Press Review

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An overview of the stories making the French and international newspaper headlines. From Monday to Friday live at 7:20am and 9:20am Paris time.

  1. 1 day ago

    New Pegasus spyware revelations as French PM visits Morocco

    PRESS REVIEW - Thursday, July 7: we look into new revelations on the Moroccan surveillance apparatus, five years after the first wave of the Pegasus spyware scandal. In other news, support for Israel is floundering on both sides of the political spectrum in Washington ahead of Israeli prime Minister Bejamin Netanyahu's visit this weekend. Finally, we look at international reactions to the World Cup semi-final, when Argentina made a historic comeback, quashing the Three Lions' hope of putting an end to 60 years of hurt. Five years ago, revelations of Israeli-made spyware Pegasus, purchased by Morocco, was being used to spy on various high-ranking French officials, including the then defence minister, Sébastien Lecornu. Now Prime Minister, Lecornu is on an official visit to Morocco, where new revelations related to the scandal have come to light. Investigative outlet Forbidden Stories reports a group of representatives of Israeli company NSO spending 10 days in a villa in central Rabat in 2017, long before the two countries had normalised bilateral relations. They wowed Moroccan officials with what Pegasus could do: remotely activating cameras and microphones and extracting text messages or data with a single click. Nearly a decade after, a consortium of 15 news outlets have secured the rare testimony of a whistleblower who was formerly employed by the Moroccan secret services. Le Monde broke down some of what he said: Pegasus was only ever used by Moroccan authorities as a last resort, and that they were buyers of other technologies before and after it came on the scene. They also describe the physical surveillance techniques used on one prominent critic of the monarchy, Omar Radi, who saw his phone tapped, miniature cameras installed in his home light fittings, and his every conversation transcribed. This ended only when he was arrested for espionage, rape and sexual assault, for which he was found guilty in a trial "fraught with irregularities". He later received a royal pardon. In the US, the Washington Post is covering the choice of 103 house Democrats to vote for an amendment (albeit a symbolic one) to end military aid to Israel. Brought by a Republican lawmaker as an “America first” measure, all of the other votes came from the left of the house, including the opposition chief whip Katherine Clark, who said "we should not provide a blank check for military aid to any country that does not comply with US law, interests and values." And a headline in the Wall Street Journal suggests Israel's rift with the US extends far beyond its critics on the left, as the periodical reports that JD Vance suspects an Israeli PR campaign of financing influencers to attack him online. He further accuses Israel of running a "foreign influence campaign" to "tank" the peace deal he is attempting to reach with Tehran. His response to which is, "well, go to hell". Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected in Washington on Saturday. And in the football, Argentinian sporting magazine Olé exalts a historic comeback, with one columnist asking, "is it unprofessional to admit one is writing through tears"? Spanish newspaper Marca heralds "the most beautiful final in the world" as Spain and Argentina, European and World championship holders, brace to face one another on Sunday. Argentinian periodical Clarin headlines on the victors’ controversial banner 'The Malvinas are Argentinian', reviving a decades-old sovereignty dispute over the Falkland Islands which are recognised as a British overseas territory. The banner could land the team with sanctions from FIFA. Though, it is unlikely that anything will dampen the team’s spirits after last night's victory. Meanwhile, in England, the Daily Express are not mincing words with the headline "End of the world". While the Sun splashes the heartbreak of captain Harry Kane, the tears of goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and the despair of Jude Bellingham across the front page, with the headline "Wonderbawl" – a reference to the Oasis song-cum-unofficial England anthem "Wonderwall". And amid the pathos of 60 years of hurt, a look at a BBC story from yesterday: the fan who was so confident football was finally coming home that he spent £550 on a commemorative tattoo. His prediction for the semi-final was a 3-0 win for England. It is a disappointment he won’t easily forget, as it is inked all the way up his right shin.

