France's ex-prime minister Dominique de Villepin has filed a law suit against Nicolas Sarkozy after the president called him and other defendants in a smear trial "guilty".
Villepin accuses Sarkozy of violating his right to presumption of innocence when he said in a television interview last week that the "guilty parties" in the so-called Clearstream affair were on trial.
Under French law, the head of state enjoys immunity from legal action and the suit would in theory only be heard once Sarkozy is out of office.
France's most politically charged trial in years opened last week with Villepin and four other defendants accused of taking part in a plot hatched in 2003-2004 to smear Sarkozy and derail his bid for the French presidency.
Villepin and Sarkozy were then bitter rivals in the struggle for the governing right-wing party's nomination to succeed president Jacques Chirac.
Villepin described the comments as "unacceptable" and argued that Sarkozy had "an obligation to refrain from commenting" on matters before the courts.
Opposition politicians said Sarkozy's remarks made on French television were a "revealing slip of the tongue" that showed he was not impartial in the case involving his arch-rival, Villepin.
Tuesday 29 September 2009
Monday 21 September 2009
French legislators move towards internet piracy bill.
The French lower house has narrowly approved some of the toughest anti-internet-piracy legislation in the world, a bill that would permit authorities to cut the internet connection of illegal downloaders, impose fines of hundreds of thousands of euros and even jail repeat offenders.
The Hadopi bill, named for the new anti-piracy agency it creates, was backed on Tuesday (15 September) by most members of the governing centre-right UMP group in the National Assembly and resisted by the opposition Socialists, 285 to 225.
This is the third attempt of the French government to pass such a law. The first attempt tripped at the final hurdle when insufficient numbers of deputies from the majority turned up to vote, requiring a resubmission of the bill, which was subsequently struck down by France's Constitutional Court, which ruled that only a judge could impose such penalties as cutting internet access.
The new bill, already approved by the Senate in July, is also known as the 'three-strikes law' for its graduated response to internet piracy: first a suspected downloader is sent a warning email, then a letter in the post and finally would see their connection cut for up to a year if they persist in downloading content without the permission of the copyright owner.
French culture minister Frederic Mitterrand cheered the bill's passage: "Artists will remember that we at last had the courage to break with the laissez-faire approach and protect their rights from people who want to turn the net into their libertarian utopia."
Internet freedom advocates, noting that President Nicholas Sarkozy's wife, Carla Bruni, is a top-selling singer, have slammed the bill as draconian and a sop to the record and movie industries.
Other European countries however have watched the bill's evolution closely, hoping to develop similar legislation. Sweden already has a comparable legal framework and has seen a massive drop in internet piracy.
The European Parliament however has taken a strong stance against such legislation, arguing that cutting people's internet off now is akin to cutting off someone's electricity or water – essentially that internet access is a fundamental right.
The Greens in EU parliament, who welcomed Sweden's sole elected Pirate Party MEP – who campaigns against such internet restrictions – into their political family in the chamber after the June European elections, were quick to denounce the French law.
"We remain opposed to the 'Hadopi' law, even in its modified form, because it still fails to provide for a fair trial and goes against the principle of presuming innocence," said Green co-leader Daniel Cohn-Bendit.
The Hadopi bill, named for the new anti-piracy agency it creates, was backed on Tuesday (15 September) by most members of the governing centre-right UMP group in the National Assembly and resisted by the opposition Socialists, 285 to 225.
This is the third attempt of the French government to pass such a law. The first attempt tripped at the final hurdle when insufficient numbers of deputies from the majority turned up to vote, requiring a resubmission of the bill, which was subsequently struck down by France's Constitutional Court, which ruled that only a judge could impose such penalties as cutting internet access.
The new bill, already approved by the Senate in July, is also known as the 'three-strikes law' for its graduated response to internet piracy: first a suspected downloader is sent a warning email, then a letter in the post and finally would see their connection cut for up to a year if they persist in downloading content without the permission of the copyright owner.
French culture minister Frederic Mitterrand cheered the bill's passage: "Artists will remember that we at last had the courage to break with the laissez-faire approach and protect their rights from people who want to turn the net into their libertarian utopia."
Internet freedom advocates, noting that President Nicholas Sarkozy's wife, Carla Bruni, is a top-selling singer, have slammed the bill as draconian and a sop to the record and movie industries.
Other European countries however have watched the bill's evolution closely, hoping to develop similar legislation. Sweden already has a comparable legal framework and has seen a massive drop in internet piracy.
The European Parliament however has taken a strong stance against such legislation, arguing that cutting people's internet off now is akin to cutting off someone's electricity or water – essentially that internet access is a fundamental right.
