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; 
 
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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;

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<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>

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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; 
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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>

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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) 
 
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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

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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)

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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) 
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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;

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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; 
 
 
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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.

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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

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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)

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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)

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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

As the Russian invasion of Ukraine nears its first anniversary, the governments of more than 30 countries have taken a collective stance and written a letter to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) disapproving the inclusion of Russian and Belarusian athletes at the Paris Olympics 2024.

As the Russian invasion of Ukraine nears its first anniversary, the governments of more than 30 countries have taken a collective stance and written a letter to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) disapproving the inclusion of Russian and Belarusian athletes at the Paris Olympics 2024. “We have strong concerns on how feasible it is for Russian and Belarusian Olympic athletes to compete as ‘neutrals’...when they are directly funded and supported by their states,” read the letter. The countries also sought clarification on IOC's definition of 'neutrality' as the governing body attempts to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes back into the fold. “As long as these fundamental issues and the substantial lack of clarity and concrete detail on a workable ‘neutrality’ model are not addressed, we do not agree that Russian and Belarusian athletes should be allowed back into competition." Notably, the UK, France, Canada, Germany, and the US are among the countries to have signed the letter. Both Russia and its ally Belarus have been pushed to the fringes of most Olympic sports, following Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine last year. WATCH | WION Speed News | Paris Olympics 2024: Zelensky attends meet to ban Russian and Belarusian athletes × However, the IOC, citing the United Nations human rights experts is attempting to change the situation. The body is of the view that "no athlete should be prevented from competing just because of their passport". "Respect the rights of all athletes to be treated without any discrimination, in accordance with the Olympic Charter. Governments must not decide which athletes can participate in which competition and which athletes cannot." Last month, Ukraine's presidential aide Mykhaylo Podolyak took to Twitter and slammed IOC for its stance by terming it a 'promoter of war'. "(The) IOC is a promoter of war, murder and destruction. The IOC watches with pleasure Russia destroying Ukraine and then offers Russia a platform to promote genocide and encourages their further killings," tweeted Podolyak. "Obviously Russian money that buys Olympic hypocrisy doesn't have a smell of Ukrainian blood. Right, Mr Bach? added the presidential aide, referring to IOC president Thomas Bach. #IOC is a promoter of war, murder & destruction. The IOC watches with pleasure RF destroying 🇺🇦 & then offers 🇷🇺 a platform to promote genocide & encourages their further killings. Obviously ru-money that buys Olympic hypocrisy doesn’t have a smell of 🇺🇦 blood. Right, Mr. #Bach? — Михайло Подоляк (@Podolyak_M) January 30, 2023 × Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has publically batted for no Russian athlete to be allowed at the 2024 Paris Olympics. "We must be sure that Russia will not be able to use it (the Olympics) or any other international sporting event to promote aggression or its state chauvinism." Read more: Russian athletes should not compete at 2024 Paris Olympics: Zelensky tells Macron Ukraine's sports minister has already issued a warning that his country and its athletes will boycott the 2024 Olympics if IOC continues to entertain the Russians. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Paris Olympics: Over 30 Countries write to IOC demanding clarity on allowing Russian, Belarusian athletes

China's top diplomat Wang Yi, met with French President Emmanuel Macron at the start of his trip to Europe. The two leaders exchanged views on the Ukraine issue.

Wang Yi, Emmanuel Macron discuss Ukraine war during meeting in Paris

The UEFA-appointed panel of investigators blamed European Football's governing body mostly responsible for chaotic security failures at the 2022 Champions League final in Paris that put the lives of Liverpool and Real Madrid fans at risk.

UEFA blamed for security failure ahead of 2022 Champions League final

For the first time since the Russian invasion over a year ago, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky landed in Paris on Wednesday, for his first visit to an European Union member state, reported AFP news agency.&nbsp;

French President Emmanuel Macron&nbsp;welcomed Zelensky and at a joint press conference with Ukrainian President and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, he assured that Ukraine can count on France in its war against Russia. “Russia cannot and must not win this war. As long as Russia continues to attack, we will continue to adapt and moderate the necessary military support to preserve Ukraine and its future,” said Macron.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-bird-caged-in-turkey-after-anger-swamped-social-media-over-erdogans-quake-response-560125">Twitter bird 'caged' in Turkey after anger swamped social media over Erdogan's quake response</a>

Macron added that France is "determined to help Ukraine to victory and the re-establishment of its legitimate rights." He went on to say that Paris would "continue its efforts" to deliver arms to Kyiv. This comes ahead of a working dinner.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-warns-of-bloody-harvest-in-war-escalation-if-uk-sends-fighter-jets-to-ukraine-560131">Russia warns of 'bloody harvest' in war escalation if UK sends fighter jets to Ukraine</a>