  2. 2 days ago

    After the 'near oppressive' clean girl era, cigarettes are trendy again

    PRESS REVIEW – Wednesday, July 15: French papers weep, while the Spanish press celebrates the World Cup semi-final. Also in France, papers discuss the assisted dying bill that will be voted on today. Finally: are cigarettes back in vogue?  PRESS REVIEW – Wednesday, July 15: French papers weep, while the Spanish press celebrates the World Cup semi-final. Also in France, papers discuss the assisted dying bill that'll be voted on today. Finally: are cigarettes back in vogue?  French papers are reacting to Les Bleus' loss. July 14 is now a “day of national defeat” for France, according to So Foot. “That’s what you call a rude awakening, and it hurts”, writes the magazine, adding that “everything was going so well”, until the match against Spain. Aujourd’hui en France says that expectations are premeditated regrets. It writes that the “dream” was big and so is the sadness now. By looking up at the sky too much, Les Bleus tripped over their own feet and their dream turned into a “shooting star”. L’Equipe writes that the players “outclassed in every aspect, unable to live up to their dreams and the hope they had raised”.  Meanwhile, the Spanish press is ecstatic. “Qué grandes” – "How great they are", writes Mundo Deportivo – especially Lamine Yamal, who is only 19 years old. “Deschamps’ team arrived radiating an aura of power and invincibility. But if there was one team capable of winning, it was Spain and they did it”, says the sports daily. It also praises “the magnificent soccer, the impeccable attitude, and the total commitment” of La Roja that managed to deliver “a true masterclass in soccer”. “A lesson for the whole world,” according to AS, which describes “a thrilling match” and a “dazzling performance” that will send Spain to its second World Cup final. La Roja has crushed Les Bleus, handing them a “historic” thrashing, according to Marca. The paper thanks the players for their “unforgettable spectacle”.   Back to France, where deputies are set to vote on the country's divisive assisted dying bill – one of Emmanuel Macron's flagship promises. Left-wing paper Libération welcomes the adoption of what it defines as a “major societal reform, supported by a majority of French people”. According to the newspaper, “this vote will be a relief for many people suffering from incurable illnesses and in great pain – and for their loved ones”. Right-wing paper Le Figaro is opposed to the bill. It says that the legislation “divides both the executive branch and the French public”. L’Opinion reports on “hesitations emerging among lawmakers who are aware they are living through a historic moment”. Nine prominent lawmakers who are against the bill made a final appeal in the Catholic newspaper La Croix. Here’s a quote from one of them: “Fighting suffering can never mean eliminating the sufferer (...) because no one should have to choose between suffering and dying”. Finally: some news about pop star Dua Lipa. The Guardian reports that she said the Albanian protests against the Jared Kushner-backed resort are “inspiring," adding “the flamingo revolution has won its most prominent supporter yet”. The paper recalls that she was partially raised in Pristina and her parents are of Kosovan Albanian descent. But the flamingo revolution is not the only one she’s leading. The Washington Post writes that cigarettes are back in vogue, and celebrities like Dua Lipa and Gracie Abrams are at the forefront of the trend. If you ask, “are cigarettes back?” some people will tell you they never left. But the attitude towards cigarette smokers did, writes the paper. Kylie Jenner – one of the world’s most famous influencers – is smoking on the cover of Vanity Fair. Hailey Bieber also held a cigarette for her Interview Magazine shoot. And Charli XCX had a cigarette tray for guests at her wedding. The paper explains that cigarettes feel retro and very analogue. After the “near oppressive wellness” and “clean girl” era, the vintage, messy feel of cigarettes is back with full force.   You can catch our press review every morning on FRANCE 24 at 7:20am and 9:20am (Paris time), from Monday to Friday

