Focus

After the victory of Donald Trump and Brexit yea-sayers – has the time now come also for France’s Marine Le Pen? Pleased by the outcome in the US presidential election, the French far right is enjoying a similar phenomenon: The rejection of traditional parties and, more generally, the political elite as a whole. Some citizens' movements are now trying to gain control and invent new ways of doing politics. Our reporters went to find out more about the political forces vying for voters' attention. A programme prepared by Elom Marcel Toble and Jessica Sestili.

The Albanian government is pushing for a law that would legalise the importation of raw waste material into the country.

Authorities argue that this would provide a significant boost to the recycling sector and wider economy.

With Albania already struggling with tons of unprocessed rubbish imported from Italy and other Balkan states, many citizens have voiced doubts that the authorities can ably monitor the new influx of waste. Corruption too is a major concern, with Albania one of Europe’s most corrupt, according to Transparency International.

But the Tirana government insists that it is making progress in its attempts to attain EU standards.

In the past two years, thousands of French Jewish people have emigrated to Israel, a phenomenon known as Aliyah. Israeli authorities invest considerable resources in welcoming these newcomers and helping them settle into their new homeland. But adapting to their new life is not always easy. Our correspondent Cyril Payen reports from Jerusalem. A programme prepared by Patrick Lovett, Jessica Sestilli and Elom Marcel Toble.

Here in France, there's concern over a creeping gender segregation in certain suburbs. In some cafés, which are frequented only by men, women are simply not welcome. But activists are determined to fight back and make sure everyone can share the public space. This report was recently broadcast by our colleagues at France 2 and has been sparking conversations ever since. A programme prepared by Patrick Lovett, Jessica Sestilli and Elom Marcel Toble.

Prior to 1997, Sudan's railways, then the largest network on the continent, transported millions of tons of goods and passengers annually. But two decades of US sanctions have crippled the railway system. Unable to import spare parts to repair eroding tracks and a long-outdated fleet of locomotives, Sudan has been forced to ground most of its trains. Many Sudanese hope that during its final weeks in office, the Obama administration will partially lift the sanctions. A programme prepared by Patrick Lovett and Elom Marcel Toble

In Japan, some employees are literally working themselves to death. Death from overwork – known as "karoshi" in Japanese – is a problem for one in five Japanese companies, according to the first government white paper on the issue. The paper, released last month, shows that about 200 people die from overwork every year - mainly from heart attacks, strokes or suicide. But some Japanese think the government have not gone far enough. They want to see the official definition of karoshi expanded.

Now the families of victims are fighting to gain recognition of karoshi as a serious threat to the health of the nation's workforce. FRANCE 24 explores some of the social and corporate factors behind Japan’s culture of overwork.

A programme prepared by Patrick Lovett and Elom Marcel Toble.

A "hard" or a "soft" Brexit? The debate is still dominating headlines in Britain, as politicians argue over the merits of quitting the EU outright, or negotiating a new partnership with the bloc. The Brexit minister David Davies says that lower-skilled workers are likely to require work permits to enter the UK. Our correspondents report on the possible impact of a "hard Brexit" on small and medium enterprises in the London area, which often rely heavily on foreign workers. A programme prepared by Patrick Lovett and Elom Marcel Toble.

In this edition we head to Morocco to look at a reform spearheaded by King Mohammed VI himself: the simplification and modernisation of compulsory Islamic education in state schools. Authorities make no secret of the policy's main objective: to promote morality and open-mindedness amongst its youth while preventing the worrying spread of Islamic fundamentalism within the kingdom. Our correspondents report on the changes. A programme prepared by Patrick Lovett and Elom Marcel Toble.

Last month, the Indian government announced drastic measures to tackle corruption and the parallel economy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi decided to remove 86% of the country's cash from circulation in a bid to digitize the cash economy. However the bold move has provoked a frenzy, as 300 million Indians do not have a bank account and are struggling to cope. Our correspondents went to meet some of them. A programme prepared by Patrick Lovett and Elom Marcel Toble

In Ivory Coast, the trafficking of fake and contraband medicine is a serious public health problem. Up to 40% of medical products bought in the country are picked up on the streets. They are imported from as far away as India and China. The drugs are cheap, easy to find and don't require a prescription. But more often than not, consumers have no idea what they are taking. The country is now stepping up the fight against the illegal trade, as our team on the ground reports. A programme prepared by Patrick Lovett and Elom Marcel Toble.