November
⌨
French media on November 1 primarily focused on the ongoing 2026 Budget debates. In the early morning, the National Assembly approved an amendment transforming the real estate wealth tax into an "unproductive wealth tax," following the earlier rejection of the Zucman tax. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu continued negotiations with the Socialist Party to avoid a censure motion, promising concessions. By early afternoon, details of the new wealth tax, expanding its base but reducing rates for the wealthy, were being discussed.
Concurrently, the Louvre burglary investigation progressed throughout the day. In the morning, suspects were being interrogated, and by early afternoon, one suspect was released without charges, while a 38-year-old woman was indicted. By the evening, two suspects had been indicted and placed in provisional detention, though the stolen jewels remained unrecovered. Additionally, a 20-year-old Afghan national was charged with terrorist association, suspected of being a contact for the Islamic State.
Concurrently, the Louvre burglary investigation progressed throughout the day. In the morning, suspects were being interrogated, and by early afternoon, one suspect was released without charges, while a 38-year-old woman was indicted. By the evening, two suspects had been indicted and placed in provisional detention, though the stolen jewels remained unrecovered. Additionally, a 20-year-old Afghan national was charged with terrorist association, suspected of being a contact for the Islamic State.
⌨
French media on November 2 focused heavily on a knife attack on a train towards London, which resulted in ten injuries, nine critical. Early reports detailed the arrests of two individuals. By late morning, authorities identified two British suspects and ruled out a terrorist motive. The investigation into the Louvre burglary also continued, with four suspects indicted, though the jewels remained unfound, and two indicted suspects were previously convicted together. Debates surrounding the 2026 Budget continued, with particular attention to the newly adopted "unproductive wealth tax" and the National Rally's scrutiny over tax increases. In the evening, the return of three more hostage remains by Hamas from Gaza was reported.
⌨
French media on November 3 continued to heavily focus on the 2026 Budget debates, particularly the growing deficit in Social Security, with warnings from the Court of Auditors. Concurrently, the scandal surrounding e-commerce platforms like Shein escalated throughout the day. In the morning, the government threatened to ban Shein following reports of pedocriminal dolls being sold on its site. This threat intensified in the early afternoon, with other platforms like Temu, Wish, and AliExpress also implicated. By late evening, the public prosecutor's office announced the opening of four investigations into these platforms. The left-wing parties boycotted government meetings on the budget due to the presence of the far-right.
⌨
French media focused heavily on the liberation of Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris, two French citizens detained in Iran since May 2022. Early evening reports announced their release, with Emmanuel Macron confirming they were out of prison and safe at the French ambassador's residence in Tehran, awaiting definitive freedom. This marked a significant development after 1,277 days of detention, drawing widespread political relief. Concurrently, the 2026 Budget debates continued, with the National Assembly deliberating on various measures, including the social security deficit and pension reform, as discussions were suspended until November 12. Additionally, the ongoing scandal surrounding Shein and other e-commerce platforms selling child-like dolls persisted, with investigations into their practices and questions raised about potential bans and buyer identification. Finally, Laurent Mauvignier winning the Prix Goncourt 2025 for "La Maison vide" was widely reported in the early afternoon, followed by the news of Dick Cheney's passing. The day concluded with extensive coverage of the PSG-Bayern Munich match, noting Paris's defeat and player injuries.
⌨
French media on November 5 heavily focused on an incident on the island of Oléron, where an individual intentionally drove into pedestrians. Early reports indicated multiple injuries, with ten people wounded, including two in critical condition, and the driver's arrest. By late morning, it was reported that the suspect shouted "Allah Akbar" during his arrest, leading the national anti-terrorist prosecutor's office to monitor the situation. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez visited the scene, and further details emerged throughout the day, including the discovery of gas bottles in the suspect's car and Nuñez describing it as a "voluntary 35-minute journey."
