French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday urged his Iranian counterpart Ebrahim Raisi to stop backing Russia's efforts in the invasion of Ukraine.

Macron asked Raisi to "immediately end" Tehran's support to Russia in the war against Ukraine, including the supply of drones, said the Elysee Palace.

In a telephonic conversation, the French President highlighted the serious "security and humanitarian consequences" of Iran's drone deliveries "and urged Tehran to immediately end the support it thus gives to Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine", the statement said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-receiving-materials-from-iran-to-build-drone-factory-says-white-house-602656">Russia receiving material from Iran to build drone factory, says White House</a>

The call by the French President came a day after White House national security spokesman John Kirby said that Iran was sending materials to Russia to build a drone factory on its territory.

<h2>Drone factory 'could be fully operational early next year': Kirby</h2>

John Kirby said that Russia was importing materials from Iran to build the drone factory which "could be fully operational early next year".

The White House released a satellite image of the location of the forthcoming plant in the Alabuga Special Economic Zone, which was based some 900 kilometres (560 miles) east of Moscow.

"The Russia-Iran military partnership appears to be deepening," Kirby said in a statement, citing US intelligence information.

The White House said it would release a new government advisory to assist businesses and governments "to ensure they are not inadvertently contributing to Iran's (drone) programme".

According to Washington, Russia has received hundreds of attack drones and related equipment from Iran to aid Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

As per US data, Kirby said, the drones "are built in Iran, shipped across the Caspian Sea and then used operationally by Russian forces against Ukraine."

"Russia has been using Iranian UAVs in recent weeks to strike Kyiv and terrorise the Ukrainian population," he added, referring to unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones.

Washington issued the alert on what it feels are Moscow's efforts to create Iranian drones itself.

"We have information that Russia is receiving materials from Iran needed to build a UAV manufacturing plant inside Russia," Kirby said.

According to the White House, in turn, Iran is seeking to purchase Su-35 fighter jets, attack helicopters, radars, and YAK-130 combat trainer aircraft from Russia.

"We will continue to impose sanctions on the actors involved in the transfer of Iranian military equipment to Russia for use in Ukraine," AFP quoted Kirby as saying.

Iran has repeatedly denied the allegations made by the United States of sending military supplies to Russia during its war against Ukraine.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday urged his Iranian counterpart Ebrahim Raisi to stop backing Russia's efforts in the invasion of Ukraine. Macron asked Raisi to "immediately end" Tehran's support to Russia in the war against Ukraine, including the supply of drones, said the Elysee Palace.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday urged his Iranian counterpart Ebrahim Raisi to stop backing Russia's efforts in the invasion of Ukraine. Macron asked Raisi to "immediately end" Tehran's support to Russia in the war against Ukraine, including the supply of drones, said the Elysee Palace. In a telephonic conversation, the French President highlighted the serious "security and humanitarian consequences" of Iran's drone deliveries "and urged Tehran to immediately end the support it thus gives to Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine", the statement said. Also read: Russia receiving material from Iran to build drone factory, says White House The call by the French President came a day after White House national security spokesman John Kirby said that Iran was sending materials to Russia to build a drone factory on its territory. Drone factory 'could be fully operational early next year': Kirby John Kirby said that Russia was importing materials from Iran to build the drone factory which "could be fully operational early next year". The White House released a satellite image of the location of the forthcoming plant in the Alabuga Special Economic Zone, which was based some 900 kilometres (560 miles) east of Moscow. "The Russia-Iran military partnership appears to be deepening," Kirby said in a statement, citing US intelligence information. The White House said it would release a new government advisory to assist businesses and governments "to ensure they are not inadvertently contributing to Iran's (drone) programme". According to Washington, Russia has received hundreds of attack drones and related equipment from Iran to aid Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. As per US data, Kirby said, the drones "are built in Iran, shipped across the Caspian Sea and then used operationally by Russian forces against Ukraine." "Russia has been using Iranian UAVs in recent weeks to strike Kyiv and terrorise the Ukrainian population," he added, referring to unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones. Washington issued the alert on what it feels are Moscow's efforts to create Iranian drones itself. "We have information that Russia is receiving materials from Iran needed to build a UAV manufacturing plant inside Russia," Kirby said. According to the White House, in turn, Iran is seeking to purchase Su-35 fighter jets, attack helicopters, radars, and YAK-130 combat trainer aircraft from Russia. "We will continue to impose sanctions on the actors involved in the transfer of Iranian military equipment to Russia for use in Ukraine," AFP quoted Kirby as saying. Iran has repeatedly denied the allegations made by the United States of sending military supplies to Russia during its war against Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Emmanuel Macron urges Iran to 'immediately end' support to Russia in war against Ukraine

It's fairly common for old sculptures to cost a lot of money. A rare Buddha statue will be auctioned in Paris on June 13 and is projected to bring in about $1 million. Buddha statues from ancient China are among the most sought-after antiques among collectors. The statue is thought to have originated in China in the 12th century.

Antique Buddha statue likely from the 12th Century China to be auctioned in Paris

The Louvre in Paris is hosting 16 works of art, including 1,500-year-old Byzantine icons, from a museum in Kyiv in order to protect them from the war, it said Wednesday.

"Since the start of the war, like other museums, we have been concerned to see how we can support our Ukrainian colleagues. In the autumn, faced with the intensity of the conflict, we decided to carry out this rescue," Louvre president Laurence des Cars told AFP.&nbsp;

"It's not much in a sea of sadness and desolation, but it's a symbol," she added.

She said the Louvre was particularly concerned by the risk of theft and illicit trafficking of artworks and relics if they had stayed in Ukraine.&nbsp; 
 
Among the works being safeguarded by the Louvre are five Byzantine icons from the Bohdan and Varvara Khanenko Museum, Ukraine's national arts institution, which will be exhibited in Paris from June 14 to November 6.&nbsp;

Four of the icons are from Saint Catherine's Monastery in Egypt and date from the 6th and 7th centuries, and the fifth is from late 13th or early 14th century Constantinople.&nbsp;

Eleven other works, "among the most emblematic and most fragile" from the Ukrainian collection, will be housed in the Louvre's reserves "until the situation improves," Des Cars said.

She welcomed a Ukrainian delegation, including the head of the Khanenko museum, in October when UN cultural body UNESCO declared 240 sites in their country had been damaged by the war.&nbsp;

Earlier that month, a rocket landed near the Khanenko Museum, blowing out the windows.

Most of its works have been moved into the museum's storage, but are at risk from temperature variations caused by power cuts.&nbsp;

The operation to rescue the 16 selected works was supported by the International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage in Conflict Areas.&nbsp;

The Louvre in Paris is hosting 16 works of art, including 1,500-year-old Byzantine icons, from a museum in Kyiv in order to protect them from the war, it said Wednesday.

The Louvre in Paris is hosting 16 works of art, including 1,500-year-old Byzantine icons, from a museum in Kyiv in order to protect them from the war, it said Wednesday. "Since the start of the war, like other museums, we have been concerned to see how we can support our Ukrainian colleagues. In the autumn, faced with the intensity of the conflict, we decided to carry out this rescue," Louvre president Laurence des Cars told AFP. "It's not much in a sea of sadness and desolation, but it's a symbol," she added. She said the Louvre was particularly concerned by the risk of theft and illicit trafficking of artworks and relics if they had stayed in Ukraine. Among the works being safeguarded by the Louvre are five Byzantine icons from the Bohdan and Varvara Khanenko Museum, Ukraine's national arts institution, which will be exhibited in Paris from June 14 to November 6. Four of the icons are from Saint Catherine's Monastery in Egypt and date from the 6th and 7th centuries, and the fifth is from late 13th or early 14th century Constantinople. Eleven other works, "among the most emblematic and most fragile" from the Ukrainian collection, will be housed in the Louvre's reserves "until the situation improves," Des Cars said. She welcomed a Ukrainian delegation, including the head of the Khanenko museum, in October when UN cultural body UNESCO declared 240 sites in their country had been damaged by the war. Earlier that month, a rocket landed near the Khanenko Museum, blowing out the windows. Most of its works have been moved into the museum's storage, but are at risk from temperature variations caused by power cuts. The operation to rescue the 16 selected works was supported by the International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage in Conflict Areas.

Louvre safeguarding Ukraine art treasures

In Pics | Paris hosts 'World's Biggest Dictation'

Paris is soon going to be downpoured by rain. But this time water droplets will be replaced by plastic. The first-of-its-kind weather report was launched in Paris. Know all about it here.

First-of-its-kind weather report forecasts plastic rain in Paris. Know all about it here

A United Nations committee began talks to come up with a landmark global plastics treaty in Paris, on Monday (May 29), which would ideally be aimed to end global plastic pollution. However, the countries remained divided as the debate rages on about what the outcome should be.

The debate which is emerging between countries is around some wanting to limit the production of more plastics while others calling for recycling as the solution to plastic waste, with the plastic-producing and oil and gas companies supporting the latter and environmental groups in favour of the former.&nbsp;

<h2>United Nations talks in Paris&nbsp;</h2>

The meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee for Plastics began on Monday and will go on till the end of the week. The committee has been tasked with developing the first international legally binding agreement on plastics as early as next year.&nbsp;

Representatives from 175 nations and over 2,000 participants from governments and observers met at the United Nations cultural agency headquarters in Paris. Head of the negotiations Gustavo Meza-Cuadra Velazquez began the meeting by acknowledging that the challenge was “immense, as we are all aware here, but it is not insurmountable.” He added, “The world’s eyes are on us.”&nbsp;

The negotiations to deal with arguably one of the biggest environmental issues that affected the world are supposed to take place over five meetings by next year which is a short amount of time and&nbsp;needless to say, the stakes are high. This was the second meeting of the countries which followed the first one, six months ago in Uruguay.&nbsp;

French President Emmanuel Macron, on Monday, also addressed the session and urged the nations to negotiate and put an end to today’s “globalised and unsustainable” production model. “Plastic pollution is a time-bomb and at the same time already a scourge today,” said Macron, in a video message.&nbsp;

<h2>Global plastic problem</h2>

A report published by the UN Environment Program, earlier this year, said that humanity produces more than 430 million tons of plastic annually out of which two-thirds are short-lived products which eventually become waste. This waste then ends up in our oceans, sits in landfills, and is now making its way into the human food chain.&nbsp;

So far, microscopic bits of plastic have been detected in human blood, breast milk and placentas. There are some 13,000 chemicals associated with plastic production out of which 3,000 are considered hazardous, said the report by UNEP.

