Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has been released from La Santé prison in Paris after serving three weeks of a five-year sentence for criminal conspiracy related to his 2007 presidential campaign financing.

France: Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy Granted Early Release

Nicolas Sarkozy Walks Out of Prison After Three Weeks

Louvre Robbery Shocks France: In a stunning daylight robbery, thieves stole eight priceless pieces of French Crown Jewels worth approximately $102 million from the Louvre Museum. The security system’s password was simply “Louvre,” highlighting a major vulnerability.

Louvre Robbery Shocks France: Weak Surveillance Password Revealed

France: The National Assembly approved by one vote a nonbinding resolution urging the repeal of a 1968 agreement with Algeria.


France: Major legislative victory for Marine Le Pen’s National Rally

French President Emmanuel Macron’s approval ratings have hit a new low, matching the record unpopularity once seen by former President François Hollande. Growing public dissatisfaction over economic issues, immigration policies, and pension reforms has fueled discontent across France.


France politics: Macron's approval rating drops to historic low 

French authorities continue their investigation into the stolen jewels from the Louvre, arresting additional suspects as questions rise about a possible inside job. The daring heist has shocked Paris, with police working tirelessly to recover the priceless treasures. Stay updated on the latest developments, police raids, and insider suspicions surrounding one of France’s most audacious art thefts.


Former thief predicted Louvre's weak spot 

Paris police have arrested five more suspects in the audacious $102 million Louvre jewel heist — but the legendary royal crowns remain missing. Investigators are now tracing international black-market networks and re-examining ignored security warnings. A former thief, who once consulted for the museum, claims he warned the Louvre about critical vulnerabilities months before the daring daylight robbery. As police chase leads across Europe, the priceless jewels are still at large. Watch the full breakdown of the shocking twists, elite suspects, and high-stakes manhunt gripping France and beyond.

Paris Heist: $102 Million Crown Jewel Mystery Deepens! 

French authorities continue their investigation into the stolen jewels from the Louvre, arresting additional suspects as questions rise about a possible inside job. The daring heist has shocked Paris, with police working tirelessly to recover the priceless treasures. Stay updated on the latest developments, police raids, and insider suspicions surrounding one of France’s most audacious art thefts.

Louvre Heist Mystery: Inside Job Suspected as French Police Make More Arrests 

French authorities have detained two of the suspected robbers believed to have stolen precious crown jewels from the Louvre in a museum heist that stunned the world.


Louvre robbery: How the crime unfolded in Paris' tourist hub in 8 minutes

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu calls for compromise amid ongoing budget negotiations, urging lawmakers to find common ground to prevent political deadlock.

French PM Lecornu Appeals for Compromise in Budget Talks as Socialists Threaten to Overthrow Cabinet

The daylight heist of the famous Louver Museum has
Put spotlight on a dazzling jewel with a mysterious past
The regent diamond
A gem so legendary that even thieves at the Louver reportedly failed to steal it.
Watch this video to find out more.

'Cursed' Indian diamond that Louvre thieves failed to steal

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy is set to learn when and where he will begin serving his 5-year prison sentence for criminal conspiracy in the Libya campaign funding case. Sarkozy, who denies the charges, was convicted for allegedly accepting illegal funds from Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi to finance his 2007 presidential campaign. Despite his appeal, French law mandates enforcement of the sentence. Sarkozy becomes the first former EU head of state to face jail time.


