British freelance journalist based in Taipei, Taiwan and MPhil Candidate in Modern Chinese Studies at Oxford University. My reporting from Taipei has been featured in The Guardian, New Statesman, The Spectator, The Taipei Times and Los Angeles Review of Books.

Fighter jets and street markets: Taiwan’s daily dissonance as tensions with China ramp up

05 Oct 2021  |  www.newstatesman.com  |  English  |  China-Taiwan Relations

Taiwan experiences a daily dissonance as military tensions with China escalate, marked by frequent incursions by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army into Taiwan’s airspace. Despite the heightened military activity, life in Taipei remains largely normal, with the local population accustomed to the abstract threat of Chinese invasion. Internationally, Taiwan is gaining more diplomatic support, with notable actions from Japan, the EU, and visits from foreign dignitaries. Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen emphasizes Taiwan's growing global presence and resilience. The article underscores the psychological impact of China's grey warfare strategy and the complex geopolitical dynamics at play.

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French Senate People’s Liberation Army Taiwanese Military Chinese Communist Party EU Australian Government

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David Chazan is a journalist.

Perrier destroys two million water bottles due to contamination

01 Oct 2023  |  www.thetimes.com  |  English  |  Environmental Issues

Nestlé destroyed two million Perrier water bottles due to bacterial contamination detected before distribution, attributing it to a 'microbiological deviation' after heavy rains in southern France. This follows Nestlé's admission of breaching French and EU regulations by using banned treatments for mineral waters. The French Senate has launched an investigation into the state's supervision of bottled water production, prompted by a whistleblower's alert and a leaked report indicating widespread use of illegal treatments among French mineral water brands. Despite these violations, no health risks have been identified.

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French Senate Nestlé Le Monde

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Elaine Cobbe is a seasoned print and broadcast journalist based in Paris, France.
She is also a journalism trainer, and specialises in Journalism and Trauma - she is the France Country Contact for the Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma.

French government pushes through pension reform plan despite protests

16 Mar 2023  |  www.cbsnews.com  |  English  |  French Politics

The French government, led by Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne, invoked special constitutional powers to push through controversial pension reforms, raising the retirement age from 62 to 64. This move bypassed a vote in the National Assembly, leading to widespread protests and strikes across France. President Emmanuel Macron's administration faced significant backlash from opposition parties and unions. The far-right National Rally and far-left parties threatened motions of no-confidence, while the conservative Les Republicains criticized the government's approach but did not support a no-confidence vote. The reforms, if not halted by a successful no-confidence motion, will take effect later this year.

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French Unions Senate French Government National Assembly National Rally Les Republicains

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I'm a multimedia journalist and travel writer based between Lyon and Chamonix. 

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I'm all about adventure sports, mountains, and the great outdoors.

But I'm also into arts, culture, wine.

Law protecting the right of roosters to crow 'untimely' in rural areas adopted in France

06 Dec 2023  |  tr.euronews.com  |  Turkish  |  Agriculture

A new law in France aims to protect the rights of farmers and their activities, such as roosters crowing, from complaints by new rural residents. The legislation, supported by President Emmanuel Macron's government and presented by MP Nicole Le Peih, was passed by the French Parliament and is now headed to the Senate. Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti praised the law for preventing malicious lawsuits against farmers. The law ensures that new residents cannot file complaints against pre-existing agricultural activities, although it does not provide immunity for activities that violate environmental regulations.

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Senate French Parliament Macron Government

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I am a bilingual (French/English) journalist/radio producer/audio editor based in Paris. I have extensive experience producing radio news and features from A-Z (research, reporting, writing, voicing, editing, mixing). Currently working as a journalist for the English service of Radio France ...

France marks 50 years since journey to decriminalise abortion began

29 Nov 2024  |  RFI  |  English  |  Women's Rights

Fifty years ago, France began its journey to decriminalize abortion, culminating in the adoption of a bill by the National Assembly on November 29, 1974. Despite initial resistance from some political figures, including Justice Minister Jean Lecanuet, Health Minister Simone Veil championed the cause, facing personal attacks and opposition from religious lawmakers. The bill was eventually passed with support from the left and center, and after Senate approval, it became law in 1975. Over the years, abortion rights have been expanded, and in March 2024, abortion was enshrined in the French constitution. However, access to abortion services remains uneven across the country.

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French Senate National Assembly Ined

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Cyril Fourneris is a freelance journalist based in Paris, France, with 7 years of experience in international broadcast. He speaks English, French, Spanish and Portuguese.

