The French and German economy ministers, Bruno Le Maire and Robert Habeck, kicked off high-stakes talks with U.S. officials to underscore European concerns over President Joe Biden’s ambitious climate action plan.

French, German ministers to tackle green subsidies with U.S.

In pics | French police fire tear gas at Paris pension reform protests; unions to keep up the momentum

Trade unions launched a third wave of nationwide strikes on Tuesday against President Emmanuel Macron's plans to make the French work longer before retirement.

France: Third wave of nationwide strikes against Macron's pension reform

Rail services were shut down, schools disrupted and refinery deliveries halted as trade unions launched the third round of nationwide strikes against President Emmanuel Macron and his highly unpopular pension reform plan on Tuesday.

Rail services were shut down, schools disrupted and refinery deliveries halted as trade unions launched the third round of nationwide strikes against President Emmanuel Macron and his highly unpopular pension reform plan on Tuesday. The strikes come a day after debates began in the parliament on the passing of the legislation. According to local reports, workers across multiple sectors walked out as unions persuaded them to take to the streets and send a strong message to the government. WATCH | WION Fineprint: French pension reforms face backlash × Despite the resistance, the Macron government has remained steadfast that it will pass the legislation, having failed to do so on previous occasions. Labour Minister Olivier Dussopt on Monday said, "I know this reform is difficult but I know that undertaking it is showing the courage others have lacked." Addressing the parliament last month, Dussopt also added that giving up on the legislation at this time 'would be giving up on getting the system back in balance'. Read more: French government refuses to back down on pension reform The Macron government, through its proposed legislation, is attempting to raise the legal retirement age in the country to 64, from the current 62. The government is of the view that extending the pension age will prevent the system from collapsing under the weight of deficits. Notably, the workers in France tend to retire much earlier than their European Union (EU) counterparts. The direct repercussion is that the French exchequer has to foot a bigger pension bill than most countries in the bloc. In January, taking a stern approach, Macron said he will get the reform bill passed in this year only. “This year will indeed be that of a pension reform that aims to guarantee the equilibrium of our system in the years and decades to come,” he said in a televised address. Read more: Macron government announces pension reforms amid strike threat by trade unions Since coming to power in 2017, fixing France's complicated pension has been one of the top agendas of the Macron administration. However, given the scale of demonstrations, the Macron administration may have to reel back in its aggressiveness. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Third round of nationwide strikes underway against Macron's 'unpopular' pension reform plan

France fire fighters battled an unseasonal wildfire in the Southern French town of Mauries. The blaze has burned through 130 hectares of brush and trees. Watch this report to know more.

France battles wildfire in Southern French town of Mouries

American computing giant Microsoft said on Friday (February 3) that it identified Iranian state actors behind the cyber attack on the French satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo. Last month, a group of hackers called "Holy Souls" announced that they had obtained the personal information of over 200,000 Charlie Hebdo customers and went on to publish a sample of the data as proof. In a social media post, the hackers said they would sell the information for 20 bitcoins ($470,000)

The cyber attack came following the newspaper publishing cartoons of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a special edition to mark the anniversary of the 2015 attack on its Paris offices which killed 12 and injured 11. Earlier, Iran publicly vowed an "effective response" to the "insulting" cartoons.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranian-couple-dancing-in-the-streets-sentenced-to-over-10-years-in-prison-557849">Iranian couple dancing in the streets sentenced to over 10 years in prison</a>

On Friday, Clint Watts, the general manager of Microsoft's Digital Threat Analysis Center, said that Holy Souls were Iranian cybersecurity firm Emennet Pasargad, news agency AFP reported on Friday. The firm was the employer of two Iranians, Mohammad Hosein Musa Kazemi and Sajjad Kashian, who had been indicted by the United States Justice Department in 2021.&nbsp;

During the 2020 presidential elections in the US, Kazemi and Kashian allegedly carried out a cyber campaign to intimidate and influence American voters, and otherwise undermine voter confidence and sow discord. According to the Justice Department, they allegedly obtained confidential voter information and sent menacing emails, pushing out false information to influence both Democratic and Republican voters, and also attempted to hack into state voting-related websites. Iran denied these claims.&nbsp;

"Whatever one may think of Charlie Hebdo's editorial choices, the release of personally identifiable information about tens of thousands of its customers constitutes a grave threat," Microsoft said in a statement on Friday.&nbsp;

Microsoft added that the Iranian hackers used Twitter accounts with fake or stolen identities to criticise cartoons of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Two accounts impersonating a Charlie Hebdo editor and a technology executive also posted the leaked data before Twitter banned them.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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American computing giant Microsoft said on Friday (February 3) that it identified Iranian state actors behind the cyber attack on the French satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo.