Similarly, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) reported that the plastic waste produced globally is set to almost triple by 2060 with nearly 50 per cent of it ending up in landfills and less than a fifth recycled.&nbsp;

Plastic also accounted for 1.8 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases in 2019 and over three per cent of global emissions, said the OECD report. “Only elimination, reduction of, a full lifecycle approach, transparency and a just transition, only those can bring success because the truth is that we cannot recycle our way out of this mess,” UNEP’s Inger Andersen told the delegates. &nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>What do different countries and groups want?</h2>

The UNEP, which is also hosting the talks, released a report earlier this month for reducing plastic waste by 80 per cent by 2040. It outlines three key areas of action to reduce plastic pollution – reuse, recycling and reorientation of plastic packaging to alternative materials.&nbsp;

Similarly, several countries have said the goal should be the “circularity” of plastics, which means keeping the already-produced plastic items in circulation as long as possible.&nbsp;

The so-called High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution wishes that the treaty should focus on human health and the environment and called for provisions to ensure an “increase the safe circularity of plastics”.&nbsp;

“We have a responsibility to protect human health in our environment from the most harmful polymers and chemicals of concern through the treaty,” said Rwanda’s environment minister and co-chair of the coalition, Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya, on Monday.

The 55-nation coalition led by Norway and Rwanda also includes countries like Peru, Australia, several island nations, and European Union member states also aim to end plastic pollution by 2040.&nbsp;

“We agree that we need to reduce production at least of virgin plastics,” Norway Environment Minister Espen Barth Eide told DW. He also noted that the market demand for new plastics would decrease as the circular economy increased.&nbsp;

However, many environmental groups have criticised this possible solution as they believe it focuses on waste management and recycling instead of reducing production and grants concessions to the plastics and petrochemicals industry.&nbsp;

<h2>Environmental groups about the treaty</h2>

A report published by Greenpeace, on May 24, found that recycling plastic can make it more toxic and it should not be considered a solution to plastic pollution. “Plastics are inherently incompatible with a circular economy,” said the report by the environmental group.&nbsp;

They have also called for the production of plastic to be slashed by 75 per cent from the 2017 levels as recycling certain types of plastic remains extremely difficult.&nbsp;

“If we keep the focus at the end of the pipe and on recycling and promoting a bunch of false solutions like chemical recycling, or cement kilns, or waste-to-energy, we will lock ourselves into some of the worst impacts of climate change,” said Graham Forbes, global plastics project leader at Greenpeace, United States, as quoted by DW.&nbsp;

Notably, this shift of focus from addressing plastic waste and scaling up recycling has been supported by plastic-producing and oil and gas exporters nations. The German-based media outlet, citing sources also said Saudi Arabia is one of the reluctant nations to an ambitious strategy to end plastic pollution while the US, China, and India have low ambition for the talks.

“Real solutions to the plastics crisis will require global controls on chemicals in plastics and significant reductions in plastic production,” said Therese Karlsson, science advisor with the International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN).&nbsp;

Similarly, IPEN’s co-chair, Dr Tadesse Amera said that if the treaty were to focus on plastic waste as opposed to plastic production as well as extraction of fossil fuels and toxic chemical additives, to solve the crisis, it would be a “failure”.&nbsp;

<h2>What do the plastic producers want?</h2>

Several plastics producers’ associations have also supported recycling. In line with this, the International Council of Chemical Associations, the World Plastics Council, the American Chemistry Council and others which make, use and recycle plastics have called for the elimination of plastic pollution while “retaining the societal benefits of plastics.”&nbsp;

They have also called themselves “global partners for plastics circularity,” as per the Associated Press. “The agreement should require national action plans as that will most effectively eliminate plastic pollution specific to a country’s situation,” said Joshua Baca, VP of plastics at the American Chemistry Council, as per AP. He also said that the “one-size fits all approach” would not work to eliminate plastic.&nbsp;

On the other hand, IPEN’s international coordinator, Bjorn Beeler said leaving these decisions up to individual countries as opposed to having an international legally binding document in place would be unfair to regions like Latin America and Africa that do not manufacture much plastic or chemicals.&nbsp;

“So that national approach climate model would be a failure again because you can't really handle a global problem at a national level,” said Beeler, as quoted by DW.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

A United Nations committee began talks to come up with a landmark global plastics treaty in Paris, on Monday (May 29), which would ideally be aimed to end global plastic pollution.

A United Nations committee began talks to come up with a landmark global plastics treaty in Paris, on Monday (May 29), which would ideally be aimed to end global plastic pollution. However, the countries remained divided as the debate rages on about what the outcome should be. The debate which is emerging between countries is around some wanting to limit the production of more plastics while others calling for recycling as the solution to plastic waste, with the plastic-producing and oil and gas companies supporting the latter and environmental groups in favour of the former. United Nations talks in Paris The meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee for Plastics began on Monday and will go on till the end of the week. The committee has been tasked with developing the first international legally binding agreement on plastics as early as next year. Representatives from 175 nations and over 2,000 participants from governments and observers met at the United Nations cultural agency headquarters in Paris. Head of the negotiations Gustavo Meza-Cuadra Velazquez began the meeting by acknowledging that the challenge was “immense, as we are all aware here, but it is not insurmountable.” He added, “The world’s eyes are on us.” The negotiations to deal with arguably one of the biggest environmental issues that affected the world are supposed to take place over five meetings by next year which is a short amount of time and needless to say, the stakes are high. This was the second meeting of the countries which followed the first one, six months ago in Uruguay. French President Emmanuel Macron, on Monday, also addressed the session and urged the nations to negotiate and put an end to today’s “globalised and unsustainable” production model. “Plastic pollution is a time-bomb and at the same time already a scourge today,” said Macron, in a video message. Global plastic problem A report published by the UN Environment Program, earlier this year, said that humanity produces more than 430 million tons of plastic annually out of which two-thirds are short-lived products which eventually become waste. This waste then ends up in our oceans, sits in landfills, and is now making its way into the human food chain. So far, microscopic bits of plastic have been detected in human blood, breast milk and placentas. There are some 13,000 chemicals associated with plastic production out of which 3,000 are considered hazardous, said the report by UNEP. Similarly, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) reported that the plastic waste produced globally is set to almost triple by 2060 with nearly 50 per cent of it ending up in landfills and less than a fifth recycled. Plastic also accounted for 1.8 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases in 2019 and over three per cent of global emissions, said the OECD report. “Only elimination, reduction of, a full lifecycle approach, transparency and a just transition, only those can bring success because the truth is that we cannot recycle our way out of this mess,” UNEP’s Inger Andersen told the delegates. What do different countries and groups want? The UNEP, which is also hosting the talks, released a report earlier this month for reducing plastic waste by 80 per cent by 2040. It outlines three key areas of action to reduce plastic pollution – reuse, recycling and reorientation of plastic packaging to alternative materials. Similarly, several countries have said the goal should be the “circularity” of plastics, which means keeping the already-produced plastic items in circulation as long as possible. The so-called High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution wishes that the treaty should focus on human health and the environment and called for provisions to ensure an “increase the safe circularity of plastics”. “We have a responsibility to protect human health in our environment from the most harmful polymers and chemicals of concern through the treaty,” said Rwanda’s environment minister and co-chair of the coalition, Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya, on Monday. The 55-nation coalition led by Norway and Rwanda also includes countries like Peru, Australia, several island nations, and European Union member states also aim to end plastic pollution by 2040. “We agree that we need to reduce production at least of virgin plastics,” Norway Environment Minister Espen Barth Eide told DW. He also noted that the market demand for new plastics would decrease as the circular economy increased. However, many environmental groups have criticised this possible solution as they believe it focuses on waste management and recycling instead of reducing production and grants concessions to the plastics and petrochemicals industry. Environmental groups about the treaty A report published by Greenpeace, on May 24, found that recycling plastic can make it more toxic and it should not be considered a solution to plastic pollution. “Plastics are inherently incompatible with a circular economy,” said the report by the environmental group. They have also called for the production of plastic to be slashed by 75 per cent from the 2017 levels as recycling certain types of plastic remains extremely difficult. “If we keep the focus at the end of the pipe and on recycling and promoting a bunch of false solutions like chemical recycling, or cement kilns, or waste-to-energy, we will lock ourselves into some of the worst impacts of climate change,” said Graham Forbes, global plastics project leader at Greenpeace, United States, as quoted by DW. Notably, this shift of focus from addressing plastic waste and scaling up recycling has been supported by plastic-producing and oil and gas exporters nations. The German-based media outlet, citing sources also said Saudi Arabia is one of the reluctant nations to an ambitious strategy to end plastic pollution while the US, China, and India have low ambition for the talks. “Real solutions to the plastics crisis will require global controls on chemicals in plastics and significant reductions in plastic production,” said Therese Karlsson, science advisor with the International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN). Similarly, IPEN’s co-chair, Dr Tadesse Amera said that if the treaty were to focus on plastic waste as opposed to plastic production as well as extraction of fossil fuels and toxic chemical additives, to solve the crisis, it would be a “failure”. What do the plastic producers want? Several plastics producers’ associations have also supported recycling. In line with this, the International Council of Chemical Associations, the World Plastics Council, the American Chemistry Council and others which make, use and recycle plastics have called for the elimination of plastic pollution while “retaining the societal benefits of plastics.” They have also called themselves “global partners for plastics circularity,” as per the Associated Press. “The agreement should require national action plans as that will most effectively eliminate plastic pollution specific to a country’s situation,” said Joshua Baca, VP of plastics at the American Chemistry Council, as per AP. He also said that the “one-size fits all approach” would not work to eliminate plastic. On the other hand, IPEN’s international coordinator, Bjorn Beeler said leaving these decisions up to individual countries as opposed to having an international legally binding document in place would be unfair to regions like Latin America and Africa that do not manufacture much plastic or chemicals. “So that national approach climate model would be a failure again because you can't really handle a global problem at a national level,” said Beeler, as quoted by DW. (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.

Explained: Plastic recycling in focus as countries meet in Paris for treaty talks

France’s capital Paris will be witnessing a heavy downpour of microplastics from the sky on Monday. Yes, you read that right! Plastics, not water droplets.

In the first-ever plastics pollution weather forecast, scientists have predicted a downpour of range between 40 and 48 kilograms (88 and 106 pounds) of free-floating plastic bits hovering over Paris skies every 24 hours, French scientists involved told AFP.

If there is heavy rain, then the chances of "plastic fall" is likely to increase up to tenfold, they said.

This peculiar weather phenomenon comes at a time when diplomats from over 175 countries are converging at the French capital from Monday for five-day talks to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution.