⌨
French media on November 6 continued to prioritize the Oléron car attack, with early reports citing the assailant's claim of a divine mission. By mid-morning, the focus shifted to investigations predominantly pointing towards the suspect's potential psychiatric troubles. In the afternoon, the national antiterrorist prosecutor decided not to take over the case, leaving investigations with the La Rochelle prosecutor. Later in the day, psychiatric expertise confirmed the suspect's discernment was "altered" but not "abolished," leading to a requested indictment for attempted assassinations. Concurrently, the Shein controversy persisted, with the government initiating a "suspension" procedure and demanding an EU investigation. Customs announced a 100% inspection of 200,000 packages arriving in France, and Shein's CEO committed to adhering to French laws and suspending non-apparel sales.
⌨
French media on November 7 continued to cover the Oléron car attack, with early reports detailing the suspect's "incoherent statements" and "personality disorders." By early afternoon, the suspect was indicted for attempted assassinations. Concurrently, the controversy surrounding Shein intensified. Morning reports highlighted a proposed tax on foreign online sales, and by mid-morning, the government signaled efforts against the platform for legal compliance. In the evening, the government announced Shein would avoid suspension after withdrawing "illicit products" but remains "under close surveillance." The disruption of an Israeli orchestra's concert in Paris by activists also gained significant attention throughout the day, leading to four arrests and widespread condemnation from officials.
⌨
French media started November 8 with continued focus on Shein and the pension reform debate. By mid-morning, attention shifted to the investigation into a USB key linked to Salah Abdeslam, leading to new arrests. Concurrently, reports emerged of three women arrested for allegedly planning a suicide bombing in Paris. The social security budget, particularly a surtax on medical fees and a cap on generic drug rebates, also received significant coverage throughout the day. By late afternoon, deputies adopted the "receipts" section of the 2026 social security budget, allowing further debates on the overall text and proposed pension reform.
⌨
French media on November 9 focused on the 2026 social security budget, with the Assembly adopting the "receipts" section in the morning amidst heated debates. This paved the way for discussions on "expenditures" and the proposed suspension of pension reform. Throughout the day, parliamentary fatigue and tensions surrounding the budget continued to be reported.
Concurrently, the 10-year anniversary of the November 13th attacks in Paris received significant attention, with detailed accounts and concerns about new terror threats.
The fallout from the disruption of an Israeli orchestra's concert in Paris also progressed, with initial arrests leading to indictments and judicial supervision for those involved.
The case of missing child Émile resurfaced as his family returned to the site of his disappearance.
Concurrently, the 10-year anniversary of the November 13th attacks in Paris received significant attention, with detailed accounts and concerns about new terror threats.
The fallout from the disruption of an Israeli orchestra's concert in Paris also progressed, with initial arrests leading to indictments and judicial supervision for those involved.
The case of missing child Émile resurfaced as his family returned to the site of his disappearance.
⌨
French media focused extensively on Nicolas Sarkozy's legal proceedings throughout the day. In the morning, various outlets reported on the examination of his freedom request by the Court of Appeal, with the public prosecutor's general requirement for his provisional release under judicial supervision. In the early afternoon, the Court of Appeal confirmed his release from prison under judicial supervision, with a specific prohibition on contact with Gérald Darmanin. Later in the afternoon, news broke that Sarkozy had left La Santé prison and returned home. In the evening, attention continued on the conditions of his release, with reports on his declaration that "the truth will triumph" and the relief among residents near his home. Concurrently, the 10th anniversary of the November 13th attacks was a prominent theme, with reports on victims and related research.
⌨
French media continued its extensive coverage of the 10th anniversary of the November 13th attacks throughout the day. In the morning, reports focused on Salah Abdeslam's request for restorative justice and intelligence failures preceding the attacks. Later, survivors' ongoing trauma was highlighted, alongside the double indictment of Abdeslam's ex-partner for a new terror plot and a USB key delivery. Concurrently, President Macron led November 11th commemorations. In the evening, attention shifted to Macron's announcement of a joint committee with Mahmoud Abbas for the consolidation of the Palestinian state. Donald Trump's criticism of France also made headlines.