  3. 9 Jul

    Israel kills one child per day on average in Gaza since the October ceasefire

    PRESS REVIEW – Thursday, July 9: In Gaza, despite the ceasefire, civilians continue to die – many of them children. Next, newspapers examine whether Ukraine can realistically manufacture Patriot missiles. Also, new research sheds light on the impact of war on wildlife. And finally, Gen Z is changing the narrative around hangovers... La Croix reports that, in Gaza, around 1,050 Palestinians have been killed since the so-called ceasefire on 10 October. According to the UN, 28% of the victims are children – an average of one young Gazan every day. The newspaper argues that the people of Gaza are "disappearing from our radar", largely because of the media restrictions imposed by the Israeli authorities. Meanwhile, Le Monde highlights the plight of those who survive, many of them left with life-changing injuries. Citing the World Health Organisation, it notes that Gaza has the highest number of child amputees per capita in the world, and examines the challenges they face during recovery. Turning to Ukraine, US President Donald Trump's announcement that he will allow the country to manufacture Patriot missiles has prompted surprise. Le Monde describes it as “a promise with vague outlines”, pointing out that only Japan and Germany currently have permission to manufacture the missiles outside the United States. It also notes that it is likely to take years before Ukraine could produce them domestically. That assessment is echoed by The New York Times, which explains that Patriot systems are highly complex and time-consuming to manufacture. It adds that Trump's announcement did not follow the usual formal process and that none of the American companies involved had been informed in advance. Even if production does begin, any new manufacturing sites in Ukraine would become obvious targets for Russian attacks. Meanwhile, Russia continues to rely on North Korean support. The Kyiv Post, citing Ukrainian military intelligence, reports that North Korea now supplies between 25% and 40% of Russia's artillery ammunition. Alongside those supplies, Moscow is also seeking recruits from abroad to offset a shortage of volunteers. According to an NGO report cited by La Croix, more than 350 Egyptians have been recruited by the Russian army to fight in Ukraine, many of them young people lured by offers of scholarships. New research has also shed light on the impact of the war on wildlife in Chornobyl. The New York Times reports that although the Russian occupation lasted just over a month, it triggered significant changes in the behaviour of wild animals, with some fleeing the area and others retreating deeper into the forest. Researchers say the findings provide a rare glimpse into the ecological effects of armed conflict as it unfolds. Finally, Gen Z is romanticising hangovers on social media. According to The Guardian, the trend is a “cheeky rebuttal” to the culture of body optimisation, fitness, dieting and the wider wellness movement.   You can catch our press review every morning on FRANCE 24 at 7:20am and 9:20am (Paris time), from Monday to Friday.

  4. 8 Jul

    'Political animal' Marine Le Pen 'remains in control' after 'lenient ruling'

    PRESS REVIEW – Wednesday, July 8: French and international newspapers react to Marine Le Pen's conviction and her decision to press ahead with her presidential bid. Also, Turkey deports a Russian anti-war activist back to Russia, raising fresh questions about the safety of anti-war Russians abroad. Finally, is there a major male fertility crisis? French papers react to Marine Le Pen’s decision to run for the presidency and appeal her conviction. La Voix du Nord says that “there was only a tiny window of opportunity (...) and Marine Le Pen rushed through it”. According to the paper, Le Pen “remains in control”. L’Opinion says she has been “neither barred nor exonerated,” so “Le Pen chose a third path” with her decision to run for the presidency.  Le Parisien writes that the National Rally leader “could have disappeared from the political scene and her opponents were already celebrating”, but they underestimated the “political animal” with whom the voters continue to identify. According to the paper, the conviction “will likely not be a liability” for Marine Le Pen. Le Figaro says that Le Pen’s problem is not so much her “legal saga” but her “economic promises”. The paper says that there are doubts about her party’s ability to govern. Le Monde says that Le Pen benefited from a “tailor-made” and “lenient” ruling, but the conviction is “nevertheless severe”. La Croix writes that there’s a “risk of destabilisation” that “Marine Le Pen poses to democracy”. For the Catholic daily, Marine Le Pen also “risks considerably weakening her camp, for which she alone is responsible”.  Some reaction from the international press: According to El País, “Marine Le Pen is stepping up her campaign and breaking all her promises”. The Spanish paper writes that this is “her right as a citizen,” but “her political word has now lost all credibility”. The Financial Times writes that Marine Le Pen “is posing as the victim of a politicised judiciary”. The strategy might appeal to her core voters, but “the French as a whole don’t buy it”, says the paper.  According to Italian paper La Repubblica, the confirmation of Marine Le Pen’s conviction is “a serious blow to the French far right, but certainly not the final blow”. The paper fears “the incalculable consequences” of the rise of the far-right to the Elysée – “a disaster not only for Paris, but for the entire European Union", which is “struggling to find a unified response to the coordinated attacks by Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin".  In other news, Independent paper The Moscow Times writes that “Turkey’s deportation of anti-war Russian signals the growing risks for Kremlin critics abroad”. The paper says this appears to be the first known case of Ankara returning an activist to Moscow. 24-year-old Ariadna Litvinova was charged by the Russian authorities for “discrediting” the army after she protested Russia’s invasion of Ukraine with anti-war messages on banners. She was deported on Saturday. The paper explains that deportation means that the move was formally initiated by Turkey and not in response to a Russian extradition request. She was immediately detained upon arrival.  Finally, some bad news about male reproductive health. The Guardian writes that men’s average testosterone levels have halved in the last 50 years, according to the latest research. Scientists say society is facing a “major” male fertility crisis. Rising levels of obesity and diabetes play a part, but research suggests that environmental factors could be harming the reproductive system as well. Among these are endocrine-disrupting chemicals that can be found in household items. Previous work from the same scientific team concluded that sperm counts have steeply declined over the past 40 years. So this is just the latest research on and contribution to a widespread debate about whether male fertility is on a decline and why.  You can catch our press review every morning on FRANCE 24 at 7:20am and 9:20am (Paris time), from Monday to Friday.