American computing giant Microsoft said on Friday (February 3) that it identified Iranian state actors behind the cyber attack on the French satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo. Last month, a group of hackers called "Holy Souls" announced that they had obtained the personal information of over 200,000 Charlie Hebdo customers and went on to publish a sample of the data as proof. In a social media post, the hackers said they would sell the information for 20 bitcoins ($470,000) The cyber attack came following the newspaper publishing cartoons of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a special edition to mark the anniversary of the 2015 attack on its Paris offices which killed 12 and injured 11. Earlier, Iran publicly vowed an "effective response" to the "insulting" cartoons. ALSO READ | Iranian couple dancing in the streets sentenced to over 10 years in prison On Friday, Clint Watts, the general manager of Microsoft's Digital Threat Analysis Center, said that Holy Souls were Iranian cybersecurity firm Emennet Pasargad, news agency AFP reported on Friday. The firm was the employer of two Iranians, Mohammad Hosein Musa Kazemi and Sajjad Kashian, who had been indicted by the United States Justice Department in 2021. During the 2020 presidential elections in the US, Kazemi and Kashian allegedly carried out a cyber campaign to intimidate and influence American voters, and otherwise undermine voter confidence and sow discord. According to the Justice Department, they allegedly obtained confidential voter information and sent menacing emails, pushing out false information to influence both Democratic and Republican voters, and also attempted to hack into state voting-related websites. Iran denied these claims. "Whatever one may think of Charlie Hebdo's editorial choices, the release of personally identifiable information about tens of thousands of its customers constitutes a grave threat," Microsoft said in a statement on Friday. Microsoft added that the Iranian hackers used Twitter accounts with fake or stolen identities to criticise cartoons of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Two accounts impersonating a Charlie Hebdo editor and a technology executive also posted the leaked data before Twitter banned them. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Iranian state actors behind cyberattack on Charlie Hebdo: Microsoft

Spanish Fashion Designer Paco Rabanne, who was known for his fragrances has died at the age of 88. The iconic designer passes away on Friday in France. His death was confirmed by a Spanish group.

Fashion Designer Paco Rabanne passes away at age of 88

France defender Raphael Varane has announced retirement from international football, ending a 10-year career. Varane took to social media to inform his retirement, he wrote, 'Representing our beautiful country for a decade has been one of the greatest honours of my life'. Watch the video to know more about it.

French footballer Raphaël Varane quits international football, retires at 29

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu departed for Paris where he will hold talks with French President Emmanuel Macron on the threats posed by Iran's nuclear program.

WION Dispatch: Netanyahu takes off for Paris to discuss Iran threat with France's Macron

French naval forces have seized thousands of assault rifles, machine guns, and anti-tank missiles in the gulf of Oman and according to officials, the assignment was coming from Iran heading to Yemen's Houthi rebels.

France intercept Iranian weapons

Earlier this week, French magazine announced Cleopatra award exclusively for women. This award was launched to give it back to the sexism in French cinema.

WION Fineprint: Cesar vs Cleopatra in French cinema | World News

With hundreds of thousands marching to the streets and strikes interrupting transportation and educational facilities, protesters in France launched a new campaign on Tuesday to put pressure on President Emmanuel Macron to abandon a pension reform plan.

France: Paris metro and suburban rail services severely restricted, mass protests challenge Macron

France and Australia’s defence ministers Sebastien Lecornu and Richard Marles on Monday said that they will supply 155 mm shells jointly to Ukraine which is needed for the artillery sent by the West since the invasion of Russia.

France's Lecornu said that "several thousand 155 mm shells will be manufactured jointly" by French arms supplier Nexter, as Marles added the plan will have a "multi-million-dollar" price tag.

The Australian minister added that the ammunition supplies fit into "the ongoing level of support both France and Australia are providing Ukraine to make sure Ukraine is able to stay in this conflict and... see it concluded on its own terms.”

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-eu-official-claims-russia-is-now-at-war-with-nato-and-the-west-556543">Ukraine war: EU official says ‘Russia has changed ‘special operation’ into war with NATO and West’</a>

Lecornu stated that the military assistance would be "significant" and "an effort that will be kept up over time", as the first deliveries have been scheduled for the first quarter of 2023.