First Ex-prez of modern France behind bars

Few landmarks capture the sweep of history, power, and art like the Louvre. Long before it became home to masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, the Louvre stood as a medieval stronghold built to protect the French capital. The story begins in 1190, when King Philip II commissioned the construction of a fortress on the Right Bank of the Seine. At the time, Paris was vulnerable to potential invasions, particularly from the English. The original Louvre featured thick walls, a moat, and a central keep. While the city grew around it, the fortress served as a strategic defensive structure.&nbsp;Over the centuries, as Paris expanded beyond its medieval boundaries, the Louvre gradually lost its military purpose. By the 16th century, under King Francis I, the fortress was transformed into a Renaissance palace. Francis, a passionate patron of the arts, invited Italian artists to his court — including Leonardo da Vinci, who brought the Mona Lisa with him to France. This marked the beginning of the Louvre’s deep connection with art and culture.<h2>Birth of a museum during revolution</h2>The Louvre’s identity as a palace continued under successive monarchs, including Henry IV, Louis XIII, and Louis XIV. New wings, courtyards, and galleries were added, turning it into one of Europe’s grandest royal residences. The Grande Galerie, running along the Seine, became a hub for artists, who were allowed to live and work there. But in 1682, Louis XIV moved the royal court to Versailles, leaving the Louvre as a space primarily for storing royal collections and hosting artists rather than housing royalty. This shift laid the foundation for its next major transformation.&nbsp;During the French Revolution, the Louvre took on a radically new role. In 1793, the revolutionary government declared the palace a ‘Museum central des arts de la Republique’ — a museum for the people. The museum opened with 537 paintings, many confiscated from the Church and the royal family. For the first time, what had been exclusive to the monarchy was now accessible to the public. Under Napoleon Bonaparte, the collection expanded dramatically through military conquests. Renamed the Musée Napoléon, the museum displayed artworks looted from across Europe. Though many of these treasures were returned after Napoleon’s defeat, this period significantly shaped the scope of the Louvre’s collection.<h2>Modernisation and the glass pyramid</h2>By the 20th century, the Louvre had established itself as one of the world’s leading art institutions. Yet, with millions of annual visitors and growing collections, the museum faced logistical and space challenges. A turning point came in 1989, when then-French President François Mitterrand inaugurated the Louvre Pyramid, designed by Chinese-American architect I. M. Pei. The striking glass-and-steel structure served as a new main entrance, streamlining visitor flow and symbolizing the blend of classical heritage and modern innovation.&nbsp;The Pyramid’s unveiling sparked heated debates in France — some saw it as a bold step into modernity, while others criticized its contrast with the classical palace. Over time, however, it has become as iconic as the museum itself, representing Paris’s ability to honor tradition while embracing the future. In the 1990s, the Louvre further expanded by converting the Richelieu Wing, previously occupied by the Ministry of Finance, into new gallery spaces. This expansion allowed for the display of more sculptures, decorative arts, and Near Eastern antiquities.<h2>A global cultural powerhouse</h2>Today, the Louvre is not just a museum — it’s a global cultural symbol. It houses over 500,000 works of art, though only around 35,000 are on display at any given time. The collection spans eight departments: Near Eastern antiquities, Egyptian antiquities, Greek, Etruscan and Roman art, Islamic art, sculptures, decorative arts, paintings, and prints and drawings. Its galleries tell the story of civilizations across millennia — from the Code of Hammurabi to the Winged Victory of Samothrace. For millions of visitors each year, the Louvre offers not just a museum visit, but a journey through human history.&nbsp;Pre-pandemic, the Louvre attracted close to 10 million visitors annually, making it the most visited museum in the world. Even today, it remains a central stop for travelers to Paris, alongside the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral.The Louvre has also extended its influence internationally. The Louvre-Lens, opened in northern France in 2012, brings the museum’s collections closer to regional audiences. In 2017, Louvre Abu Dhabi opened as part of a landmark cultural exchange, showcasing the Louvre’s global ambitions and partnerships.<h2>Symbol of France’s evolving identity</h2>The Louvre’s journey mirrors France’s own transformation. What began as a fortress of royal power became a palace of&nbsp;Renaissance art, then a revolutionary museum embodying public access to culture, and finally, a modern global institution. It stands as a testament to France’s layered history — a monument that has witnessed monarchy, revolution, empire, modernization, and globalisation. Its architectural evolution, from medieval walls to a glass pyramid, tells a story of resilience and reinvention. For visitors, whether they come to admire the enigmatic smile of the Mona Lisa or to explore centuries-old artifacts, the Louvre remains more than a museum — it’s a living archive of human civilization and a beacon of artistic achievement.

Louvre: From a medieval fortress to the world’s most iconic museum. Know its history and significance