⌨
French media on November 12 focused primarily on the National Assembly's debate and subsequent adoption of the suspension of pension reform until January 2028. This discussion dominated headlines from morning through evening, with reports detailing the political divisions, particularly within the left and the former presidential majority, and the financial implications. The CGT called for a strike on December 2 in response.
Concurrently, the liberation of Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal, after nearly a year of imprisonment, garnered significant attention. Media reported on secret diplomatic negotiations involving Germany, his subsequent pardon, and his arrival in Berlin for medical care. This development was closely followed, with reactions from various writers.
Concurrently, the liberation of Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal, after nearly a year of imprisonment, garnered significant attention. Media reported on secret diplomatic negotiations involving Germany, his subsequent pardon, and his arrival in Berlin for medical care. This development was closely followed, with reactions from various writers.
⌨
French media extensively covered the 10th anniversary of the November 13th attacks throughout the day. In the morning, reports focused on the continuing impact on children and discussions around potential meetings between Salah Abdeslam and victims. Commemoration ceremonies began at the Stade de France, followed by solemn tributes at the Carillon and Petit Cambodge terraces in the early afternoon, with President Macron affirming that "the pain remains." Later, ceremonies at the Bataclan unfolded, highlighting survivor testimonies. The day culminated with the inauguration of a memorial garden in Paris, where Macron warned against a "jihadism that is reborn in another form." Concurrently, in the evening, sports outlets shifted focus to the France-Ukraine World Cup qualification match, with France securing a decisive 4-0 victory.
⌨
French media on November 14 continued its extensive coverage of the 10th anniversary of the November 13th attacks, with morning reports detailing commemoration ceremonies across Paris and Saint-Denis. Concurrently, new Russian attacks on Kyiv were highlighted. In the late morning and early afternoon, attention shifted significantly to the assassination of Amine Kessaci's brother in Marseille, framed as a potential "warning" related to anti-narcotics activism and described with "mafia-like methods." Mid-afternoon saw a major incident at Montparnasse station, where police shot and wounded a man threatening his family with a knife. The government's plan for a unified social allocation also gained traction.
⌨
November 15 saw French media focus intensely on the government's controversial handling of the 2026 budget debate, with accusations of delaying tactics to avoid a vote. This narrative dominated morning and early afternoon coverage, linking to previous days' discussions on pension reform suspension. Concurrently, the day was marked by significant controversy surrounding a mass in homage to Pétain in Verdun, sparking legal action from the prefect due to "revisionist statements." This story evolved throughout the day, drawing widespread attention. Later in the afternoon, an alert at BFMTV and Germany's diplomatic intervention in a Franco-Algerian crisis also emerged as notable developments.
⌨
French media primarily focused on the liberation and return to France of Camilo Castro, who had been detained in Venezuela since June. Announcements by President Macron in the early morning were followed by details of his arrival in France in the late afternoon. This narrative dominated throughout the day, with various outlets providing updates and reactions from his family.
Concurrently, the discussion around the 2026 budget continued, with renewed concerns about its implementation by ordinances in the early afternoon, a topic that has been central in previous days' reports. Another prominent story was the serious injury of a 12-year-old in a Grenoble drug-dealing spot, which saw new leads emerge in the late afternoon. Additionally, reports of a septuagenarian's disappearance in Ardèche due to severe weather gained traction in the early afternoon.
Concurrently, the discussion around the 2026 budget continued, with renewed concerns about its implementation by ordinances in the early afternoon, a topic that has been central in previous days' reports. Another prominent story was the serious injury of a 12-year-old in a Grenoble drug-dealing spot, which saw new leads emerge in the late afternoon. Additionally, reports of a septuagenarian's disappearance in Ardèche due to severe weather gained traction in the early afternoon.