Marles stated "there are some unique capabilities that exist in Australia and some synergies that can be achieved by Australia and France working together" for manufacturing the shells.

Lecornu said that the manufacturing will be carried out by Nexter while gunpowder will be supplied by Australia. &nbsp;

The defence ministers of the two countries met alongside the foreign ministers of both nations, Catherine Colonna and Penny Wong, as Australia and France aim to relaunch co-operation.

WATCH | WION Fineprint: How long can the West keep supplying Ukraine?

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The relationship between the nations was hit in 2021 when a French submarine contract was dropped by Canberra in favour of American subs, and Australia joined the AUKUS Pacific alliance with Washington and London.

Marles appreciated "personal warmth between the four of us", with the ministers emphasising the need to "relaunch" or "rebuild" the relationship in various ways.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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France and Australia’s defence ministers Sebastien Lecornu and Richard Marles on Monday said that they will supply 155 mm shells jointly to Ukraine which is needed for the artillery sent by the West since the invasion of Russia.

France and Australia’s defence ministers Sebastien Lecornu and Richard Marles on Monday said that they will supply 155 mm shells jointly to Ukraine which is needed for the artillery sent by the West since the invasion of Russia. France's Lecornu said that "several thousand 155 mm shells will be manufactured jointly" by French arms supplier Nexter, as Marles added the plan will have a "multi-million-dollar" price tag. The Australian minister added that the ammunition supplies fit into "the ongoing level of support both France and Australia are providing Ukraine to make sure Ukraine is able to stay in this conflict and... see it concluded on its own terms.” ALSO READ | Ukraine war: EU official says ‘Russia has changed ‘special operation’ into war with NATO and West’ Lecornu stated that the military assistance would be "significant" and "an effort that will be kept up over time", as the first deliveries have been scheduled for the first quarter of 2023. Marles stated "there are some unique capabilities that exist in Australia and some synergies that can be achieved by Australia and France working together" for manufacturing the shells. Lecornu said that the manufacturing will be carried out by Nexter while gunpowder will be supplied by Australia. The defence ministers of the two countries met alongside the foreign ministers of both nations, Catherine Colonna and Penny Wong, as Australia and France aim to relaunch co-operation. WATCH | WION Fineprint: How long can the West keep supplying Ukraine? The relationship between the nations was hit in 2021 when a French submarine contract was dropped by Canberra in favour of American subs, and Australia joined the AUKUS Pacific alliance with Washington and London. Marles appreciated "personal warmth between the four of us", with the ministers emphasising the need to "relaunch" or "rebuild" the relationship in various ways. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

France, Australia to provide artillery shells to Ukraine

Spanish director Eduardo Casanova on Sunday saw his 'La Pieta' drama about a toxic mother-son relationship take top prize at France's Gerardmer international horror and science fiction film festival.

The film, set in 2011, depicts the bond between the mother, Libertad, and her son Mateo as an analogy for the relationship between the people of North Korea and its government.

The odd couple's story is upended when Mateo is diagnosed with brain cancer.

'La Pieta' (piety) is 31-year-old Casanova's follow-up to his controversial 2017 noir offering 'Skins'.

Casanova took the Grand Prize along with the youth jury accolade.

Jury prizes also went to 'Piaffe', the debut effort of Israeli director Ann Oren, and 'La Montagne' (The Mountain) by French director Thomas Salvador, who also carried off the critics' award. 
 
To mark the 30th edition of the festival US director Chloe Okuno was awarded a special accolade for "Watcher" about an American woman in Bucharest who suspects a stranger watching her from across her street could be a serial killer.

The festival also feted Jaume Balaguero, who presented his work 'Venus', a three-time jury prize winner.

South Korea's Kim Jee-woon, a grand prize winner in 2004 for 'A Tale of Two Sisters', was also invited to give a masterclass on film production.

Spanish director Eduardo Casanova on Sunday saw his 'La Pieta' drama about a toxic mother-son relationship take top prize at France's Gerardmer international horror and science fiction film festival.

