French President Emmanuel Macron hosted German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Paris on Wednesday, amidst recent political differences between the two countries.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz meets French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris

Pakistan is expected to be taken off the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list at the global watchdog body’s plenary session in Paris this week.

WION Dispatch: Will Pakistan be dropped from FATF grey list?

In Paris, dozens of protesters clashed with police and smashed shop windows during a demonstration calling for wage hikes as high inflation hits the country. According to France's Interior Ministry, 11 people were arrested in the French capital.

France protests: Thousands strike in France demanding higher wages, clash with police

Thousands took to the streets of Paris on Sunday, to protest the high cost of living. The demonstrations were called by the left-wing parties that oppose President Emmanuel Macron.

Gravitas: Protests in Paris over Cost-of-Living Crisis

Thousands of protesters have piled into the streets of Paris in a show of anger against the rising inflation, fuel shortages and climate inaction.

Protesters in Paris march against rising cost of living and climate crisis

Paris on Sunday (October 16) saw thousands taking to streets to protest rising prices. The protests took place amid weeks of strikes at oil refineries for higher wages. This has spurred demands for a general strike.

The leader of hard-left party La France Insoumise (France Unbowed), Jean-Luc Melenchon, marched alongside this year's Nobel Prize winner for Literature, Annie Ernaux. He called a general strike for Tuesday.

"You're going to live a week like no other, we are the ones who started it with this march," he told the crowd.

Melenchon followed the footsteps of four unions - but not France's biggest, the moderate CFDT - which have called for strikes and protests on Tuesday for wage increases.

The unions have also called protests to protect the right to strike, after the government ordered requisitioning of some oil refinery workers. This move is being seen by unions as a violation of their constitutional rights.

The march followed a call by the NUPES parliamentary coalition, which hopes to turn the page on domestic violence accusations that have recently dogged senior members.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-refinery-strike-has-hit-petrol-supplies-further-says-pm-525947">France: Refinery strike has hit petrol supplies further, says PM</a>

Gabriel Attal, the Budget Minister accused that left-wing coalition of attempting to exploit the current situation.

"Today's march is a march of supporters who want to block the country," he said on French radio station Europe 1.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Paris on Sunday (October 16) saw thousands taking to streets to protest rising prices. The protests took place amid weeks of strikes at oil refineries for higher wages.

Paris on Sunday (October 16) saw thousands taking to streets to protest rising prices. The protests took place amid weeks of strikes at oil refineries for higher wages. This has spurred demands for a general strike. The leader of hard-left party La France Insoumise (France Unbowed), Jean-Luc Melenchon, marched alongside this year's Nobel Prize winner for Literature, Annie Ernaux. He called a general strike for Tuesday. "You're going to live a week like no other, we are the ones who started it with this march," he told the crowd. Melenchon followed the footsteps of four unions - but not France's biggest, the moderate CFDT - which have called for strikes and protests on Tuesday for wage increases. The unions have also called protests to protect the right to strike, after the government ordered requisitioning of some oil refinery workers. This move is being seen by unions as a violation of their constitutional rights. The march followed a call by the NUPES parliamentary coalition, which hopes to turn the page on domestic violence accusations that have recently dogged senior members. Also Read | France: Refinery strike has hit petrol supplies further, says PM Gabriel Attal, the Budget Minister accused that left-wing coalition of attempting to exploit the current situation. "Today's march is a march of supporters who want to block the country," he said on French radio station Europe 1. (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 ×

Paris: Thousands take to streets to protest soaring prices

Paris police on Wednesday dismantled a camp that is home to over 100 crack users, the latest move in a campaign that has repeatedly displaced the addicts around the capital.

Residents and aid groups have for years been frustrated by authorities' failure to either clamp down on open drug dealing and crime in and around the camps or to provide appropriate treatment for users.

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin wrote on Twitter as the evacuation got underway that this time, "1,000 officers will be deployed to prevent the camp from reforming somewhere else".

