Macron Gets Caught Up In Another Awkward Moment With Wife, New Clip Surfaces
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First Post
an hour ago
- First Post
France's Culture Minister Rachida Dati to stand trial for corruption and lobbying
Dati, a high-profile minister who hopes to become mayor of Paris next year, was investigated in 2019 on suspicion of lobbying for the Renault-Nissan auto firm while working at the European Union agency read more France's Culture Minister Rachida Dati is to go on trial accused of receiving payments from Renault-Nissan while she was a member of European Parliament. File image/AFP Rachida Dati, France's Culture Minister, will face trial on charges of corruption and abuse of authority as a member of the European Parliament, a court source told AFP on Tuesday. Dati, a high-profile minister who hopes to become mayor of Paris next year, was investigated in 2019 on suspicion of lobbying for the Renault-Nissan auto firm while working at the European Union agency. Dati, aged 59, denies the allegations. She did not return an AFP request for comment. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'We will appeal this decision today,' Dati's lawyers, Olivier Baratelli and Olivier Pardo, told AFP. Dati, a daughter of working-class North African immigrants, was defiant. 'I will lead you to victory. Some people are trying to attack me over my private life, over many aspects that are collateral to my candidacy,' said Dati, who is mayor of the French capital's 7th district that is home to most French ministries, the country's parliament and many foreign embassies. 'I am not afraid of anything or anyone.' Dati, who served as justice minister under right-wing leader Nicolas Sarkozy from 2007 to 2009, will continue in office, according to a Macron colleague. 'The president has taken note of the decision to refer Rachida Dati to the criminal court. As a referral is not a conviction, she will continue her work,' said the associate, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. Dati is suspected of taking 900,000 euros in lawyer's fees from a Renault-Nissan company in the Netherlands between 2010 and 2012 while not working for them throughout her tenure as an MEP from 2009 to 2019. 'Until the end' Investigations have sought to determine whether she carried out banned lobbying for the carmaker at the European Parliament. In their order signed on Tuesday, a copy of which was seen by AFP, the investigating magistrates said that Dati's activities in parliament 'amounts to lobbying', which 'appears incompatible with both her mandate and the profession of lawyer.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Initially placed under the more favourable status of assisted witness – a step before being indicted – in 2019, Dati was charged in 2021. She has since repeatedly sought to have the charges quashed. French investigating magistrates also ordered that Carlos Ghosn, the former Renault-Nissan chairman and chief executive, be tried, the judicial source said. The 71-year-old, who has been living in Lebanon for years after escaping arrest in Japan, has also rejected the charges against him. A hearing on September 29 will decide on the date of the trial, the source said. According to another source following the case, the trial could be held after the Paris municipal elections in March next year. 'She will go until the end,' Jean-Pierre Lecoq, mayor of the French capital's 6th district and one of Dati's close associates, said on Tuesday. Ghosn, who headed the Renault-Nissan alliance, was arrested in Japan in November 2018 on suspicion of financial misconduct, before being sacked by Nissan's board. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He jumped bail the following year and made a dramatic escape from Japan hidden in an audio-equipment box, landing in Beirut, where he remains as an international fugitive. Japan and France have sought his arrest. Ghosn's lawyers did not respond to a request for comment.
Economic Times
2 hours ago
- Economic Times
Missiles, manufacturing, and mutual trust: What Britain must do to strengthen its defence ties with India
TIL Creatives Representative Image Narendra Modi's 2-day visit to Britain to sign the India-Britain FTA starts today. Discussions will take place on the 'next steps' to elevate the comprehensive strategic partnership (CSP) between the two countries. The most significant of these will be on boosting defence industrial cooperation. Britain's June 2025 Strategic Defence Review emphasises a 'Nato First' but not a 'Nato only' policy. While there is to be no 'tilt' towards the Indo-Pacific, hallmark of the previous Conservative government, the Keir Starmer government seeks to continue to develop the bilateral defence relationship. This is emphasised by the June National Security Strategy that states that 'India is a country with which we seek a genuine strategic partnership, reflecting its growing importance in the international system'. Bilateral defence cooperation through investments includes next-gen air defence weapons. These include the start of delivery of high-velocity STARStreak very short-range air defence (VSHORAD) missiles and launchers, and collaboration to establish an advanced short-range air-to-air missile (ASRAAM) assembly and testing facility in Hyderabad. India sources only 3% of its arms and equipment from Britain. The last major British platform sale to India was the second tranche of Hawk advanced jet trainers ($1 bn) 15 years ago, followed by purchase of ASRAAM missiles ($0.4 bn) 11 years defence industrial cooperation can be boosted through several changes. A bilateral G2G agreement that India favours, but Britain does not have. Recent purchases of French Rafale and Rafale-Marine fighter jets, American M777 ultra-light howitzers and MQ-9B predator drones, Russian S-400 missile defence systems, and Israeli Heron UAVs are all G2G direct imports. French, Russian and Israeli companies have also localised production within a government wraparound, aligning with India's goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence. France's Naval Group has built Scorpene submarines at Mazagon docks. Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has set up a production line for Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fighter jets at HAL, Bengaluru. Russian BrahMos missile JV and Israeli Barak-8 medium-range surface-to-air missile (MRSAM) partnership exemplify joint development of weapon systems in India. British defence companies are denied these opportunities. It is less about platform sales and more about technology transfers (ToT), co-design, co-development and co-production to build long-term indigenous capabilities. France's Safran and HAL are collaborating to co-design and produce new-generation helicopter engines for the Indian multi-role helicopter (IMRH) and deck-based version (DBMRH) for the navy. Spanish arm of Airbus has partnered with Tata on the C-295 transport aircraft programme to set up the first private sector final assembly line (FAL) for military aircraft in India. America's General Dynamics and Lockheed Martin, in partnership with Raytheon, are exploring co-production arrangements for the Stryker infantry carrier vehicle (ICV) and Javelin anti-tank guided missile (ATGM), the US, Russia and Israel have become India's top strategic defence partners as they are willing to share technology and develop local partnerships, something the British government and defence companies have been hesitant to in Ukraine, and opportunities in other profitable 'low risk' defence markets, have reduced British business appetite to engage with India. Defence companies often view India as a 'high risk' country to do business in. The local defence acquisition policy, DAP 2020, heavily favours procurement from Indian firms. Challenges posed by restricted FDI, high indigenous content and stringent IP requirements often make foreign OEM bids unviable and equal partnerships Sweden's Saab has been granted the first-ever approval for 100% FDI to manufacture the Carl-Gustaf M4 shoulder-fired weapon system. Next-gen India-Britain defence collaboration may involve smaller, deeptech, tier-1 defence firms should see India not simply as a market but as a strategic partner in global supply and talent chains. Lockheed Martin plans to set up a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility for 12 C-130J transport aircraft operated by IAF. This, along with its existing JV with Tata to manufacture C-130J tail assemblies, positions it favourably for the medium transport aircraft (MTA) France's Dassault recently announced the setting up of an MRO, and has partnered with Tata to produce Rafale fuselages in India, positioning itself well for the multi-role fighter aircraft (MRFA) could also offer collaboration opportunities that others cannot. The recent announcement permitting foreign defence OEMs to participate in India's 5th-gen advanced medium combat aircraft (Amca) programme alongside Indian partners could be a game changer. Future success requires deepening mutual trust between the two governments, and balancing India's self-reliance goals with Britain's business interests. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are that of the writer. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of Elevate your knowledge and leadership skills at a cost cheaper than your daily tea. Apple has a new Indian-American COO. What it needs might be a new CEO. Central banks' existential crisis — between alchemy and algorithm What if Tata Motors buys Iveco's truck unit? Will it propel or drag like JLR? Paid less than plumbers? The real story of freshers' salaries at Infy, TCS. Stock Radar: HDFC AMC gives a breakout from Cup & Handle pattern to hit fresh highs – time to buy or book profits? These large-caps have 'strong buy' & 'buy' recos and an upside potential of more than 20% Weekly Top Picks: These stocks scored 10 on 10 on Stock Reports Plus Stock picks of the week: 4 stocks with consistent score improvement and return potential of more than 19% in 1 year
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First Post
4 hours ago
- First Post
After US announces withdrawal from UNESCO, Macron vows 'unwavering support'
French President Emmanuel Macron, writing on X, said UNESCO had his 'unwavering support' and insisted that backing for the organisation would not waver after the American decision read more French President Emmanuel Macron and US President Donald Trump meet at the White House in Washington, DC, US, February 24, 2025. (Photo: Reuters) The United States said on Tuesday (July 22) it would withdraw from UNESCO, accusing the UN cultural and education agency of bias against Israel and pursuing a 'globalist, ideological agenda'. 'Continued involvement in UNESCO is not in the national interest of the United States,' said State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce, confirming that the withdrawal would take effect in December 2026. Bruce criticised UNESCO for promoting 'divisive social and cultural causes' and prioritising the UN's sustainability goals, which she described as a 'globalist, ideological agenda'. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD She also cited UNESCO's 2011 decision to admit Palestine as a member state and its recognition of heritage sites in the West Bank and east Jerusalem as Palestinian as further reasons for the US departure. 'UNESCO's decision to admit the 'State of Palestine' as a member state is highly problematic, contrary to US policy, and contributed to the proliferation of anti-Israel rhetoric within the organisation,' Bruce said. The announcement marks the second time Washington has turned its back on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation under President Donald Trump. The US previously exited in 2017 during Trump's first term, before rejoining under President Joe Biden. 'I deeply regret President Donald Trump's decision to once again withdraw the United States of America from UNESCO,' said Director-General Audrey Azoulay, adding that the move contradicted 'fundamental principles of multilateralism'. 'However regrettable, this announcement was expected, and UNESCO has prepared for it,' she added. Azoulay said the organisation had introduced 'major structural reforms' and diversified its funding sources in recent years, limiting the financial impact of the US exit. She noted that the US currently contributes only 8 per cent of UNESCO's budget, down from nearly 20 per cent a decade ago, according to a source within the agency. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD She added that Washington's claims 'contradict the reality of UNESCO's efforts', particularly its work on Holocaust education and combating antisemitism. A UNESCO official who asked not to be named said the agency had already adapted to life without US funding after the 2017 exit, though additional resources would still be needed. French President Emmanuel Macron, writing on X, said UNESCO had his 'unwavering support' and insisted that backing for the organisation would not waver after the American decision. Unwavering support for UNESCO, a universal guardian of science, the Ocean, education, culture, and world heritage. The withdrawal of the United States will not weaken our commitment alongside those who lead this fight. — Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) July 22, 2025 Israeli foreign minister Gideon Sa'ar welcomed the US move. 'This is a necessary step, designed to promote justice and Israel's right for fair treatment in the UN system,' he posted on X. UNESCO, known globally for designating world heritage sites, also works to promote education, scientific collaboration and cultural preservation. Its iconic heritage list includes locations such as the Great Barrier Reef, the Serengeti, the Acropolis and the Pyramids of Giza. Despite the withdrawal, the US is expected to retain a seat on the World Heritage Committee, as it did during its previous absence. With inputs from agencies