Spanish director Eduardo Casanova on Sunday saw his 'La Pieta' drama about a toxic mother-son relationship take top prize at France's Gerardmer international horror and science fiction film festival. The film, set in 2011, depicts the bond between the mother, Libertad, and her son Mateo as an analogy for the relationship between the people of North Korea and its government. The odd couple's story is upended when Mateo is diagnosed with brain cancer. 'La Pieta' (piety) is 31-year-old Casanova's follow-up to his controversial 2017 noir offering 'Skins'. Casanova took the Grand Prize along with the youth jury accolade. Jury prizes also went to 'Piaffe', the debut effort of Israeli director Ann Oren, and 'La Montagne' (The Mountain) by French director Thomas Salvador, who also carried off the critics' award. To mark the 30th edition of the festival US director Chloe Okuno was awarded a special accolade for "Watcher" about an American woman in Bucharest who suspects a stranger watching her from across her street could be a serial killer. The festival also feted Jaume Balaguero, who presented his work 'Venus', a three-time jury prize winner. South Korea's Kim Jee-woon, a grand prize winner in 2004 for 'A Tale of Two Sisters', was also invited to give a masterclass on film production.

Eduardo Casanova's 'La Pieta' drama wins French horror accolade

Iran is continuing with the crackdown on its protesters, the regime has put hundreds under the arbitrary detention, while other people who are the victim of the crackdown is an Iranian journalist who interviewed Mahasa Amini's father last year - Nazila Maroufian. People are also holding rally in France for their nationals detained in Iran.

Rally in France for nationals detained in Iran; Iranian Olympic skier seeks asylum in Germany

You have overstayed your welcome, we can do it on our own...those were the words of Burkina Faso's Junta government to the French troops stationed at the borders. The west African country severed ties with France and ordered their troops to leave within a month.

World Of Africa: Burkina Faso asks French troops to leave

The French government has pledged legal action after a spill of tiny white plastic pellets washed up on its beaches. Watch this report to know more.

WION Climate Tracker: France to initiate legal action against offenders of plastic pellet spell

You have overstayed your welcome, we can do it on our own...those were the words of Burkina Faso's Junta government to the French troops stationed at the borders. The west African country severed ties with France and ordered their troops to leave within a month. Anti-French sentiment has grown in Burkina Faso, a former French colony since Ibrahim Traore seized power in September. Traore has been more overtly open to working with other countries, notably Russia.

Burkina Faso asks French troops to leave; about 400 French soldiers currently based there

Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine, told his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday (January 24) as Ukraine&nbsp;marked 11 months of war that Russian athletes should have "no place" at the 2024 Paris Olympics. "I particularly emphasised that athletes from Russia should have no place at the Olympic Games in Paris," Zelensky wrote on Telegram following a telephone call with Macron.

On February 24, 2022, only a few days after the Beijing Winter Olympics' closing ceremony, Russia began its invasion of Ukraine.

The International Olympic Committee promptly imposed sanctions on Russia and neighbouring Belarus, which Moscow's forces used as a base for the invasion.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kyrylo-tymoshenko-deputy-head-of-ukraines-presidential-office-resigns-555411">Five regional governors, four deputy ministers dismissed over corruption scandal in Ukraine</a>

Since the start of the war,&nbsp;neither Russia nor Belarus have hosted an international athletic event, and their national anthems are no longer played at significant events.

Thomas Bach, the head of the IOC, stated last year that he would like to see the athletic sanctions extended in 2023 and a strong Ukrainian team in the Olympics in Paris and the Winter Olympics in Italy in 2026.

Also watch |&nbsp;Ukraine Graft Clean-Up: Senior Ukrainian officials step down on graft charges

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Zelensky demanded in December that all Russian athletes be excluded entirely from all international competitions.

Additionally, the Ukrainian president expressed his&nbsp;disagreement with the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee's position that Russian and Belarusian athletes might compete in the Paris Games as long as they did not display their national flags.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine, told his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday (January 24) as Ukraine marked 11 months of war that Russian athletes should have "no place" at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine, told his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday (January 24) as Ukraine marked 11 months of war that Russian athletes should have "no place" at the 2024 Paris Olympics. "I particularly emphasised that athletes from Russia should have no place at the Olympic Games in Paris," Zelensky wrote on Telegram following a telephone call with Macron. On February 24, 2022, only a few days after the Beijing Winter Olympics' closing ceremony, Russia began its invasion of Ukraine. The International Olympic Committee promptly imposed sanctions on Russia and neighbouring Belarus, which Moscow's forces used as a base for the invasion. Also read | Five regional governors, four deputy ministers dismissed over corruption scandal in Ukraine Since the start of the war, neither Russia nor Belarus have hosted an international athletic event, and their national anthems are no longer played at significant events. Thomas Bach, the head of the IOC, stated last year that he would like to see the athletic sanctions extended in 2023 and a strong Ukrainian team in the Olympics in Paris and the Winter Olympics in Italy in 2026. Also watch | Ukraine Graft Clean-Up: Senior Ukrainian officials step down on graft charges Zelensky demanded in December that all Russian athletes be excluded entirely from all international competitions. Additionally, the Ukrainian president expressed his disagreement with the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee's position that Russian and Belarusian athletes might compete in the Paris Games as long as they did not display their national flags. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Russian athletes should not compete at 2024 Paris Olympics: Zelensky tells Macron

According to a new survey, French executives binge work the most and nearly four in ten French business leaders admit to working intense, long hours without regular breaks.