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Sur mon instruction, le <a href="https://twitter.com/prefpolice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@prefpolice</a> procède au démantèlement définitif ce matin du «campement du crack» du square Forceval à Paris. 1000 policiers seront déployés afin que ce campement ne se reconstitue pas ailleurs. Un moment important pour l’ordre public rétabli à Paris.
— Gérald DARMANIN (@GDarmanin) <a href="https://twitter.com/GDarmanin/status/1577524933340663808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
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An AFP journalist saw large numbers of police surround the rubbish-strewn Square Forceval in northeast Paris from 7:00 am (0500 GMT), with police chief Laurent Nunez on the scene.

By mid-morning, tents, furniture and other items had been mostly removed and cleaning services had arrived, with a few of its inhabitants still visible in the surrounding streets.

The clearance was "inevitable and necessary to make our neighbourhoods habitable again", said Francois Dagnaud, mayor of Paris' 19th district.

But the possibility the camp might be reconstituted elsewhere "is a risk that should be on everyone's mind and that is in no one's interest," he added.

Over the past two years, successive evacuations have moved crack users from the Stalingrad square on the city's Saint-Martin canal, first to a nearby park, and then to their current site alongside the French capital's ring road.

Tackling the city's crack problem, visible on the streets for the past three decades has proved difficult due to the addictiveness of the drug, a cocaine derivative that sells for as little as $9.90 per dose.

Darmanin, a law-and-order hardliner, has given newly-installed Paris police chief Nunez a single year to wipe out crack in the capital. 
The interior ministry said that inhabitants of the camp wanted by police would be arrested, while foreigners without papers would be detained awaiting deportation.

"Other occupants will be directed towards accommodation structures with medical and social assistance, or to medical facilities," the ministry added.

But "in our view, the conditions aren't there to prevent further open locations" forming for crack dealing and consumption, said Marie Debrus of aid group Medecins du Monde, who was on the scene for the evacuation.

"In a few months we'll see them in the entrance halls of blocks of flats," she added, calling the clearance "a humanitarian crisis orchestrated by the authorities".

Aid groups say that between 300 and 400 people spent time in the camp during the day and around 150 at night, up to 40 per cent of them women. Dealers sold crack "rocks" openly among the groups of users.

As at other sites where the addicts have gathered, local residents have complained of assaults, thefts and other disruption since their arrival. Around 500 people demonstrated last month to mark the camp being in place for a year and demand its removal.

"We've been calling for the clearance for a year, but also for addicts and people sick from crack to be taken care of," said Melinda Bernardo, of the "93 Anti-Crack" group based in Paris' northeastern suburbs.

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Paris police on Wednesday dismantled a camp that is home to over 100 crack users, the latest move in a campaign that has repeatedly displaced the addicts around the capital.