France: Enhanced Video Surveillance, a Controversial Bill

15 Feb 2023  |  fr.euronews.com  |  French  |  Olympics

The French Senate has passed a controversial bill allowing enhanced video surveillance for the Paris 2024 Olympics, sparking debate over privacy and public liberties. The law permits algorithms to detect suspicious behavior but prohibits facial recognition. Critics, including La Quadrature du Net, argue that the legislation prioritizes surveillance over freedoms and will likely extend beyond 2025. The European Union's ongoing AI regulation discussions contrast with France's rapid adoption of this law.

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French Senate La Quadrature du Net European Union

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chris johnstone is a journalist based in Prague working for Radio Prague.

French Senate votes in favor of nuclear safety regulatory reforms

14 Feb 2023  |  S&P Global  |  English  |  Regulatory Reforms

The French Senate approved a government proposal to merge the Autorite de Surete Nucleaire and the Institut de Radioprotection et de Surete Nucleaire into a single regulatory body, the Autorite Independente de Surete Nucleaire et de Radioprotection, starting January 1. The Senate passed the bill with amendments to ensure the separation of decision-making and technical expertise and maintain public transparency. The bill, which aims to streamline regulatory processes amid plans to extend reactor lifespans and build new reactors, will now move to the Assemblee Nationale for further deliberation.

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French government French Senate Autorite de Surete Nucleaire Institut de Radioprotection et de Surete Nucleaire Autorite Independente de Surete Nucleaire et de Radioprotection Assemblee Nationale

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**Available for EU CoronaVirus coverage from home studio**

Dave Keating is an American journalist covering European politics. Having previously covered US politics in Washington, Dave specializes in drawing comparisons between the American federal system and the European Union.

Dave has ...

5G Could Worsen Climate Change, Claims French Government Advisor

21 Dec 2020  |  Forbes  |  English  |  5G Technology

The French High Council on Climate reports that the deployment of 5G technology could significantly increase greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, primarily due to the manufacturing of new devices and infrastructure. The report, commissioned by the French Senate, has fueled opposition from far-left and Green MPs who have called for a moratorium on 5G deployment. In contrast, President Emmanuel Macron remains committed to the rollout, dismissing critics as adhering to an outdated lifestyle. The report also suggests measures to mitigate the environmental impact, such as stricter energy-consumption requirements for electronic devices and internet infrastructure.

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French Parliament French Senate High Council on Climate

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Kamilia Lahrichi is a freelance video journalist and producer based in Morocco. She covers current and international affairs in English, French, Spanish and Arabic.
Kamilia Lahrichi has worked with The Guardian, CNN International, Wall Street Journal, The Huffington Post, USA Today, VICE News, ...

France Passes Much-Criticized Climate Bill

20 Jul 2021  |  www.globalcitizen.org  |  English  |  Environmental Policy

France's Senate has passed the Climate and Resilience bill, aiming for carbon neutrality and introducing measures such as the 'ecocide' offense, banning short flights with train alternatives, and promoting vegetarian meals in schools. The bill, part of President Emmanuel Macron's mandate, has faced criticism from environmental activists and political figures for not being ambitious enough. The Citizen’s Convention on Climate, which contributed to the bill, saw many of its proposals diluted. Despite the bill's passage, protests and calls for more robust climate action continue.

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French Senate Citizen’s Convention on Climate Greenpeace France National Assembly

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Lisa Louis is a freelance journalist based in Paris, France.  She is a native German speaker, but also fluent in French, English, Spanish and Portuguese.  She works for TV, radio and online. 

You can find more info and examples of her work on her website: ****

New French Law Limits Fast Fashion

13 Apr 2024  |  www.dw.com  |  Croatian  |  Fashion Industry

The French National Assembly has unanimously passed a new law targeting fast fashion, requiring companies to display environmental impact messages and imposing fines for non-compliance. The law, which still needs Senate approval, aims to curb the environmental and social impacts of fast fashion by introducing an ecological scoring system and banning advertisements for fast fashion products from 2025. While some experts and organizations support the law, others argue it doesn't go far enough or criticize its methods. The law could set a precedent for similar regulations across Europe.

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French Senate French Government National Assembly En Mode Climat ObSoCo Institut Francais de la Mode Les Republicains Stop Fast Fashion

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Jeoffrey Maitem is a journalist based in Davao City, Philippines.

South China Sea: US-Philippine forces fire rockets towards disputed waters, insist drill not meant to be provocation

22 Apr 2023  |  South China Morning Post  |  English  |  US-Philippines Relations

Filipino and US forces conducted live fire drills near the South China Sea, emphasizing the exercises were defensive and not aimed at provoking China. The drills, part of the annual Balikatan exercises involving over 21,000 troops from the US, Philippines, Australia, and France, are conducted under the Mutual Defence Treaty between the US and the Philippines. Philippine lawmakers defended the drills, stating they aim to enhance interoperability and are not directed at any specific country. The exercises come amid ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea, with Philippine officials reaffirming their sovereign rights over the region.

