France's plan to save kids from screens and will it get harder to become French?
In the show this week, French interior minister has announced plans to toughen up the requirements for becoming French - including a possible new history and civics test. We'll look at what he's got in mind for future citizenship applicants and most importantly whether it will actually change anything.We'll also find out about new proposals in France to get kids off their screens. Could France make Instagram go black and white?And organised crime has hit the headline in France recently after a string of dramatic attacks on prisons. We'll find out how the government wants to bang up the bandits.And finally one French city faces an uncertain future because it's apparently built on very holy Swiss cheese and the mayor is worried it's all about to be gobbled up.Host Ben McPartland is joined by The Local France's Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and John Lichfield.Further readingOPINION: France's plan to 'toughen up' citizenship rules is just more smoke and mirrorsWhy do French ministers love to send 'circulaires'?France's ex-PM calls ‘state of emergency’ over children’s screen useFrance charges 21 prison attack suspects'Swiss cheese': Why this French city is worried about sinkholes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
--------
33:36
Do the French need to work harder and why is Nice the place to move to?
For this week's big talking points we'll look at what's happening on May Day in France, why French bakers are up in arms this year and whether there'll be any riots.And the future of France is at stake, according to the French PM and he's blaming the French for not working hard enough. We'll find out what needs to happen for France to be saved.And we'll hear why Americans are all moving to the French Riviera, why French doctors are not helping find a cure for the country's health problems and..... and .... whether ants in France could give you an electric shock.Yep stay to the end to find out exactly what I'm talking about.Ben McPartland your host is joined by.... the team from The Local France Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and John Lichfield.Articles to read: Demos and flowers: What May 1st really means to the FrenchWhat to expect from France's 2025 May Day protestsFrance debates stricter rules on doctors' practices in order to combat 'medical deserts'OPINION: French doctors cannot avoid regulation for everIs France really planning a 'tax raid' on pensioners?'A really efficient city': Why more and more Americans are moving to NiceAnt warning over France's Linky electricity meters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
--------
36:17
So who'll be the next president of France and three French laws you should know
It might be two years but the race - albeit a marathon rather than a sprint - to be the next president of France has already started. We’ll hear about who’s in the running, who might be out of it, and who has the best chance of winning.And we’ll tell you why US president Donald Trump is targeting a tiny French overseas territory and why Emmanuel Macron called on French companies to suspend investment in the US. We’ll find out about some historic French sites threatened with collapse or disappearing into the sea, like one unique fortress off the west coast that’s housed soldiers as well as tigers, snakes and spiders.And we’ll explore some rather unknown French laws that come into force this spring that involve anything from garden hedges to dogs. Listen to the end and we might save you from being fined.Host Ben McPartland is joined by guests Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and John Lichfield from The Local France.Further reading:OPINION: The race to defeat the French far right in 2027 starts nowSaint Pierre et Miquelon: Why does France have two islands off the Canadian coast?Macron calls for suspension of investment in US until tariffs clarifiedFort Boyard: How France plans to save its game-show fortressCars, dogs and hedges: 5 little-known rules for life in FranceFlying bells and giant omelettes: 8 ways the French celebrate Easter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
--------
34:52
What now for Le Pen after bombshell verdict and France's favourite dishes revealed
This new episode is not one you want to miss because shockwaves rippled around France this week when it was announced far right leader Marine Le Pen had been banned from standing for political office for the next five years. This could of course rule her out of the 2027 French presidential election.It's a huge story, it's all kicked off and we'll have all the latest looking at what happens next, what impact will the verdict have on French voters and whether Le Pen can somehow still make it to the starting blocks for that key 2027 election.And another row has flared up between France and the US this week that has angered many on this side of the Atlantic. We’ll explain what’s ignited that argument.And away from politics we'll fill you in on the apparent conflict spilling over in French bars and pubs across the country over the size of a beer glass.And we'll reveal France's favourite French dishes and voted for by ...the French and decide which region of the country can claim to be Queen of cuisine!Ben McPartland your host is joined as ever by the team at The Local France Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and John Lichfield.Extra reading: OPINION: Marine Le Pen is a martyr to nothing but her own greed and arroganceAppeals and rallies: What next for Marine Le Pen and the French far right?Does France practice 'diversity, equity and inclusion'?France slams US 'interference' in firms' diversity programmesThe 'pint wars' raging in French bars and cafésWhich French foods do French people love the most? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
--------
31:24
Crunch time for Le Pen, Ryanair's threat and McDonald's targets rural France
This week we'll look at a potential earthquake in French politics that could strike next week. That's when far right leader Marine Le Pen will find out whether she's been banned from standing in elections. Could she be banned? Should she be banned? What will happen if she is? We'll delve deep into all of those questions and try to come with some answers.We'll also find out about McDonald's vision of conquering rural France. Can the US fast food giant win the hearts and stomachs of French villagers?We'll explain why France is once again arguing over the rules of surrogacy and how the law compares to elsewhere in Europe plus we'll examine whether Ryanair has followed through with its threat to pull out of France.And we'll tell you the story of how Asterix and Obelix resisted the Romans but conquered France.Host Ben McPartland and is joined by the team at the Local France, Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and John Lichfield, who, if he was a character in Asterix he’d be called Politix.Related reading:OPINION: Le Pen's future hangs in the balance, and France is heading for a messy constitutional rowAsterix: Five things to know about France's favourite characterMcDonald's targets French villages with plans for 50 new outletsReader question: Is McDonald's really healthier in France?What are France's rules on surrogacy?What happened Ryanair's threats to pull out of France over 'eco tax'?LISTED: All the new flights to and from France in Spring 2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Talking France is The Local’s weekly podcast where we discuss the big news and talking points in France as well as explore and explain the major issues that impact life in the country. We also answer your essential questions and look ahead at what’s coming up.In each episode presenter Ben McPartland chats about the most important news and must-know information with The Local France’s Emma Pearson and Genevieve Mansfield. They are also frequently joined by John Lichfield, a veteran journalist whose knowledge of French news and politics is second to none, as well as other expert commentators. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
France