Paris police on Wednesday dismantled a camp that is home to over 100 crack users, the latest move in a campaign that has repeatedly displaced the addicts around the capital. Residents and aid groups have for years been frustrated by authorities' failure to either clamp down on open drug dealing and crime in and around the camps or to provide appropriate treatment for users. French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin wrote on Twitter as the evacuation got underway that this time, "1,000 officers will be deployed to prevent the camp from reforming somewhere else". Sur mon instruction, le @prefpolice procède au démantèlement définitif ce matin du «campement du crack» du square Forceval à Paris. 1000 policiers seront déployés afin que ce campement ne se reconstitue pas ailleurs. Un moment important pour l’ordre public rétabli à Paris. — Gérald DARMANIN (@GDarmanin) October 5, 2022 × An AFP journalist saw large numbers of police surround the rubbish-strewn Square Forceval in northeast Paris from 7:00 am (0500 GMT), with police chief Laurent Nunez on the scene. By mid-morning, tents, furniture and other items had been mostly removed and cleaning services had arrived, with a few of its inhabitants still visible in the surrounding streets. The clearance was "inevitable and necessary to make our neighbourhoods habitable again", said Francois Dagnaud, mayor of Paris' 19th district. But the possibility the camp might be reconstituted elsewhere "is a risk that should be on everyone's mind and that is in no one's interest," he added. Over the past two years, successive evacuations have moved crack users from the Stalingrad square on the city's Saint-Martin canal, first to a nearby park, and then to their current site alongside the French capital's ring road. Tackling the city's crack problem, visible on the streets for the past three decades has proved difficult due to the addictiveness of the drug, a cocaine derivative that sells for as little as $9.90 per dose. Darmanin, a law-and-order hardliner, has given newly-installed Paris police chief Nunez a single year to wipe out crack in the capital. The interior ministry said that inhabitants of the camp wanted by police would be arrested, while foreigners without papers would be detained awaiting deportation. "Other occupants will be directed towards accommodation structures with medical and social assistance, or to medical facilities," the ministry added. But "in our view, the conditions aren't there to prevent further open locations" forming for crack dealing and consumption, said Marie Debrus of aid group Medecins du Monde, who was on the scene for the evacuation. "In a few months we'll see them in the entrance halls of blocks of flats," she added, calling the clearance "a humanitarian crisis orchestrated by the authorities". Aid groups say that between 300 and 400 people spent time in the camp during the day and around 150 at night, up to 40 per cent of them women. Dealers sold crack "rocks" openly among the groups of users. As at other sites where the addicts have gathered, local residents have complained of assaults, thefts and other disruption since their arrival. Around 500 people demonstrated last month to mark the camp being in place for a year and demand its removal. "We've been calling for the clearance for a year, but also for addicts and people sick from crack to be taken care of," said Melinda Bernardo, of the "93 Anti-Crack" group based in Paris' northeastern suburbs. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Paris: Authorities clear a drug den housing more than 100 addicts

Phasing out of cardboard tickets is marking an end of an era for Paris Metro travellers as the simple form of ticket may soon be a thing of the past after being in circulation for 120 years. Paris Metro is taking steps towards a contactless future. Though shift to more efficient technology might improve the service, the tickets, which have been part of Parisian life will evoke nostalgia.

Beyond their intended use as a transport token, the tickets with their trademark magnetic strip have inspired artists, filmmakers and singers, served as emergency notepads and, most of all, bookmarks.&nbsp;

"As the metro ticket disappears, so does a part of our lives," said Gregoire Thonnat, a collector and author of a book on the history of the metro ticket. "The metro ticket is part of how we picture Paris." &nbsp;

Ile-de-France Mobilites, which operates the metro's ticketing system, wanted the pack of 10 tickets, known as 'carnets' gone by the first quarter of the year, the effects of pandemic, Ukraine war and global microchips shortage put a spanner in the plans.

The number of cardboard tickets sold still totals 550 million per year. This requires more than 50 tonnes of paper.

"We were in a hurry, but the chip crisis slowed us down," Laurent Probst, director-general at Ile-de-France Mobilites told AFP.&nbsp;

The operator has started cutting the number of metro stations that still sell carnets to nudge clients towards plastic cards, and many turnstiles can no longer read cardboard tickets.&nbsp;

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Phasing out of cardboard tickets is marking an end of an era for Paris Metro travellers as the simple form of ticket may soon be a thing of the past after being in circulation for 120 years.

Phasing out of cardboard tickets is marking an end of an era for Paris Metro travellers as the simple form of ticket may soon be a thing of the past after being in circulation for 120 years. Paris Metro is taking steps towards a contactless future. Though shift to more efficient technology might improve the service, the tickets, which have been part of Parisian life will evoke nostalgia. Beyond their intended use as a transport token, the tickets with their trademark magnetic strip have inspired artists, filmmakers and singers, served as emergency notepads and, most of all, bookmarks. "As the metro ticket disappears, so does a part of our lives," said Gregoire Thonnat, a collector and author of a book on the history of the metro ticket. "The metro ticket is part of how we picture Paris."  Ile-de-France Mobilites, which operates the metro's ticketing system, wanted the pack of 10 tickets, known as 'carnets' gone by the first quarter of the year, the effects of pandemic, Ukraine war and global microchips shortage put a spanner in the plans. The number of cardboard tickets sold still totals 550 million per year. This requires more than 50 tonnes of paper. "We were in a hurry, but the chip crisis slowed us down," Laurent Probst, director-general at Ile-de-France Mobilites told AFP. The operator has started cutting the number of metro stations that still sell carnets to nudge clients towards plastic cards, and many turnstiles can no longer read cardboard tickets. 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 ×

Paris Metro to bid goodbye to cardboard tickets after 120 years

After months of protest, a petition signed by nearly 150,000 people, Paris has abandoned plans to construct new buildings around the Eiffel Tower at the expense of trees.

