1 May Briefing
TotalEnergies reported a 51 percent rise in first-quarter profit to €4.96 billion, driven by elevated energy prices amid the US-Israeli war on Iran. French political parties across the spectrum renewed calls for a windfall "superprofits" tax: left-wing groups (LFI, Socialists, Communists, Greens) made the demand explicit; the centre and Republicans raised it more conditionally.
Top Stories
All Events
Every other event tracked in France today, with a one-line preview.
fr36Macron visits Orion-26 exercises, stresses adaptation to threats
The French military's Exercise Orion, a high-intensity conflict simulation involving over 12,000 troops, continues with President Macron visiting the Aube and Marne departments. Macron stated France must adapt to threats to remain a power respected by allies and feared by enemies. The exercises, the largest since the Cold War, include NATO allies and test modern combat technologies. During his visit, Macron reiterated the need for adaptation, emphasizing the influence of the Ukrainian context and geopolitical tensions. The exercises involve over 12,000 troops from France and NATO allies, 2,000 tactical vehicles, 30 helicopters, and 800 combat drones, simulating an aggression by an enemy country.
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Macron visits Orion-26 exercises, stresses adaptation to threats
The French military's Exercise Orion, a high-intensity conflict simulation involving over 12,000 troops, continues with President Macron visiting the Aube and Marne departments. Macron stated France must adapt to threats to remain a power respected by allies and feared by enemies. The exercises, the largest since the Cold War, include NATO allies and test modern combat technologies. During his visit, Macron reiterated the need for adaptation, emphasizing the influence of the Ukrainian context and geopolitical tensions. The exercises involve over 12,000 troops from France and NATO allies, 2,000 tactical vehicles, 30 helicopters, and 800 combat drones, simulating an aggression by an enemy country.
The French military's Exercise Orion, a high-intensity conflict simulation involving over 12,000 troops, continues with President Macron visiting the Aube and Marne departments. Macron stated France must adapt to threats to remain a power respected by allies and feared by enemies. The exercises, the largest since the Cold War, include NATO allies and test modern combat technologies. During his visit, Macron reiterated the need for adaptation, emphasizing the influence of the Ukrainian context and geopolitical tensions. The exercises involve over 12,000 troops from France and NATO allies, 2,000 tactical vehicles, 30 helicopters, and 800 combat drones, simulating an aggression by an enemy country.
fr33CGT accuses French business leaders of collaborating with far-right National Rally
Sophie Binet, secretary general of the CGT, condemned French business leaders for holding meetings with far-right National Rally leaders Jordan Bardella and Marine Le Pen, accusing them of prioritizing economic interests over democratic values and comparing their actions to collaboration during the Vichy regime. The criticism follows a series of meetings, including Le Pen's dinner with Medef president Patrick Martin and other top executives, and Bardella's meeting with the Medef executive bureau.
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CGT accuses French business leaders of collaborating with far-right National Rally
Sophie Binet, secretary general of the CGT, condemned French business leaders for holding meetings with far-right National Rally leaders Jordan Bardella and Marine Le Pen, accusing them of prioritizing economic interests over democratic values and comparing their actions to collaboration during the Vichy regime. The criticism follows a series of meetings, including Le Pen's dinner with Medef president Patrick Martin and other top executives, and Bardella's meeting with the Medef executive bureau.
Sophie Binet, secretary general of the CGT, condemned French business leaders for holding meetings with far-right National Rally leaders Jordan Bardella and Marine Le Pen, accusing them of prioritizing economic interests over democratic values and comparing their actions to collaboration during the Vichy regime. The criticism follows a series of meetings, including Le Pen's dinner with Medef president Patrick Martin and other top executives, and Bardella's meeting with the Medef executive bureau.
fr23French unions rally to defend Labour Day as paid holiday amid government push for exemptions
French unions are mobilizing on Labour Day to defend the status of 1 May as a mandatory paid holiday, opposing government proposals to allow artisan bakers and florists to open with volunteer staff paid double time. The government plans a 2027 law to formalize branch agreements. Unions also protest declining manufacturing jobs and demand higher wages amid inflation and rising energy costs.
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French unions rally to defend Labour Day as paid holiday amid government push for exemptions
French unions are mobilizing on Labour Day to defend the status of 1 May as a mandatory paid holiday, opposing government proposals to allow artisan bakers and florists to open with volunteer staff paid double time. The government plans a 2027 law to formalize branch agreements. Unions also protest declining manufacturing jobs and demand higher wages amid inflation and rising energy costs.
French unions are mobilizing on Labour Day to defend the status of 1 May as a mandatory paid holiday, opposing government proposals to allow artisan bakers and florists to open with volunteer staff paid double time. The government plans a 2027 law to formalize branch agreements. Unions also protest declining manufacturing jobs and demand higher wages amid inflation and rising energy costs.