The Debate

By FRANCE 24 English

The Debate episodes

August 03, 2017 Neymar to PSG - Neymar's projected move to cost €222M
We talk about the world's favourite sport, soccer, and money. A big deal is in the offing right now - one that is expected to bring the Brazilian megastar Neymar to Paris. Eye-watering sums changing hands in football is relatively normal, but this deal is more than double the previous record. So what does it mean for French football, for the sport in general, and what targets might Qatar be interested in - other than those on the pitch? Produced by Catherine Nicholson, Fanny Dassie, Ivana Scatola
12 min
August 02, 2017 White House shake-up: Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci ousted
Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci joined the White House team on July 21, 2017. Ten days later, he was axed. Instead of getting the White House back on message, Scaramucci prompted negative headlines of his own. How much damage has this done to the White House?
12 min
August 02, 2017 Earth Overshoot Day: How Can We Create a Sustainable Future?
Today is Earth Overshoot Day, the day on which the world’s population has used up all of the Earth’s natural resources capacity for this year. The date has been occurring earlier for almost each year since 1971, when the group responsible for calculating this critical marker started publishing their data. Our guests join us to discuss the accuracy of this assessment, what it means for the planet, and what can be done to put a brake on this downward spiral. Produced by Fanny DASSIE, Wassim CORNET, and Van MEGUERDITCHIAN.
16 min
July 31, 2017 A chill wind between US and Russia - Which way is it blowing?
A chill diplomatic wind is blowing between Moscow and Washington. Vladimir Putin confirms that US must cut diplomatic staff by 755. This comes in response to earlier measures by the US against Russian diplomats. Where will this ramping up of tensions take the US and Russia, and how much blow back will there be for Europe, stuck in the middle.
11 min
July 27, 2017 The Battle for Venezuela: Pressure mounting on Maduro ahead of Sunday's vote
It used to be one of Latin America's wealthiest countries, but now the beleaguered nation of Venezuela is facing US-imposed sanctions. This comes as the country's opposition launched a two-day strike, increasing pressure on President Nicolas Maduro to scrap plans for a controversial new congress that would grant him sweeping powers. With the situation deteriorating so rapidly in Venezuela, has the country passed the point of no return? Produced by Yi SONG, François WIBAUX and Laure FOURQUET.
46 min
July 26, 2017 Poland Judicial Reforms: EU keeping door open to sanctions on Warsaw
The battle between Poland and Europe continues with the European Commission saying it's keeping the door open to possibly triggering sanctions against Poland. This despite the Polish president's rejection of parts of a legal overhaul that limits the independence of the courts. With Brussels imposing a one month ultimatum and Warsaw crying blackmail, it’s a tense stand-off that threatens the very institutions of Europe. Produced by François WIBAUX, Yi SONG and Van MEGUERDITCHIAN.
47 min
July 25, 2017 The Macron Touch: Can the new French president be Libya's peacemaker?
It's being seen as a major diplomatic win for the French president, Emmanuel Macron. Hosting a meeting in Paris between Libya's two main rival leaders, he is seeking to be a peacemaker for a country that's been racked with sectarian violence for the last six years. As a result, Fayez al-Sarraj, the prime minister of the U.N.-backed unity government, and General Khalifa Haftar, the Egyptian-backed commander of Libya's self-styled national army, agreed to a conditional ceasefire. Produced by Daniel BARNEY, François WIBAUX and Van MEGUERDITCHIAN.
44 min
July 24, 2017 Jerusalem Crisis: Who will play the peacemaker?
Violence between Israelis and Palestinians over Jerusalem's holiest site, Haram al-Sharif or the Temple Mount, has surged in recent days after Israel installed metal detectors at the compound. Amid many calls for restraint from the international community, one person has remained conspicuously silent: US President Donald Trump. Our panel of guests debates how the United States are – or in this case, are not – handling the crisis. Produced by Daniel BARNEY, François WIBAUX and Van MEGUERDITCHIAN.
46 min
July 20, 2017 Polish democracy under threat? EU warns Warsaw over judicial independence
Alarm bells are ringing across Europe as the balance of power changes in Poland. The lower house of parliament has passed a bill allowing the dismissal of Supreme Court justices, this after last Friday's legislation that lets lawmakers pick judges. It's got the EU considering the unprecedented step of suspending Poland's voting rights in Brussels. A case of meddling in domestic affairs, or is Poland undermining the EU's core values? What's the tipping point at which the bloc faces more divorces? Produced by Yi SONG, François WIBAUX and Laure FOURQUET.
47 min
July 19, 2017 'Let it fail': Trump's hands-off approach to governing
Six months into his presidency, there's no denying Donald Trump has brought a very different way of governing to the White House. Like his reality TV shows, it's a drama that seems part-scripted, part-improvised, with Twitter the weapon of choice to get his thoughts across. But does the seeming madness have a reason? Six months on, we're still wondering if he's got a grand plan. Produced by Yi SONG, Alessandro XENOS, Laure FOURQUET.
46 min

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A live debate on the topic of the day, with four guests. From Monday to Thursday at 7:10pm Paris time.

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