  5. 7 Jul

    Judgement day for Marine Le Pen

    PRESS REVIEW: Tuesday, July 7 – While Marine Le Pen hopes for an acquittal – or a tad more leniency – over the alleged embezzlement of €4.4 million from the European Parliament, has her party already moved on? In other news, New Zealand and Australia reel after a Chinese missile test in the Pacific Ocean. Finally, the captain of the French national football team responded to the racist tirades of a Paraguayan senator. Here in France, the verdict in Marine Le Pen's embezzlement trial will sound the starting gun for the 2027 Presidential election campaign. The front page of l'Humanité features Marine Le Pen and her second-in-command, Jordan Bardella, as the nation wonders which one will be on next year's ballot. In the eyes of the Communist newspaper, it's "6 of one, half a dozen of the other", as both are far-right hardliners. For La Croix, though, the verdict "doesn't worry the party anymore" as Bardella has developed his own popularity. Le Figaro have been tracking some key statistics about the two, their respective political histories, and electoral successes. Though her experience dwarfs his, his popularity has now surpassed hers. China's launch of a long-range missile into the pacific on Monday was hailed as a success on the front page of Chinese Communist Party-run Global Times, while the inside pages argued that this was a step on the path towards ensuring regional peace. The Australian described Beijing as "going ballistic", firing the missile just hours after the signing of a mutual defence agreement between Australia and Fiji, while the Australian deputy Prime Minister is quoted in the Herald Sun saying this "implies something about the range China is building in terms of deploying nuclear capabilities." For one commentator in the Guardian, the timing of the launch is "provocation at best, coercion at worst". And finally, after France eliminated Paraguay from the World Cup on Saturday, one Paraguayan senator took to X with overtly racist tirades against French captain Kylian Mbappé, describing him as "a colonised Cameroonian pretending to be French", saying that he was not fed breastmilk as a child but instead "suckled on coconuts" and that the "most educated people around him were chimpanzees". Kylian Mbappé's response described her as a "detestable woman, unfit for the office she holds", and said she was doing her country an injustice, as her behaviour is now eclipsing the work of their national team in their World Cup campaign. The Élysée Palace released a communiqué in response to the tirade, and Emmanuel Macron posted to X, "another goal for Kylian Mbappé. This time against racism". An article in the magazine So Foot headlined "Mbappé makes us proud to be French".