The Greens in EU parliament, who welcomed Sweden's sole elected Pirate Party MEP – who campaigns against such internet restrictions – into their political family in the chamber after the June European elections, were quick to denounce the French law.
"We remain opposed to the 'Hadopi' law, even in its modified form, because it still fails to provide for a fair trial and goes against the principle of presuming innocence," said Green co-leader Daniel Cohn-Bendit.
Tuesday 15 September 2009
Mcdonanld's - A surprising French love affair
The first McDonald's hamburger outlet in France opened 30 years ago, and the French are now the world’s biggest consumers of the brand.
There are 60 million people in France, and over 1 million of them eat a McDonald's meal every day. That may surprise many of those who consider France to be the summum of ‘L’art de Vivre’ in terms of culinary issues, but it is true nevertheless.
So how are McDonald's doing in France? Well, they're doing very well, thank you. In fact they are enjoying almost insolently facile growth, despite all the polemics and criticisms. The American cultural imperialists, pockets full of dollars and calories, have managed to successfully change French eating habits to the point where McDonald's is no longer even considered as being fast food.
Eating a MacDo in France at lunchtime now means waiting in line for up to 30 minutes in bigger towns and cities, and France is now the company’s most profitable per capita market in the world.
Things were altogether different 10 years ago though, when McDonald's were accused of being the summum of “mal-bouffe” – “bad food/eating habits” in France. At that time several McDonald's restaurants were burnt down or otherwise attacked by various Anti-American or French-Traditionalist organisations, and in Brittany a waitress was killed by a bomb placed in a McDonald's outlet.
The company, despite its obvious revulsion towards the attacks, took the warnings to its business prospects seriously and began to change many of its operating, marketing and product configurations.
They began to emphasize their policy of using what they claim to be healthy and natural products bought from local producers where possible in order to reduce the environmental footprint. Used oils were recycled and service at table has been introduced in some outlets. This policy has cost McDonald's 4 percent of its turnover over the last few years.
Menus were also changed, with more salads being introduced as well as other meats such as chicken,veal and others. French style breakfasts were also a part of this strategy. At the same time, the nutritional content of each hamburger, salad and dessert has been made available to the clientèle.
That strategy has worked, if the figures are to be believed.
The French spend more time in a McDonald's restaurant than Americans, and they are more apt to eat withinin the restaurant itself. This is a natural continuation of French culture, which insists that mealtimes are important moments and should not be rushed if possible. This means that many French McDonald's are more comfortable, and deliberately designed to be so, than those in many other countries.
The figures are eloquent. McDonald's had 400 outlets in France in 1998. There are now 1,200, and over half of the new restaurants are being created in smaller towns.
This has meant new jobs. Although the French in general do not consider McDonald's to be a good employer, the company has created 6 times as many new jobs as the much-vaunted-for-the-future biotechnology sector, and this depite the fact that biotechnology has been a state-subsidised priority in France for the last 15 years.
McDonald's also announced recently plans to create 12,000 jobs in Europe over the next year in 240 new restaurants. Given that that is the company’s biggest growth prediction in 5 years, that is generally considered to be a very high figure given the general economic morosity.
Bon Appetit....?
There are 60 million people in France, and over 1 million of them eat a McDonald's meal every day. That may surprise many of those who consider France to be the summum of ‘L’art de Vivre’ in terms of culinary issues, but it is true nevertheless.
So how are McDonald's doing in France? Well, they're doing very well, thank you. In fact they are enjoying almost insolently facile growth, despite all the polemics and criticisms. The American cultural imperialists, pockets full of dollars and calories, have managed to successfully change French eating habits to the point where McDonald's is no longer even considered as being fast food.
Eating a MacDo in France at lunchtime now means waiting in line for up to 30 minutes in bigger towns and cities, and France is now the company’s most profitable per capita market in the world.
Things were altogether different 10 years ago though, when McDonald's were accused of being the summum of “mal-bouffe” – “bad food/eating habits” in France. At that time several McDonald's restaurants were burnt down or otherwise attacked by various Anti-American or French-Traditionalist organisations, and in Brittany a waitress was killed by a bomb placed in a McDonald's outlet.
The company, despite its obvious revulsion towards the attacks, took the warnings to its business prospects seriously and began to change many of its operating, marketing and product configurations.
They began to emphasize their policy of using what they claim to be healthy and natural products bought from local producers where possible in order to reduce the environmental footprint. Used oils were recycled and service at table has been introduced in some outlets. This policy has cost McDonald's 4 percent of its turnover over the last few years.
