After the 2015 terrorist attack on Charlie Hebdo, “I am Charlie” became a unifying slogan of free speech. Now it fuels divisions in an increasingly polarized country.
Author: Norimitsu Onishi and Constant Méheut
Macron, Once a Darling of Liberals, Shows a New Face as Elections Near
A centrist straddling France’s traditional political divide, President Emmanuel Macron now chases voters on the right and has alienated some supporters and members of his own party.
France’s Major Literary Juries Award Prizes in a Year of Scandal
Seven years ago, the judges behind France’s second-biggest literary prize honored a pedophile writer, Gabriel Matzneff. Now, they have turned to a little-known female writer from a small publisher.
France’s Dragnet for Extremists Sweeps Up Some Schoolchildren, Too
When France held a tribute to a teacher killed after a class on freedom of expression, the police interrogated at least 14 students over comments flagged as inappropriate.
France’s Hardening Defense of Cartoons of Muhammad Could Lead to ‘a Trap’
Once denounced by French leaders, the images are now defended across the political spectrum, widening a divide with Muslim nations and leaving many French Muslims alienated.
Killing of a Teacher, Samuel Paty, Raises Doubts About French Integration
For generations, public schools assimilated immigrant children into French society by instilling the nation’s ideals. The beheading of a teacher has raised doubts about whether that model still works.
Why Politicians in France Can’t Stop Talking About Crime
Statistics show a steady decline in major crimes. But what has intensified are the challenges to France’s traditional national identity, and the jockeying in the race to be the next president.
A Coded Word From the Far Right Roils France’s Political Mainstream
Using a term that suggests the society is turning “savage,” government ministers signal a shift from the center as President Macron prepares for a new political season.
Former Deputy Mayor of Paris Under Investigation in Rape Case
Christophe Girard, who has come under criticism for his longstanding support of the pedophile writer Gabriel Matzneff, has denied the allegations.
Beaten Back, the Coronavirus Regains Strength in France
Faced with an increase in infections, especially among young adults, French health officials are expanding mask rules and warning against complacence.