Macron assured him that France is determined to help Ukraine to "victory."&nbsp;Zelensky arrived at Paris Orly airport in a UK government aircraft after attending meetings in London.&nbsp;Zelensky has urged Europe to deliver planes, heavy arms to war-torn Ukraine "as soon as possible," reported AFP.&nbsp;Speaking in Paris, Sholz said, "I am taking a clear message to Brussels: Ukraine belongs to the European family."&nbsp;

Watch | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkiye-earthquake-survivors-recall-horror-560099">Turkiye earthquake survivors recall horror</a>

Macron on Wednesday also welcomed German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at the Elysee presidential palace in Paris ahead of a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. This is Zelensky's rare visit to Europe, only his second trip abroad since the onset Russia's invasion of Ukraine on 24 Feb, 2022. The visit comes after the president's visit in London to meet with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

(With inputs from agencies)

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For the first time since the Russian invasion over a year ago, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky landed in Paris on Wednesday, for his first visit to an European Union member state, reported AFP news agency.

For the first time since the Russian invasion over a year ago, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky landed in Paris on Wednesday, for his first visit to an European Union member state, reported AFP news agency. French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed Zelensky and at a joint press conference with Ukrainian President and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, he assured that Ukraine can count on France in its war against Russia. “Russia cannot and must not win this war. As long as Russia continues to attack, we will continue to adapt and moderate the necessary military support to preserve Ukraine and its future,” said Macron. Also Read | Twitter bird 'caged' in Turkey after anger swamped social media over Erdogan's quake response Macron added that France is "determined to help Ukraine to victory and the re-establishment of its legitimate rights." He went on to say that Paris would "continue its efforts" to deliver arms to Kyiv. This comes ahead of a working dinner. Also Read | Russia warns of 'bloody harvest' in war escalation if UK sends fighter jets to Ukraine Macron assured him that France is determined to help Ukraine to "victory." Zelensky arrived at Paris Orly airport in a UK government aircraft after attending meetings in London. Zelensky has urged Europe to deliver planes, heavy arms to war-torn Ukraine "as soon as possible," reported AFP. Speaking in Paris, Sholz said, "I am taking a clear message to Brussels: Ukraine belongs to the European family." Watch | Turkiye earthquake survivors recall horror Macron on Wednesday also welcomed German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at the Elysee presidential palace in Paris ahead of a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. This is Zelensky's rare visit to Europe, only his second trip abroad since the onset Russia's invasion of Ukraine on 24 Feb, 2022. The visit comes after the president's visit in London to meet with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. (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.

Macron welcomes Zelensky to France, says Paris determined to help Ukraine to 'victory'

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

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

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

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

For a man with seemingly infinite creative ambitions, it is fitting that Indian designer Rahul Mishra's latest Paris haute couture collection attempts to encapsulate the entire universe. Monday's Fashion Week debut of "Cosmos" became the latest showcase for one of Asia's leading stylists, whose works have been modelled by Michelle Yeoh, Viola Davis and other top film stars.

Mishra invited AFP to tour his frenetic workshop on the urban fringes of New Delhi several times over the collection's production, from its initial sketchbook concepts to his last-minute agonies over sudden revisions.&nbsp;

His long and laborious journey reflects a desire to evoke the boundless mysteries of life, told through his trademark embroidered flourishes of animal contours and luminous details.&nbsp;

"This is actually the true cosmos in its ultimate manifestation," Mishra, 43, told AFP this month while proudly unveiling one of the more than two dozen gowns he was about to send to Paris.&nbsp;"It justifies the name of the collection."

The gown's flowing pleated silhouette is alive with intricately embroidered depictions of the animal kingdom, where schools of fish rub shoulders with the night sky's constellations.&nbsp;

Mishra has spent months engrossed in every microscopic detail of the piece, but even in the frenzied final week before its Paris debut, he was compelled to make a major conceptual change.

"It looks dramatic, it takes too much attention," he says as he agonises over a bold decision to pin two giant golden fish ornaments to the gown's bust, wondering if it upsets the delicate harmony he has cultivated.&nbsp;

Mishra often defers to the expertise of his team and solicits their opinion but they share his taste for the flamboyant and give a resounding vote of approval to the new look.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-marvels-kevin-feige-dismisses-avengers-fatigue-denies-people-will-ever-get-tired-of-marvel-movies-555371">Marvel's Kevin Feige dismisses 'Avengers Fatigue', denies people will ever get tired of Marvel movies</a>

- 'It has to be spectacular' -

"The more we try to know about the cosmos, the less we know; the more we try to know about ourselves, the more remains to discover -- this is the true meaning of cosmos," Mishra said of his artistic vision.&nbsp;

The theme is well-suited to a designer whose creations fuse together as many materials, textures and patterns as the laws of physics allow.&nbsp;

"We work like an art studio that tries to mix mediums, to assemble ideas, to create a new expression that is not necessarily just fashion," he said.&nbsp; "Our dresses are full of life -- they are growing, expanding, they are reaching for something in an ever-expanding universe."