WION Climate Tracker | Paris abandons plans to construct buildings near Eiffel tower

It's no secret that Kanye West has become synonymous with&nbsp;high fashion in the last few years and he has exponentially expanded his presence in the fashion industry. However, his latest appearance at Paris Fashion Week has invited a lot of backlash and outrage.

Wondering why? Well, the rapper's sartorial choice of the day didn't go down well with the people present there and netizens too. He arrived at the surprise PFW show for his brand Yeezy's Season&nbsp;9 collection in a controversial t-shirt that was emblazoned with the Pope's face on the front and had "White Lives Matter" printed on the back.&nbsp;

Some models showcasing the Yeezy collection also donned similar t-shirts. Meanwhile,&nbsp;American conservative influencer, author, and talk show host Candace Owens was also present at the Yeezy show. In one of the now-viral snaps, she is seen posing next to the rapper with a white t-shirt that had the same phrase printed on it.

After the show concluded, Kanye, who now goes by the name Ye, gave a speech during the show and spoke about his&nbsp;controversial falling out with major brands like Gap and Adidas. Ye also spoke about his ex-wife Kim Kardashian’s 2016 robbery in Paris.

Reacting to Kanye's photos on Twitter, a user wrote, "Kanye west making Black models wear “ white lives matter” shirts is a culmination of his anti blackness and his immersion in white supremacy ideologies and methods. Disgusting. (sic)" Another commented, "Kanye West decision to wear a “White Lives Matter” shirt is disgusting, dangerous, and irresponsible. Some of y’all will rush to defend him. You should ask yourselves why. (sic)"

And, one user tweeted, "So the guy who thought slavery was a choice &amp; the woman who said slave owners deserve reparations more than the slaves, wore matching White Lives Matter sweatshirts. Color me surprised… Kanye West &amp; Candace Owens make Martin Luther King Jr. roll over in his grave. (sic)"

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
So the guy who thought slavery was a choice &amp; the woman who said slave owners deserve reparations more than the slaves, wore matching White Lives Matter sweatshirts. 
 
Color me surprised… 🤦‍♂️ 
 
Kanye West &amp; Candace Owens make Martin Luther King Jr. roll over in his grave. <a href="https://t.co/uDPzYXSzQ4">pic.twitter.com/uDPzYXSzQ4</a>
— The Jewish Ginger Resister (@JewishResister) <a href="https://twitter.com/JewishResister/status/1577015953853845504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Kanye West decision to wear a “White Lives Matter” shirt is disgusting, dangerous, and irresponsible. Some of y’all will rush to defend him. You should ask yourselves why… <a href="https://t.co/YT4a6c9tKI">pic.twitter.com/YT4a6c9tKI</a>
— Marc Lamont Hill (@marclamonthill) <a href="https://twitter.com/marclamonthill/status/1577021753951297536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Kanye west making Black models wear “ white lives matter” shirts is a culmination of his anti blackness and his immersion in white supremacy ideologies and methods. Disgusting <a href="https://t.co/yIaVKPYEBB">pic.twitter.com/yIaVKPYEBB</a>
— ꧁༺ӄɛɛք ȶʀɨɢɢɛʀɨռɢ ʀǟƈɨֆȶֆ ʍɛɢɦǟռ༻꧂ (@Blu_Alexia_) <a href="https://twitter.com/Blu_Alexia_/status/1576998200271306752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"White Lives Matter", written in bold white letters on the back of Ye's t-shirt, is being considered a response to the 2013 "Black Lives Matter" movement, which was triggered by&nbsp;the fatal shooting of Trayvon Martin.