⌨
French media primarily focused on Ukrainian President Zelensky's visit to Paris throughout the day. In the morning, reports highlighted his arrival and discussions on military needs, with an "historic agreement" on weaponry anticipated. By late morning, a letter of intent was signed for the future purchase of up to 100 Rafale fighter jets and new generation air defense systems, marking Ukraine's first potential acquisition of such French aircraft. While celebrated, the financing of this major defense agreement remained uncertain. Concurrently, a significant data breach affecting up to 1.2 million users of the Pajemploi service was widely reported in the early afternoon. Later, concerns about rising narcotrafic in Marseille were highlighted, prompting an Elysée meeting. By evening, the UN Security Council's adoption of a US resolution for Gaza, including the deployment of an international force, gained prominence.
⌨
French media throughout the day prioritized the escalating violence in Marseille, specifically the assassination of Mehdi Kessaci. Initially, French media reported on the UN Security Council's adoption of a US resolution for Gaza, including an international force, with Donald Trump's role highlighted (BFMTV, Le Parisien, L'Express, France TV Info). Macron also convened a meeting on narcotrafic (Le Figaro). By early afternoon, the assassination of Mehdi Kessaci in Marseille was prominently covered, with the Interior Minister denouncing it as a "crime of intimidation" and a "point of bascule" (BFMTV, Le Monde, Le Parisien). Concerns about rising narcotrafic in Marseille continued to be a central focus for French media as the day progressed, drawing the attention of both the government and the President, who equated cocaine consumption to complicity (France TV Info).
⌨
French media throughout the day maintained a strong focus on the escalating drug trafficking crisis, particularly in Marseille. Early reports highlighted the US Congress's vote to publish Epstein investigation documents, a decision Donald Trump was expected to sign. However, the assassination of Mehdi Kessaci in Marseille quickly became a central theme, with his brother, Amine Kessaci, emerging as a prominent activist. He vowed to continue his fight, with mayors also demanding new powers to combat the issue. By midday, President Macron accused "bourgeois des centres-villes" of financing drug trafficking, while Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin requested the extradition of French drug traffickers from the UAE. In the evening, Amine Kessaci intensified his call for mobilization and a white march in homage to his murdered brother, portraying his assassination as a political crime.
⌨
French media continued its intensive coverage of the escalating narcotrafic crisis in Marseille throughout the day. The morning saw calls for national mobilization and a minute of silence for Mehdi Kessaci, whose assassination from the previous day remained a central focus. By midday, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez and Gérald Darmanin visited Marseille, with Darmanin notably equating the narcotrafic threat to terrorism, a statement widely reported across major outlets. Nuñez pledged monthly visits to the city. Concurrently, reports emerged concerning secret US-Russia negotiations on a Ukraine peace plan, allegedly favoring Russian demands, drawing European caution. In the evening, law enforcement efforts to combat drug trafficking, as well as the controversial statements by the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces on accepting potential losses in future conflicts, also drew media attention.
⌨
French media on November 21 heavily focused on the proposed US peace plan for Ukraine. Early reports highlighted the plan's suggestion of territorial concessions to Russia and Ukraine's non-accession to NATO. Ukrainian President Zelensky cautiously reviewed the 28-point proposal amidst political turmoil, with discussions ongoing with European leaders like Macron, Merz, and Starmer. The Kremlin pressed Zelensky to negotiate, threatening further territorial losses. By late afternoon, Donald Trump issued an ultimatum, stating Ukraine must accept his peace plan by the following Thursday, a move widely seen as favorable to Russia and a de facto surrender for Kyiv. Putin echoed that the plan could form a basis for a definitive settlement. Zelensky, under immense pressure, indicated he would propose "alternatives" to the plan, calling it one of the most difficult moments in Ukraine's history.
