Politics
Israeli Envoy Reaffirms Need for Direct Talks With Palestine
Future discussions on breaking the deadlock between Israel and Palestine require a direct dialog without preconditions between the two states, and not a multilateral approach as favored by…
Hollande’s Diplomatic Advisor Meets the AAPA
A group of AAPA journalists were given a rare opportunity last October 6 to meet with Jacques Audibert, France’s top diplomatic advisor to President Francois Hollande.
In the…
France to Push Through Health Service Reforms
France’s national health service may be one of the best in the world, but it urgently needs reform to make it more efficient and less costly, Marisol Touraine, Minister of Social Affairs, Health and Women's…
Helping in Trouble Spots Carries Risks, Fabius Says
France is eager to help out in the world’s trouble spots, but there’s also a risk that a big Western power coming to the aid of the citizens of a foreign country can actually aggravate a situation, French…
France Confirms Crackdown Policies on Terror Networks, Radicalisation
France is preparing tough, judicial measures to deal with terrorists, dangerous “jihadists” and those who justify “Jihad,” French Justice Minister Christiane Taubira told two dozen AAPA…
Government Spokesman Discusses Europe, National Front’s Rise
Europe inevitably dominated the off-the-record discussion when AAPA members met government spokesman and agriculture minister Stéphane Le Foll days after the stinging defeat of ruling…
NKM Briefs The AAPA on Her Plans for Paris
Right-wing candidate for Mayor of Paris, Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet (NKM), was the latest local, political figure to meet with the AAPA ahead of the March municipal elections and explain her positions on issues…
Paris Mayor Hopeful Makes Waves With London Comments
Socialist Anne Hidalgo, running hard to become Paris' first female mayor, created headlines in France and abroad with barbed comments about London when she met with the AAPA at her campaign…
Le Pen Predicts the Demise of “Bi-polar” Politics in France
It was a classic performance by Marine Le Pen when she met with the AAPA on Jan. 19. Ever-combative and dynamic but with a twist of selective moderation that fits the new image of the National Front leader as she tries to reshape the image of her far-right party, she is embarking on a skilful marketing campaign ahead of upcoming French municipal and European elections. Ms. Le…
French PM Hosts AAPA for a Second Time
Prime Minister Jean-Mark Ayrault once again took time from his busy schedule to talk to AAPA members on May 23 over lunch at the Hôtel Matignon. As with the previous session on April 11, Mr. Ayrault requested that his remarks be off-record. The conversation covered a wide area, including the French and German political scenes and the controversial "marriage pour tous" legislation, and…