Latest news with #ParisBookFair
LeMonde
09-06-2025
- Politics
- LeMonde
One year on, Macron remains entangled by fallout of rash snap elections
Ten months after the facts, the political earthquake was still a topic of conversation, even during the Paris Book Fair at the Grand Palais. In front of a bookstall, amid the hubbub, former culture minister Françoise Nyssen, accompanying President Emmanuel Macron on his visit, suddenly confided: "Thank you for the dissolution," she whispered to him, referring to his decision to dissolve the Asseblée Nationale and trigger snap parliamentary elections, the night his side was beaten in the European elections of June 9. "I was really proud of you. What's more, it was June 9, my birthday." Briefly taken aback, Macron replied: "I will be forgiven with time." "It wasn't a bad decision," approved a woman listening in. "No, because people have to be made to take their responsibilities," Macron said, glancing at the journalist's boom mic recording the conversation. "Otherwise, things fall apart from the inside. I've seen it happen before." Was Macron sincere? During his televised New Year's address on December 31, 2024, when France was entering 2025 without a budget after the first post-dissolution government, led by Michel Barnier, had been toppled, the president publicly admitted for the first time that the move had, "for now, brought more divisions to the Assemblée than solutions for the French people." He added: "Clarity and humility require us to recognize that, for the moment, the decision has produced more instability than calm, and for that, I take full responsibility."
Rudaw Net
14-04-2025
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
President Barzani, Macron reaffirm strong Erbil-Paris ties
Also in World Nine Kurds elected to local councils across Finland Kurdistan Region marks first presence at Paris Book Fair President Barzani arrives in Paris to meet Macron China well-prepared to counter Trump's tariff strategy: Researcher A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani met with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace in Paris on Monday, where they discussed the continued strengthening of bilateral ties, as well as regional developments, including in Iraq and Syria. 'I had the honor of meeting my dear friend, President Emmanuel Macron, today at the Élysée Palace. Our relationship with France is both precious and constantly becoming stronger,' President Barzani wrote on X. He added, 'We exchanged views on strengthening ties between France, Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, and discussed key regional issues.' According to a statement from the Kurdistan Region Presidency, the meeting also covered ways to expand France's cooperation with Iraq and the Region. The two presidents 'emphasized their shared desire to further enhance relations in all fields,' and stressed 'the importance of maintaining calm and stability in Iraq, and safeguarding the country from regional tensions.' The leaders also exchanged views on the latest developments in the Middle East, including Syria, as well as the ongoing threat of terrorism and the risk of a resurgence of the Islamic State (ISIS). France remains an active member of the US-led global coalition to defeat ISIS and has deployed troops in northeast Syria (Rojava) alongside American forces. France has also been playing a role in facilitating intra-Kurdish talks to unite Kurds in Syria. Kurdistan Region President Barzani and French President Macron on Monday 'emphasized the importance of ensuring the rights of Kurds and various components in Syria and the need for dialogue and understanding to peacefully resolve conflicts in the region.' Following a swift offensive, a coalition of opposition groups led by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, on December 8 toppled the regime of former Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad. Sharaa was in late January appointed as Syria's interim President after which he vowed to uphold the rights of all ethnic and religious groups. However, the international community, including France, has repeatedly censured the new Damascus leadership for its treatment of Syria's minority groups. Speaking to Rudaw on Sunday, French Senator Remi Feraud acknowledged the sacrifices made by Kurds in Syria during the war against ISIS. He stressed the importance of ensuring that 'all components of [Syrian] society' are actively involved in the political process and emphasized that any lifting of sanctions on Syria should be contingent upon this inclusive participation. France and the Kurdistan Region enjoy long-standing ties, dating back to France's support for the post-Gulf War no-fly zone that enabled the Region's current autonomy. France was also among the first countries to open a consulate in Erbil after the fall of toppled Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein in 2003. Feraud told Rudaw that the relationship between France and the Kurdistan Region has significantly deepened in recent years, emphasizing the importance of regular engagement between President Barzani and President Macron in reinforcing this strong partnership. The two leaders 'have established a relationship of trust' marked by 'frequent exchanges,' the French politician said, adding that 'these diplomatic efforts have proven vital, particularly in a region marked by ongoing instability and geopolitical shifts.' Commenting on the importance of President Barzani's visit to Paris, Feraud remarked that it underscores how 'Kurdistan, and Erbil in particular, is truly at the heart of a region whose geopolitical importance is immense,' and affirmed that 'President Barzani is an important and trusted actor in this region.'
