Government

No state payout for requisitioned homes built illegally in France

Properties built without permission do ‘not retain right’ to expropriation compensation, states new court ruling

See: France’s new government with surprise return of Sarkozy minister

Prime minister includes Rachida Dati and his former partner in cabinet

What changes for the environment in France in 2024?

New household waste rules included as France continues to try and go green

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Car windscreen insurance stickers to disappear in France from April

The switch to digital is aimed at simplifying checks and reducing fraud. It will also save on paper and CO2, said the government

10 key measures adopted in France’s new healthcare budget

The Assemblée nationale has adopted the new bill for 2024 which will bring a raft of changes designed to both save billions in spending and address medicine shortages

France’s largest wind turbine is installed - at 167 metres tall

It comes as government plans to grow the country’s offshore wind power

€1bn plan announced to safeguard under-threat biodiversity in France

The initiative includes the planting of a billion trees and the establishment of more protected areas. Environmental groups say it is not enough

How much are village mayors paid in France?

Theoretically mayors do not receive a salary but they do have an allowance, which can be generous

'Preferendum': a buzz word, not a real concept, says French law expert

The word was used by the government’s spokesperson on television - but a law professor says it is highly unlikely to materialise

France sets its sights on full employment

Government says 800,000 more people must be in work to meet its target, but labour shortages continue to cause headaches

Who is who in France’s new-look government?

Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne has reshuffled her government. We take a look at some of the key personalities

France to launch crackdown plan for social security fraud

Billions are believed to be lost through non-payment of cotisations or fake benefit claims

How does France want to cut energy consumption this summer?

From limiting air conditioning to driving slower, Paris has issued a number of recommendations to cut energy use

Simpler, cheaper, faster, younger: new French driving licence reforms

The government is reviewing a bill to both simplify and reduce the minimum age of applying for a French driving licence

Can I get France’s wood fuel support payment as well as that for oil?

France’s government is sending people on lower incomes who use energy sources such as heating oil or wood payments to help with their rising bills

What’s coming up this week ahead in France (October 24)?

Parliament votes on a motion of no confidence in the government, a partial solar eclipse to be seen, funeral of murdered Lola, 12, the Salon du chocolat begins and more

France sets out winter energy saving plan for residents and businesses

Brief cuts to electric radiators at peak times, money for car-sharing and added financial incentives for home working – we outline the key proposals being announced this afternoon

Heating in flats, solar panels, price rises: French government Q&A

Spokesperson Olivier Véran also says measures are being firmed up to help people who use heating oil or wood

Why the French state is selling off Ferraris, PlayStations and AirPods

Auctions will feature luxury cars, perfumes, jewellery, wine and trainers on October 4-5

Regulated French gas and electric bills capped at 15% rise in 2023

Prime minister also announces aid of up to €200 for 12 million homes. ‘No European country has done so much,’ she adds

France wants ‘new start’ in Anglo-French relations, says minister

Catherine Colonna also said that the relationship between the two countries was not currently ‘living up to’ what it should be

September 5: What’s coming up? The week ahead in France

The trial into the Nice 2016 terror attack begins, Fête de l’Humanité, France’s largest popular gathering, takes place, storms are on their way and more

Inflation, climate, pensions: a tough ‘rentrée’ for French government

President Macron hopes for a peaceful return to work but the agenda is full of controversial issues

What’s coming up in the week of 29 August in France?

Increased financial help for drivers, a last chance to buy a discounted rail card, the return to school, an American film festival and more

Macron: ‘France is at the end of its age of abundance’

As the government returns from its summer break, the president discussed the climatic, security, technological and democratic challenges the country faces

France to increase financial aids for electric bike purchases

The basic funding for a standard vélo à assistance électrique will increase by around €100, providing the owner meets the eligibility criteria

France prepares measures to prevent winter energy shortages

The government is hoping to reduce consumption by 10% over two years as suppliers warn of a difficult winter

Abad leaves, Schiappa returns… meet France’s reshuffled new ministers

Bruno Le Maire and Gérald Darmanin retain their posts but others including Disability and Solidarity Minister Damien Abad, accused of attempted rape, are out

New aid for low paid workers who need to drive under review in France

Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said food price controls are also being looked into

Third time a member of present French government accused of rape

Minister of State Chrysoula Zacharopoulou has been accused by two women of committing the offences in her work as a gynaecologist

Who is in France’s new government? Ministers revealed today

One new appointment is that of Catherine Colonna to the role of foreign minister. She was until now serving as France's ambassador to the UK, in which she had to carefully manage tensions over fishing licences and other Brexit-related issues

Cost of living in France: New details on ‘purchasing power’ law

Food cheques, limits on gas price rises, and increased benefits are among the measures set to be taken by the government

French unemployment in sharp decline in first quarter of 2022

The number of jobseekers fell by 5% compared to the end of 2021, with the biggest movement into work seen among the under-25s

Could France soon have a Sixth Republic?