Few landmarks capture the sweep of history, power, and art like the Louvre. Long before it became home to masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, the Louvre stood as a medieval stronghold built to protect the French capital. The story begins in 1190, when King Philip II commissioned the construction of a fortress on the Right Bank of the Seine. At the time, Paris was vulnerable to potential invasions, particularly from the English. The original Louvre featured thick walls, a moat, and a central keep. While the city grew around it, the fortress served as a strategic defensive structure. Over the centuries, as Paris expanded beyond its medieval boundaries, the Louvre gradually lost its military purpose. By the 16th century, under King Francis I, the fortress was transformed into a Renaissance palace. Francis, a passionate patron of the arts, invited Italian artists to his court — including Leonardo da Vinci, who brought the Mona Lisa with him to France. This marked the beginning of the Louvre’s deep connection with art and culture. Birth of a museum during revolution The Louvre’s identity as a palace continued under successive monarchs, including Henry IV, Louis XIII, and Louis XIV. New wings, courtyards, and galleries were added, turning it into one of Europe’s grandest royal residences. The Grande Galerie, running along the Seine, became a hub for artists, who were allowed to live and work there. But in 1682, Louis XIV moved the royal court to Versailles, leaving the Louvre as a space primarily for storing royal collections and hosting artists rather than housing royalty. This shift laid the foundation for its next major transformation. During the French Revolution, the Louvre took on a radically new role. In 1793, the revolutionary government declared the palace a ‘Museum central des arts de la Republique’ — a museum for the people. The museum opened with 537 paintings, many confiscated from the Church and the royal family. For the first time, what had been exclusive to the monarchy was now accessible to the public. Under Napoleon Bonaparte, the collection expanded dramatically through military conquests. Renamed the Musée Napoléon, the museum displayed artworks looted from across Europe. Though many of these treasures were returned after Napoleon’s defeat, this period significantly shaped the scope of the Louvre’s collection. Modernisation and the glass pyramid By the 20th century, the Louvre had established itself as one of the world’s leading art institutions. Yet, with millions of annual visitors and growing collections, the museum faced logistical and space challenges. A turning point came in 1989, when then-French President François Mitterrand inaugurated the Louvre Pyramid, designed by Chinese-American architect I. M. Pei. The striking glass-and-steel structure served as a new main entrance, streamlining visitor flow and symbolizing the blend of classical heritage and modern innovation. The Pyramid’s unveiling sparked heated debates in France — some saw it as a bold step into modernity, while others criticized its contrast with the classical palace. Over time, however, it has become as iconic as the museum itself, representing Paris’s ability to honor tradition while embracing the future. In the 1990s, the Louvre further expanded by converting the Richelieu Wing, previously occupied by the Ministry of Finance, into new gallery spaces. This expansion allowed for the display of more sculptures, decorative arts, and Near Eastern antiquities. A global cultural powerhouse Today, the Louvre is not just a museum — it’s a global cultural symbol. It houses over 500,000 works of art, though only around 35,000 are on display at any given time. The collection spans eight departments: Near Eastern antiquities, Egyptian antiquities, Greek, Etruscan and Roman art, Islamic art, sculptures, decorative arts, paintings, and prints and drawings. Its galleries tell the story of civilizations across millennia — from the Code of Hammurabi to the Winged Victory of Samothrace. For millions of visitors each year, the Louvre offers not just a museum visit, but a journey through human history. Pre-pandemic, the Louvre attracted close to 10 million visitors annually, making it the most visited museum in the world. Even today, it remains a central stop for travelers to Paris, alongside the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral. The Louvre has also extended its influence internationally. The Louvre-Lens, opened in northern France in 2012, brings the museum’s collections closer to regional audiences. In 2017, Louvre Abu Dhabi opened as part of a landmark cultural exchange, showcasing the Louvre’s global ambitions and partnerships. Symbol of France’s evolving identity The Louvre’s journey mirrors France’s own transformation. What began as a fortress of royal power became a palace of Renaissance art, then a revolutionary museum embodying public access to culture, and finally, a modern global institution. It stands as a testament to France’s layered history — a monument that has witnessed monarchy, revolution, empire, modernization, and globalisation. Its architectural evolution, from medieval walls to a glass pyramid, tells a story of resilience and reinvention. For visitors, whether they come to admire the enigmatic smile of the Mona Lisa or to explore centuries-old artifacts, the Louvre remains more than a museum — it’s a living archive of human civilization and a beacon of artistic achievement.

Once a medieval fortress, the Louvre has grown into the world’s most visited museum, blending royal history, revolutionary spirit, and artistic brilliance under one iconic glass pyramid

Thieves wielding power tools have struck at the famed Louvre Museum in Paris, stealing priceless jewels in a brazen heist that took just four minutes, according to the government.


Louvre heist: Hunt continues for thieves after priceless jewels stolen in robbery at museum in Paris

Louvre heist: France's iconic museum announces closure after robbery

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has survived a no-confidence vote, narrowly avoiding the collapse of his government.
The political maneuver to suspend controversial pension reforms played a key role in securing enough support to keep the administration afloat.