"This should sharpen the focus of negotiators," Marcus Gover, head of plastics research at the Minderoo Foundation based in Perth, Australia, told AFP news agency.

<h2>WION Climate Tracker: Microplastics found in fresh Antarctica snow for first time</h2>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-climate-tracker-microplastics-found-in-fresh-antarctica-snow-for-first-time-538566/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Plastic particles break down into the environment and this toxic cocktail ends up in our bodies, where it does unimaginable damage to our health."

Scientists have found that most plastic particles falling over Paris' 2,500-square-kilometer (965-square-mile) catchment area are nylon and polyester, probably from clothing.&nbsp;The other bits are from tires, which shed them especially when vehicles brake.

They have estimated that up to 10 metric tons of microplastic fibres will settle over the Paris area over an entire year.

<h2>Forecast for next week covers only larger particles</h2>

The forecast for Paris next week only covers significantly larger particles, mostly synthetic fibres at least 50 microns in length. For comparison, human hair is about 80 microns (or 80,000 nanometers) across.

The study was done by scientists from Minderoo Foundation researchers who based their research in Paris starting in 2015, collecting&nbsp;samples from multiple locations year round and sifting&nbsp;through them in the laboratory

Measurements taken by other teams have replicated these findings in half a dozen cities around the world.

Microplastics have emerged to be a major health hazard for humanity as they are now found in rainwater, the food chain, and oceans, where 15 to 51 trillion particles are estimated to drift near the surface.

In recent years, the pace at with which microplastics have entered the food chain has baffled scientists, who have presented a plethora of research documenting its omnipresence and persistence.

(With inputs from agencies)

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

France’s capital Paris will be witnessing a heavy downpour of microplastics from the sky on Monday. Yes, you read that right! Plastics, not water droplets. In the first-ever plastics pollution weather forecast, scientists have predicted a downpour of range between 40 and 48 kilograms (88 and 106 pounds) of free-floating plastic bits hovering over Paris skies every 24 hours, French scientists involved told AFP.

France’s capital Paris will be witnessing a heavy downpour of microplastics from the sky on Monday. Yes, you read that right! Plastics, not water droplets. In the first-ever plastics pollution weather forecast, scientists have predicted a downpour of range between 40 and 48 kilograms (88 and 106 pounds) of free-floating plastic bits hovering over Paris skies every 24 hours, French scientists involved told AFP. If there is heavy rain, then the chances of "plastic fall" is likely to increase up to tenfold, they said. This peculiar weather phenomenon comes at a time when diplomats from over 175 countries are converging at the French capital from Monday for five-day talks to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution. "This should sharpen the focus of negotiators," Marcus Gover, head of plastics research at the Minderoo Foundation based in Perth, Australia, told AFP news agency. WION Climate Tracker: Microplastics found in fresh Antarctica snow for first time "Plastic particles break down into the environment and this toxic cocktail ends up in our bodies, where it does unimaginable damage to our health." Scientists have found that most plastic particles falling over Paris' 2,500-square-kilometer (965-square-mile) catchment area are nylon and polyester, probably from clothing. The other bits are from tires, which shed them especially when vehicles brake. They have estimated that up to 10 metric tons of microplastic fibres will settle over the Paris area over an entire year. Forecast for next week covers only larger particles The forecast for Paris next week only covers significantly larger particles, mostly synthetic fibres at least 50 microns in length. For comparison, human hair is about 80 microns (or 80,000 nanometers) across. The study was done by scientists from Minderoo Foundation researchers who based their research in Paris starting in 2015, collecting samples from multiple locations year round and sifting through them in the laboratory Measurements taken by other teams have replicated these findings in half a dozen cities around the world. Microplastics have emerged to be a major health hazard for humanity as they are now found in rainwater, the food chain, and oceans, where 15 to 51 trillion particles are estimated to drift near the surface. In recent years, the pace at with which microplastics have entered the food chain has baffled scientists, who have presented a plethora of research documenting its omnipresence and persistence. (With inputs from agencies)

From Monday, it will be raining plastics in Paris. Here's how

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy, on Wednesday (May 17) lost his appeal against a 2021 corruption sentence in a Paris court. However, instead of spending time in jail, the former president will serve his time at his home but will have to wear&nbsp;an electronic tag. While Sarkozy is the first ex-president in post-war France to receive a custodial sentence for corruption, it is not the only legal battle he is currently embroiled in.

Let’s take a look at the life, career and legal woes of the former French president.&nbsp;

<h2>Who is Nicolas Sarkozy?</h2>

The 68-year-old conservative leader who also served as the former interior minister has been plagued by corruption investigations since the end of his five-year term between 2007-2012 as the President of France.&nbsp;

The critics dubbed Sarkozy's presidency as “bling-bling” as his leadership style has been described as brash, celebrity-driven and hyperactive for a role which is typically steeped in tradition and grandeur. This image was further solidified when he married his current wife, former supermodel and singer, Carla Bruni.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/french-court-upholds-3-year-sentence-of-former-president-sarkozy-593326">French court upholds 3-year sentence of former President Sarkozy</a>

The so-called “hyper-president” is also divorced twice and has one son from his second marriage and two sons from his first marriage. Sarkozy had also sought to become the president in 2016, however, the Republicans in France had instead nominated former Prime Minister François Fillon who lost against incumbent President Emmanuel Macron who took office in 2017.&nbsp;

Sarkozy’s political ambitions have long been overshadowed by investigations since he left office in 2012. However, he has managed to retain considerable influence and popularity on the right of French politics.

<h2>‘Wiretapping affair’&nbsp;</h2>

In 2014, Sarkozy was first placed under official investigation for influence peddling after he had left office for which he was later convicted. In France, the case known as the “wiretapping affair” where his wiretapped phone calls showed that he discussed the idea of offering a high-ranking judge a cushy job in Monaco, in exchange for information about a financing investigation.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-french-president-sarkozy-loses-corruption-appeal-prison-sentence-upheld-593252">Former French president Nicholas Sarkozy loses corruption appeal, to wear tag as sentence upheld</a>&nbsp;

At the time, prosecutors alleged that Sarkozy’s lawyer, Thierry Herzog, tried to obtain information from Judge Gilbert Azibert, about a case which involved illicit payments from L’Oreal heiress Liliane Bettencourt for Sarkozy’s 2007 presidential election campaign. The case was later dismissed.&nbsp;

However, it resurfaced in 2014 which led to a formal investigation against him. Two of Sarkozy’s phones were wiretapped by investigators a year prior who were looking into money flows from Libya and stumbled upon the secret line used by the former president and his lawyer, Herzog.&nbsp;

<h2>Recently upheld&nbsp;verdict of the case</h2>

In line with these allegations, Sarkozy was convicted in 2021 for corruption and influence peddling a ruling which he appealed and lost on Wednesday. However, his lawyers have since vowed to challenge it at France’s highest court, Cour de Cassation. The court reviews lower court rulings on the grounds of legal or procedural errors, but not factual aspects.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/frances-sarkozy-likely-to-avoid-jail-despite-new-conviction-417167">France's Sarkozy likely to avoid jail despite new conviction</a>

The appeals court in Paris upheld the three-year prison sentence and in line with the previous ruling said two of those years were suspended and that Sarkozy would wear an electronic bracelet for the remaining year. Meanwhile, the former French president’s lawyer maintained that he had committed no wrongdoing and described the ruling as “stupefying.”

“We will not give up this fight,” said defence lawyer Jacqueline Laffont. This comes after a lower court found Sarkozy guilty of trying to bribe a judge after leaving office and peddling influence in exchange for confidential information.&nbsp;

The presiding judge, Sophie Clement in Wednesday’s hearing also upheld convictions against Herzog and Azibert. According to Clement, Herzog’s judgement as a lawyer was clouded because of his friendship with Sarkozy. She also said that Herzog had breached professional codes of conduct by not warning the former president that what he was doing was illegal.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/frances-sarkozy-to-face-trial-for-corruption-influence-peddling-127121">France's Sarkozy to face trial for corruption, influence peddling</a>

The judge also went on to dismiss Sarkozy’s claim that he was not aware of what Herzog and Azibert had discussed citing the wiretapped exchanges and also rejected the former president’s argument that wiretapped conversations cannot be presented as evidence.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Bygmalion affair’: Another campaign financing case</h2>

Another case related to Sarkozy’s campaign finances came to be known as the so-called ‘Bygmalion affair’ for which he was also convicted in 2021 and was handed a one-year prison sentence. The case centred around the accusation that Sarkozy’s party, then known as the UMP, worked with a PR company Bygmalion, to hide the actual cost of his failed 2012 presidential election bid.&nbsp;

As per French laws, candidates are only allowed to spend $24 million. However, Bygmalion provided a series of false invoices for more than $19 million to his party but not the campaign which, according to the prosecutors, effectively enabled Sarkozy’s party to spend over the limit. The former president was among 14 who were to witness a trial in relation to the case.&nbsp;

<h2>Did Sarkozy take money from Gaddafi?</h2>

Investigators who had wiretapped the ex-president’s phones were looking for evidence of money flows from Libya for which Sarkozy may soon face another trial. Earlier this month, prosecutors requested that Sarkozy should face trial over allegations that the Libyan government illegally contributed to his successful 2007 presidential bid.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-france-president-sarkozy-charged-over-libyan-campaign-financing-335737">Former France president Sarkozy charged over Libyan campaign financing</a>

France’s financial crimes prosecutor (PNF) has also called for a trial for 12 others after they allegedly sought millions of euros in financing from the regime of then-Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. The allegations were first made public by the late autocrat’s son.&nbsp;

However, Sarkozy has denied any wrongdoing and said some officials from his regime are seeking revenge against him for his decision to send French warplanes during the 2011 Libyan uprising.&nbsp;

Similarly, Claude Guéant who was the former president’s chief of staff and managing Sarkozy’s presidential campaign at the time, said he had “never seen a penny of Libyan financing,” as quoted by BBC, citing Franceinfo website. Along with Sarkozy, his then-head of campaign financing Eric Woerth and former minister Brice Hortefeux have also been accused by the PNF for their alleged involvement in the case.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ex-french-president-nicolas-sarkozy-arrested-over-campaign-financing-36482">Ex-French president Nicolas Sarkozy 'arrested over campaign financing'</a>

The prosecutors have also sought charges including, “concealment of laundering public funds, passive corruption, illegal campaign financing and criminal conspiracy with a view to committing a crime punishable by 10 years in jail.”&nbsp;

In a 2018 interview, Sarkozy said, “There’s not even the smallest inkling of proof,” adding that these allegations had made his life a living hell. A French-Lebanese businessman Ziad Takieddine told French news website Mediapart that in 2006 and 2007, he handed over three suitcases stuffed with cash amounting to $6.2 million from Gaddafi to Sarkozy and Guéant.&nbsp;

<h2>Possible Russia investigation</h2>

In 2021, Sarkozy had also been placed under preliminary investigation for “influence peddling,” in Russia nearly seven years after he left office. According to reports, the former president came under scrutiny for advisory work he undertook for a Russian insurance company.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy, on Wednesday (May 17) lost his appeal against a 2021 corruption sentence in a Paris court. However, instead of spending time in jail, the former president will serve his time at his home but will have to wear an electronic tag.