The movement further gained momentum in 2020 with the killing of an African-American man, George Floyd, due to excessive force by Minneapolis&nbsp;police. A video of the incident had gone viral on social media, attracting global backlash against police brutality in the US.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/node/521939" hreflang="en">Kanye West surprises with ready-to-war look for his runway debut at Paris Fashion Week</a>

According to the Anti-Defamation League, the phrase "White Lives Matter" is considered a hate slogan against that campaign.

Kanye described his new collection as something you can "pull on and pull over", labelling it the future of clothing.&nbsp;

It's no secret that Kanye West has become synonymous with high fashion in the last few years and he has exponentially expanded his presence in the fashion industry.

It's no secret that Kanye West has become synonymous with high fashion in the last few years and he has exponentially expanded his presence in the fashion industry. However, his latest appearance at Paris Fashion Week has invited a lot of backlash and outrage. Wondering why? Well, the rapper's sartorial choice of the day didn't go down well with the people present there and netizens too. He arrived at the surprise PFW show for his brand Yeezy's Season 9 collection in a controversial t-shirt that was emblazoned with the Pope's face on the front and had "White Lives Matter" printed on the back. Some models showcasing the Yeezy collection also donned similar t-shirts. Meanwhile, American conservative influencer, author, and talk show host Candace Owens was also present at the Yeezy show. In one of the now-viral snaps, she is seen posing next to the rapper with a white t-shirt that had the same phrase printed on it. After the show concluded, Kanye, who now goes by the name Ye, gave a speech during the show and spoke about his controversial falling out with major brands like Gap and Adidas. Ye also spoke about his ex-wife Kim Kardashian’s 2016 robbery in Paris. Reacting to Kanye's photos on Twitter, a user wrote, "Kanye west making Black models wear “ white lives matter” shirts is a culmination of his anti blackness and his immersion in white supremacy ideologies and methods. Disgusting. (sic)" Another commented, "Kanye West decision to wear a “White Lives Matter” shirt is disgusting, dangerous, and irresponsible. Some of y’all will rush to defend him. You should ask yourselves why. (sic)" And, one user tweeted, "So the guy who thought slavery was a choice & the woman who said slave owners deserve reparations more than the slaves, wore matching White Lives Matter sweatshirts. Color me surprised… Kanye West & Candace Owens make Martin Luther King Jr. roll over in his grave. (sic)" So the guy who thought slavery was a choice & the woman who said slave owners deserve reparations more than the slaves, wore matching White Lives Matter sweatshirts. Color me surprised… 🤦‍♂️ Kanye West & Candace Owens make Martin Luther King Jr. roll over in his grave. pic.twitter.com/uDPzYXSzQ4 — The Jewish Ginger Resister (@JewishResister) October 3, 2022 Kanye West decision to wear a “White Lives Matter” shirt is disgusting, dangerous, and irresponsible. Some of y’all will rush to defend him. You should ask yourselves why… pic.twitter.com/YT4a6c9tKI — Marc Lamont Hill (@marclamonthill) October 3, 2022 Kanye west making Black models wear “ white lives matter” shirts is a culmination of his anti blackness and his immersion in white supremacy ideologies and methods. Disgusting pic.twitter.com/yIaVKPYEBB — ꧁༺ӄɛɛք ȶʀɨɢɢɛʀɨռɢ ʀǟƈɨֆȶֆ ʍɛɢɦǟռ༻꧂ (@Blu_Alexia_) October 3, 2022 "White Lives Matter", written in bold white letters on the back of Ye's t-shirt, is being considered a response to the 2013 "Black Lives Matter" movement, which was triggered by the fatal shooting of Trayvon Martin. The movement further gained momentum in 2020 with the killing of an African-American man, George Floyd, due to excessive force by Minneapolis police. A video of the incident had gone viral on social media, attracting global backlash against police brutality in the US. Also read: Kanye West surprises with ready-to-war look for his runway debut at Paris Fashion Week According to the Anti-Defamation League, the phrase "White Lives Matter" is considered a hate slogan against that campaign. Kanye described his new collection as something you can "pull on and pull over", labelling it the future of clothing.

