French PM Sebastien Lecornu has resigned. Let’s just get this straight: we’re talking about a Prime Minister whose tenure lasted a mere 17 hours. That’s right, a little over half a day. This isn’t just a short term; it’s practically a blink of an eye in political time, setting a new record – and not a particularly flattering one – for the shortest-lived government in French history. The previous record holder, from the Fourth Republic, managed to hang on for a whole three days. Lecornu barely made it through a single day before the whole thing imploded.
For some context, even Liz Truss, whose time as UK Prime Minister was widely ridiculed, enjoyed a significantly longer stint in office.… Continue reading
French authorities have arrested the captain and first officer of the sanctioned tanker Boracay, suspected of operating for Russia’s “shadow fleet” after the French navy boarded the vessel near Saint-Nazaire. The two crew members are accused of failing to provide proof of the ship’s nationality and not complying with orders, and their detention has been extended. The Boracay, sanctioned by Britain and the EU, had previously been tracked near Denmark, with its movements coinciding with drone activity that caused airport closures. The Kremlin has stated it has no information about the vessel, but that Russian military has to act at times.
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French authorities have boarded the Boracay, a Russia-linked tanker blacklisted by the EU, following its presence off the Danish coast during a period of mysterious drone flights. President Macron confirmed the investigation into “serious offenses” committed by the crew, though he remained cautious about directly linking the ship to the Danish drone incidents. The investigation was launched after the crew’s failure to justify the vessel’s nationality and refusal to cooperate with authorities. The Boracay is part of Russia’s “shadow fleet” of tankers, which are suspected of helping Russia circumvent oil export sanctions.
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In a significant move amidst the ongoing Gaza war, France recognized Palestinian statehood at a high-profile United Nations meeting aimed at garnering support for a two-state solution. This announcement, met with applause, is part of a growing trend, with other nations like the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Portugal also recognizing Palestinian statehood. While the impact on the ground in the conflict is uncertain, the meeting highlighted the international community’s support for a Palestinian state alongside Israel, despite opposition from the Israeli government. The move is supported by many as a way to resolve the conflict, while others are concerned that the move will reward Hamas.
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France’s richest man, LVMH’s Arnault, slams proposed billionaire tax, and it’s honestly not surprising. The core sentiment echoing through this whole situation is a giant, collective eye-roll. Seriously, a billionaire objecting to a proposed tax aimed at the ultra-wealthy? It’s the kind of news that confirms suspicions rather than shocks. The fact that this tax is being considered in France, with its rich history of, shall we say, addressing the concerns of the wealthy, just adds another layer of intrigue.
The proposed tax, targeting wealth exceeding 100 million euros, has understandably ruffled some feathers. The context here is the pressure on Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, who is facing a potential confidence vote if he doesn’t include it in the 2026 budget.… Continue reading
The subject matter directly confronts the core issue: Trump’s decision to sue The New York Times. This action, we’re told, isn’t just about the specific articles questioning his achievements. It’s a tactic. A very familiar one. Trump is reportedly suing the Times because of articles that, in his view, undermine his narrative of success. This all seems a bit rich, doesn’t it? Especially considering the context.
This isn’t the first time. In 2021, he sued them over articles examining his finances and tax records. That suit was dismissed, and he was ordered to pay the Times’ legal expenses. Then there was the 2020 suit from his re-election campaign, which challenged an opinion essay.… Continue reading
Ashur Sarnaya, a Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian man with special needs, was fatally attacked during a live social media broadcast in Lyon, France, on September 10, 2025. The assailants, who remain unidentified, stabbed Sarnaya in the neck before fleeing the scene, prompting an ongoing police investigation. Sarnaya, a vocal critic of Islamist groups on social media, had received death threats and sought refuge in France after fleeing ISIS in Iraq. Authorities are investigating the motive behind the attack, considering various possibilities, while the case has drawn comparisons to the killing of another Chaldean-Syriac-Assyrian activist, Salwan Momika.
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The French government was toppled in a no-confidence vote, forcing President Emmanuel Macron to find his fourth prime minister in a year. Prime Minister François Bayrou lost the vote after his budget plan, which included deep spending cuts, alienated lawmakers across the political spectrum. The collapse of the government creates uncertainty and instability amid significant fiscal challenges and global unrest. Macron’s struggle to build parliamentary support, due to a fragmented legislature, has left his domestic ambitions stymied while he maintains authority over foreign policy.
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Following a high-level meeting in Paris, the Coalition of the Willing is formulating plans for European troop deployment in Ukraine, with several nations, including the UK and France, offering significant military commitments. The proposed European ground mission could involve 25,000–30,000 troops, though the specifics of their objectives, including whether they would focus on training or broader operations, are still under discussion. While the UK, France, and others are prepared to deploy forces, the extent of involvement from the United States and Germany remains uncertain. Deployment will depend on several factors including a peace agreement and parliamentary approvals.
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A leaked Health Ministry memo directs French hospitals to prepare for a “major military engagement” in Europe, with full readiness expected by March 2026. The memo instructs hospitals to establish medical staging centers near ports and airports and to be prepared to receive and treat up to 50,000 wounded personnel over several months. The directive also emphasizes staff training on wartime constraints, trauma care, and the importance of mental health support. The government maintains this is contingency planning, preparing for various crises, including a high-intensity conflict, as part of a broader European effort.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker