French Politics

Business

Presidential Endorsement Sends French Eyewear Maker Soaring, But Can It Revive a Fading Industry?

A pair of aviator sunglasses worn by French President Emmanuel Macron during a high-profile moment at Davos has triggered a global sales frenzy for the historic brand Henry Jullien. While the Italian-owned company sees its stock and orders surge, industry veterans question whether the presidential spotlight can stem the long-term decline of French eyewear manufacturing.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

MARA Secures French Nod for Exaion Acquisition, Gaining a Regulated Foothold in Europe's Digital Infrastructure

French regulators have greenlit MARA Holdings' takeover of EDF's data center unit Exaion, imposing strict conditions on energy use and data protection. The deal marks a significant, albeit tightly supervised, expansion of the bitcoin miner's European ambitions into high-performance computing.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Afternoon Brief: Measles Outbreak Surges, Ancient Tomb Unearthed, and the Politics of a Caffeine Fix

From a record-breaking public health crisis in South Carolina to a stunning archaeological find in Mexico, here are the major developments you need to know this afternoon, alongside a look at how global politics is reshaping daily life from Havana to your local coffee shop.

Jan 30, 2026

US

RFK Jr. on Family Ties After Tragic Loss: A Kennedy Divide Widened by Politics and Personal Grief

In an exclusive interview, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. addresses the state of his relationship with cousin Caroline Kennedy following the death of her daughter, Tatiana Schlossberg, last December. The tragedy unfolds against a backdrop of deep political rifts within America's most storied political dynasty.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Powell's Parting Advice: Navigating Politics and Policy as Warsh Prepares to Steer the Fed

As Jerome Powell prepares to hand over the reins, his public counsel to a successor underscores the delicate balance between central bank independence and democratic accountability. With Kevin Warsh named as his replacement, the Fed may be poised for a significant shift in philosophy and approach.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Channel Crossings in 2025: French Rescues Top 6,000 as Death Toll and Smuggler Tactics Evolve

France's maritime authority reports rescuing over 6,000 migrants from the English Channel last year, with at least 25 fatalities. Despite the peril, crossings persist at high volume, fueled by increasingly overcrowded boats and evolving smuggling methods.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

SEALSQ Bolsters French Tech Presence with 200-Strong Team Across Three Key Hubs

Semiconductor security firm SEALSQ deepens its investment in France, now employing around 200 specialists across its Toulouse, Aix-en-Provence, and Grenoble offices, positioning the country as a core R&D center for its post-quantum cryptography and secure chip technologies.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Geopolitics vs. Economics: Why Oil Giants Are Betting on Libya Over Venezuela

Despite political instability, Libya's low production costs and proximity to key markets are drawing major investment, while Venezuela's vast reserves remain hamstrung by economic and geopolitical hurdles.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Powell's Parting Counsel: In Final Stretch, Fed Chair Urges Successor to Steer Clear of Politics

With his term winding down, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell offered rare, pointed advice to his eventual successor during a recent press conference, emphasizing the imperative of maintaining the central bank's independence from political influence.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

France Slaps Uber with $2 Billion Tax Bill in Landmark Gig Economy Clash

French authorities have demanded 1.7 billion euros from Uber for unpaid payroll taxes, alleging the ride-hailing giant misclassified drivers as independent contractors to avoid employer obligations, a report reveals.

Feb 2, 2026

World

The Weight of a Word: How the 'Axis' Metaphor Reshapes Global Alliances and Rivalries

From Mussolini's Rome-Berlin Axis to Bush's 'Axis of Evil,' the term has evolved into a potent geopolitical label. Its revival to describe groupings like the 'Axis of Upheaval' reveals how language frames modern conflicts and defines the boundaries of legitimacy in international politics.

Feb 2, 2026

World

France Tightens Toxin Rules, Sparking Fresh Infant Formula Recalls

Two French infant formula makers have recalled multiple product batches following the government's decision to slash permissible levels of cereulide, a toxin linked to gastrointestinal illness. The move amplifies a global safety crisis that has seen major brands issue recalls across dozens of countries since late last year.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

SCOR Bolsters European Cyber Insurance Reach Through Lloyd's Partnership with Baobab

French reinsurer SCOR has expanded its underwriting capacity for Baobab Insurance's cyber policies in Germany and Austria, now covering companies with annual revenues up to €1 billion, marking a strategic push into Europe's industrial cyber risk market.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Capgemini Divests U.S. Unit Amid Scrutiny Over ICE Software Contract

French IT giant Capgemini moves to sell its U.S. government solutions subsidiary following political and internal pressure over its contract with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), as public debate intensifies around tech's role in immigration enforcement.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Atos Shares Surge 164% in a Year: Is the Turnaround Real or a Mirage?

The French IT giant's stock has skyrocketed over the past 12 months, dramatically outperforming the market. But with a volatile recent history and mixed long-term returns, investors are questioning whether the rally reflects a sustainable recovery or a speculative bounce. A deep dive into valuation metrics reveals a complex picture.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Inventiva's Roller Coaster Ride: Biotech Stock Soars 126% in a Year Amid Volatility and Valuation Debate

French biopharma firm Inventiva (ENXTPA:IVA) has delivered a stunning 126% total return to shareholders over the past year, sharply contrasting with losses over a three-year horizon. As the stock experiences short-term pullbacks, analysts debate whether its current €5.23 price reflects future promise or present hype, with a key drug candidate hanging in the balance.

Jan 30, 2026

World

France and Chad Chart New Course, Pivoting from Military Ties to Economic Partnership

Following a rupture in their longstanding security alliance, French President Emmanuel Macron and Chadian leader Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno have agreed to reset bilateral relations, placing future cooperation squarely in the economic and developmental sphere.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

France Blocks Eutelsat's Antenna Sale, Citing Sovereignty and Security Against Starlink Rivalry

The French government has intervened to halt the sale of Eutelsat's ground antenna network, labeling the satellite operator a strategic national asset crucial for both civilian and military communications in the face of growing competition from SpaceX's Starlink.

Jan 30, 2026

World

France Blocks Eutelsat's Ground Antenna Sale, Citing Strategic Sovereignty Concerns

The French government has intervened to stop satellite operator Eutelsat from selling its ground antenna assets, framing the move as a defense of European strategic autonomy against rivals like SpaceX's Starlink.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Ford-Xiaomi EV Partnership Talks Spark Debate on Chinese Automakers' U.S. Ambitions

Reports of discussions between Ford Motor Company and Chinese tech giant Xiaomi over a potential electric vehicle partnership have ignited industry speculation, despite both firms denying any imminent deal. The talks underscore the complex interplay of technology, geopolitics, and market access shaping the global EV race.

Feb 2, 2026