Kanye West sparks outrage with 'White Lives Matter' t-shirt at surprise Yezzy show in Paris

The protest over Iranian woman Mahsa Amini's death are continuing in Iran and abroad. Protesters gathered outside the Iranian embassy in Paris to express outrage against the Morality Police. People in London too have hit the streets in protest.

Iran's anti-Hijab protests go global, protesters clash with police in Paris, London

A fire broke out at the world's biggest produce market in Paris. Footage from the scene shows a tower of dark smoke high into the air in the French capital.

Rungis market: Fire breaks out at world's biggest produce market in Paris

Alain Robert, the free climber dubbed the "French Spiderman", scaled a 48-storey skyscraper in Paris on Saturday, fulfilling a goal he had set for himself once he reached the age of 60.

Dressed in red, Robert raised his arms aloft as he reached the top of the 187-metre (613-foot) Tour TotalEnergies building, which towers over the French capital's La Defense business district.

"I want to send people the message that being 60 is nothing. You can still do sport, be active, do fabulous things," said Robert, whose 60th birthday was last month.

"I promised myself several years ago that when I reached 60, I would climb that tower again because 60 symbolises retirement age in France and I thought that was a nice touch." he told Reuters.

Robert, who also wanted to use the climb to raise awareness about the need for climate change action, had already climbed the TotalEnergies tower on numerous occasions.

He began climbing in 1975, training on the cliffs near his hometown of Valence in southern France. He took up solo climbing in 1977 and rapidly became a top climber.

Since then, he has climbed more than 150 towering structures around the world including Dubai's Burj Khalifa - the world's tallest building, the Eiffel Tower, and San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge.

Often climbing without permission, he has been arrested repeatedly. He climbs without a harness, using only his bare hands, a pair of climbing shoes, and a bag of powdered chalk to wipe off the sweat.

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Alain Robert, the free climber dubbed the "French Spiderman", scaled a 48-storey skyscraper in Paris on Saturday, fulfilling a goal he had set for himself once he reached the age of 60.

Alain Robert, the free climber dubbed the "French Spiderman", scaled a 48-storey skyscraper in Paris on Saturday, fulfilling a goal he had set for himself once he reached the age of 60. Dressed in red, Robert raised his arms aloft as he reached the top of the 187-metre (613-foot) Tour TotalEnergies building, which towers over the French capital's La Defense business district. "I want to send people the message that being 60 is nothing. You can still do sport, be active, do fabulous things," said Robert, whose 60th birthday was last month. "I promised myself several years ago that when I reached 60, I would climb that tower again because 60 symbolises retirement age in France and I thought that was a nice touch." he told Reuters. Robert, who also wanted to use the climb to raise awareness about the need for climate change action, had already climbed the TotalEnergies tower on numerous occasions. He began climbing in 1975, training on the cliffs near his hometown of Valence in southern France. He took up solo climbing in 1977 and rapidly became a top climber. Since then, he has climbed more than 150 towering structures around the world including Dubai's Burj Khalifa - the world's tallest building, the Eiffel Tower, and San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge. Often climbing without permission, he has been arrested repeatedly. He climbs without a harness, using only his bare hands, a pair of climbing shoes, and a bag of powdered chalk to wipe off the sweat. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'French Spiderman' climbs a 48-storey tower to ring in his 60th birthday

The French police have apprehended a suspect and his accomplices, part of a highly sophisticated robbery ring that targeted first-class passengers on high-speed French trains.