French PM Survives No-Confidence Vote | Pension Reform Suspension Saves Lecornu's Government | WION 

Paris’ Most Famous Landmark, The Eiffel Tower, Is Facing A Severe Financial Crisis. According To France’s Top Audit Office, The Tower Recorded A Loss Of Approximately 8.5 Million Euros Last Year, With Deficits Projected To Balloon To 31 Million Euros By 2031. What’s Causing This Financial Trouble For One Of The World’s Most Iconic Tourist Destinations? Watch To Find Out.

France’s Iconic Eiffel Tower Sinks Deeper Into Debt

French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu survived a vote of no-confidence Thursday (October 16, 2025) that could have toppled his fragile new government and plunged France deeper into political chaos.


French PM Sebastien Lecornu survives back-to-back no-confidence votes

French President Emmanuel Macron re-appointed outgoing Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, in a shock move that brought an end to days of speculation and intense negotiations aimed at resolving the country's deepening political stalemate. 


France: Macron reappoints Lecornu as French PM after days of turmoil

The French president, Emmanuel Macron, has reappointed his centrist ally Sébastien Lecornu as prime minister – days after Lecornu dramatically resigned and his new government collapsed after only 14 hours.

French President Macron Reappoints Lecornu as PM, Opposition Parties Slam Macron's Move

French President Emmanuel Macron is searching for his sixth prime minister in less than two years amid a deep political crisis. The outgoing prime minister, Sebastien Lecornu, resigned after the shortest-lived administration in modern France. Macron’s new pick faces the challenge of passing a critical budget and navigating fierce opposition to pension reforms. Watch for the latest updates on France’s political turmoil and what it means for the country’s future.

France’s Macron Seeks Sixth Prime Minister in Under Two Years

Macron announces he will not call for snap parliamentary elections amid rising political unrest. Tensions grow as citizens react to policy decisions and ongoing social challenges. Watch the video to know more updates on this!

France political unrest: Macron not to call for snap parliamentary elections

Is Emmanuel Macron staring at his last few days as the French President?

Once hailed as the “Master of the Clocks”, Macron now finds himself cornered by a political storm in France. With rising opposition from both the far-right and far-left, his presidency faces unprecedented challenges in its final stretch.

Watch this video to find out what’s driving the calls for his ouster.

France at a Political Crossroads as Calls for Macron's Ouster Grows

As political uncertainty grips France, President Emmanuel Macron is seeking stability amid a shifting parliamentary landscape. The outgoing French Prime Minister has expressed cautious optimism about reaching a budget agreement with the opposition, signaling potential cooperation despite recent electoral setbacks.

With Macron's centrist alliance weakened, the ability to pass crucial fiscal legislation may now hinge on bipartisan dialogue. Can France avoid a budget deadlock?

Macron Searching for Stability: PM Optimistic on Budget Deal with Opposition 

Gisèle Pelicot's rapist, Husamettin Dogan, who was trying to get the rape conviction against him dropped on Tuesday (Oct 7) was forced to face the truth in court. 44-year-old Dogan, a married man and a father, was called out by Gisèle's ex-husband, Dominique Pelicot, one of the worst sex offenders in modern French history revealed that the man in fact knew that he was participating in the sexual assault of a sedated woman. "They all knew", said Dominique, adding, "I always said she was sedated".<h2>Dogan claims innocence</h2>Husamettin Dogan, 44, one of the many men Dominique Pelicot recruited to sexually assault his now ex-wife Gisèle Pelicot, is the only convicted rapist in this case — of 51 convicted rapists — to appeal his conviction. He claims that he "never intended" to rape Gisèle. He argues that he was deceived by Dominique and claims that he did not realise she was unconscious.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/photos-of-trump-s-swollen-ankles-during-carney-meet-reignite-health-rumors-and-his-talk-about-heaven-isn-t-helping-1759890398722">Photos of Trump’s swollen ankles during Carney meet reignite health rumours — and his talk about heaven isn’t helping</a>However, it must be noted that last year, during the hearing of the case that shook France and the world, established Gisele as a feminist icon, Dogan admitted to telling Pelicot that his wife "looked dead". For his crimes, he received a nine-year prison sentence.<h2>What Dominique Pelicot said</h2>73-year-old Dominique Pelicot, who is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for facilitating the abuse of his wife, told the court that he had given Dogan specific instructions that Gisele was drugged and was not to be woken.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-tragedy-to-triumph-five-personalities-who-defined-2024-785783">From tragedy to triumph: Five personalities who defined 2024</a>"I said precisely on the phone there was to be no tobacco, no scent, he was to wash his hands, no violence, it would be filmed. All these things left him in no doubt of her state. He had to get undressed at the entrance to the kitchen on the patio because if there was a problem, I didn’t want him to stay," he said. Dominique also revealed that he met Dogan on a chatroom called "against her knowledge" and that he was very specific that he was "looking for someone to abuse my wife after I’ve put her to sleep without her knowledge".However, in court, Dogan insisted that he was unaware and refuted Dominique's assertion that he "took pleasure" in raping the sedated woman. The trial will continue on Thursday (Oct 9).