The collection's more extravagant pieces reflect Mishra's preoccupation with the natural world and include a sequined gown with translucent veils, modelled on the pulsing movements of a jellyfish.

Other eye-catching works feature elegant embroidery of pink-tinged leaves, golden ladybird brooches, or frilly bustiers with blue sequins and marine life motifs to elicit the ocean's depths.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-sean-penn%E2%80%99s-documentary-on-russia-ukraine-conflict-superpower-to-premiere-in-berlinale-2023-555327">Sean Penn’s documentary on Russia-Ukraine conflict 'Superpower' to premiere at Berlinale 2023</a>

Mishra's intention to portray a fantasy journey to "something that doesn't exist" have this time led him out of his traditional obsessions and into the urban environment.

On an ankle-length coat, uncharacteristically monochrome against the designer's usual colour bursts, skyscrapers float upside down on a ruffled hem against speckled silver stars to channel the magic of cities at night.&nbsp;

Flamboyant even by the standards of the Parisian runway, Mishra abhors any suggestion of aesthetic restraint.&nbsp;

"It has to be spectacular, otherwise why would you create something?" he said. "There are already so many beautiful clothes in the world." 
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For a man with seemingly infinite creative ambitions, it is fitting that Indian designer Rahul Mishra's latest Paris haute couture collection attempts to encapsulate the entire universe.

For a man with seemingly infinite creative ambitions, it is fitting that Indian designer Rahul Mishra's latest Paris haute couture collection attempts to encapsulate the entire universe. Monday's Fashion Week debut of "Cosmos" became the latest showcase for one of Asia's leading stylists, whose works have been modelled by Michelle Yeoh, Viola Davis and other top film stars. Mishra invited AFP to tour his frenetic workshop on the urban fringes of New Delhi several times over the collection's production, from its initial sketchbook concepts to his last-minute agonies over sudden revisions. His long and laborious journey reflects a desire to evoke the boundless mysteries of life, told through his trademark embroidered flourishes of animal contours and luminous details. "This is actually the true cosmos in its ultimate manifestation," Mishra, 43, told AFP this month while proudly unveiling one of the more than two dozen gowns he was about to send to Paris. "It justifies the name of the collection." The gown's flowing pleated silhouette is alive with intricately embroidered depictions of the animal kingdom, where schools of fish rub shoulders with the night sky's constellations. Mishra has spent months engrossed in every microscopic detail of the piece, but even in the frenzied final week before its Paris debut, he was compelled to make a major conceptual change. "It looks dramatic, it takes too much attention," he says as he agonises over a bold decision to pin two giant golden fish ornaments to the gown's bust, wondering if it upsets the delicate harmony he has cultivated. Mishra often defers to the expertise of his team and solicits their opinion but they share his taste for the flamboyant and give a resounding vote of approval to the new look. Also read: Marvel's Kevin Feige dismisses 'Avengers Fatigue', denies people will ever get tired of Marvel movies - 'It has to be spectacular' - "The more we try to know about the cosmos, the less we know; the more we try to know about ourselves, the more remains to discover -- this is the true meaning of cosmos," Mishra said of his artistic vision. The theme is well-suited to a designer whose creations fuse together as many materials, textures and patterns as the laws of physics allow. "We work like an art studio that tries to mix mediums, to assemble ideas, to create a new expression that is not necessarily just fashion," he said. "Our dresses are full of life -- they are growing, expanding, they are reaching for something in an ever-expanding universe." The collection's more extravagant pieces reflect Mishra's preoccupation with the natural world and include a sequined gown with translucent veils, modelled on the pulsing movements of a jellyfish. Other eye-catching works feature elegant embroidery of pink-tinged leaves, golden ladybird brooches, or frilly bustiers with blue sequins and marine life motifs to elicit the ocean's depths. Also read: Sean Penn’s documentary on Russia-Ukraine conflict 'Superpower' to premiere at Berlinale 2023 Mishra's intention to portray a fantasy journey to "something that doesn't exist" have this time led him out of his traditional obsessions and into the urban environment. On an ankle-length coat, uncharacteristically monochrome against the designer's usual colour bursts, skyscrapers float upside down on a ruffled hem against speckled silver stars to channel the magic of cities at night. Flamboyant even by the standards of the Parisian runway, Mishra abhors any suggestion of aesthetic restraint. "It has to be spectacular, otherwise why would you create something?" he said. "There are already so many beautiful clothes in the world." 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.

Indian designer evokes mysteries of the 'Cosmos' in Paris

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