The French police have apprehended a suspect and his accomplices, part of a highly sophisticated robbery ring that targeted first-class passengers on high-speed French trains. According to a BBC report, the man caught, alongside two others confessed to carrying out the thefts on French trains. Moreover, the police, based on intel and statements by the apprehended conducted a raid at a small flat near Marseille's Saint Charles station where it found a stockpile of stolen goods. 170 wallets, 150 pieces of luggage, hundreds of pairs of sunglasses, and $137,000 in small denomination of cash among other items have been discovered in the flat. The gang, which has stolen items worth $300,000, according to the police, usually operated as a high-functioning group. [#Interpellations] Les #policiers des Bouches-du-Rhône ont mis fin à un réseau de vol des voyageurs TGV de 1ère classe entre #Nice et #Marseille. 👉4 mois d’enquête 👉300 000€ de butin retrouvé (montres, bijoux, valises, appareils photo...) 👉3 individus interpellés@PoliceNat13 pic.twitter.com/nFTxZqBfkd — Police nationale (@PoliceNationale) September 16, 2022 × According to the authorities, the men in their 40s and 50s used to board the train from different parts of the country and to different routes. One might take a ticket from Paris to Nice while the other would take a ticket from Paris to Marseille. WATCH | Lebanon: 'Robbery' in broad daylight, people inside the bank break into panic × One of the gang members that has been caught would wear a wig, elaborate costume, and make-up and disguise himself as a woman before sitting beside the unsuspecting passengers. The skilled accomplices of the disguised man would then cleverly nick the wallet and luggage left at people’s feet or bags left unattended. After doing the needful, they would get off at the next station without any fuss. The gang came under the spotlight after a woman, leaving the train at Aix-en-Provence station, earlier this year reported to the police about a robbery. The woman had been robbed of her bag which contained $50,000 worth of jewellery. Read more: Barcelona striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang assaulted in armed robbery at his home Since then, the authorities had been working to nab the gang which they claimed was 'perfectly organised' with each member knowing their role well. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

A movie-esque train theft ring busted by French police; accused wearing wigs robbed victims

From New York To London: List of top 20 cities with highest number of millionaires in the world

Let us take a look at stories generating interest across WION's social media channels.

Trending on WION: Historic library in Paris set to reopen after 12 years

National Library of France in Paris is all set to reopen after 12 years of renovation work. The library will be opened to all from September 17. The library is the repository of extensive historical collections.

Historic library in Paris to reopen after 12 years due to renovation work

National Library of France to reopen after 12 years on September 17

As Europe deals with rising energy prices, the crisis will force the Eiffel Tower, one of the most visited monuments in the world, whose sparkling lights characterise the night time in the Paris skyline, to go dark early.

However, to honour Queen Elisabeth II's passing on Thursday night, the Eiffel Tower went dark, a remarkable gesture.

The decision to reduce lighting is viewed as a means to serve as an example of the overall decrease in the city's light.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/only-thing-reliable-from-russia-is-lies-faced-with-energy-crisis-germany-takes-a-u-turn-to-nuclear-energy-513306">Also read |&nbsp;'Only thing reliable from Russia is lies': Faced with energy crisis Germany takes a U-turn to nuclear energy</a>

The tower's nighttime lighting accounts for 4 per cent of its annual energy consumption.

The continent is dealing with soaring energy prices, made worse by the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Paris is expected to recommend this week that the monument will go black more than an hour earlier than usual.

The Eiffel Tower currently has a sophisticated lighting system that illuminates it from dark until one in the morning, giving it a golden glow. In addition, 20,000 flashing bulbs give the monument a five-minute glitter every hour starting at dusk. The tower will no longer shine at midnight if the city's hall proposes to have it go dark at 11:45 pm when the last visitors leave.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-protests-across-europe-over-energy-crisis-513394">Also read |&nbsp;In pics | Protests across Europe over energy crisis</a>

Tower's management head, Jean Francois Martins, said, "It’s a highly symbolic gesture – part of the growing awareness around energy sobriety," The Guardian reported.&nbsp;

The monument nearly receives at least 20,000 visitors each day.

By the end of September, Marseille's monuments, including the Pharo Palace, will turn off the lights earlier as well. Other authorities also plan to reduce the nighttime lighting of renowned locations.

(With inputs from agencies)

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As Europe deals with rising energy prices, the crisis will force the Eiffel Tower, one of the most visited monuments in the world, whose sparkling lights characterise the night time in the Paris skyline, to go dark early.