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy, on Wednesday (May 17) lost his appeal against a 2021 corruption sentence in a Paris court. However, instead of spending time in jail, the former president will serve his time at his home but will have to wear an electronic tag. While Sarkozy is the first ex-president in post-war France to receive a custodial sentence for corruption, it is not the only legal battle he is currently embroiled in. Let’s take a look at the life, career and legal woes of the former French president. Who is Nicolas Sarkozy? The 68-year-old conservative leader who also served as the former interior minister has been plagued by corruption investigations since the end of his five-year term between 2007-2012 as the President of France. The critics dubbed Sarkozy's presidency as “bling-bling” as his leadership style has been described as brash, celebrity-driven and hyperactive for a role which is typically steeped in tradition and grandeur. This image was further solidified when he married his current wife, former supermodel and singer, Carla Bruni. ALSO WATCH | French court upholds 3-year sentence of former President Sarkozy The so-called “hyper-president” is also divorced twice and has one son from his second marriage and two sons from his first marriage. Sarkozy had also sought to become the president in 2016, however, the Republicans in France had instead nominated former Prime Minister François Fillon who lost against incumbent President Emmanuel Macron who took office in 2017. Sarkozy’s political ambitions have long been overshadowed by investigations since he left office in 2012. However, he has managed to retain considerable influence and popularity on the right of French politics. ‘Wiretapping affair’ In 2014, Sarkozy was first placed under official investigation for influence peddling after he had left office for which he was later convicted. In France, the case known as the “wiretapping affair” where his wiretapped phone calls showed that he discussed the idea of offering a high-ranking judge a cushy job in Monaco, in exchange for information about a financing investigation. ALSO READ | Former French president Nicholas Sarkozy loses corruption appeal, to wear tag as sentence upheld At the time, prosecutors alleged that Sarkozy’s lawyer, Thierry Herzog, tried to obtain information from Judge Gilbert Azibert, about a case which involved illicit payments from L’Oreal heiress Liliane Bettencourt for Sarkozy’s 2007 presidential election campaign. The case was later dismissed. However, it resurfaced in 2014 which led to a formal investigation against him. Two of Sarkozy’s phones were wiretapped by investigators a year prior who were looking into money flows from Libya and stumbled upon the secret line used by the former president and his lawyer, Herzog. Recently upheld verdict of the case In line with these allegations, Sarkozy was convicted in 2021 for corruption and influence peddling a ruling which he appealed and lost on Wednesday. However, his lawyers have since vowed to challenge it at France’s highest court, Cour de Cassation. The court reviews lower court rulings on the grounds of legal or procedural errors, but not factual aspects. ALSO READ | France's Sarkozy likely to avoid jail despite new conviction The appeals court in Paris upheld the three-year prison sentence and in line with the previous ruling said two of those years were suspended and that Sarkozy would wear an electronic bracelet for the remaining year. Meanwhile, the former French president’s lawyer maintained that he had committed no wrongdoing and described the ruling as “stupefying.” “We will not give up this fight,” said defence lawyer Jacqueline Laffont. This comes after a lower court found Sarkozy guilty of trying to bribe a judge after leaving office and peddling influence in exchange for confidential information. The presiding judge, Sophie Clement in Wednesday’s hearing also upheld convictions against Herzog and Azibert. According to Clement, Herzog’s judgement as a lawyer was clouded because of his friendship with Sarkozy. She also said that Herzog had breached professional codes of conduct by not warning the former president that what he was doing was illegal. ALSO READ | France's Sarkozy to face trial for corruption, influence peddling The judge also went on to dismiss Sarkozy’s claim that he was not aware of what Herzog and Azibert had discussed citing the wiretapped exchanges and also rejected the former president’s argument that wiretapped conversations cannot be presented as evidence. ‘Bygmalion affair’: Another campaign financing case Another case related to Sarkozy’s campaign finances came to be known as the so-called ‘Bygmalion affair’ for which he was also convicted in 2021 and was handed a one-year prison sentence. The case centred around the accusation that Sarkozy’s party, then known as the UMP, worked with a PR company Bygmalion, to hide the actual cost of his failed 2012 presidential election bid. As per French laws, candidates are only allowed to spend $24 million. However, Bygmalion provided a series of false invoices for more than $19 million to his party but not the campaign which, according to the prosecutors, effectively enabled Sarkozy’s party to spend over the limit. The former president was among 14 who were to witness a trial in relation to the case. Did Sarkozy take money from Gaddafi? Investigators who had wiretapped the ex-president’s phones were looking for evidence of money flows from Libya for which Sarkozy may soon face another trial. Earlier this month, prosecutors requested that Sarkozy should face trial over allegations that the Libyan government illegally contributed to his successful 2007 presidential bid. ALSO READ | Former France president Sarkozy charged over Libyan campaign financing France’s financial crimes prosecutor (PNF) has also called for a trial for 12 others after they allegedly sought millions of euros in financing from the regime of then-Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. The allegations were first made public by the late autocrat’s son. However, Sarkozy has denied any wrongdoing and said some officials from his regime are seeking revenge against him for his decision to send French warplanes during the 2011 Libyan uprising. Similarly, Claude Guéant who was the former president’s chief of staff and managing Sarkozy’s presidential campaign at the time, said he had “never seen a penny of Libyan financing,” as quoted by BBC, citing Franceinfo website. Along with Sarkozy, his then-head of campaign financing Eric Woerth and former minister Brice Hortefeux have also been accused by the PNF for their alleged involvement in the case. ALSO READ | Ex-French president Nicolas Sarkozy 'arrested over campaign financing' The prosecutors have also sought charges including, “concealment of laundering public funds, passive corruption, illegal campaign financing and criminal conspiracy with a view to committing a crime punishable by 10 years in jail.” In a 2018 interview, Sarkozy said, “There’s not even the smallest inkling of proof,” adding that these allegations had made his life a living hell. A French-Lebanese businessman Ziad Takieddine told French news website Mediapart that in 2006 and 2007, he handed over three suitcases stuffed with cash amounting to $6.2 million from Gaddafi to Sarkozy and Guéant. Possible Russia investigation In 2021, Sarkozy had also been placed under preliminary investigation for “influence peddling,” in Russia nearly seven years after he left office. According to reports, the former president came under scrutiny for advisory work he undertook for a Russian insurance company. (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.

Explained | Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy and his many legal woes

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is in France. The visit is part of his efforts to get all the support from the European nations ahead of an anticipated counter-offensive, prior to this in the Ukrainian President had stopped by in Italy and Germany as well.

Ukrainian President Zelensky in France, Paris to provide advanced weaponry to Kyiv | WION

The storied Moulin Rouge cabaret in Paris said Tuesday that it had dropped a long-running snake act under pressure from animal rights groups.

Management at the famed venue had already promised in March to end the sequence, in which non-aquatic snakes are immersed in a transparent tank with a woman for an acrobatic performance.

The cabaret "announces the permanent end of the snakes number as of today, Tuesday, May 9, ahead of its commitment," it said, having said previously it would end all performances involving live animals in 2024.

The cabaret, founded in 1889, has now bowed to pressure from Paris officials and campaigners who said it was cruel to submerge terrestrial snakes.

Animal rights advocates said they had seen the snakes trying to keep their heads above water in the segment.

The two species used in the act, Southeast Asian reticulated and Indian pythons, are protected and live on land, officials from the Paris mayor's office had informed the venue. 
 
The Moulin Rouge's decision followed a heated campaign with petitions and demonstrations.

"It's a historic move" that "goes in the right direction for ending animal captivity in France", said Amandine Sanvisens of the Paris Animaux Zoopolis (PAZ) advocacy group, which had been planning a new protest in front of the institution.

Last year the cabaret told Le Parisien newspaper: "We have never mistreated and will never mistreat animals."&nbsp;

The storied Moulin Rouge cabaret in Paris said Tuesday that it had dropped a long-running snake act under pressure from animal rights groups. Management at the famed venue had already promised in March to end the sequence, in which non-aquatic snakes are immersed in a transparent tank with a woman for an acrobatic performance.

The storied Moulin Rouge cabaret in Paris said Tuesday that it had dropped a long-running snake act under pressure from animal rights groups. Management at the famed venue had already promised in March to end the sequence, in which non-aquatic snakes are immersed in a transparent tank with a woman for an acrobatic performance. The cabaret "announces the permanent end of the snakes number as of today, Tuesday, May 9, ahead of its commitment," it said, having said previously it would end all performances involving live animals in 2024. The cabaret, founded in 1889, has now bowed to pressure from Paris officials and campaigners who said it was cruel to submerge terrestrial snakes. Animal rights advocates said they had seen the snakes trying to keep their heads above water in the segment. The two species used in the act, Southeast Asian reticulated and Indian pythons, are protected and live on land, officials from the Paris mayor's office had informed the venue. The Moulin Rouge's decision followed a heated campaign with petitions and demonstrations. "It's a historic move" that "goes in the right direction for ending animal captivity in France", said Amandine Sanvisens of the Paris Animaux Zoopolis (PAZ) advocacy group, which had been planning a new protest in front of the institution. Last year the cabaret told Le Parisien newspaper: "We have never mistreated and will never mistreat animals."

Paris's Moulin Rouge cabaret draws curtain on snake act

The Paris police force is the subject of heavy criticism after it allowed a group of 600-odd neo-Nazis to openly parade through the capital city last Saturday. Apart from the police force, France's interior minister is also facing heat from the opposition and the public over inaction.