Rudaw Net
14-04-2025
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
Nine Kurds elected to local councils across Finland
Also in World Kurdistan Region marks first presence at Paris Book Fair President Barzani arrives in Paris to meet Macron China well-prepared to counter Trump's tariff strategy: Researcher 37 Kurds run for Finnish local elections A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Nine Kurds have secured seats in local councils across Finland, while two others have been elected to the Welfare District Council, signaling a growing Kurdish presence in the Finnish political landscape. Two of the successful candidates, Mohis Azizi and Seida Sohrabi, lauded Rudaw's coverage of the elections as playing a significant role in raising awareness among voters and encouraging them to participate in the ballot. Speaking to Rudaw's Sima Abkhezer, Sohrabi, who ran under the National Coalition Party (NCP), said that 'Kurdish candidates who secured seats were able to win votes in various areas, which means we gained support from both Kurds and non-Kurds alike.' For his part, Azizi underscored that large numbers of Kurds live in Finland. He highlighted the crucial role played by educated Kurdish youth, noting their growing contribution to Finnish society. "The Kurdish fingerprint is more visible than ever before in Finland and it is time that the voice of Kurds be heard," Azizi said. A total of 37 Kurdish candidates ran in the local elections, including 22 men and 15 women, representing an array of political parties such as the NCP, Left Alliance, Social Democrat Party (SDP) and the Green League. SPD emerged on top, while the NCP and the Centre Party of Finland came in second and third, respectively. In terms of Kurdish origins, 15 of the candidates descend from Eastern Kurdistan (Rojhelat), 14 from Northern Kurdistan (Bakur), 6 from Southern Kurdistan (Bashur) and 2 from Western Kurdistan (Rojava). In Finland's southwestern city of Turku alone, nine Kurds were nominated. Walat Nahri, former president of the Kurdish Associations Union in Finland, told Rudaw that 'more than 18,000 Kurds live in the country according to official statistics.'
Morocco World
12-04-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Morocco Embraces Openness to Global Cultures at Paris Book Fair
Rabat – Morocco is reaffirming its commitment to cultural openness and dialogue with the world, as it continues to foster connections across languages, identities, and continents. The country's active participation as the guest of honor at the Paris Book Fair serves as a testament to this approach, affirming its dedication to bridging cultures through artistic and intellectual exchange. In an interview with French news channel TV5 Monde, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, Morocco's Minister of Culture and Communication, spoke of what he described as the North African nation's distinctive position as a crossroads for diverse cultures. 'The strength of Morocco lies in its ability to harmoniously coexist multiple cultural identities within the same national space,' Bensaid explained. He emphasized that Morocco's cultural vitality and richness are deeply rooted in its diversity, a factor that is both celebrated and incorporated into the country's cultural policies. Highlighting the nation's multilingual character, Bensaid outlined how languages like Arabic, Amazigh, Hassani, French, Spanish, and even English are an integral part of Morocco's cultural and historical fabric. 'Our cultural policy is centered on ensuring equitable access to culture, regardless of the language in which the work is created,' he noted, showcasing the government's commitment to inclusivity in the arts. A cultural bridge Amid growing global identity tensions, Morocco positions itself as a cultural bridge between Europe and Africa. Drawing on its historical heritage, including Andalusian influences and the Gnawa tradition, Bensaid stressed that Morocco uses its rich cultural history to foster reconciliation and peace. 'Morocco leverages culture as a means of rapprochement, linking diverse cultural backgrounds together,' he argued. The Minister also pointed out Morocco's strategic approach to decentralizing cultural efforts, ensuring that regional specificities are valued and integrated into the national narrative. This drive for cultural decentralization plays a significant role in the country's broader objective to amplify its cultural diversity on the global stage. Bensaid also noted that Morocco's strong presence at the Paris Book Fair aligns with the recent state visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Morocco, during which several bilateral cultural agreements were signed. 'This event offers a unique opportunity to share a piece of Moroccan cultural history with the French public, Francophone communities, and the Moroccan diaspora, helping to solidify the cultural ties between our nations,' he said. In addition to celebrating Morocco's literary heritage, Bensaid emphasized the importance of the Paris Book Fair as a platform for showcasing the nation's wider cultural offerings. He stressed the pivotal role of books in the development of the creative and cultural industries (CCI), from cinema and theater to gaming and visual arts. Tags: minister bensaidMoroccan Cultureparis book fair
Morocco World
10-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Morocco World
Bensaid: Morocco-France Friendship is a Path to a Shared Future
Rabat – Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, and French counterpart Rachida Dati met yesterday in Paris to discuss strengthening cultural cooperation between Morocco and France, building on a number of agreements signed recently. The two ministers reviewed joint projects and discussed the need to accelerate their implementation, especially with the positive momentum in French-Moroccan relations. This progress is largely driven by the enhanced 'exceptional partnership' established between King Mohammed VI and French President Emmanuel Macron, said the Moroccan Ministry of Culture in a press release. Following the talks, the ministers co-hosted a reception in honor of the Moroccan delegation attending the Paris Book Fair, where Morocco is the guest of honor. The event was attended by prominent intellectual, cultural, media, and political figures from both France and Morocco. During the reception, Bensaid expressed his appreciation for the Paris Book Fair's decision to spotlight Morocco, saying that the event represents 'the unbreakable bond' between the two countries. Morocco France culture ties 'Between the two shores of the Mediterranean, to say that memory and the past should not divide but unite; between Europe and Africa, to show that demographic and migration challenges can be transformed into opportunities for investment in what we hold most dear: culture and youth,' the minister said. He noted how differences in language, beliefs, and historical narratives present an opportunity for 'creation, rather than conflict.' Bensaid also recalled Morocco's vision for culture as key in the country's model of progress under the leadership of King Mohammed VI. He noted the importance of culture in fostering social inclusion, strengthening collective bonds, driving economic growth through creative industries, and serving as a hub for public debate and citizen participation. The minister concluded by emphasizing that France shares this vision and aims to write 'a common book' with Morocco. This French-Moroccan friendship, he said, offers a vision for both continents, one that presents a new narrative, 'one that is passionate yet serene, rooted in the past but without resentment, and resolutely committed to a future of friendship and culture.' Tags: CultureMorocco and France
