Posts Tagged: Francois Hollande

Sarkoleaks blame game heats up

March 12, 2024 by Lara Vergnaud in Europe.

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy (John Berry/Getty Image)

To the president’s credit, however, he is keeping a low profile, even as his ministers stumble over their respective (and unexpected) roles in the Sarkoleaks scandal.

U.N. pledges C.A.R. troops to help beleaguered France

March 7, 2024 by Lara Vergnaud in Africa.

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French soldiers of the BOALI operation in Central African Republic stand guard at a checkpoint near Bangui Airport on October 10, 2013. AFP PHOTO / ISSOUF SANOGO

French President François Hollande’s hope to repeat his Mali success – i.e., a quick military operation, plus international and domestic laudits – was quick to dissipate once French boots landed in Bangui.

Leaked tapes threaten Sarkozy’s comeback

March 5, 2024 by Lara Vergnaud in Europe.

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Sarkozy’s camp is furious at what it calls a “betrayal,” noting the tapes are “akin to a type of rape.”

Nigeria’s unification centenary rings hollows

February 27, 2024 by Lara Vergnaud in Africa.

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Nigerian soldiers march before flags of participating countries during a joint military exercise between Nigerian armed forces, United States, Britain, Netherlands and Spain in Lagos on October 18, 2013.

But even if the Elysée is willing to extend a helping hand to Abuja, it is not without some conditions.

Mali’s junta purge continues amid tensions in North

February 14, 2024 by Lara Vergnaud in Africa.

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A French army convoy leaves camp at sunrise on November 2, 2013, during Operation Hydra near Gao in northern Mali.

With troops mired down in the Central African Republic, France needs its Mali success to remain just that.

France’s far right seizes on Swiss immigration debate

February 12, 2024 by Lara Vergnaud in Europe.

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French far right party Front National (FN) leader Marine Le Pen speaks during a public party meeting in Bergerac, on November 9, 2013. AFP PHOTO / NICOLAS TUCAT

Le Pen’s rabble rousing – accorded a semblance of legitimacy by the fact that it is following Switzerland’s lead – will resonate well among the FN’s conservative base.

Hollande launches U.S. visit, as Africa policy flip-flops

February 10, 2024 by Lara Vergnaud in Europe, U.S..

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Monday saw the Elysée shying away from intervention in Libya — a hotbed of al Qaeda-linked terrorism if ever there was one.

France prepares for anti-government demonstrations — again

January 31, 2024 by Lara Vergnaud in Europe.

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Supporters of the Olympic Lyonnais French football club demonstrate in Lyon's streets, on November 10, 2013, as they protest against the ban that was imposed on them which blocks the access for supporters to attend the French Ligue 1 football match between Saint-Etienne (ASSE) and Olympique Lyonnais (OL) tonight at the Geoffroy Guichard stadium in Saint-Etienne, central-eastern France. AFP PHOTO / ROMAIN LAFABREGUE

A mass rally is scheduled to take place in Paris on Sunday, February 2 to protest the Socialist government’s so-called “anti-family” stance.

Hollande looks to sidestep politics in Turkey visit

January 27, 2024 by Lara Vergnaud in Europe.

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Hollande’s visit is the first by a head of state since mass protests broke out in Turkey last summer, followed by a brutal, and widely censured, government crackdown.

Critics mobilize as Hollande popularity dips

January 21, 2024 by Lara Vergnaud in Europe.

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French President Francois Hollande looks on during the opening of a fire and rescue department on January 18, in Tulle, France.

Their motto is succinct: “Hollande out!”

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