The Paris police force is the subject of heavy criticism after it allowed a group of 600-odd neo-Nazis to openly parade through the capital city last Saturday. Apart from the police force, France's interior minister is also facing heat from the opposition and the public over inaction. The march on Saturday saw hundreds of far-right extremists of "Comite du 9 Mai" (committee of May 9) dressed in black, walk through the city with flags and chant slogans to commemorate the death of Sebastien Deyzieu of the "Oeuvre Francaise" ultranationalist group in 1994. Surprisingly, the march, which started from an upmarket Left Bank district of Paris was okayed by the city authorities and the police officers could be seen patrolling nearby. When quizzed about why the police was providing security to the group, the department said it did not have the legal powers to stop a protest/march unless there was a "proven risk to public order". "Given that this demonstration had not caused any problems or public order issues during previous years, the Paris prefect was not in a position to take steps to ban it," the Paris police department said in a statement. ALSO READ | Group of neo-Nazis celebrates Hitler's birthday, raise their arms to salute dictator Notably, the march took place a couple of days before "Victory in Europe Day" (VE Day) - a public holiday in the country, used to commemorate the victory of Allied forces over Nazi Germany in 1945 and the lives lost fighting fascism. Socialist Party Senator David Assouline slammed the march and demanded Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin to 'explain' himself. "It's unacceptable to have allowed 500 neo-Nazis and fascists to parade in the heart of Paris. Their organisations, the display of their ideology, slogans, insignias are as much an insult to the dead as an incitement to racial hatred," tweeted Assouline. French government crackdown on 'saucepan' protesters While far-right activists were provided police protection, the authorities across the capital have been clamping down on protesters who are banging saucepans against the government for bringing the highly controversial 'pension reforms' law. Fresh restrictions were imposed on saucepan protesters so as to prevent President Emmanuel Macron's voice from being drowned out by the noise during public speeches. WATCH | France: Protests against pension law continue × On Monday, Macron attended a ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe war memorial where authorities had banned saucepan demonstrations. Similarly, in the eastern city of Lyon, protesters were forced to keep mum when Macron paid tribute to French Resistance hero Jean Moulin. An appeal by one of the trade unions was also rejected by a local court. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

French police and government under heavy scrutiny for allowing neo-Nazi rally in Paris

The union-led protests against President Emmanuel Macron's pension reform in France descended into violence, causing a commotion throughout Paris. Protesters burnt bicycles and vandalised property throughout the city.

Paris: People vandalise buildings and roads across city | France

Fitch Ratings on Friday downgraded France's debt worthiness to "AA-" from "AA", claiming the political deadlock and social movements posed a threat to President Emmanuel Macron's reform policies which could in turn slow down the economy. It added the country's&nbsp;"fiscal metrics are weaker than peers".

"Public finances, and in particular the high level of government debt, are a&nbsp;rating&nbsp; weakness,"&nbsp;the credit rating agency noted.&nbsp;

"Political deadlock and (sometimes violent) social movements pose a risk to Macron's reform agenda and could create pressures for a more expansionary fiscal policy or a reversal of previous reforms," it added.&nbsp;

The agency warned that lower economic growth prospects and a decrease in competitiveness could contribute to a further downgrade in ratings.&nbsp;

<h2>We will continue with reforms: French government</h2>

After the release of the ratings, Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said the government will continue to proceed with structural reforms to overhaul the economy.&nbsp;

"I believe that the facts invalidate Fitch's assessment. We are able to implement structural reforms and we will continue to implement structural reforms for the country," Le Maire was quoted as saying by AFP.&nbsp;

"Do not doubt our complete determination to restore the nation's public finances. We have proven our ability...to pass reforms that transform the French economic model."

The assessment by Fitch ratings comes barely a week after Macron suggested that&nbsp;his government may be in danger&nbsp;as far-right leader Marine Le Pen continues to make gains.&nbsp;

"Marine Le Pen will arrive (in power) if we are unable to respond to the challenges of the country and if we introduce a habit of lying or denying reality," he said.&nbsp;

Macron also lamented that&nbsp;he was not involved sufficiently in selling his highly unpopular pension reform bill to the public.

"Perhaps the mistake was not being sufficiently present to give a substance to the reform and carry it myself," Macron told Le Parisien newspaper.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-president-emmanuel-macron-laments-not-selling-his-pension-reform-plan-adequately-to-public-585502">ALSO READ |&nbsp;French President Emmanuel Macron laments not selling his pension reform plan adequately to public</a>

<h2>French court approves the bill</h2>

Earlier this month, the French court approved Macron's pension reform plan to raise the retirement age. The decision was validated by the nine-member Constitutional Council after almost three months of protests across the country.&nbsp;

The council was of the view that the government's actions were in line with the constitution and that the retirement age should be raised.&nbsp;

However, the protests over the reforms are yet to stop. Parisians are still taking to the streets and demanding that Macron restore the status quo, which according to Fitch, may further impede Paris's economic growth.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Fitch Ratings on Friday downgraded France's debt worthiness to "AA-" from "AA", claiming the political deadlock and social movements posed a threat to President Emmanuel Macron's reform policies which could in turn slow down the economy.

Fitch Ratings on Friday downgraded France's debt worthiness to "AA-" from "AA", claiming the political deadlock and social movements posed a threat to President Emmanuel Macron's reform policies which could in turn slow down the economy. It added the country's "fiscal metrics are weaker than peers". "Public finances, and in particular the high level of government debt, are a rating weakness," the credit rating agency noted. "Political deadlock and (sometimes violent) social movements pose a risk to Macron's reform agenda and could create pressures for a more expansionary fiscal policy or a reversal of previous reforms," it added. The agency warned that lower economic growth prospects and a decrease in competitiveness could contribute to a further downgrade in ratings. We will continue with reforms: French government After the release of the ratings, Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said the government will continue to proceed with structural reforms to overhaul the economy. "I believe that the facts invalidate Fitch's assessment. We are able to implement structural reforms and we will continue to implement structural reforms for the country," Le Maire was quoted as saying by AFP. "Do not doubt our complete determination to restore the nation's public finances. We have proven our ability...to pass reforms that transform the French economic model." The assessment by Fitch ratings comes barely a week after Macron suggested that his government may be in danger as far-right leader Marine Le Pen continues to make gains. "Marine Le Pen will arrive (in power) if we are unable to respond to the challenges of the country and if we introduce a habit of lying or denying reality," he said. Macron also lamented that he was not involved sufficiently in selling his highly unpopular pension reform bill to the public. "Perhaps the mistake was not being sufficiently present to give a substance to the reform and carry it myself," Macron told Le Parisien newspaper. ALSO READ | French President Emmanuel Macron laments not selling his pension reform plan adequately to public French court approves the bill Earlier this month, the French court approved Macron's pension reform plan to raise the retirement age. The decision was validated by the nine-member Constitutional Council after almost three months of protests across the country. The council was of the view that the government's actions were in line with the constitution and that the retirement age should be raised. However, the protests over the reforms are yet to stop. Parisians are still taking to the streets and demanding that Macron restore the status quo, which according to Fitch, may further impede Paris's economic growth. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Fitch downgrades France’s credit rating, blames political risks and government debt

We have all heard the phrase that a dog is a man's best friend and now a dog named 'Spot' has a new job. This dog will help in railway repair in Paris. But how did this happen? Let's find out by taking a look at this video.

France: Dynamic robot-like dog helps in metro network repair in Paris

French protesters chanted "war cry" as they took to the streets of Paris to demonstrate in opposition to President Emmanuel Macron's recent pension reforms. Protesters organised a demonstration in front of the famous La Defence arch.

France: Hundreds of protesters storm Paris' Euronext building

Two France-based aviation giants went on trial last October over the crash of Air France Flight 447 some 13 years ago. On Monday (April 17), a Paris court acquitted the two companies that have been blamed for one of the worst aviation disasters which killed 228 passengers and crew in 2009.&nbsp;

Here is a timeline of the series of events related to the case:

June 2009

On June 1, 2009, Air France flight AF447 took off from Rio in Brazil and was en route to Paris before disappearing off the radar in the middle of a storm. It took a little over four minutes for the plane to fall 11,500 metres out of the sky. &nbsp;Days later, the wreckage was found of the Airbus A330 which was crossing the night sky during a storm over the Atlantic between Brazil and Senegal and vanished without a Mayday sign.&nbsp;

May 2011

After two years and a multi-million-dollar search, the aircraft’s “black boxes” or flight recorders were found nearly 4,000 metres (13,000 feet) below sea level. The search effort involved combing 17,000 square kilometres of the ocean bed at depths of up to 4,000 metres for nearly 22 months.&nbsp;

October 2011&nbsp;

Lawyers and victims’ families were allowed to listen to the in-flight voice recording of the pilots’ final minutes for the first time. “We’ve lost our speeds,” said one pilot, as recorded warning sounds of “stall, stall, stall” were heard and the aircraft began to plunge towards the sea. In the same year, the two aviation giants were being investigated for manslaughter.&nbsp;

Findings and reports from the retrieved black box

Over the next couple of years, sporadic findings and reports emerged about the crash. One of them said the plane had entered what is called an “intertropical convergence zone” which is said to often produce volatile storms with heavy precipitation.&nbsp;

Reports indicated that the plane’s speed sensors had been iced up and errors were made and the pilots were disoriented because of this. The “stall” warning was sounded in the cockpit at least 75 times.&nbsp;

 
Subsequently, the pilot took manual control after the autopilot system shut down and the wrong navigational data set off a catastrophic chain of events due to which the plane went into an “aerodynamic stall,” the nose pitched upward and the plane plunged into the ocean.&nbsp;

French investigators from the Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety (BEA), found that the pilots had mishandled the temporary loss of data from iced-up sensors and pushed the 205-tonne jet into a freefall, without responding to alerts, at speed of around 200 kilometres per hour.

The plane was flying through a storm over South Atlantic ocean when it entered a blackspot between air traffic control towers in Brazil and Senegal. However, it kept sending automatic communication “pings” every 10 minutes. It was four minutes and 23 seconds after its last ping, and it vanished, said the report.&nbsp; 
 
July 2019

In 2019, the prosecutors recommended dropping charges against Airbus and&nbsp; that Air France face trial for manslaughter and negligence over the crash.&nbsp;

The French prosecutors concluded that Air France was aware of technical problems with a key speed-measuring instrument or pilot tubes but failed to inform or train pilots on how to resolve the issue. However, this ruling was overturned two years later.&nbsp;

October 2022

After nearly 13 years the trial for Airbus and Air France over the crash began in Paris. The hearing opened with the judge reading out the names of all 228 victims. The chief executives of both Air France and Airbus who were present pleaded not guilty to the charges of involuntary manslaughter.&nbsp;

Air France claims that it was the complicated alarms that confused the pilots, whereas Airbus argues that it was the pilots’ fault. Air France has been accused of not properly training their pilots in the event of icing of the pilot probes despite knowing the risks.&nbsp;

On the other hand, Airbus has been accused of knowing that pilot tubes on Flight 447 were faulty and not doing enough to inform airlines and their crew about the issue which would help ensure training to mitigate the risk. &nbsp;

The pilot tubes&nbsp;

The case of the pilot tubes, on board the Airbus A330 were at the centre of the recent hearings. The instrument in question is used to measure the flight speed of aircraft. The court heard about how the malfunction with the tubes, which became blocked with ice crystals during a mid-Atlantic storm, was the reason for the alarms blaring in the cockpit and the autopilot system switching off.

