François Hollande has recently met with the controversial king of Bahrain and Gabon’s president - leaders accused of being repressive or corrupt. The meetings have not been kept secret, but have been discreet.
French papers, Friday 10th August 2012: Le Monde looks at the extended reaction to Nicolas Sarkozy's comments on Syria; Libération examines why a decision by France's top court is good news for the President; and Le Figaro says camping is making a comeback!
The French papers focus on good news for France's athletes at the Olympics, but disappointment at the new government's lack of ambitious reforms so far - this as ministers depart for their summer break.
FRENCH PAPERS, Tues. 31/07/12: There's growing concern about the rise of jidahist fighters in Syria; Le Figaro outlines French proposals for UN intervention in Mali; Le Monde weighs up the contenders for the UMP's top job; and L'Humanité investigates why less French people are going on holiday.
Hungry for medals and hoping for gold - the 332 members of Team France prepare to take London by storm. Next, is French society sexist? A recent incident in the National Assembly is sparking controversy. Finally, we look at why France is still the world's top tourist destination.
IN THE PAPERS NATIONAL, 23/07/2012: Libération applauds François Hollande for reaffirming the responsibility of French authorities in the Vel'Hiv round-up of Jewish citizens, 70 years ago. Many papers point out that the French president is following in Jacques Chirac's footsteps. Meanwhile, the battle for the top job has started in the opposition UMP party. And Le Figaro says France is going to experience a "great fiscal exodus" after the government said it would tax high earners 75%.
After four days of sometimes fierce debate, French lawmakers have approved a revised 2012 budget that includes hiking taxes on the wealthy and ending former president Nicolas Sarkozy's policy of exempting overtime hours from payroll charges.
France's lower house voted Thursday to end a tax exemption on overtime hours and approved a tax rise on those with a net worth of more than €1.3 million. The new Socialist government holds a majority in both houses of parliament.
A female minister wears a skimpy summer dress to address parliament and is heckled. The incident has sparked a debate about sexism in French politics. We also look at how tweets are fuelling rumours about events in Syria. That's Media Watch for this Thursday 19th July, 2012.
On the eve of Bastille Day, François Hollande's nickname 'Rain Man' appears unthreatened with forecasts there'll be stormy weather. He's been soaked at virtually every major public event he's attended. Also stormy is the family situation. The French media is also looking at the return of partner Valérie Trierweiler aka 'The Rottweiler'. That's the focus for this Media Watch, Friday 13th 2012.
