Politics

Power to the (shy) people: why citizen assemblies could replace career politicians

Writer and academic Hélène Landemore says ordinary people need to be at the heart of the political process

Pope Leo XIV in white vestments smiles while addressing the faithful at St Peter’s.

Pope will hold public mass in Paris during France visit

Leo XIV to celebrate mass at Place de la Concorde and Champs Elysées in September

French presidential candidate Gabriel Attal calls for the UK to rejoin the EU

Former prime minister said Brexit was a ‘disaster’ for both the UK and continent

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The age of French far-right leader Jordan Bardella is not the point

Readers argue that it is wrong to focus on this aspect of the far-right politician

10 years on: Barnier talks Trump, Johnson, the Queen and what to learn from Brexit

Former negotiator says "we must not revert to 'every man for himself' like the British"

Why the far-right is now a major contender in France's 2027 elections

Movement now has realistic path to power, analysts say

A view of Macron (left), Bardella (centre) and Mélenchon (right)

The battle between old and new France is now impossible to ignore

Columnist Nabila Ramdani argues that the colonial mindset is still very strong in a country looking to the past

Painted portrait of a royal figure in elaborate dress holding a sword in an ornate interior.

Reinstating the French monarchy makes no sense at all

Columnist Nick Inman argues against a right-wing delusion

Appeal trial of former French President Nicolas Sarkozy ends

Judge will give verdict over claims of corruption and illegal campaign financing in November

French justice minister calls for three-year halt to legal immigration

‘We have reached the limits of our capacities for integration and assimilation’, Gérald Darmanin says

Mbappé–Bardella clash highlights France's identity divide

Discussions risk becoming less political and more personal, says think tank leader

UK King’s Speech and Britons in France: postal votes and closer EU links

Plans fall short of major voting changes called for by campaigners and some MPs

French mayor Hittler speaks about attention to his name

Charles Hittler's re-election in Arcis-sur-Aube drew international media coverage, but also highlighted local priorities and his family history

Seven-year sentence demanded for former French president Nicolas Sarkozy

Appeal concerns alleged Libyan financing of his 2007 presidential campaign

French far-right well ahead in new poll for 2027 presidential election

Jordan Bardella would face Edouard Philippe in second round, according to results but poll raises questions

Key points to take away from the local elections in France

France is dividing in a similar way to the United States and the UK

Find out who has been elected as mayor in your French commune

Majority of rural candidates ran without official party support

Map: how did French parties perform in first round of municipal elections?

Leaders after first round still face tough challenges across country

Key dates for next French elections: MPs, mayors, president

Voters head to the ballot box several times in the next few years

Why former French president Nicolas Sarkozy is back in court

The hearing is expected to run until early June

Paris municipal election posters displayed on a public notice board in front of a bright street mural.

France municipal elections: Alliances form in several cities against far-right

Candidates forge local agreements but no national agreement between left-wing parties

French municipal elections: key points from the first round

Results show far-right strength in smaller towns and fragmented alliances in major cities

Bordeaux municipal vote: police arms and cruise ships among key issues

Green candidate seeks second term but faces tough challenge

How do France’s municipal elections work?

Votes take place over two rounds on March 15 and 22

Paris mayoral election March 2026: Who are the main candidates?

Safety issues, parking fees, and social housing are among the major campaign issues for the vote

Meet the municipal candidate in Brittany signing up constituents at random

Stéphane Lenfant's innovative approach in the town near Rennes uses random selection to enhance participatory democracy in local elections.

The electorate is to blame for France's political mess

Connexion reader argues that criticism of President Macron is unfair

Macron makes TV speech to France about Middle East conflict

Iran bears responsibility for conflict but US and Israel acted outside of international law, said president

France to expand nuclear arsenal amid global instability, new European alliance announced

UK among eight countries able to host French nuclear air forces at bases

See who is running to be mayor in your local commune

Election of more than 34,000 mayors takes place via municipal elections

Reshuffle: who is in and who is out in new French government

New appointees come as focus turns to upcoming municipal elections

US ambassador in France snubs official summons over controversial social media post

It is the second time Charles Kushner has failed to attend a summons from the French Foreign Ministry

Can you vote by proxy in French elections?

French and EU citizens are eligible to vote in municipal elections

Plans for new French youth worker contract that makes firing easier criticised

Union compared proposals to controversial ‘CPE’ contract plans that sparked major protests

Who decides if a political party is far left or far-right in France?

Parties can contest the status with which they are labelled

11 arrests over death of French far-right activist Quentin Deranque

Assistant to far-left MP among suspects being questioned

‘Medical deserts’ major issue in upcoming local elections in France

Access to healthcare is now a more pressing concern than education, mayors say

Death of right-wing protester in Lyon sparks fears of further political violence

Quentin D, 23, died after reportedly being ambushed by far-left activists near site of political conference

Former French Interior Minister announces 2027 presidential candidacy

Bruno Retailleau recently asked prefectures to be tough on immigration

How France’s new food strategy aims to change the national diet

The plan outlines new goals for meat consumption

World corruption: France better than US but worse than UK

High-level public figures in France have a ‘feeling of impunity’, the ranking says

Bernard Phelan, un Franco-irlandais de 64 ans a été arrêté le 3 octobre dernier en Iran et libéré le vendredi 12 mai 2023.