April 2023

The Paris court acquitted both companies, maintaining that even though “errors” had been committed, “no certain link of causality” between those shortcomings and the accident “could be proven.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

&nbsp;

Two France-based aviation giants went on trial last October over the crash of Air France Flight 447 some 13 years ago. On Monday (April 17), a Paris court acquitted the two companies that have been blamed for one of the worst aviation disasters which killed 228 passengers and crew in 2009.

Two France-based aviation giants went on trial last October over the crash of Air France Flight 447 some 13 years ago. On Monday (April 17), a Paris court acquitted the two companies that have been blamed for one of the worst aviation disasters which killed 228 passengers and crew in 2009. Here is a timeline of the series of events related to the case: June 2009 On June 1, 2009, Air France flight AF447 took off from Rio in Brazil and was en route to Paris before disappearing off the radar in the middle of a storm. It took a little over four minutes for the plane to fall 11,500 metres out of the sky. Days later, the wreckage was found of the Airbus A330 which was crossing the night sky during a storm over the Atlantic between Brazil and Senegal and vanished without a Mayday sign. May 2011 After two years and a multi-million-dollar search, the aircraft’s “black boxes” or flight recorders were found nearly 4,000 metres (13,000 feet) below sea level. The search effort involved combing 17,000 square kilometres of the ocean bed at depths of up to 4,000 metres for nearly 22 months. October 2011 Lawyers and victims’ families were allowed to listen to the in-flight voice recording of the pilots’ final minutes for the first time. “We’ve lost our speeds,” said one pilot, as recorded warning sounds of “stall, stall, stall” were heard and the aircraft began to plunge towards the sea. In the same year, the two aviation giants were being investigated for manslaughter. Findings and reports from the retrieved black box Over the next couple of years, sporadic findings and reports emerged about the crash. One of them said the plane had entered what is called an “intertropical convergence zone” which is said to often produce volatile storms with heavy precipitation. Reports indicated that the plane’s speed sensors had been iced up and errors were made and the pilots were disoriented because of this. The “stall” warning was sounded in the cockpit at least 75 times. Subsequently, the pilot took manual control after the autopilot system shut down and the wrong navigational data set off a catastrophic chain of events due to which the plane went into an “aerodynamic stall,” the nose pitched upward and the plane plunged into the ocean. French investigators from the Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety (BEA), found that the pilots had mishandled the temporary loss of data from iced-up sensors and pushed the 205-tonne jet into a freefall, without responding to alerts, at speed of around 200 kilometres per hour. The plane was flying through a storm over South Atlantic ocean when it entered a blackspot between air traffic control towers in Brazil and Senegal. However, it kept sending automatic communication “pings” every 10 minutes. It was four minutes and 23 seconds after its last ping, and it vanished, said the report. July 2019 In 2019, the prosecutors recommended dropping charges against Airbus and that Air France face trial for manslaughter and negligence over the crash. The French prosecutors concluded that Air France was aware of technical problems with a key speed-measuring instrument or pilot tubes but failed to inform or train pilots on how to resolve the issue. However, this ruling was overturned two years later. October 2022 After nearly 13 years the trial for Airbus and Air France over the crash began in Paris. The hearing opened with the judge reading out the names of all 228 victims. The chief executives of both Air France and Airbus who were present pleaded not guilty to the charges of involuntary manslaughter. Air France claims that it was the complicated alarms that confused the pilots, whereas Airbus argues that it was the pilots’ fault. Air France has been accused of not properly training their pilots in the event of icing of the pilot probes despite knowing the risks. On the other hand, Airbus has been accused of knowing that pilot tubes on Flight 447 were faulty and not doing enough to inform airlines and their crew about the issue which would help ensure training to mitigate the risk. The pilot tubes The case of the pilot tubes, on board the Airbus A330 were at the centre of the recent hearings. The instrument in question is used to measure the flight speed of aircraft. The court heard about how the malfunction with the tubes, which became blocked with ice crystals during a mid-Atlantic storm, was the reason for the alarms blaring in the cockpit and the autopilot system switching off. April 2023 The Paris court acquitted both companies, maintaining that even though “errors” had been committed, “no certain link of causality” between those shortcomings and the accident “could be proven.” (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.

Explained | Air France, Airbus trial over the 2009 Rio-Paris crash. Here's what happened

French President Emmanuel Macron officially promulgated the controversial pension reforms into law on Saturday. Macron&nbsp;signed into law the bill raising&nbsp;the country’s retirement age by two years, showed the official journal, after France’s constitutional court approved the widely unpopular pension reforms. 
 
Despite the&nbsp;approval by the constitutional court, the unions vowed to oppose the changes, including raising the retirement age from 62 to 64.&nbsp;The French court on Friday approved President Emmanuel Macron's controversial pension reform plan to raise the retirement age. The decision was validated by the nine-member Constitutional Council after almost three months of protests across the country.&nbsp;

The council was of the view that the government's actions were in line with the constitution and that the retirement age should be raised.&nbsp;

According to&nbsp;reports, the court rejected six minor proposals, which included forcing large companies to publish data regarding how many employees above 55 were working for them and creating a special contract for older workers.&nbsp;

Additionally, the council rejected a proposal put forth by the leftist parties which sought to organise a referendum on the pension reform.&nbsp;

<h2>Stage set for another round of clashes</h2>

The decision, however, has set the stage for another round of protests from the opposition as well as the common citizens.&nbsp;Unions made it clear that they were organising mass protests for Labour Day on May 1, while some cities saw violence erupt after the verdict was declared.

French hard-left leader Jean-Luc Melencho vowed that the fight against Macron's reform plan would continue despite the court's decision.&nbsp;

"The fight continues and must gather force," said Melecho, leader of the France Unbowed (LFI) party.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-pension-reform-verdict-live-country-awaits-constitutional-ruling-on-higher-retirement-age-582536">ALSO READ |&nbsp;France pension reform verdict LIVE: Court approves key elements of Macron's proposed plan</a>

The police are anticipating over 10,000 people to gather in Paris late on Friday night to protest the decision. Aspersions have also been cast over leftwing radicals attempting to vandalise the streets and engage in violent clashes.&nbsp;

At the height of the protests, over 1.3 million had taken to the streets. After the court's decision, in a last-ditch attempt, French trade unions released a joint statement urging Macron to not sign the legislation.&nbsp;

"Given the massive (public) rejection of this reform, the unions request him solemnly to not promulgate this law, the only way to calm the anger which is being expressed in the country,"&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/emmanuel-macron-wins-pension-reform-backing-from-french-upper-house-572678">WATCH |&nbsp;Emmanuel Macron wins pension reform backing from French upper house</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/emmanuel-macron-wins-pension-reform-backing-from-french-upper-house-572678/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The Macron government is of the view that extending the pension age will prevent the French service 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.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

French President Emmanuel Macron officially promulgated the controversial pension reforms into law on Saturday. Macron signed into law the bill raising the country’s retirement age by two years, showed the official journal, after France’s constitutional court approved the widely unpopular pension reforms.

French President Emmanuel Macron officially promulgated the controversial pension reforms into law on Saturday. Macron signed into law the bill raising the country’s retirement age by two years, showed the official journal, after France’s constitutional court approved the widely unpopular pension reforms. Despite the approval by the constitutional court, the unions vowed to oppose the changes, including raising the retirement age from 62 to 64. The French court on Friday approved President Emmanuel Macron's controversial pension reform plan to raise the retirement age. The decision was validated by the nine-member Constitutional Council after almost three months of protests across the country. The council was of the view that the government's actions were in line with the constitution and that the retirement age should be raised. According to reports, the court rejected six minor proposals, which included forcing large companies to publish data regarding how many employees above 55 were working for them and creating a special contract for older workers. Additionally, the council rejected a proposal put forth by the leftist parties which sought to organise a referendum on the pension reform. Stage set for another round of clashes The decision, however, has set the stage for another round of protests from the opposition as well as the common citizens. Unions made it clear that they were organising mass protests for Labour Day on May 1, while some cities saw violence erupt after the verdict was declared. French hard-left leader Jean-Luc Melencho vowed that the fight against Macron's reform plan would continue despite the court's decision. "The fight continues and must gather force," said Melecho, leader of the France Unbowed (LFI) party. ALSO READ | France pension reform verdict LIVE: Court approves key elements of Macron's proposed plan The police are anticipating over 10,000 people to gather in Paris late on Friday night to protest the decision. Aspersions have also been cast over leftwing radicals attempting to vandalise the streets and engage in violent clashes. At the height of the protests, over 1.3 million had taken to the streets. After the court's decision, in a last-ditch attempt, French trade unions released a joint statement urging Macron to not sign the legislation. "Given the massive (public) rejection of this reform, the unions request him solemnly to not promulgate this law, the only way to calm the anger which is being expressed in the country," WATCH | Emmanuel Macron wins pension reform backing from French upper house × The Macron government is of the view that extending the pension age will prevent the French service 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. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

French President Emmanuel Macron signs controversial pension reforms into law

The citizens of Paris overwhelmingly voted on Sunday to ban for-hire electric scooters from the French capital's streets, in a huge blow to the operators. The voting ended with a victory for campaigners for road safety.&nbsp;

The referendum will now turn Paris, which was once a pioneer in embracing services of e-scooter, will now become the only major capital of Europe to outlaw the widespread devices which are booked on applications like Lime.&nbsp;

The residents of the city were asked to vote for or against them in a public consultation which was organised by mayor Anne Hidalgo in which around 90 per cent of the votes were cast against the scooters, showed official results.&nbsp;

"We're happy. It's what we've been fighting for over four years," stated Arnaud Kielbasa, the Apacauvi charity's co-founder, which is representing the victims of e-scooter accidents.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/paris-garbage-strike-paris-trash-collectors-to-suspend-strike-this-week-577095">Garbage strike raises stink: Paris trash collectors to suspend work boycott this week</a>

"All Parisians say they are nervous on the pavements, nervous when they cross the roads. You need to look everywhere," Kielbasa, whose infant daughter and wife were hit by an e-scooter driver, said. "That's why they've voted against them," he added.&nbsp;

Operators have alleged that they are being singled out unfairly and being held solely responsible for the chaotic nature of streets in Paris, where mayor Hidalgo has championed bikes and different forms of non-emitting transport since he came to power in 2014.&nbsp;

Last week, while speaking to AFP, Hidalgo said that “self-service scooters are the source of tension and worry” for Parisians and that a ban would “reduce nuisance” in public spaces.

