PRESS REVIEW – Wednesday, November 19, 2025: First, migrants in Dunkirk are living in desperate conditions, while the "one in, one out" policy continues to be controversial in the United Kingdom. Next, Gustav Klimt's portrait of Elisabeth Lederer has become the most expensive piece of modern art in the world. Also, scientists trace the world's first kiss to around 21 million years ago. Finally, Scotland qualify for the 2026 World Cup in style. 

Libération has a special report on the "misery of migrants". It says that around 2,500 people are living in terrible conditions in the French city of Dunkirk. Six organisations have brought a legal case against the French state for not respecting human rights. On the other side of the channel, the Guardian looks at what happens to asylum seekers and migrants when they are sent back to France under the new "one in, one out" policy.  

In New York, the portrait of Elisabeth Lederer by Gustav Klimt has become the most expensive piece of modern art in the world. The Wall Street Journal reports that it was auctioned for $236 million at a Sotheby's sale. The New York Times explains that the art market has not been doing very well recently, but that six pieces currently on sale could be its lifeline. Plus, CNN looks at why we pay less for art made by women. 

The BBC reports that scientists have discovered the world's first kiss and have traced it back to 21 million years ago in large apes. The main question now is why animals and humans kiss. Some theories suggest a kiss is used to assess the compatibility of a partner. Meanwhile, Metro reports that a man in China who cryogenically froze his wife so he could resurrect her has found a new girlfriend.  

Finally, The Scotsman and Scottish football fans have something to celebrate: Scotland have qualified for the World Cup for the first time in 28 years!  

You can catch our press review every morning on France 24 at 7:20am and 9:20am (Paris time), from Monday to Friday.