I have heard that we may soon have the end of the Fifth Republic. What will change if there is a new republic – how is this decided and by whom? GT

Warning over rise in phishing email and SMS scams in France

Here is what to look for and how to avoid being caught out

France to hold Covid meeting as leading doctor warns ‘it is not over’

President Macron will meet with cabinet ministers on Wednesday, the day some restrictions are due to be lifted. Case numbers have dropped recently but hospitalisations are still high

Why the Covid vaccine pass bill may be delayed (again) in France

The government had originally hoped to have the measure in place by tomorrow

Covid fifth wave: French government brings vaccine pass debate forward

The bill, which would see unvaccinated people effectively barred from public spaces such as restaurants, will now be presented to ministers next week

How did the French government get my phone number?

Millions of people have received an SMS encouraging them to download the Covid-19 tracing application

How many kinds of French minister are there?

A secrétaire d’état is considered a minister, but subordinate to a more senior minister in charge of a large ministry

Covid France: government calls meeting on ‘additional measures’

This comes as nine Omicron cases are confirmed in France and Covid infections rise by 60% in one week

Supermarket deals, apps: How to find the best petrol prices in France

As prices continue to rise to new records, we look at supermarket offers and ways to find cheaper petrol stations around the country

French court orders government to honour its climate promises

The court condemned the state for failing to meet its pledges to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and gave it until December next year to rectify the situation

France leaves open possibility of health pass until July 31, 2022

A spokesman for the government said today it makes no apology for not ‘disarming’ with regard to the health crisis

France’s anti-nuisance calls service Bloctel breaks down

The service has been ‘offline’ all weekend as it changes operator. Have you noticed more nuisance cold-calls as a result? Plus, we offer tips to deal with unwanted sales calls

French government seeks to extend health pass powers to summer 2022

The pass is required for entry into a wide range of public spaces until November 15, but the government says it wants the flexibility to bring it back for many months after that

French households may be sent 'energy cheques' to combat rising prices

Six million lower-income households may become eligible for energy cheques to offset increasing gas and electricity costs

47,000 lives saved by French Covid vaccination rollout, study suggests

New research indicates that vaccines have enabled the avoidance of serious illness in 88% of cases in France, although the figures are awaiting peer review

France set to hit 50 million first Covid vaccine target within days

This milestone will mean 85% of people in France aged over 12 will have received at least one dose of the vaccine. This is more than countries such as the UK, US or Israel, which led the vaccination statistics earlier this year

Macron suspends new motorbike contrôle technique requirement in France

This announcement comes just one day after a decree was published in the government’s legal publication Le Journal officiel and met with considerable opposition from motorbike riders across France

French postal service to slow second-class delivery times by one day

The national service provider is facing growing losses exacerbated by Covid 19. The change could save €400million

France to give special status to health workers who die of Covid-19

'Died in the service of the Republic' recognition is similar to status for soldiers and police officers and means their children will receive financial and other support from the state

French lingerie shops send knickers to PM in Covid-19 lockdown protest

Underwear posted to Prime Minister Jean Castex to highlight plight of local shops

France declares ‘calamité agricole’ after record cold: What is it?

The emergency support comes after freezing weather caused significant damage to crops

Covid France: 20 departments await lockdown decision

The government met this morning to discuss whether 20 departments on ‘heightened alert’ need to impose stricter anti-Covid measures from this weekend and, in a separate meeting later, will discuss strategies to reopen public places

Macron announces new plans for French fight against cancer

The new crusade aims to reduce "avoidable" cases by 60,000 per year and sets its sights on a tobacco-free future for today's children

Covid-19 France: What are the options for a third lockdown?

As Covid cases in France rise again, the government is discussing new confinement measures. We look at the options being considered

Why Covid-19 vaccine rollout is so slow in France

President Emmanuel Macron has criticised the pace of the vaccine rollout

Bird Flu: 45 departments put on high alert

France has no reported cases of avian flu, but authorities have raised the risk level to 'high' to reduce the risk of migratory animals spreading the disease

France: New financial aid for energy renovations explained

All energy renovations in France are eligible for financial aid from October 1. We explain which work is covered and how to apply.

Price comparison site launched for French MOT tests

The government has launched a MOT ( contrôles techniques ) price comparison tool to help drivers choose between test centres – many of whom charge different prices for the service.

France Covid advisors: Hospitals may be overwhelmed in weeks

The Conseil Scientifique has said if the virus continues on its current trajectory, hospitals and care homes will be overwhelmed “within a few weeks”.

Vehicle industry boss against ‘absurd’ French eco-tax

An eco-friendly proposal that suggests taxing vehicles according to how much they weigh has been rubbished by the president of a French automobile association.

Coronavirus saliva tests available in France in weeks

Head of Conseil Scientifique tells senators quicker testing procedure will soon be available

France calls for stricter social distancing in 'shock' ad

Doctors in France have called for a ban on social gatherings, as the government releases a “shock” advertisement illustrating the risk of infecting older relatives.

Conseil Scientifique calls French quarantine a ‘failure’

The latest advice from the scientific advisory body recommends reducing quarantine to seven days, and suggests the government has "difficult" decisions ahead.

French supermarket installs Covid-19 disinfection door

The door at an Intermarché supermarket mists shoppers with a disinfectant as they enter. It comes as Covid-19 cases continue to rise in France, and the government considers changing quarantine rules.

Making sense of prefects and prefectures in France

Prefects have made headlines recently as they set some of the local rules for the Covid-19 pandemic, such as curfews in certain zones during the confinement period or areas where masks must be worn. But what do they do normally – and why will they soon be so important to Britons in France? We explain...