WATCH | Paris to vote on banning electric scooters as 'they are involved in accidents' | WION Fineprint

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/paris-to-vote-on-banning-electric-scooters-as-they-are-involved-in-accidents-wion-fineprint-578103/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In 2018, the mayor's administration welcomed e-scooter operators with open arms, but since then, it has tightened regulations progressively, creating designated parking zones, restricting the number of operators and limiting the top speed.

However, the measures adopted have not been able to convince residents who have been complaining about drunken and reckless driving, as well as, clutter on pavements.&nbsp;

A number of fatal accidents also highlighted the dangers of electric scooters which are currently being hired by children who are 12 years old or above.

"I'm committed to respecting the choice of voters, purely and simply," &nbsp;said Hidalgo as she voted on Sunday.

(With inputs from agencies)

You can&nbsp;now write for wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

The citizens of Paris overwhelmingly voted on Sunday to ban for-hire electric scooters from the French capital's streets, in a huge blow to the operators. The voting ended with a victory for campaigners for road safety.

The citizens of Paris overwhelmingly voted on Sunday to ban for-hire electric scooters from the French capital's streets, in a huge blow to the operators. The voting ended with a victory for campaigners for road safety. The referendum will now turn Paris, which was once a pioneer in embracing services of e-scooter, will now become the only major capital of Europe to outlaw the widespread devices which are booked on applications like Lime. The residents of the city were asked to vote for or against them in a public consultation which was organised by mayor Anne Hidalgo in which around 90 per cent of the votes were cast against the scooters, showed official results. "We're happy. It's what we've been fighting for over four years," stated Arnaud Kielbasa, the Apacauvi charity's co-founder, which is representing the victims of e-scooter accidents. ALSO READ | Garbage strike raises stink: Paris trash collectors to suspend work boycott this week "All Parisians say they are nervous on the pavements, nervous when they cross the roads. You need to look everywhere," Kielbasa, whose infant daughter and wife were hit by an e-scooter driver, said. "That's why they've voted against them," he added. Operators have alleged that they are being singled out unfairly and being held solely responsible for the chaotic nature of streets in Paris, where mayor Hidalgo has championed bikes and different forms of non-emitting transport since he came to power in 2014. Last week, while speaking to AFP, Hidalgo said that “self-service scooters are the source of tension and worry” for Parisians and that a ban would “reduce nuisance” in public spaces. WATCH | Paris to vote on banning electric scooters as 'they are involved in accidents' | WION Fineprint In 2018, the mayor's administration welcomed e-scooter operators with open arms, but since then, it has tightened regulations progressively, creating designated parking zones, restricting the number of operators and limiting the top speed. However, the measures adopted have not been able to convince residents who have been complaining about drunken and reckless driving, as well as, clutter on pavements. A number of fatal accidents also highlighted the dangers of electric scooters which are currently being hired by children who are 12 years old or above. "I'm committed to respecting the choice of voters, purely and simply," said Hidalgo as she voted on Sunday. (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

Parisians massively vote to ban for-hire electric scooters

In what would be a first for a major city in the world, Parisians will vote on Sunday whether to ban electric scooters for rent from the city's streets.&nbsp;

Paris was one of the first cities to use the vehicles that can be rented using an app like Lime, Dott, or Tier and are popular among young people as an alternative to public transportation for short distances, as reported by AFP.&nbsp;

"Symbolically the vote is very important," said Erwann Le Page, public affairs director at Tier, a Berlin-based operator,&nbsp;who spoke to AFP.&nbsp;"It's a city that has been a pioneer," he said.&nbsp;

City authorities have gradually toughened rules following the scooters' chaotic rollout in 2018, designating parking areas, capping maximum speeds, and limiting the number of operators.&nbsp;

Yet, their presence is still controversial. Pedestrians complain about careless driving, and a string of deadly incidents has brought attention to the risks associated with vehicles that can currently be rented by kids as young as 12.&nbsp;

In January, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo proposed a poll to decide whether or not for-hire scooters should be permitted after facing criticism for violating traffic regulations in the city.

In an interview with AFP on Thursday, the pro-cycling Socialist, who favours a ban, referred to them as a "source of worry" in Parisians' daily life.

Residents of Paris have been asked to cast their votes on Sunday, but in order to do so, they must be on the voter lists and physically travel to one of the 21 polling places spread out over the city.&nbsp;

Clement Beaune, the transport minister, expects a ban, and several operators discreetly worry about a bad outcome if their primarily young user base does not vote.

"It's an important consultation that will be watched by a lot of other towns in France and overseas," Beaune told the Europe 1 radio station on Wednesday. "I find it a shame that we have caricatured and dumbed down the debate.

"Instead of having it as 'for' or 'against', we could do 'for, with rules'," he added.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

In what would be a first for a major city in the world, Parisians will vote on Sunday whether to ban electric scooters for rent from the city's streets. Paris was one of the first cities to use the vehicles that can be rented using an app like Lime, Dott, or Tier and are popular among young people as an alternative to public transportation for short distances, as reported by AFP.

In what would be a first for a major city in the world, Parisians will vote on Sunday whether to ban electric scooters for rent from the city's streets. Paris was one of the first cities to use the vehicles that can be rented using an app like Lime, Dott, or Tier and are popular among young people as an alternative to public transportation for short distances, as reported by AFP. "Symbolically the vote is very important," said Erwann Le Page, public affairs director at Tier, a Berlin-based operator, who spoke to AFP. "It's a city that has been a pioneer," he said. City authorities have gradually toughened rules following the scooters' chaotic rollout in 2018, designating parking areas, capping maximum speeds, and limiting the number of operators. Yet, their presence is still controversial. Pedestrians complain about careless driving, and a string of deadly incidents has brought attention to the risks associated with vehicles that can currently be rented by kids as young as 12. In January, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo proposed a poll to decide whether or not for-hire scooters should be permitted after facing criticism for violating traffic regulations in the city. In an interview with AFP on Thursday, the pro-cycling Socialist, who favours a ban, referred to them as a "source of worry" in Parisians' daily life. Residents of Paris have been asked to cast their votes on Sunday, but in order to do so, they must be on the voter lists and physically travel to one of the 21 polling places spread out over the city. Clement Beaune, the transport minister, expects a ban, and several operators discreetly worry about a bad outcome if their primarily young user base does not vote. "It's an important consultation that will be watched by a lot of other towns in France and overseas," Beaune told the Europe 1 radio station on Wednesday. "I find it a shame that we have caricatured and dumbed down the debate. "Instead of having it as 'for' or 'against', we could do 'for, with rules'," he added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

What would be the fate of e-scooters in Paris? Residents to decide in vote on Sunday

Europe seems to be on a banning spree earlier, believe it or not, Italy has decided to ban lab-made meat - something which is good for the environment - and now, France interestingly of all things is deciding to ban electric scooters.

Paris to vote on banning electric scooters as 'they are involved in accidents' | WION Fineprint

A union said on Tuesday (March 28) that the Paris trash collectors will suspend a three-week strike this week. The strike has left the beautiful French capital with thousands of tonnes of garbage piles lying on the street, causing an unbearable stink. The announcement came on the 23rd day of the strike against President Emmanuel Macron's pension reforms.&nbsp;

As quoted by the news agencies, CGT union said that the walkout would be suspended from Wednesday to allow coordination with workers "so we can go on strike again even more strongly" as fewer workers were now striking.&nbsp;

The CGT said: "We need to discuss again with City Hall's refuse collectors and cleaning workers to start again with a stronger strike … because we have almost no strikers left."&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;How much plastic is too much plastic?&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/how-much-plastic-is-too-much-plastic-577032/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The city hall stated that as of Tuesday, some 7,000 tonnes of uncollected rubbish were still clogging Paris streets compared with 10,000 last Friday.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, fresh clashes erupted after tens of thousands took to the streets to show their anger against the pension reform. On Tuesday, protesters in Paris set fire to garbage cans and threw projectiles at police. The officials charged at them and fired tear gas on the fringes of a march against Macron and his deeply unpopular pension bill.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, the government rejected unions' demand to suspend and rethink the pension bill, which raises the retirement age by two years to 64.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

A union said on Tuesday (March 28) that the Paris trash collectors will suspend a three-week strike this week. The strike has left the beautiful French capital with thousands of tonnes of garbage piles lying on the street, causing an unbearable stink.

A union said on Tuesday (March 28) that the Paris trash collectors will suspend a three-week strike this week. The strike has left the beautiful French capital with thousands of tonnes of garbage piles lying on the street, causing an unbearable stink. The announcement came on the 23rd day of the strike against President Emmanuel Macron's pension reforms. As quoted by the news agencies, CGT union said that the walkout would be suspended from Wednesday to allow coordination with workers "so we can go on strike again even more strongly" as fewer workers were now striking. The CGT said: "We need to discuss again with City Hall's refuse collectors and cleaning workers to start again with a stronger strike … because we have almost no strikers left." WATCH | How much plastic is too much plastic? × The city hall stated that as of Tuesday, some 7,000 tonnes of uncollected rubbish were still clogging Paris streets compared with 10,000 last Friday. Meanwhile, fresh clashes erupted after tens of thousands took to the streets to show their anger against the pension reform. On Tuesday, protesters in Paris set fire to garbage cans and threw projectiles at police. The officials charged at them and fired tear gas on the fringes of a march against Macron and his deeply unpopular pension bill. Earlier in the day, the government rejected unions' demand to suspend and rethink the pension bill, which raises the retirement age by two years to 64. (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.

Garbage strike raises stink: Paris trash collectors to suspend work boycott this week

Protests continue throughout France as thousands of people marched through the country amidst anger against the government for passing the pension reform bill without a Parliamentary vote. In capital, Paris, police clashed with the demonstrators for the third night in a row.

France: Protests continue over pension reforms, garbage collectors extend strike

Fuel deliveries were blocked from all French refineries, according to union officials, as protesters again took to the streets over government plans to raise the pension age from 62 to 64.