Menus were also changed, with more salads being introduced as well as other meats such as chicken,veal and others. French style breakfasts were also a part of this strategy. At the same time, the nutritional content of each hamburger, salad and dessert has been made available to the clientèle.
That strategy has worked, if the figures are to be believed.
The French spend more time in a McDonald's restaurant than Americans, and they are more apt to eat withinin the restaurant itself. This is a natural continuation of French culture, which insists that mealtimes are important moments and should not be rushed if possible. This means that many French McDonald's are more comfortable, and deliberately designed to be so, than those in many other countries.
The figures are eloquent. McDonald's had 400 outlets in France in 1998. There are now 1,200, and over half of the new restaurants are being created in smaller towns.
This has meant new jobs. Although the French in general do not consider McDonald's to be a good employer, the company has created 6 times as many new jobs as the much-vaunted-for-the-future biotechnology sector, and this depite the fact that biotechnology has been a state-subsidised priority in France for the last 15 years.
McDonald's also announced recently plans to create 12,000 jobs in Europe over the next year in 240 new restaurants. Given that that is the company’s biggest growth prediction in 5 years, that is generally considered to be a very high figure given the general economic morosity.
Bon Appetit....?
Tuesday 8 September 2009
France's Thierry Henry in 'bust-up' with coach
The French Football Federation was today trying to play down reports of a bust-up between the players and the coach, Raymond Domenech, ahead of Wednesday's crucial World Cup qualifier in Serbia. Les Bleus' hopes of automatic qualification for South Africa 2010 could rest on the outcome in Belgrade with France knowing defeat will mean finishing top in Group Seven is no longer a possibility.
Domenech's side have been the architects of their own downfall with another sub-standard display resulting in a 1-1 draw against Romania at the Stade de France on Saturday. The spirit in the camp has not been helped by revelations this morning of a pre-match row involving Domenech and his players, led by Thierry Henry.
Le Parisien reported Domenech tried to spark a reaction from his players before the Romania game by questioning their hunger. Henry is believed to have responded on behalf of the squad by stating the players were uninspired by training sessions before adding: "I have been in the France team for 12 years and never have I been in this situation. We do not know how to play, where to go, there is no organisation. There is no style, no guidance and no identity."
The French Football Federation (FFF) insists there is "no urgency" to speak about the matter but the incident is sure to create further questions about Domenech's position, which could become untenable anyway should the team not qualify.
Despite the French camp seemingly in disarray, Serbia's defender Nemanja Vidic claims the visitors are still favourites to claim all three points. The Manchester United centre-half told L'Equipe that being four points ahead of France "does not change anything".
"We will play against a very good team," he said. "But the French are under pressure to get a result. After this game we still have to play Romania. Nothing is settled in this group."
Domenech's side have been the architects of their own downfall with another sub-standard display resulting in a 1-1 draw against Romania at the Stade de France on Saturday. The spirit in the camp has not been helped by revelations this morning of a pre-match row involving Domenech and his players, led by Thierry Henry.
Le Parisien reported Domenech tried to spark a reaction from his players before the Romania game by questioning their hunger. Henry is believed to have responded on behalf of the squad by stating the players were uninspired by training sessions before adding: "I have been in the France team for 12 years and never have I been in this situation. We do not know how to play, where to go, there is no organisation. There is no style, no guidance and no identity."
The French Football Federation (FFF) insists there is "no urgency" to speak about the matter but the incident is sure to create further questions about Domenech's position, which could become untenable anyway should the team not qualify.
Despite the French camp seemingly in disarray, Serbia's defender Nemanja Vidic claims the visitors are still favourites to claim all three points. The Manchester United centre-half told L'Equipe that being four points ahead of France "does not change anything".
"We will play against a very good team," he said. "But the French are under pressure to get a result. After this game we still have to play Romania. Nothing is settled in this group."
Wednesday 2 September 2009
Stay-at-home locals save French tourism
Tourism in France, the world's top holiday destination, held up over the summer months because a rise in domestic French holidaymakers offseting a sharp drop in foreign visitors.
French hotels saw visitor numbers rise 1 percent in July and August, breaking down into a 3.6 percent increase in July and a 1.2 percent fall in August, Herve Novelli, state secretary for tourism, said in a statement.
Tourism accounts for around 6 percent of France's gross domestic product and the government had forecast a marked decline for 2009 because of the economic crisis, extending last year's 3 percent drop.
Foreign visitor numbers did indeed dive in France over the summer, with a 14.5 percent fall in July-August underlining the tourism downturn that has hit cities, beaches and mountain resorts all over Europe.
Compensating for this, hotels, holiday homes and campsites recorded a 6.3 percent rise in the number of French customers.
