Talking France The Local France

Welcome to a special episode of The Local's Talking France podcast in which we take a look at the (latest) political crisis in France following the EU election results.
On Sunday night, as the European election results were drifting in French President Emmanuel Macron took everyone by surprise by announcing he was dissolving the French parliament - the Assemblé Nationale - and that new elections would be held in just three weeks time. 
Yep pretty dramatic stuff, which is why we are recording a special politics focussed episode of Talking France this week.
I'm Ben McPartland and joining me to answer the questions of why's Macron done this, what happens next and what are the chances of France ending up with a far right prime minister will be The Local's team Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and John Lichfield.
Related reading:
What happens next as France heads for snap elections?Who can vote in France’s snap parliamentary elections?OPINION: Macron’s election gamble is an invitation to calamityExplained: What happens when French leaders are forced into ‘cohabitation’?


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The talking points from France this week... in no particular order are - Russian meddling in French affairs. Yes France has accused Russia of being involved in a string of recent incidents from fake coffins left at the Eiffel Tower to bedbug invasion rumours. Why would Moscow do this and is it working?
We also find about why the commemorations to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day on Thursday are even more significant this year, why you could be fined in France just for washing your car and we explain why you are likely to be scolded in public by a French person.
And big border changes are coming that will likely affect you so we explain what difference it's all going to make to your journey in and out of France, whether it's by plane, train, automobile or ferry.
Host Ben McPartland is joined by the team from The Local France, Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and politics expert John Lichfield.
Related reading:

What to expect for the 80th anniversary of D-Day in FranceANALYSIS: How serious is Russian interference and disinformation in France?Travel to France: What does EES mean for cross-Channel ferry trips?What will EES mean for travel on 'Le Shuttle' through the Channel Tunnel?The 22 things that are likely to get you a scolding in FranceWhy washing your car in France can lead to a €450 fine
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On the bill this week we have the European elections. We answer the important questions: Why should we care, how will they affect France and what will they mean for the future? As well as explaining a little bit about the European parliament.
We also look at how new laws aimed at averting dangerous wildfires in France will affect home owners plus explain why hundreds of thousands of home addresses in rural France are changing and what this means for you.
We also find out which politicians are the best to call on in France to get support for any local dispute.
And we explain why some tourists suffer from panic attacks, delusional thinking and hallucinations when they visit Paris. And if there's anything they can do to avoid it.
Ben McPartland your host is joined by The Local's Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and politics expert John Lichfield.
Related articles:

Reader question: Can I approach my French MP for help with a local problem?European elections: What are the 'têtes des liste' in France?What is Paris syndrome and are some nationalities more susceptible?Wildfires in France: What are the new legal requirements for property owners?The one French website you need if you've changed your addressWhat do I do next if my French street name has been changed
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This week we find out why so many workers are going on strike in Paris at the moment. From waste collectors to firefighters - what do they all want, and what's the Olympics got to do with it?
We also explain the crisis in France's overseas territory of New Caledonia, why the president has deemed it necessary to fly there and why France has such a complicated relationship with several far flung parts of the world.
And French star footballer Kylian MBappé has said goodbye to Paris and to France, so we'll explain why everyone, including the mayor and the president, is so upset. 
And in response to a great listener's question we'll try to explain what classic French values are and why you might need to know them - especially if you want to become French.
Host Ben McPartland is joined by Emma Pearson the local France's editor and we also hear from John Lichfield our politics expert.
Further reading:
How likely is strike chaos during the Paris Olympics?EXPLAINED: What's behind the violence on the French island of New Caledonia?'Confetti of an empire': Understanding France's troubled overseas territoriesEXPLAINED: What are real 'French values'?What are the most overrated tourist attractions in France?Beat the crowds - 19 alternative places to visit in France

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This week on Talking France we explore more of the big issues in France such as... who'll actually need a special QR security code during the Paris Olympics, why male motorists in France are being urged to drive like women and why the future is uncertain for Normandy's famous D-Day beaches as the 80th anniversary of the landings approaches.
And is France doomed or is it booming? With the French government bragging about record foreign investment we try and work out whether the country’s economy really is in a healthy condition.
And on the subject of health, why is getting blood tests in France such a confusing process? 
To help answer these questions will be The Local France's special intelligence unit of Emma "the editor" Pearson, Gen, the journalist Mansfield and John the politics, economy and Normandy beaches expert, Lichfield. They'll join host Ben McPartland.
Further reading
Who will need a QR code to get around Paris during the Olympics?EXPLAINED: How getting a blood test works in FranceWhat to expect for the 80th anniversary of D-Day in FranceOPINION: France's economy is far from doomed, but not quite booming eitherRising sea levels threaten Normandy's historic D-Day beachesCan France confiscate your foreign driving licence?

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We kick off this week looking at the Féte du Travail on May 1st. Is it still a significant, symbolic day for workers in France or is it just regarded as a bonus day off?
We also look at the big upcoming change for passport checks in Europe. It's called EES and it's almost certain to cause lots of travel issues, which is why we try and answer some of the important questions our readers have about it.
And... we also look at how France plans to take better care of its elderly population, whether the French government could impose bans on screen time for kids and what exactly is an “integration contract" when it comes to visas or residency permits in France.
Host Ben McPartland is joined this week by The Local France's fountains of knowledge and sound advice, Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and politics expert John Lichfield.
Further reading:

What will EES passport system mean for foreigners living in Europe?How France plans to protect kids from too much screen timeNew immigration law: who has to take integration courses in France?How will France's free-flow autoroute toll booths work for foreign vehicles?'Ageing well': What is France's new law to protect the elderly and carers?
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