⌨
French media on November 22 focused heavily on the rejection of the 2026 budget bill by the National Assembly in the early hours. This move sent the text to the Senate for review, a significant development following the previous day's discussions on budgetary impasses. Concurrently, the proposed US peace plan for Ukraine remained a prominent international concern, with continued reports of an ultimatum to Ukraine to accept a plan seen as favorable to Russia. By late morning, President Macron reiterated that peace in Ukraine requires Ukrainian sovereignty. In the afternoon, attention also shifted to the widespread marches in homage to Mehdi Kessaci in Marseille and other cities, protesting against narcotrafic, echoing previous days' coverage of the escalating drug crisis. The COP30 climate summit concluded with a minimal agreement, notably without an explicit mention of phasing out fossil fuels.
⌨
French media on November 23 heavily reported on the ongoing discussions surrounding Donald Trump's peace plan for Ukraine. Early reports indicated European efforts to amend the plan, with negotiators meeting in Switzerland. The disappointing outcome of COP30, which failed to explicitly mention phasing out fossil fuels, also received coverage. By mid-afternoon, Trump publicly accused Ukraine of "ingratitude" towards the US, a statement widely reported across French outlets, as American and Ukrainian negotiators later reported "good progress" in their talks. Concurrently, the first interviews with Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal following his release from Algerian prisons became a prominent topic in the evening.
⌨
French media on November 24 continued its extensive coverage of the US-proposed peace plan for Ukraine. Early reports from Washington indicated optimism for a rapid agreement, emphasizing the need for full respect of Ukrainian sovereignty, a point echoed by Kiev.
Throughout the day, discussions evolved around an "improved version" of Donald Trump's plan, with Marco Rubio attempting to reassure Kiev and European allies in Geneva. By late morning and early afternoon, European counter-proposals emerged, asserting Ukrainian sovereignty. However, Moscow later rejected these European amendments, preferring the original American text.
Concurrently, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu addressed the 2026 budget after its National Assembly rejection, proposing "ad hoc votes" and denouncing the "cynicism of certain parties." Separately, the controversial temporary release of a convicted drug trafficker, Ouaihid Ben Faïza, from Vendin-le-Vieil prison sparked significant debate, with details emerging about how he obtained permission, before his return to prison in the evening. The death of reggae legend Jimmy Cliff was also widely reported.
Throughout the day, discussions evolved around an "improved version" of Donald Trump's plan, with Marco Rubio attempting to reassure Kiev and European allies in Geneva. By late morning and early afternoon, European counter-proposals emerged, asserting Ukrainian sovereignty. However, Moscow later rejected these European amendments, preferring the original American text.
Concurrently, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu addressed the 2026 budget after its National Assembly rejection, proposing "ad hoc votes" and denouncing the "cynicism of certain parties." Separately, the controversial temporary release of a convicted drug trafficker, Ouaihid Ben Faïza, from Vendin-le-Vieil prison sparked significant debate, with details emerging about how he obtained permission, before his return to prison in the evening. The death of reggae legend Jimmy Cliff was also widely reported.
⌨
French media began the day continuing its focus on the US-proposed peace plan for Ukraine, with initial reports suggesting an American emissary advised the Kremlin on presenting the plan to Trump. Discussions around the 2026 budget, including a proposed "forced loan" from the wealthy, also gained traction. By late morning, attention shifted to the government's decision to file a lawsuit against AliExpress and Joom for allegedly selling "pedopornographic dolls".
The mid-afternoon was dominated by the definitive conviction of Nicolas Sarkozy in the Bygmalion affair, with the Court of Cassation rejecting his appeal, marking his second definitive conviction. Concurrently, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced the suspension of the planned 2026 property tax increase, pending a new calculation method. The evening saw the failure of deputies and senators to agree on the Social Security budget, sending the text back to the National Assembly. Late at night, a shooting incident near the White House in Washington, where two National Guard military personnel were killed, became a major breaking story.