France must do more to protect citizens detained in Iran, says former hostage

French-Irish citizen Bernard Phelan tells Théophile Larcher how 221 days in an Iranian prison have changed him irrevocably

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Trump’s rhetoric feeds France’s long tradition of national decline

Columnist Nabila Ramdani offers a view on the American president's impact on French culture

France finally passes 2026 budget - what it means for residents

Budget has measures to help homeowners and low earners but is more punitive to business and local authorities

New French 2026 budget plan – key points for residents

Higher public spending and increased tax on businesses included as overtures to Socialist Party

France’s end-of-life law under debate as conditions examined

The text centres on the definition of and access to ‘medical assistance in dying’

US increasingly viewed as ‘enemy country’ to France in new poll

The survey asked people in France if they still see the US as an ally amid Greenland furore

French prime minister faces fresh problems to pass a 2026 budget

MPs continue to argue over budget but alternative measures could possibly see government toppled

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Marine Le Pen appeals public office ban: how could this impact France's 2027 presidential election?

Month-long appeal begins today but no result is expected until summer 2026

Politics and elections in France in 2026: key dates, votes and Brexit talks

From Marine Le Pen's appeal against her conviction to municipal elections and a Brexit 'reset' meeting

Hand drawing a red line between the UK and EU

UK-EU talks raise hopes of easing post-Brexit rules for Britons in France

Several proposals and plans could ease some post-Brexit complications

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Why calls for Emmanuel Macron to resign as president of France are misguided

The president should stay put, argues columnist Nick Inman

France’s proposed voluntary national service: military revival or costly misstep?

Concerns have emerged over scheme's potential overlap with the recently abandoned Service national universel

French 2026 budget fails: special law needed to levy taxes

The law will now be required to keep spending at current levels and prevent US-style shutdown

Mercosur trade deal explained: why French farmers are angry and will it pass?

A decisive vote is due on Friday December 19. Unions say if it passes there will be major disruption

Bardella: ‘great patriot’ Nigel Farage will be next UK PM

Meeting is first time Farage has agreed to meet with French far-right

‘Leave Brigitte Macron alone after anti-feminist comment’: Government official

The president’s wife was filmed backstage at a show by a controversial comedian

French MPs vote in favour of 2026 Social Security budget: What changes for you?

Pension reform suspended but planned freezes on this and other benefits removed

Far-right MP suggests reopening of legal brothels in France

‘The current system is the height of bourgeois hypocrisy’, he has claimed

Voluntary national military service to return to France

Proposal has widespread support across political spectrum and public in a poll

Public transport, roads, tap water: French residents’ priorities for local spending in poll

Majority of people experienced infrastructure issue in last year

A view of the Assemblée Nationale chamber

Table: How suspension of pension reforms would affect workers in France?

See how you may be impacted according to your year of birth. Further changes are possible following the 2027 presidential election

Nicolas Sarkozy to be released from Paris prison after three weeks

Former president will remain free until appeal for original five-year sentence is heard

Far-right win ‘historic’ first vote in French parliament over French-Algerian treaty

Vote may signal end of blanket ban by other groups against far-right proposals

French budget stand-off, potential new elections and why November 15 is key date

MPs are set to hold a crucial budget vote on November 4 but it looks unlikely that consensus on text will be found

Facts and figures: All about the Paris prison where Nicolas Sarkozy will be incarcerated

Five-year sentence for former president begins next week

French PM survives two votes of no confidence

The far-left motion came very close to toppling the government

Visual: How does suspension of pension reform affect workers in France?

Further progress on the reform has been delayed until 2027

France’s 2026 draft budget: what it means for you

Freeze on pensions, benefits, and income tax bands among measures proposed - as well as changes to the ALD long-term illness system and school tax benefits

French prime minister suspends pension reform in bid for budget backing

Sébastien Lecornu is now expected to remain in position for budget negotiations and says he will not force through the bills

What is included in France’s 2026 draft budget - and what if no agreement?

Change to tax allowance for pensioners is among proposals

New French government announced but already faces threat of ousting

Several parties are expected to issue a vote of no confidence against new government

French PM resigns on Monday and renamed on Friday - what next?

Sébastien Lecornu promises ‘surprises’ in his new government. Socialists say the dissolution of parliament and fresh elections are now the most probable outcome

Emmanuel Macron to appoint new French prime minister within 48 hours, announces Elysée

Resigning Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu backs president and says calls to oust Macron or call new elections should be ignored

French parliament rejects bid to impeach Emmanuel Macron

Prime minister resigned - but is now trying to seek enough cross-party support to pass a 2026 budget