Survey: French business leaders work intense, long hours

Who comes to mind when you think about intense workers with long hours without regular breaks? The most likely image would be Japanese, Chinese, Indians or Americans. But, the findings of a survey from Health Insurer Bupa Global might surprise you.&nbsp;

The survey found&nbsp;that&nbsp;executives in France binge-work the most. Nearly 40 per cent of French executives and leaders who participated in the recent poll admitted to working intense, long hours without taking regular breaks which is also above the 25 per cent global average and against the country’s workplace policies and lifestyle.

The latest poll also shows a different working culture emerges in the nation known for its wine, cheese and fine dining. It also found that long working hours make French workers the most anxious about their work performance.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/french-man-sues-employer-for-boring-job-gets-45000-severance-package-444376">French man sues employer for 'boring' job, gets $45,000 severance package</a>

The French have the most anxiety about their organisations' ability to weather the current economic instability, along with a reluctance to work remotely compared to their global peers. The survey also says binge working was more common among executives who went into the office full-time than those who worked remotely.&nbsp;

This also&nbsp;stands in contrast to Paris’&nbsp;laws. Indeed, to facilitate a work-life balance, France became the first European nation to apply a law regarding the ‘Right to Disconnect’ in 2017, which requires&nbsp;organisations to prohibit emails, calls or other workplace encroachments after certain hours.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-belgian-civil-servants-get-the-right-to-disconnect-449704">Gravitas: Belgian civil servants get the right to disconnect</a>

“This combination of external economic pressures and tendency to take responsibilities upon themselves could contribute to French executives binge working the most,” Anthony Cabrelli, Managing Director of Bupa Global, told Bloomberg.

Bupa Global serves expatriates, executives and other high-net-worth individuals. The survey considered the views of 2,439 high-net-worth individuals across eight regions. Meanwhile, most blue-collar and service workers only work 35 hours per week, and August is largely for summer vacations.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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Who comes to mind when you think about intense workers with long hours without regular breaks? The most likely image would be Japanese, Chinese, Indians or Americans.

Who comes to mind when you think about intense workers with long hours without regular breaks? The most likely image would be Japanese, Chinese, Indians or Americans. But, the findings of a survey from Health Insurer Bupa Global might surprise you. The survey found that executives in France binge-work the most. Nearly 40 per cent of French executives and leaders who participated in the recent poll admitted to working intense, long hours without taking regular breaks which is also above the 25 per cent global average and against the country’s workplace policies and lifestyle. The latest poll also shows a different working culture emerges in the nation known for its wine, cheese and fine dining. It also found that long working hours make French workers the most anxious about their work performance. ALSO READ | French man sues employer for 'boring' job, gets $45,000 severance package The French have the most anxiety about their organisations' ability to weather the current economic instability, along with a reluctance to work remotely compared to their global peers. The survey also says binge working was more common among executives who went into the office full-time than those who worked remotely. This also stands in contrast to Paris’ laws. Indeed, to facilitate a work-life balance, France became the first European nation to apply a law regarding the ‘Right to Disconnect’ in 2017, which requires organisations to prohibit emails, calls or other workplace encroachments after certain hours. ALSO WATCH | Gravitas: Belgian civil servants get the right to disconnect “This combination of external economic pressures and tendency to take responsibilities upon themselves could contribute to French executives binge working the most,” Anthony Cabrelli, Managing Director of Bupa Global, told Bloomberg. Bupa Global serves expatriates, executives and other high-net-worth individuals. The survey considered the views of 2,439 high-net-worth individuals across eight regions. Meanwhile, most blue-collar and service workers only work 35 hours per week, and August is largely for summer vacations. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Who are the world’s biggest workaholics?

On Saturday in Lyon, Japan won the biennial Pastry World Cup, giving it its first triumph in 16 years. When the three-person Japanese team's victory was announced, they erupted in celebration on the podium.

Japan wins pastry world cup 2023, competition took place in Chassieu, Eastern France

A report claiming that authorities in the West African nation of Burkina Faso ordered hundreds of French troops to depart within a month prompted French President Emmanuel Macron to announce Sunday that he was awaiting "clarifications" from the new junta leader of that nation. With junta leader Ibrahim Traore absent from the nation's capital, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso's message was "confusing," according to Macron at a news conference in Paris.

France-Burkina Faso Ties: France asks Burkina Faso to clarify troop departure reports

A study has highlighted “alarming” proportions of sexism in France, noting that women are facing new forms of harassment including online violence, verbal abuse on social media and pornography with “barbaric” content.

The study —a first of its kind in France—conducted by the High Authority on Equality (HCE), a consultative body, surveyed 2,500 people and found sexist behaviour increasing in “all spheres”.

It noticed a particular increase in men believing violent and discriminatory behaviour against women to be acceptable.

The study highlighted how older men still held conservative attitudes towards male and female roles in society, while the younger men occasionally displayed aggressive macho tendencies.

Taking the case of the #MeToo movement—which created waves around the world in which women revealed how they were abused by men in power—the study detected a male backlash against the movement, with French men seeking “to reduce women to silence or discredit them”.

Despite people being aware of the violence and discrimination since the #MeToo movement “bias and gender stereotypes, sexist cliches and everyday sexism are still commonplace”, the HCE found.

It stated that situations of “discrimination, violence and harassment” have reached “alarming proportions”.

According to its findings, 24 per cent of the women aged 18-24 surveyed said that they were subjected to “psychological control or excessive jealousy” by a partner, while 15 per cent admitting that they had been beaten by their partner or ex-partner. For women aged 50-64, this rose to 20 per cent.

More than 37 per cent of the women polled said they had been subject to non-consensual sex.

The HCE further broke down the figures and revealed that 33 per cent of women had sex when they did not want to but their partner insisted, 12 per cent had unprotected sex at the insistence of their partner. This figure rose to 18 per cent in the 25-34 age group.

“People recognise and deplore the existence of sexism but fail to reject it in practice, a phenomenon particularly widespread among the men questioned. This gap between perception, statements and practice has tangible consequences in terms of symbolic, physical, sexual and economic violence,” the report said.

The HCE president, Sylvie Pierre-Brossolette, said that she was not surprised with the findings.

“We wanted to do for sexism what has been done for racism,” Pierre-Brossolette told the Guardian.

“It’s not enough to protect women and punish men. If we don’t address the roots of everyday sexism and change the mentality we will never move forward. We cannot just deplore the situation we need to change it.”

(With inputs from agencies)

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A study has highlighted “alarming” proportions of sexism in France, noting that women are facing new forms of harassment including online violence, verbal abuse on social media and pornography with “barbaric” content.

A study has highlighted “alarming” proportions of sexism in France, noting that women are facing new forms of harassment including online violence, verbal abuse on social media and pornography with “barbaric” content. The study —a first of its kind in France—conducted by the High Authority on Equality (HCE), a consultative body, surveyed 2,500 people and found sexist behaviour increasing in “all spheres”. It noticed a particular increase in men believing violent and discriminatory behaviour against women to be acceptable. The study highlighted how older men still held conservative attitudes towards male and female roles in society, while the younger men occasionally displayed aggressive macho tendencies. Taking the case of the #MeToo movement—which created waves around the world in which women revealed how they were abused by men in power—the study detected a male backlash against the movement, with French men seeking “to reduce women to silence or discredit them”. Despite people being aware of the violence and discrimination since the #MeToo movement “bias and gender stereotypes, sexist cliches and everyday sexism are still commonplace”, the HCE found. It stated that situations of “discrimination, violence and harassment” have reached “alarming proportions”. According to its findings, 24 per cent of the women aged 18-24 surveyed said that they were subjected to “psychological control or excessive jealousy” by a partner, while 15 per cent admitting that they had been beaten by their partner or ex-partner. For women aged 50-64, this rose to 20 per cent. More than 37 per cent of the women polled said they had been subject to non-consensual sex. The HCE further broke down the figures and revealed that 33 per cent of women had sex when they did not want to but their partner insisted, 12 per cent had unprotected sex at the insistence of their partner. This figure rose to 18 per cent in the 25-34 age group. “People recognise and deplore the existence of sexism but fail to reject it in practice, a phenomenon particularly widespread among the men questioned. This gap between perception, statements and practice has tangible consequences in terms of symbolic, physical, sexual and economic violence,” the report said. The HCE president, Sylvie Pierre-Brossolette, said that she was not surprised with the findings. “We wanted to do for sexism what has been done for racism,” Pierre-Brossolette told the Guardian. “It’s not enough to protect women and punish men. If we don’t address the roots of everyday sexism and change the mentality we will never move forward. We cannot just deplore the situation we need to change it.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

France remains ‘highly sexist in all spheres of life’, says study

French President Emmanuel Macron's new Pension Reform Bill begins its journey through Parliament on Monday. The scheme drew over a million protesters to the streets last Thursday.