  6. 6 Jul

    US team’s Folarin Balogun free to play after Trump lobbies FIFA to remove ban

    PRESS REVIEW – Monday, 6 July 2026: First, the French papers ready themselves for an upcoming verdict in far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen's embezzlement case. Next, the New York Times features a long read on the battle for the internet’s soul. Also, Folarin Balogun will play in Team USA’s next game after US President Donald Trump lobbied FIFA to remove the match suspension he received after being shown a red card in the previous game. Finally, the Belgians have become shrimp shelling world champions.  Libération features a photo of far-right National Rally leaders Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella on its front page this morning. Le Pen’s appeal verdict in her embezzlement case should be announced tomorrow.  The left-wing paper Mediapart says that the National Rally’s legal troubles are unlikely to end there, as the paper looks at a document from the European Parliament’s anti-fraud unit that has found “irregularities” in several contracts awarded between 2024–2025 by a group chaired by Bardella. Politico reports that Bardella and his group breached spending rules by at least €4.3 million.  The New York Times, meanwhile, has an interesting long read about the battle for the “soul of the internet”. It reports that Wikipedia has become the political battleground in the fight for the internet’s soul. The article says that the monument of collective online fact gathering is under threat from multiple fronts.  Meanwhile the 2026 World Cup is in full swing, but one news story is to be getting a lot of coverage. The Guardian reports that US President Donald Trump reportedly called FIFA to get them to remove Folarin Balogun’s suspension. The star striker received a red card and a one-game ban but will now be back for team USA’s game against Belgium. An opinion in the Times says that FIFA has precedent for bending the rules, while the Belgian paper Le Soir says that FIFA President Gianni Infantino is using the rules to manipulate the tournament.  The Belgians might get their revenge on the pitch, but in the meantime, Ici en France reports that they have just become world champions in an unusual sports event: the shrimp shelling world championship. You can catch our press review every morning on France 24 at 7:20am and 9:20am (Paris time), from Monday to Friday.

  7. 3 Jul

    The USA has survived 250 years, but can it survive Donald Trump?

    PRESS REVIEW - Friday, July 3: We look at the US papers' reactions as the country's 250-year celebration begins this Fourth of July weekend. The New York Times warns Europe's glaciers are melting rapidly because of recent heatwaves. Also, British papers are in a football frenzy ahead of their game against Mexico early on Monday. And, according to reports, Taylor Swift is celebrating her wedding this weekend. The United States celebrates 250 years of independence this weekend as Fourth of July celebrations kick off. This milestone anniversary comes at a tumultuous time in US politics – and in the world more generally. The Washington Post’s David Ignatius is brutally honest about how he sees the US today, writing: "Today we resemble the imperial Britain of 1776 more than scruffy patriots who rebelled against it.” He calls the US a "nation with an appalling gap between rich and poor" and a nation in "late middle age showing signs of decline". He points the finger at a broken education system and unravelling social cohesion that makes people "feel like two nations rather than one." The conservative Washington Times is far more optimistic in its outlook. It celebrates all the inventions the US has given the world – refrigerators, national parks and rock and roll. US President Donald Trump’s former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo pens an opinion in which he says the US not only survived for 250 years but became the "freest, wealthiest and most powerful country in the world". He adds optimistically, “I believe that America’s best days are in front of us and not behind us”. Here in the Europe, the view is quite different. Der Speigel, the German weekly magazine, offers a cautiously optimistic article that wonders if American democracy, which has survived 250 years, can survive Trump: "US democracy is a tenacious beast but it has been riven by contradictions – which are never more apparent than in Trump’s America." The Guardian’s Ben Jennings offers a cynical cartoon: an updated version of German American painter Emmanuel Leutze’s Washington crossing the Delaware featuring Donald Trump, his son Donald Trump Jr and his Vice-President JD Vance alongside bags of cryptocurrency and cash, his golf clubs, ICE and Melania Trump on a gilded boat. In other news, the New York Times reports on the alarming state of Europe’s glaciers. They have come under extreme strain after two devastating heatwaves in recent months. It has effectively erased the snow far more quickly than normal. According to one glaciologist, the situation of the Swiss glaciers is now where it normally would be in August. The melting of the snow means the ice underneath is left more exposed than ever. This is worrying for several reasons: The Alps snow provides drinking water across Europe, cools nuclear plants and is crucial for hydropower and farming. The ice underneath disappearing would be a point of no return, and could occur in 10-20 years. Also, British papers are already in a frenzy ahead of England’s match against Mexico early on Monday morning. British pubs have been allowed to open until 5 AM for the occasion – "Mextra Time", the Daily Star says. The Daily Mail promises England’s "big all-nighter". More Mexican themes on front pages include "Mexican Rave" and "Tequila Sunrise". Finally, in the midst of this World Cup weekend, another highly anticipated event is taking place: Taylor Swift’s wedding. Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce will reportedly host their wedding party at Madison Square Garden in New York City this weekend. Page Six reports that the two may have already had their legal wedding, reporting rumours of a small ceremony taking place in the state where Swift moved to become a singer, Tennessee. There is a lot to keep track of this weekend, including Wimbledon, the Tour de France and the World Cup – but this wedding may be the most followed event of the weekend. You can catch our press review every morning on France 24 at 7:20am and 9:20am (Paris time), from Monday to Friday.