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Philippine Senate French Armed Forces US Army Philippine Army Pentagon Armed Forces of the Philippines Australian Armed Forces

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Simon Marks is a journalist based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Spotlight: A tea connoisseur who wants to spread the knowledge widely

11 Jan 2008  |  www.nytimes.com  |  English  |  Entrepreneurship

François-Xavier Delmas, a passionate tea connoisseur, has built a successful business, Le Palais des Thés, which includes 12 retail shops and a tea-tasting school in Paris. Despite the competitive caffeine market, Delmas focuses on selling premium teas for home consumption. His entrepreneurial journey, driven by intuition and a love for tea, has led to significant growth, with plans to expand into the United States and Japan. Delmas emphasizes the importance of human values and the universal pleasure of sharing tea, even as global tea consumption declines.

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French Senate Euromonitor International

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Florence Massena is a journalist based in Beirut, Lebanon.

After studying journalism and political sciences in France, I took a turn towards Middle East and have been living in Beirut, Lebanon, for over five years. I mostly write in English online about culture, women issues, society and ...

In France, Ramadan marks temporary respite for Muslims

15 Apr 2021  |  The New Arab  |  English  |  French Politics

The article discusses the challenges faced by Muslims in France during Ramadan, highlighting the impact of recent government policies and societal attitudes. It critiques the French government's anti-separatism bill and the Senate's toughened measures, which are perceived as targeting Muslims. The article features personal accounts from various individuals, including community leaders and ordinary citizens, who express concerns about Islamophobia, political exploitation, and the pressure on Muslim women. The sentiment towards the French government and right-wing policies is predominantly negative, with calls for peace and resilience within the Muslim community.

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Senate French Government CNews

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Tasnim Nazeer is an award-winning journalist based in the United Kingdom. Tasnim freelances for a number of mainstream media outlets including Al Jazeera English, Huffington Post, The Guardian, BBC, CNN and many more. She was the first hijab wearing TV reporter in Scotland and does freelance TV ...

As a Muslim teen my hijab was an expression of my spirituality – France’s ban is Islamophobia in action

08 Apr 2021  |  inews.co.uk  |  English  |  Women's Rights

The French Senate's decision to ban Muslim women under 18 from wearing the hijab in public places, as part of the 'Separatism Bill,' is seen as a discriminatory move against Muslim women. The bill also restricts hijab-wearing mothers from school trips and public swimming pools. The author, a British Muslim woman, argues that these policies are Islamophobic and infringe on religious freedom. The legislation is criticized for being hypocritical and repressive, potentially setting a dangerous precedent for other countries. The article calls for the UK to speak out against this bill to prevent further marginalization of Muslim women.

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French Government French Senate

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Aisling Ní Chúláin is a video journalist based in Dublin, Ireland.

Nicolas Pinault is a journalist based in Paris, France.

Mass COVID-19 Immunization Plans Raise Huge Challenges

03 Dec 2020  |  www.voanews.com  |  English  |  Public Health

European governments, including the UK, France, and Germany, face significant logistical and public trust challenges in rolling out COVID-19 vaccines. While the UK has approved Pfizer's vaccine, concerns about vaccine skepticism and the need for extensive cold storage facilities complicate efforts. Public health experts emphasize the importance of trusted sources in promoting vaccination. The British Army's 77th Brigade is involved in countering disinformation, and various logistical hurdles, such as staffing and data systems, need to be addressed to ensure successful mass immunization.

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French Senate Wellcome Trust Center for Countering Digital Hate British Army 77th Brigade Downing Street National Health Service

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Rebecca Rosman is a journalist based in Paris, France.

Thousands rally as French PM presents pension bill to ministers

24 Jan 2020  |  www.aljazeera.com  |  English  |  Government Policy

French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe presented a controversial pension reform bill to cabinet ministers, prompting massive protests in Paris. The reform aims to consolidate 42 individual retirement plans into a universal points-based system, with some concessions made to unions. Despite these concessions, hardline unions like the CGT continue to strike, demanding further amendments. Public transport disruptions persist, and a significant portion of the French population believes President Emmanuel Macron should heed the opposition's concerns. The bill will be reviewed by the National Assembly and Senate in the coming months.

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Senate French Government National Assembly CFDT CGT

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Assa Samaké-Roman is a journalist based in Edinburgh, Scotland, covering politics and culture for the French and British media.