WION Fineprint: French pension reforms face backlash

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is in Paris to meet French President Macron. The French President said that sending tanks to Ukraine must not escalate the crisis.

Macron-Scholz meet in Paris: Macron says sending tanks to Ukraine must not escalate the crisis

On Monday, the French government took a step ahead with the widely-debated pensions reform plan, which would increase the retirement age to 64, stating that the top priority must be balancing the system's books.

After the legislation was tabled in the cabinet meeting, which was the last step before it goes for parliamentary debate, Labour Minister Olivier Dussopt said, “Going back on this point (of the age increase) would be giving up on getting the system back in balance.”

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-prepares-for-massive-strikes-over-pension-reforms-on-thursday-554051">Nationwide strike kicks off in France over pension reforms</a>

The bill would gradually increase the age of retirement from 62 years to 64 years by 2030 and will also increase the minimum years of service people must give to become eligible for a full pension from 42 years to 43 years.&nbsp;

Dussopt stated that the government "disagrees with trade unions", who had led the massive protests and strikes on Thursday in which around 1.1 million people participated to raise their voices against pension reform.

The unions are now planning a fresh strike on January 31 as they have warned that they are ready to step up their actions if the government fails to relent. &nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Germany-France Ties: Macron and Scholz meet to mark 60th anniversary of the Elysee treaty&nbsp;

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The ministers claim that billions will slip into deficit in the years ahead because of the pension system and that they must find saving to prevent costly top-ups from general taxation.&nbsp;

Dussopt stated that amendments that "improve the text without giving up on getting back to balancing the books by 2030, nor the fundamentals of the reform" will be accepted by the government.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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On Monday, the French government took a step ahead with the widely-debated pensions reform plan, which would increase the retirement age to 64, stating that the top priority must be balancing the system's books.

On Monday, the French government took a step ahead with the widely-debated pensions reform plan, which would increase the retirement age to 64, stating that the top priority must be balancing the system's books. After the legislation was tabled in the cabinet meeting, which was the last step before it goes for parliamentary debate, Labour Minister Olivier Dussopt said, “Going back on this point (of the age increase) would be giving up on getting the system back in balance.” ALSO READ | Nationwide strike kicks off in France over pension reforms The bill would gradually increase the age of retirement from 62 years to 64 years by 2030 and will also increase the minimum years of service people must give to become eligible for a full pension from 42 years to 43 years. Dussopt stated that the government "disagrees with trade unions", who had led the massive protests and strikes on Thursday in which around 1.1 million people participated to raise their voices against pension reform. The unions are now planning a fresh strike on January 31 as they have warned that they are ready to step up their actions if the government fails to relent. WATCH | Germany-France Ties: Macron and Scholz meet to mark 60th anniversary of the Elysee treaty × The ministers claim that billions will slip into deficit in the years ahead because of the pension system and that they must find saving to prevent costly top-ups from general taxation. Dussopt stated that amendments that "improve the text without giving up on getting back to balancing the books by 2030, nor the fundamentals of the reform" will be accepted by the government. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

French government refuses to back down on pension reform

Germany Chancellor Olaf Scholz met with French president Emmanuel Macron. The two leaders met in Paris on Sunday to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Elysee treaty.

Germany-France Ties: Macron and Scholz meet to mark 60th anniversary of the Elysee treaty

India and France have carried out a five-day Naval exercise in the Pacific region. The drill's aim was to improve interoperability and prepare joint operations. The annual aero-naval event celebrated the 25th anniversary of the two Nations strategic partnership.