  8. 1 Jul

    'Cloak of secrecy' surrounds plane that crashed into Beijing skyscraper

    PRESS REVIEW – Wednesday, July 1: Papers discuss a story from China that has flown under the radar: a plane crashed into the tallest building in Beijing in unclear circumstances. Next: why was "controversial figure" Vadim Ermolaev targeted in Monaco? Also: could Ireland become the next summer holiday hotspot? Finally, yodlers in Basel didn't get put off by the heatwave. The Financial Times reports that a light plane crashed into Beijing's tallest building, raising questions about the city's "sense of security". The incident actually happened last Friday, but it took the press a few days to catch up, because of a "cloak of secrecy", the Financial Times reports, and a strict censorship of traditional and social media coverage. Foreign Policy asks: "How did a private aircraft enter Beijing's sensitive airspace?" The article reminds readers that China has one of the world's most controlled airspaces, with 70 percent of it under military control. The South China Morning Post also focuses on the security dilemma. Flight schools across China were told to suspend training and safety inspections are being carried out across the country. The paper reminds us that the pilot of the plane died during the crash and 13 people were injured. French paper Le Figaro also talks about the "severely censored tragedy" and the massive security presence around the skyscraper. Papers also note that the crash came just days before the Communist Party's 105th anniversary this Wednesday.  Elsewhere, Monaco is still making headlines after an explosive device was detonated on Monday. According to Nice-Matin, the life of Ukrainian oligarch Vadim Ermolaev – who is the "controversial figure" targeted by the explosion –  is reportedly no longer in danger. But his partner's condition remains critical. The local newspaper reports that the oligarch had been leading "a quiet life" in Monaco for several years. The paper cites Ukrainian police sources who say the criminal act is "linked to the world of scam call centres" –  a network of massive financial fraud on a European scale. The Ermolaev family is reportedly deeply involved: notably one of his sons, who was arrested and sentenced in Cyprus last year. Ukrainska Pravda writes that Ermolaev was listed in Forbes' ranking of the 100 richest people in Ukraine. According to the newspaper, the oligarch was subject to sanctions in Ukraine due to his activities in occupied Crimea. The article explains that he was also part of the "Monaco Battalion" – the nickname given to wealthy Ukrainian expats who now live on the French Riviera. According to sources interviewed by Le Figaro, "investigators are focusing on the Ukrainian lead" and the attack seems to be more of a "warning" than an actual attempted murder. Meanwhile, The Times reports that "Europe's heatwaves could turn Ireland into summer holiday hotspot". The paper says that tourists normally used to go to Ireland for its heritage, but the changing climate is giving them another reason to visit: the Irish beaches. Before, tourists used to go to Ireland despite the weather, but now they go there to enjoy the bearable summer temperatures. Some tourism experts say that another summer of extreme heat could be the tipping point and change how Europeans choose their holidays.  Finally, the heatwave in Switzerland didn't stop the country's yodeling festival. The Associated Press reports that yodlers just had to adapt and city fountains in Basel became rehearsal spaces.  You can catch our press review every morning on FRANCE 24 at 7:20am and 9:20am (Paris time), from Monday to Friday

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About

An overview of the stories making the French and international newspaper headlines. From Monday to Friday live at 7:20am and 9:20am Paris time.

Information

  • Channel
    FRANCE 24 English
  • Creator
    FRANCE 24 English
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    35
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © France Médias Monde
  • Show Website
    Press Review

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