France: Protests against pension reform; chaos prevails in Paris for second day

The French government will force rubbish collectors in Paris to return to work after the long strikes<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-government-doubles-down-on-pension-reforms-571237"> following a days-long strike against pension reforms</a> has left many streets in the capital piled with stinking waste. On Wednesday, police chief Laurent Nunez informed Paris mayor&nbsp;Anne Hidalgo that the government would use its power&nbsp;to "requisition" striking trash collectors, forcing them back to work under threat of prosecution, the news agency AFP reported on Thursday

According to city hall figures, around 7,600 tonnes of rubbish were piled on the streets of Paris by Wednesday.&nbsp;

For weeks, workers in France have walked off the job in protest against President Emmanuel&nbsp;Macron's plans to reform the pension system, whose headline measures are raising the retirement age from 62 to 64 and increasing the number of years people must pay in to receive a full pension.

AFP reported that rubbish collectors have run one of the few rolling strikes against the proposed changes, while&nbsp;other sectors have held successive one-day walkouts accompanying mass demonstrations.

Paris Mayor Hidalgo- who sides with the protesters- said that the demand of the rubbish workers in the capital, who do not want to work for two years longer, was fair.&nbsp;

"The only answer that could calm the current climate is social dialogue, rather than a test of strength," she added.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, private waste collection company Derichebourg said that it would stop filling in for city binmen after it was threatened with pickets on its depots. And a day later, police cleared a blockade at another private waste firm, Pizzorno Environment, allowing its trucks to resume collections in Paris' 15th district and from 150 schools across the capital.&nbsp;

And on Thursday, thousands of people massed in France's capital to protest President Macron's government imposing the controversial pensions overhaul without a parliament vote.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

The French government will force rubbish collectors in Paris to return to work after the long strikes following a days-long strike against pension reforms has left many streets in the capital piled with stinking waste.

The French government will force rubbish collectors in Paris to return to work after the long strikes following a days-long strike against pension reforms has left many streets in the capital piled with stinking waste. On Wednesday, police chief Laurent Nunez informed Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo that the government would use its power to "requisition" striking trash collectors, forcing them back to work under threat of prosecution, the news agency AFP reported on Thursday According to city hall figures, around 7,600 tonnes of rubbish were piled on the streets of Paris by Wednesday. For weeks, workers in France have walked off the job in protest against President Emmanuel Macron's plans to reform the pension system, whose headline measures are raising the retirement age from 62 to 64 and increasing the number of years people must pay in to receive a full pension. AFP reported that rubbish collectors have run one of the few rolling strikes against the proposed changes, while other sectors have held successive one-day walkouts accompanying mass demonstrations. Paris Mayor Hidalgo- who sides with the protesters- said that the demand of the rubbish workers in the capital, who do not want to work for two years longer, was fair. "The only answer that could calm the current climate is social dialogue, rather than a test of strength," she added. On Wednesday, private waste collection company Derichebourg said that it would stop filling in for city binmen after it was threatened with pickets on its depots. And a day later, police cleared a blockade at another private waste firm, Pizzorno Environment, allowing its trucks to resume collections in Paris' 15th district and from 150 schools across the capital. And on Thursday, thousands of people massed in France's capital to protest President Macron's government imposing the controversial pensions overhaul without a parliament vote. 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 protests: Govt to force Paris rubbish collectors to return to work as trash stacks up

Paris, the city of romance, is turning into a garbage dump as tonnes of stinking garbage continue to pile up on the city's sidewalks as sanitation workers continue their strike for the ninth day on Tuesday.

The increasing amount of garbage has become a clear sign of the widespread anger among workers over a bill to increase the French retirement age by two years.

The bins are overflowing and the food rotting in some of the rubbish bags is making the city stink. Till Tuesday, more than 7,000 tonnes of garbage was piling up on the roads of the city.

ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-senate-approves-macrons-pension-reform-plan-despite-massive-protests-571078"> France: Senate approves Macron’s pension reform plan despite massive protests</a>

"It's dirty, it attracts rats and cockroaches," complained one Parisian on French radio. The workers have been on a strike over the proposal of the Emmanuel Macron government to increase the pension age from 62 to 64.

Apart from Paris, cities like Rennes, Le Havre and Nantes, Rennes have also been affected by the strike. The pension strikes were joined by the refuse collectors a week ago and the authorities of Paris said that half of the districts of the city, which fall under the council workers, have been badly hit by the action.

The strikers have blocked three waste treatment sites and a fourth remains partially closed. Paris council stated that in the 10 districts, which fall under private companies, the services have been running normally.

WATCH | Gravitas: After France, China proposes increasing retirement age

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-after-france-china-proposes-increasing-retirement-age-572058/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

However, according to a few reports, the activists have been trying to prevent garbage collection in those areas. “It’s a bit too much because it was even hard to navigate” some streets, said Nadiia Turkay, a 24-year-old British visitor.

She further stated that it was “upsetting, to be honest,” because on “beautiful streets ... you see all the rubbish and everything. The smell.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

You can&nbsp;now write for wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Paris, the city of romance, is turning into a garbage dump as tonnes of stinking garbage continue to pile up on the city's sidewalks as sanitation workers continue their strike for the ninth day on Tuesday.

Paris, the city of romance, is turning into a garbage dump as tonnes of stinking garbage continue to pile up on the city's sidewalks as sanitation workers continue their strike for the ninth day on Tuesday. The increasing amount of garbage has become a clear sign of the widespread anger among workers over a bill to increase the French retirement age by two years. The bins are overflowing and the food rotting in some of the rubbish bags is making the city stink. Till Tuesday, more than 7,000 tonnes of garbage was piling up on the roads of the city. ALSO READ | France: Senate approves Macron’s pension reform plan despite massive protests "It's dirty, it attracts rats and cockroaches," complained one Parisian on French radio. The workers have been on a strike over the proposal of the Emmanuel Macron government to increase the pension age from 62 to 64. Apart from Paris, cities like Rennes, Le Havre and Nantes, Rennes have also been affected by the strike. The pension strikes were joined by the refuse collectors a week ago and the authorities of Paris said that half of the districts of the city, which fall under the council workers, have been badly hit by the action. The strikers have blocked three waste treatment sites and a fourth remains partially closed. Paris council stated that in the 10 districts, which fall under private companies, the services have been running normally. WATCH | Gravitas: After France, China proposes increasing retirement age However, according to a few reports, the activists have been trying to prevent garbage collection in those areas. “It’s a bit too much because it was even hard to navigate” some streets, said Nadiia Turkay, a 24-year-old British visitor. She further stated that it was “upsetting, to be honest,” because on “beautiful streets ... you see all the rubbish and everything. The smell.” (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

Romantic city Paris turns into a garbage dump as strikes continue

Luxury retailers in UK's London are concerned that the city is losing its attractiveness when it comes to shopping destination for tourists especially luxury ones from U.S., China, and other parts of the world, including Gulf, who are opting for Paris and Milan.

London fears losing luxury shoppers to Paris as Europe emerges favourite for luxury shopping

Due to strikes garbage piles up on the streets of Paris, and sanitation workers are not happy with the Macron government. The streets that used to carry the aroma of French perfumes and food are now filled with overflowing bins and rotting food in some of the bags.

Paris: City of 'Romance' turns into city of 'Trash' as sanitation workers continue to strike

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak travelled to Paris to attend a summit with French President Emmanuel Macron. The two leaders are expected to flesh out agreements on migrant crossings, energy security and protecting people from the threat of Russia.

Sunak to push Macron to stop migrants crossings

Macron welcomes Sunak, focus on bilateral relations, migration and military ties

Border control functions at Paris' Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports were hit by a computer glitch on Saturday (March 4). This caused long queues of passengers waiting at the checkpoints.

"A national breakdown of border police currently affects checkpoints at the departure and arrival of Paris-CDG and Paris-Orly. An extension of the waiting time is to be expected," Paris Airports tweeted.&nbsp;

Whether other airports or sectors were affected was not immediately clear.

Images posted on social media showed long&nbsp;queues of passengers waiting at Paris airport checkpoints, with some even sitting on the floor.&nbsp;

By 2:00 pm (1300 GMT), the computer system in question was working again, the interior ministry told AFP.&nbsp;

A woman travelling from Martinique told AFP that she had spent nearly two hours in the queue at Orly where "1,500-2,000 people" were not moving at all.&nbsp;

"It's shameful, people are starting (to wilt), especially parents with children. No one from Paris Airports came to tell us anything," Anouk, who declined to give surname, told AFP by telephone.&nbsp;

Travellers then began banging on the glass doors of the eGates, they reported.&nbsp;

Border police officers then opened the doors&nbsp;and carried out passport checks manually to ease congestion.&nbsp;

"Everything is being done to make the situation as easy as possible for travellers. Water supplies are being put in place and officers have been deployed to answer travellers' questions," a Paris Airports spokesman told AFP.

(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 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

 
WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Border control functions at Paris' Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports were hit by a computer glitch on Saturday (March 4). This caused long queues of passengers waiting at the checkpoints.

Border control functions at Paris' Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports were hit by a computer glitch on Saturday (March 4). This caused long queues of passengers waiting at the checkpoints. "A national breakdown of border police currently affects checkpoints at the departure and arrival of Paris-CDG and Paris-Orly. An extension of the waiting time is to be expected," Paris Airports tweeted. Whether other airports or sectors were affected was not immediately clear. Images posted on social media showed long queues of passengers waiting at Paris airport checkpoints, with some even sitting on the floor. By 2:00 pm (1300 GMT), the computer system in question was working again, the interior ministry told AFP. A woman travelling from Martinique told AFP that she had spent nearly two hours in the queue at Orly where "1,500-2,000 people" were not moving at all. "It's shameful, people are starting (to wilt), especially parents with children. No one from Paris Airports came to tell us anything," Anouk, who declined to give surname, told AFP by telephone. Travellers then began banging on the glass doors of the eGates, they reported. Border police officers then opened the doors and carried out passport checks manually to ease congestion. "Everything is being done to make the situation as easy as possible for travellers. Water supplies are being put in place and officers have been deployed to answer travellers' questions," a Paris Airports spokesman told AFP. (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 ×

Computer glitch hits border control functions at Paris airports

Part of a coordinated protest across a dozen cities worldwide. Activists in Paris have called out two banks involved in the financing of a controversial fossil fuel project in east Africa. Hem Kaur brings you this report.

Paris protests against pipeline project | WION Climate Tracker

paris

Paris, News on Paris, stories on Paris, articles on Paris, Paris stories at Wion, Paris news, Paris latest news