In a chilling twist in one of France’s most disturbing sexual assault cases, Gisèle Pelicot’s rapist, Husamettin Dogan, was confronted with damning testimony in court as he attempted to overturn his rape conviction. Here's all you need to know.

Gisèle Pelicot's rapist, Husamettin Dogan, who was trying to get the rape conviction against him dropped on Tuesday (Oct 7) was forced to face the truth in court. 44-year-old Dogan, a married man and a father, was called out by Gisèle's ex-husband, Dominique Pelicot, one of the worst sex offenders in modern French history revealed that the man in fact knew that he was participating in the sexual assault of a sedated woman. "They all knew", said Dominique, adding, "I always said she was sedated". Dogan claims innocence Husamettin Dogan, 44, one of the many men Dominique Pelicot recruited to sexually assault his now ex-wife Gisèle Pelicot, is the only convicted rapist in this case — of 51 convicted rapists — to appeal his conviction. He claims that he "never intended" to rape Gisèle. He argues that he was deceived by Dominique and claims that he did not realise she was unconscious. Also read | Photos of Trump’s swollen ankles during Carney meet reignite health rumours — and his talk about heaven isn’t helping However, it must be noted that last year, during the hearing of the case that shook France and the world, established Gisele as a feminist icon, Dogan admitted to telling Pelicot that his wife "looked dead". For his crimes, he received a nine-year prison sentence. What Dominique Pelicot said 73-year-old Dominique Pelicot, who is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for facilitating the abuse of his wife, told the court that he had given Dogan specific instructions that Gisele was drugged and was not to be woken. Also read | From tragedy to triumph: Five personalities who defined 2024 "I said precisely on the phone there was to be no tobacco, no scent, he was to wash his hands, no violence, it would be filmed. All these things left him in no doubt of her state. He had to get undressed at the entrance to the kitchen on the patio because if there was a problem, I didn’t want him to stay," he said. Dominique also revealed that he met Dogan on a chatroom called "against her knowledge" and that he was very specific that he was "looking for someone to abuse my wife after I’ve put her to sleep without her knowledge". However, in court, Dogan insisted that he was unaware and refuted Dominique's assertion that he "took pleasure" in raping the sedated woman. The trial will continue on Thursday (Oct 9).

In a chilling twist in one of France’s most disturbing sexual assault cases, Gisèle Pelicot’s rapist, Husamettin Dogan, was confronted with damning testimony in court as he attempted to overturn his rape conviction. Here's all you need to know.

‘She looked dead’: Rapist Husamettin Dogan’s appeal backfires as Gisele Pelicot’s ex-husband exposes chilling truth in court

France's President Emmanuel Macron on Monday accepted Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu's resignation just hours after unveiling his cabinet, the presidency said, plunging the European nation further into political deadlock

France Political Unrest: Sebastien Lecornu Resigns After Criticism of Cabinet

France is entering a new phase of political uncertainty following the resignation of Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu. Lecornu stepped down less than a month after being appointed. New elections are becoming increasingly likely but will not solve the fiscal problems.

French Stocks And Euro Dive Sharply Lower

France has been thrown into fresh political chaos after Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu resigned barely hours after unveiling his cabinet. His government lasted just 14 hours, marking the briefest tenure in modern French history.
Opposition leaders are demanding that President Emmanuel Macron either step down or call snap elections. Markets reacted nervously—stocks slipped, the euro weakened, and investor confidence wavered. Lecornu cited parliamentary deadlock and fierce opposition as reasons for his abrupt exit. With national debt climbing and the legislature bitterly divided, France’s latest crisis underscores just how fragile governance has become in Europe’s second-largest economy.

Macron’s Fifth Prime Minister in Two Years Resigns After Just 14 Hours in Office

France's President Emmanuel Macron on Monday accepted Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu's resignation just hours after unveiling his cabinet, the presidency said, plunging the European nation further into political deadlock.

France PM Resigns: French PM Lecornu Steps Down in Less Than a Month After Taking Office

France PM Resigns: French Prime Minister Lecornu Resigns After Criticism of Cabinet

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