On October 21, 2024, the French National Assembly began heated discussions on the 'revenue' aspect of the 2025 state budget, with opposition parties poised to challenge Prime Minister Michel Barnier's government. Amidst mounting tensions, Barnier may invoke Article 49.3 to bypass a vote, as the finance committee's amendments have significantly altered the budget's financial balance.

Former French news presenter Patrick Poivre d'Arvor faces renewed scrutiny as a 2005 rape complaint surfaces, challenging claims that recent allegations were the first. TF1 and Bouygues, unaware of the 2005 case, express shock amid ongoing investigations and new complaints.

The French government has launched 'Chaque geste compte' to promote lasting energy-saving habits after a successful two-year plan cut consumption by 12%. The campaign uses humor to prevent energy waste and support a sustainable transition from fossil fuels, ensuring stable energy supply this winter despite lower prices.

On October 21, 2024, the French parliament began reviewing the 2025 budget, demanding €5 billion in savings from local governments, sparking backlash from local leaders. Nicolas Lacroix, president of the Haute-Marne departmental council, warned that over 80 departments, including his own, could face insolvency due to these cuts, prompting him to list state properties for sale in response.

The French government plans to delay pension indexing to inflation by six months, shifting adjustments from January 1 to July 1, 2025, aiming to save 4 billion euros in the 2025 budget. Budget Minister Laurent Saint-Martin supports protecting smaller pensions from the delay, while critics argue it will harm retirees' purchasing power.

The Collectivity of Alsace (CEA) has approved a new truck tax, R-Pass, charging €0.15/km for trucks over 3.5 tons starting in 2027, to address rising traffic and road maintenance costs. Despite promises to reinvest revenue into local infrastructure, local businesses fear significant economic losses and job cuts, prompting ongoing protests and further public consultations.

French President Emmanuel Macron will visit Morocco from October 28-30 to mend strained relations and promote strategic cooperation. This marks Macron's first trip to Morocco since 2018 and highlights a renewed diplomatic effort following visa tensions and discord over Western Sahara.

The 'Carton rouge' trial began today in Nancy, France, addressing a major cryptocurrency and diamond scam that defrauded around 1,000 victims, including several professional football clubs, out of 28 million euros. With 22 defendants accused of organized fraud and money laundering, this trial represents a pivotal step in combating international financial fraud and seeks justice for over 800 civil parties.

Italian authorities arrested 13 suspected members of a human trafficking network operating from the Middle East and South Asia to Italy and France. The network, based in Turkey and Iraq, facilitated sea transport of migrants and used the 'hawala' system for illicit money transfers.

The games industry faces major economic challenges with over 30,000 job losses projected between 2022 and 2024, driven by post-pandemic slowdowns and a lack of new product launches. As studios like Don't Nod and Bandai Namco announce significant layoffs, the indie sector struggles under the 'Indiepocalypse,' and major franchises pivot to their most profitable titles amid market uncertainty.

The French National Assembly debates the 2025 budget, aiming for €60 billion in savings amidst fierce opposition. Prime Minister Michel Barnier may invoke Article 49.3 to bypass the assembly vote, as left-wing parties push for significant tax increases on super-profits and multinational corporations.

G7 defense ministers convened in Naples, Italy, to tackle escalating global security threats, marking the first dedicated G7 defense summit. Key issues included Russian aggression in Ukraine, instability in the Middle East, and China's military activities, with a call for immediate ceasefire in Gaza and concerns over future U.S. support for Ukraine.

From October 22-24, Putin will host a pivotal BRICS summit in Kazan, inducting new members like Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE. The summit aims to counter Western isolation narratives and discuss alternative payment systems to reduce reliance on the US dollar amidst ongoing sanctions.

Félix Lebrun, an 18-year-old French table tennis player, was eliminated in the quarter-finals of the European Championships by Germany's Benedikt Duda, despite leading 3-1 in sets. Meanwhile, Félix and his brother Alexis secured a spot in the men's doubles final, aiming for a European gold, and Alexis advanced to the singles final against Duda.

The French government plans to acquire a stake in Opella, Sanofi's Doliprane-producing subsidiary, through Bpifrance to ensure job security and supply stability. The move comes as Opella is set to be partially sold to U.S. investment fund CD&R, with key commitments including local production and sourcing.

On October 20, 2024, the Ligue de Football Professionnel condemned homophobic chants by PSG supporters during a match against RC Strasbourg. Despite interventions, the chants persisted, prompting PSG to reaffirm its commitment to combating discrimination and ensuring a respectful environment.

Art Basel Paris, held from October 18-20, 2024, showcased 195 galleries in the newly renovated Grand Palais, achieving record-breaking sales. Highlights included Louise Bourgeois' 'Spider I' selling for €20 million and strong sales of works by Jonas Wood and Julie Mehretu, despite a generally weakening market.

Cyril Hanouna, a key Canal+ personality, is likely to leave the network by December 20, 2024, following Arcom's decision to exclude C8 from frequency renewal. Canal+ is striving to retain Hanouna and his show 'Touche pas à mon poste' amid ongoing challenges and potential legal actions.

Léon Marchand shattered the French record in the 400m individual medley at the World Cup in Shanghai today, clocking an astounding 4:00.03. Despite recent fatigue and limited pool time, Marchand's performance sets the stage for December's World Championships in Budapest.