine flu vaccines, and legendary writer Albert Camus stirs controversy 50 years after his death.
As the year draws to a close, we take a look at the highs and very lows of the last 12 months in France.
We remember the 2,000 French nationals - like Clothilde Rice - being held against their will abroad.
And we have a special report on Afghan asylum seekers in Paris.
In this edition: The French government calls for an investigation into Eurostar's pre-holiday meltdown; a parliamentary panel debates a ban on burqas in France; and a flavour of the most prized food item on your Christmas menu, the foie gras.
This week in France: French rock and roll star Johnny Hallyday’s health has stabilised; the man who stole documents from HSBC bank and allowed authorities to trace the names of thousands of people guilty of tax evasion speaks out; the conservative UMP party release a humorous video clip.
In this edition: After last month's referendum in Switzerland, the debate on construction of minarets moves to France; France's fortunate footballers prepare for battle with the Bafana Bafana in South Africa; and who paid 25 thousand euros for a 221-year-old bottle of cognac?
In this edition of The Week in France: A portrait of Cécile Duflot, the rising star of the French green party; after holding back initially, the French are now flocking to get the swine flu vaccine; and an unusual auction held this week in Paris.
