France in focus

By FRANCE 24 English

France in focus episodes

December 03, 2021 New Caledonia torn over issue of independence from France
In this edition, we take you to the South Pacific and the French territory of New Caledonia, which is gearing up for a high-stakes vote on independence on December 12. While other overseas territories are fully integrated into France, New Caledonia stands apart because it is still considered a colony. The reasons for that are rooted in its history – we take a closer look. To fully understand what's at stake, we speak to anthropologist and historian Benoît Trépied.
13 min
November 26, 2021 Entering France's Pantheon: A highly political decision
This week, we take you behind the scenes of one of Paris's most beautiful landmarks: the Panthéon. A symbol of France’s values and collective memory, the mausoleum houses the remains of some of the country's most esteemed men and women. On November 30, the Franco-American performer Josephine Baker will be honoured there. But this selection requires more than just excellence. The choice is at the discretion of the president, and the reasons behind it are very political. FRANCE 24 explains.
12 min
November 12, 2021 The growing anger of French midwives
In France, around 2,000 babies are born every single day, helped along by an army of some 25,000 registered midwives. But it's a profession in crisis. From difficult working conditions and low pay, to complaints about inadequate training, French midwives are sounding the alarm and are increasingly getting organised. We meet Chantal Birman, who was a midwife for five decades. She's the protagonist of a new documentary about her long career working with mothers and babies.
12 min
November 05, 2021 Reaching carbon neutrality: Why France lags behind on its environmental goals
A key part of the global fight to tackle global warming is the idea of carbon neutrality – a state of net zero carbon dioxide emissions. Like many countries and institutions around the world, France has committed to going carbon neutral by 2050. So how exactly is the country planning to get there and, crucially, how is it going so far?
10 min
October 22, 2021 Behind the screen: The dangers of excessive exposure for France's youth
This week, we’re focusing on how France is handling screen addiction in kids. According to the latest figures, over 70 percent of 12- to 17-year-olds in France are in possession of a personal cellphone, the main culprit when it comes to screen dependency. For more on the workings and possible responses to "screen dependency disorder", we meet paediatrician Sylvie Dieu Osika, who is part of a collective of doctors fighting for the issue to become a priority for French authorities.
13 min
October 15, 2021 Remembering the 1961 massacre of Algerians in the heart of Paris
This week marks 60 years since some 200 Algerians were murdered in central Paris by French police. At the height of the Algerian War of Independence, thousands of people, most of them Algerians living in the suburbs of Paris, descended on the capital demanding an end to French colonial rule in Algeria. The state's response was brutal, and those responsible for the massacre enjoyed protection for many years. We look back at the terrible events of October 17, 1961 and hear from a 92-year-old eyewitness.
12 min
October 08, 2021 France marks 40 years since abolition of death penalty
It's been exactly 40 years since France's then Socialist government made good on one of François Mitterrand's campaign promises and abolished capital punishment. It was Justice Minister Robert Badinter who spearheaded the push for the death penalty to be scrapped after nearly two centuries of debate. We take a closer look at this chapter in French history. We're also joined by Sandrine Ageorges-Skinner, a French woman who's married to Hank Skinner, a man on death row in Texas. She's long been a campaigner against the death penalty and tells us more about her activism.
14 min
September 24, 2021 Sounding off: The hidden cost of noise pollution in France
This week, we’re focusing on noise pollution in France, in the wake of a new report. For many people living in Paris and other French cities, learning to live with a constant din has become an everyday challenge. To find out more about the medical and financial cost of noise pollution, we talk to Bruitparif director Fanny Mietlicki, who heads the health and environment committee at the National Council for Noise.
12 min
September 17, 2021 Childhood obesity in France: The fight against stigma and stereotypes
According to the latest figures, obesity levels are on the rise, especially among France's youngsters. They're up by at least 75 percent, with 34 percent of 2 to 7-year-olds currently considered overweight or obese. But what actually qualifies as childhood obesity, what stigma does it carry and how does it affect children and their health? We speak to Professor Patrick Tounian, an advisor to the Anti-Obesity League.
13 min
September 03, 2021 November 2015 Paris attacks: Unprecedented trial set to open
On November 13, 2015, gunmen and suicide bombers targeted France's national stadium, a string of Paris bars and restaurants and a packed concert venue, leaving 130 people dead. On September 8 of this year, the trial of 20 people accused of playing a part in those terror attacks is due to begin at a specially built courtroom in Paris. Close to 1,800 civil plaintiffs have been allotted five weeks to give their evidence.
14 min