Victory for abortion in France, but struggle goes on

04 Mar 2023  |  www.thenational.scot  |  English  |  Constitutional Law

France has become the first country to constitutionally protect the right to abortion, with the Congress passing an amendment with overwhelming support. This historic move, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Veil Law, was celebrated by feminist activists and marks a significant victory for reproductive rights. Despite the success, challenges remain, such as potential limitations within the constitutional text, the threat of far-right political gains, and the practical accessibility of abortion services. The article also notes efforts in Scotland to protect clinics from anti-abortion protests and initiatives to enshrine abortion rights in the European Union Charter of Fundamental Rights.

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French Senate French National Assembly Rassemblement National La France Insoumise

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Scott Sayare is a writer and reporter based in Paris, France. He is a former New York Times reporter whose work has also appeared in The Atlantic and Tablet Magazine.

France Orders Strauss

27 Jul 2013  |  www.nytimes.com  |  English  |  Sex Scandal

Dominique Strauss-Kahn, former chief of the International Monetary Fund, has been ordered to stand trial in France on charges related to a prostitution ring. Judges in Lille charged him and 12 others with aggravated procurement in a group, which carries severe penalties. Strauss-Kahn denies the charges, claiming ignorance of the women's status as prostitutes. Despite previous legal troubles, including a settled assault case in New York, Strauss-Kahn has recently re-entered public life, appearing at the Cannes Film Festival and joining the board of a Rosneft subsidiary. His lawyer argues the investigation is biased.

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French Senate International Monetary Fund

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Mustapha Tossa is a journalist based in Paris, France.

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Mustapha Tossa est un journaliste franco-marocain né à Marrakech au Maroc le 28 mai 1963.

Il est diplômé de l’Institut supérieur de journalisme à Rabat1 promotion ...

Elisabeth Borne, the end of the reprieve?

18 Dec 2023  |  atlasinfo.fr  |  French  |  Immigration Law

Elisabeth Borne's tenure as France's Prime Minister is under scrutiny following the failure of the immigration law in the National Assembly. President Emmanuel Macron, aiming to rejuvenate his second term, is considering a change in leadership. Borne's technocratic style and frequent use of Article 49.3 have limited her effectiveness, leading to speculation about her replacement by Gérald Darmanin. Macron has tasked Borne with negotiating a compromise on the immigration law through a joint parliamentary committee, a last-ditch effort to salvage her position. Success could extend her tenure, but failure would likely result in her departure.

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Senate French Government National Assembly

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Kim Willsher is an award winning journalist based in Paris, France, writing for The Guardian, The Observer and the Los Angeles Times.

Political crisis brewing in France after minister resigns over immigration bill

20 Dec 2023  |  the Guardian  |  English  |  Immigration

Emmanuel Macron's centrist government faces a political crisis after Health Minister Aurélien Rousseau resigned over a controversial immigration bill supported by the far right. The bill, which includes hardline measures like immigration quotas and welfare restrictions, has divided Macron's Renaissance party and prompted opposition from other ministers. The legislation, passed with the help of the far-right National Rally, is now under review by France's Constitutional Council for potential unconstitutional clauses. Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne denies a government crisis, asserting the bill's alignment with national values.

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Senate French Government Renaissance Party National Rally Assemblée nationale Elysée France Télévisions Constitutional Council

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Peter Yeung is a journalist based in Paris, France.

The Somali-Norwegian model campaigning for Muslim women’s rights

13 May 2021  |  www.aljazeera.com  |  English  |  Hijab Ban

The article discusses Somali-Norwegian model Rawdah Mohamed's activism against the French Senate's proposed hijab ban for girls under 18. Mohamed's viral Instagram post with the phrase 'Hands off my hijab' sparked widespread support and reignited debates on Islamophobia and Muslim women's rights in France. She highlights the discrimination Muslim women face and emphasizes the need for unity and activism to combat stereotypes and xenophobia. The article also touches on the challenges and positive experiences Mohamed encounters in the fashion industry and expresses hope for the younger generation's resilience in fighting for equality.

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French Senate

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Erin Zaleski is a versatile journalist based in Paris specializing in France, travel, features, culture, human rights, politics, and international news. She covered the 2015 terror attacks in Paris, as well as politics, features, and entertainment. She has written for Newsweek, Agence France-Presse,...

Paris’s Most Scandalous Restaurant Reopens

01 Oct 2023  |  www.thedailybeast.com  |  English  |  Gastronomy

Lapérouse, a historic Parisian restaurant known for its private dining rooms and storied past, has reopened after a four-month renovation. The restaurant, which has hosted literary and political luminaries since 1766, was revamped by Benjamin Patou with the help of Antoine Arnault from LVMH. The new menu, crafted by Michelin-starred chef Jean-Pierre Vigato, and desserts by Christophe Michalak, aim to restore its culinary prestige. The renovation maintains the restaurant's historical charm while adding modern luxuries like air conditioning. The reopening was celebrated with a lavish masked ball, attracting notable guests and celebrities.

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French Senate Moma Group

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