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France
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Monday, September 28, 2026
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France is grappling with multiple political controversies today, most notably revelations by Mediapart concerning alleged antisemitic writings by Jordan Bardella, the president of the far-right National Rally. Bardella denies the claims, which have drawn criticism from institutions like the CRIF. This comes as the country also sees a significant development in the corruption trial of Culture Minister Rachida Dati, with prosecutors seeking a prison sentence and her immediate ineligibility from public office.
In other news, Pope Léon XIV has concluded his four-day visit to France, departing Metz after a series of engagements, including a mass attended by President Emmanuel Macron. Meanwhile, social tensions are rising as public service unions plan a strike for September 29 over a proposed budget that freezes public sector pay, following weeks of mobilization by firefighters seeking more resources. A new investigation has also been launched into Jean-Emmanuel Casalta, the president of Public Sénat, over allegations of misusing public funds for personal travel.
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Mediapart has published alleged antisemitic and conspiracy-related private writings from Jordan Bardella, the current president of the National Rally, from early in his political career. Bardella denies these claims, calling them "gross falsehoods" and fabrications. The Representative Council of Jewish Institutions in France (CRIF) has reacted, stating that these revelations illustrate the limitations of the National Rally's efforts to "de-demonize" its image.
Mediapart:
Jordan Bardella Faces His Antisemitic Writings
Mediapart has uncovered exchanges from Jordan Bardella, the current leader of the RN party, from early in his political career, revealing what the publication describes as obsessive antisemitism. Bardella has denied the information, calling it 'gross falsehoods'.
Le Monde:
Mediapart Reports Antisemitic Remarks by Jordan Bardella
Mediapart has reported on alleged antisemitic and conspiracy-related remarks made by Jordan Bardella, president of the RN party, in private conversations from 2013. Bardella has denounced these claims as fabrications.
Le Monde:
CRIF Reacts to Mediapart's Bardella Revelations
The CRIF (Representative Council of Jewish Institutions in France) has commented on Mediapart's revelations concerning Jordan Bardella, describing them as an illustration of the limits of the RN party's 'de-demonization' efforts.
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Prosecutors have requested a four-year prison sentence, with two years suspended, and immediate ineligibility against Rachida Dati, the Minister of Culture. She is suspected of corruption and influence peddling at the European Parliament between 2009 and 2013 in connection with Renault-Nissan. The national financial prosecutor criticized her alleged intent to use a public mandate for personal gain.
Mediapart:
Prison Sentence and Immediate Ineligibility Requested Against Rachida Dati
Prosecutors have requested a four-year prison sentence, with two years suspended and convertible, against Rachida Dati. She is suspected of corruption and influence peddling at the European Parliament between 2009 and 2013 for Renault-Nissan.
Le Monde:
Prosecutor Criticizes Rachida Dati's Conduct in Corruption Trial
During the corruption trial of Rachida Dati, the national financial prosecutor criticized her alleged desire to capitalize on a public mandate for personal profit, requesting heavy penalties including prison time.
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Pope Léon XIV concluded his historic visit to France, departing Metz Cathedral after delivering his final "Alleluia" and before returning to Rome. During his visit, he emphasized European construction and peace, and notably linked the reception of migrants to a "rediscovery of our roots" while also stating that "human relations and relations between states are becoming increasingly barbaric." President Emmanuel Macron attended a mass celebrated by the Pontiff in Metz.
Le Monde:
Pope Leo XIV Departs Metz Cathedral After Visit to France
Pope Leo XIV concluded his visit to France by departing the Metz Cathedral amidst a crowd of faithful, after delivering his final 'Alleluia' and before flying back to Rome.
Le Monde:
Macron to Attend Mass Celebrated by Pope Leo XIV in Metz
French President Emmanuel Macron will attend the mass being celebrated by Pope Leo XIV at the Metz Cathedral, marking a significant engagement during the pontiff's visit.
Le Figaro:
Pope Léon XIV in Metz: Migration Linked to Rediscovering Roots
During his visit to Metz, Pope Léon XIV stated that the reception of migrants is conditional on a 'rediscovery of our roots.'
Le Figaro:
Pope Léon XIV Concludes Visit to France in Metz
Pope Léon XIV concluded his visit to France in Metz with a farewell ceremony, before flying back to Rome, emphasizing European construction and peace.
Le Figaro:
Editorial: The Political Art of Pope Léon XIV
An editorial suggests that while Pope Léon XIV's visit was spiritual, politicians should draw lessons from his political approach.
Le Figaro:
Pope Léon XIV: Relations Becoming More Barbaric
Pope Léon XIV, addressing European leaders, stated that 'human relations and relations between states are becoming increasingly barbaric.'
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Public sector workers across all three branches are called to strike and mobilize on September 29, in response to the government's proposed budget that freezes public sector pay for the third consecutive year. This comes as firefighters have already been on strike for three weeks, protesting a critical lack of resources and a proposed bill.
Mediapart:
September 29: Start of an Inflammable Social Re-entry
All three branches of the public service are called to strike and mobilize on Tuesday, September 29th, the day before the government presents a budget that freezes public sector pay for the third consecutive year. This first day of action could lead to further mobilizations.
Mediapart:
'We Are Striking for the People': Firefighters Mobilize for More Resources
Following a summer that highlighted a critical lack of resources, firefighters are mobilizing for more means. They have been on strike for three weeks and have set up a camp, angered by a proposed bill.
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Jean-Emmanuel Casalta, the president of Public Sénat, is under investigation for allegedly using professional expense accounts to cover personal travel, including flights to his home in Ajaccio and luxury hotel stays.
Mediapart:
Public Sénat President Pays for Trips with Public Money
Mediapart investigates the president of Public Sénat, Jean-Emmanuel Casalta, for allegedly using professional expense accounts to cover personal travel, including flights to his home in Ajaccio and luxury hotel stays.
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An article examines the current weak position of the French Green party (Les Écologistes) heading into the 2027 presidential election and its prospects against the dominance of La France Insoumise, featuring insights from former party leaders.
Mediapart:
End of the Road? Political Ecology Faces Strategic Impasse
The article examines the current weak position of the French Green party (Les Écologistes, formerly Les Verts/EELV) heading into the 2027 presidential election and its prospects against the dominance of LFI, featuring insights from former party leaders.
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