India-France complete five-day annual aero-naval exercise

French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday (January 22) said that France and Germany should be "pioneers" in the process of developing Europe. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz met French counterpart in Paris on Sunday to mark 60 years of postwar cooperation between both nations—the signing of Elysee Treaty.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday (January 22) said that France and Germany should be "pioneers" in the process of developing Europe. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz met French counterpart in Paris on Sunday to mark 60 years of postwar cooperation between both nations—the signing of Elysee Treaty. To pay tribute to the historic treaty, top French and German officials met in Paris. In his speech, Macron said that Germany and France must "become pioneers to relaunch Europe" because they have cleared the path to reconciliation. ALSO READ | Ex-UK PM Boris Johnson makes unannounced visit to Ukraine, meets President Zelensky As quoted by news agencies, Macron stressed the need to "build a new energy model" and encourage "innovation and the technologies of tomorrow". He also talked about ensuring that the European Union remains "a geopolitical power in its own right, in defence, space and diplomacy". Meanwhile, Olaf said that the cooperation between France and Germany was key to Europe's future. He said, "The future, like the past, rests on cooperation between both our countries as the driving force of a united Europe." WATCH | UK donates helicopter to Ukraine, Germany says 'in close dialogue' with partners on issue of tanks × Scholz on the current Ukraine situation The German chancellor said that France and Germany will support Ukraine for "as long as necessary" in its fight against Russia. As the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war continues to escalate, the West is rushing to send military and humanitarian assistance to its close ally, Ukraine. During his speech at Sorbonne University, Scholz said, "We will continue to provide Ukraine with all the support its needs for as long as necessary." He added, "Together, as Europeans, to defend our European peace project." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

France and Germany must become ‘pioneers’ to relaunch Europe, says Macron

Following Mali, Burkina Faso has also ordered hundreds of French troops to depart the West African country within a month as the government seeks to end the French military’s presence on Burkinabe soil.&nbsp;The announcement was made on Wednesday, National broadcaster RTB reported on Saturday citing the official Agence d’Information du Burkina.

The development comes amidst massive protests in the capital Ouagadougou last week, calling for the ouster of the French ambassador and the closure of a French military base north of the capital.&nbsp;

The decision was welcomed by the protesters on Saturday,

“Despite their presence on Burkinabe soil with huge equipment and their power at the intelligence level, they couldn’t help us defeat terrorism,” Passamde Sawadogo, a prominent civil society activist and reggae singer, told AP news agency.

<h2>Gravitas: All about the insurgency in Burkina Faso</h2>

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“It, therefore, was time for us to get rid of them, and that’s what the transition government is doing with a lot of boldness.”

According to France 24, around 400 French special forces soldiers are currently based in Burkina Faso. While in Mali, around 2,400 soldiers were present.

The move comes five months after France completed its withdrawal from Mali after nine years of fighting Islamic extremists alongside regional troops. Many of those have now been shifted to Niger and Chad instead.

The announcement has caused concern over Burkina Faso and Mali’s capability to counter Islamic extremists, who are said to be exploiting the political disarray to expand their reach.

Burkina Faso, a former colony of France which gained independence 60 years ago, has maintained strong economic and humanitarian aid ties with Paris.

As the Islamic extremist insurgency has deepened, however, anti-French sentiment has spiked due in part to the unabating violence.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Following Mali, Burkina Faso has also ordered hundreds of French troops to depart the West African country within a month as the government seeks to end the French military’s presence on Burkinabe soil.

Following Mali, Burkina Faso has also ordered hundreds of French troops to depart the West African country within a month as the government seeks to end the French military’s presence on Burkinabe soil. The announcement was made on Wednesday, National broadcaster RTB reported on Saturday citing the official Agence d’Information du Burkina. The development comes amidst massive protests in the capital Ouagadougou last week, calling for the ouster of the French ambassador and the closure of a French military base north of the capital. The decision was welcomed by the protesters on Saturday, “Despite their presence on Burkinabe soil with huge equipment and their power at the intelligence level, they couldn’t help us defeat terrorism,” Passamde Sawadogo, a prominent civil society activist and reggae singer, told AP news agency. Gravitas: All about the insurgency in Burkina Faso “It, therefore, was time for us to get rid of them, and that’s what the transition government is doing with a lot of boldness.” According to France 24, around 400 French special forces soldiers are currently based in Burkina Faso. While in Mali, around 2,400 soldiers were present. The move comes five months after France completed its withdrawal from Mali after nine years of fighting Islamic extremists alongside regional troops. Many of those have now been shifted to Niger and Chad instead. The announcement has caused concern over Burkina Faso and Mali’s capability to counter Islamic extremists, who are said to be exploiting the political disarray to expand their reach. Burkina Faso, a former colony of France which gained independence 60 years ago, has maintained strong economic and humanitarian aid ties with Paris. As the Islamic extremist insurgency has deepened, however, anti-French sentiment has spiked due in part to the unabating violence. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Burkina Faso orders French troops to leave amidst massive protest

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