French president François Hollande took the biggest gamble of his two-year-old presidency on Monday by ordering his reformist prime minister to form a new government which will exclude Socialist dissidents demanding an end to economic austerity policies dictated by Germany. Continue reading…
Tag Archives: Hollande
Valérie Trierweiler spent more than previously thought, says report
Valérie Trierweiler cost the French taxpayer €481,900 (£381,000) last year as France’s “first lady”, a figure considerably higher than previously reported, according to an official audit. Continue reading…
François Hollande versus the French people: president flops in TV questioning
François Hollande, the most unpopular French president in living memory, demonstrated the perils of wanting to be known as the “normal” leader by subjecting himself to a surreal hour-long television and radio grilling to mark the second anniversary of his election. Continue reading …
CAR: French public fears “mission creep” as operation drags on
When President François Hollande ordered French troops into the Central African Republic
ostensibly to avert a “genocide” by Muslim rebels who had seized power, the operation
was named “Sangaris” after a butterfly to reflect its intended brief life.
Almost three months later, the French parliament is to vote tomorrow on extending the
operation, amid claims the government underestimated the potential for a backlash by the
Christian majority the troops were sent to protect. Continue reading…
Valerie Trierweiler speaks publicly for first time since split with Hollande
Valérie Trierweiler has broken a two-day silence since her split from the French president, François Hollande, saying she intends to continue her public profile working for charity. Continue reading…
Anne Penketh 