"In terms of types of accommodation, we have noticed that French customers tend to stay in more moderately priced accommodation," the statement said.
French hotels saw visitor numbers rise 1 percent in July and August, breaking down into a 3.6 percent increase in July and a 1.2 percent fall in August, Herve Novelli, state secretary for tourism, said in a statement.
Tourism accounts for around 6 percent of France's gross domestic product and the government had forecast a marked decline for 2009 because of the economic crisis, extending last year's 3 percent drop.
Foreign visitor numbers did indeed dive in France over the summer, with a 14.5 percent fall in July-August underlining the tourism downturn that has hit cities, beaches and mountain resorts all over Europe.
Compensating for this, hotels, holiday homes and campsites recorded a 6.3 percent rise in the number of French customers.
"In terms of types of accommodation, we have noticed that French customers tend to stay in more moderately priced accommodation," the statement said.
Monday 24 August 2009
Want cheaper train tickets in Europe? Learn a little French
One of the best things about Paris is that train travel, both within France and across borders, is relatively cheap…at least if you can speak (or fake) a little French. Searching for tickets in English will yield prices that are significanlty more expensive.
The SNCF travel website is where all the best train deals can be found. If you scroll down to the bottom of the homepage, you'll see a sign for English that will transfer you to the website for "TGV Europe/Rail Europe." This anglophone portal is handy, but you'll pay more for tickets here. Searching this site today for an October fare from Paris to Marseilles, the cheapest round-trip ticket was $158. With an obligatory $13 charge for an e-ticket (which was cheaper than the $18 or $36 shipping options), the total price of the round-trip ticket was $171. Back at the SNCF website, written in French, the cheapest fare was €75 with no additional fees or charges. Converted to dollars, that round-trip ticket was $107—a savings of almost 40 percent!
If you don't speak French and can't find a francophone friend to help you, consider muddling through the SNCF site with the help of Google Translate or Yahoo's Babel Fish. Just paste the address of whatever SNCF page you're looking at into the tranlsation box, and the program will translate every word from French to English. This will require a bit more time and patience than using the English portal, sure, but the savings will be significant.
The SNCF travel website is where all the best train deals can be found. If you scroll down to the bottom of the homepage, you'll see a sign for English that will transfer you to the website for "TGV Europe/Rail Europe." This anglophone portal is handy, but you'll pay more for tickets here. Searching this site today for an October fare from Paris to Marseilles, the cheapest round-trip ticket was $158. With an obligatory $13 charge for an e-ticket (which was cheaper than the $18 or $36 shipping options), the total price of the round-trip ticket was $171. Back at the SNCF website, written in French, the cheapest fare was €75 with no additional fees or charges. Converted to dollars, that round-trip ticket was $107—a savings of almost 40 percent!
If you don't speak French and can't find a francophone friend to help you, consider muddling through the SNCF site with the help of Google Translate or Yahoo's Babel Fish. Just paste the address of whatever SNCF page you're looking at into the tranlsation box, and the program will translate every word from French to English. This will require a bit more time and patience than using the English portal, sure, but the savings will be significant.
Monday 10 August 2009
Green algae – a toxic problem for French beaches
The growing problem of green algae on several beaches in northern France has reached crisis point after a horse died and its rider lost consciousness within seconds of falling into the decomposing seaweed.
French locals in the Brittany village of Saint-Michel-en-Greve say enough is enough and are calling for something to be done.
One woman warned: “If the algae is left to rot and a child falls in it, I don’t know what we will do.”
Up to 70 French beaches are said to be affected by the spread of the seaweed which is known locally as “green lettuce”.
When the plant decomposes, it forms an impermeable white crust under which toxic hydrogen sulphide accumulates. Some scientists believe it is what wiped out the dinosaurs.
The modern-day problem is being blamed on intensive farming practices and the widespread use of phosphates.
The build-up of the algae is affecting the local tourist trade with beaches periodically having to be closed. The warning is: if you smell something like rotten eggs – don’t go there!
French locals in the Brittany village of Saint-Michel-en-Greve say enough is enough and are calling for something to be done.
One woman warned: “If the algae is left to rot and a child falls in it, I don’t know what we will do.”
Up to 70 French beaches are said to be affected by the spread of the seaweed which is known locally as “green lettuce”.
When the plant decomposes, it forms an impermeable white crust under which toxic hydrogen sulphide accumulates. Some scientists believe it is what wiped out the dinosaurs.
The modern-day problem is being blamed on intensive farming practices and the widespread use of phosphates.
The build-up of the algae is affecting the local tourist trade with beaches periodically having to be closed. The warning is: if you smell something like rotten eggs – don’t go there!
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