The mid-afternoon was dominated by the definitive conviction of Nicolas Sarkozy in the Bygmalion affair, with the Court of Cassation rejecting his appeal, marking his second definitive conviction. Concurrently, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced the suspension of the planned 2026 property tax increase, pending a new calculation method. The evening saw the failure of deputies and senators to agree on the Social Security budget, sending the text back to the National Assembly. Late at night, a shooting incident near the White House in Washington, where two National Guard military personnel were killed, became a major breaking story.
⌨
French media opened the day heavily focused on the shooting in Washington D.C., where two National Guard members were injured near the White House, with details emerging about an Afghan suspect with past ties to the US military and CIA. Concurrently, discussions continued regarding Emmanuel Macron's impending announcement of a new voluntary military service, framed as a response to "growing threats."
By mid-morning, Macron officially announced a new "purely military" and voluntary national service for adults, to be instituted progressively from summer 2026. Details specified a ten-month duration, national territory deployment, a salary of 800 euros per month, and a target of 3,000 young volunteers by 2026, aiming for 50,000 by 2035. This initiative was explicitly presented as replacing the universal national service (SNU) and not intended to send youth to Ukraine. Concurrently, an escape of two detainees from a Dijon prison also garnered significant coverage.
By mid-morning, Macron officially announced a new "purely military" and voluntary national service for adults, to be instituted progressively from summer 2026. Details specified a ten-month duration, national territory deployment, a salary of 800 euros per month, and a target of 3,000 young volunteers by 2026, aiming for 50,000 by 2035. This initiative was explicitly presented as replacing the universal national service (SNU) and not intended to send youth to Ukraine. Concurrently, an escape of two detainees from a Dijon prison also garnered significant coverage.
⌨
French media began the day reporting on the death of a National Guard member in Washington D.C., leading to President Trump's call for a "definitive suspension of immigration from all Third World countries." Concurrently, the extensive coverage of President Macron's newly announced voluntary military service continued, with discussions on preparing public opinion for the possibility of war.
By mid-morning, the focus shifted to the escape of two detainees from Dijon prison, with one later apprehended in Saône-et-Loire. Allegations of corruption against a top Ukrainian official also gained traction. The early afternoon saw reports of a significant drug trafficking event leading Orange to temporarily close its Marseille site. The UN called for an investigation into a video showing Israeli soldiers executing two Palestinians in the West Bank.
The late afternoon and evening were dominated by news of Ukrainian President Zelensky's chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, resigning amid corruption accusations. The day concluded with Airbus's urgent request for 6,000 A320 aircraft to immediately cease flying due to a software vulnerability to solar radiation, leading to Air France canceling flights.
By mid-morning, the focus shifted to the escape of two detainees from Dijon prison, with one later apprehended in Saône-et-Loire. Allegations of corruption against a top Ukrainian official also gained traction. The early afternoon saw reports of a significant drug trafficking event leading Orange to temporarily close its Marseille site. The UN called for an investigation into a video showing Israeli soldiers executing two Palestinians in the West Bank.
The late afternoon and evening were dominated by news of Ukrainian President Zelensky's chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, resigning amid corruption accusations. The day concluded with Airbus's urgent request for 6,000 A320 aircraft to immediately cease flying due to a software vulnerability to solar radiation, leading to Air France canceling flights.
⌨
The grounding of 6,000 Airbus A320 aircraft due to a software vulnerability to solar radiation continued to dominate French media, with Air France anticipating a progressive return to normal by Sunday. The resignation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, amid corruption allegations, also remained a prominent topic, with reports now linking it to US pressure for a peace agreement with Russia. Ukraine's dispatch of negotiators to the United States to discuss Donald Trump's peace plan was also widely covered, as was Ukraine's claim of attacks on two Russian "ghost fleet" oil tankers in the Black Sea. Later in the day, the upcoming reception of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky by Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Monday became a central focus. Concurrently, Jordan Bardella was reportedly assaulted during a book signing in Tarn-et-Garonne, leading to an arrest and a police complaint.
Live Headlines From
France