As Europe deals with rising energy prices, the crisis will force the Eiffel Tower, one of the most visited monuments in the world, whose sparkling lights characterise the night time in the Paris skyline, to go dark early. However, to honour Queen Elisabeth II's passing on Thursday night, the Eiffel Tower went dark, a remarkable gesture. The decision to reduce lighting is viewed as a means to serve as an example of the overall decrease in the city's light. Also read | 'Only thing reliable from Russia is lies': Faced with energy crisis Germany takes a U-turn to nuclear energy The tower's nighttime lighting accounts for 4 per cent of its annual energy consumption. The continent is dealing with soaring energy prices, made worse by the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Paris is expected to recommend this week that the monument will go black more than an hour earlier than usual. The Eiffel Tower currently has a sophisticated lighting system that illuminates it from dark until one in the morning, giving it a golden glow. In addition, 20,000 flashing bulbs give the monument a five-minute glitter every hour starting at dusk. The tower will no longer shine at midnight if the city's hall proposes to have it go dark at 11:45 pm when the last visitors leave. Also read | In pics | Protests across Europe over energy crisis Tower's management head, Jean Francois Martins, said, "It’s a highly symbolic gesture – part of the growing awareness around energy sobriety," The Guardian reported. The monument nearly receives at least 20,000 visitors each day. By the end of September, Marseille's monuments, including the Pharo Palace, will turn off the lights earlier as well. Other authorities also plan to reduce the nighttime lighting of renowned locations. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Amid energy crisis in Europe, Eiffel Tower to go dark early 

A special French terrorism court on Monday opened the trial of eight people accused of helping a man who plowed a heavy truck through crowds on 2016 Bastille Day, leaving 86 dead.

France: Nice Bastille Day attack trial begins in Paris terror court

Paris' town hall decision to make gasoline-fuelled motorcycles pay for parking kicked in on Thursday, triggering reactions from riders ranging from resignation to dissatisfaction. Molly Gambhir explains.

WION Fineprint | Motorbikes in Paris start paying for parking

In Paris, a new parking fee has left citizens furious. From the 1st September the city has introduced a new fee for motorized two-wheelers charging 3 Euros per hour for motorcycles in central Paris.

Paris will charge for two-wheeler parking | 3 Euros per hour parking fee for motorbikes

France is bracing for flash floods as one month's worth of rain fall fell in the space of an hour. Public transport has been disrupted due to flash floods and warnings have been issued in southern France.

WION Climate Tracker: Heavy rain hits Paris; flash floods bring transport to a halt

The temperature outside of Paris’ Garnier Opera house reached 56&nbsp;Celsius on urban planning expert Tangui Le Dantec’s thermometer as a third heatwave roasted France this week. There was hardly a tree in sight, and there was no shade.

The Place de l’Opera is one of many so-called “urban heat islands” in the French capital that lack the trees that can shade cities and cool them down, offering a crucial line of defence against the heatwaves that meteorologists warn are becoming more intense due to global warming.

Le Dantec’s thermometer registered 28 Celsius just a minute’s walk away, in the shade along the Boulevard des Italiens’ tree-lined path.

“Immediately, there’s a bit of a breeze ... You can breathe,’ Le Dantec, who founded Aux Arbres Citoyens, an action group opposed to tree felling.

Paris has a low percentage of green space compared to other major cities. The World Cities Culture Forum reports that only 10% of Paris is made up of green space, such as parks and gardens, compared to 33% in London and 68% in Oslo.

According to the national weather service Meteo France, last month was the warmest July on record in France. The scorching temperatures highlighted the need to improve the capital’s natural defences against climate change.

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Oh, hot days at Disneyland Paris 😅 
(note this is tolerated due to the heat wave) <a href="https://t.co/CAbN7Cv7JS">pic.twitter.com/CAbN7Cv7JS</a>
— DLP Report (@DLPReport) <a href="https://twitter.com/DLPReport/status/1554800864078053377?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
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By 2026, Paris City Hall hopes to establish “islands of freshness” and will have planted 170,000 trees. Additionally, it is removing the concrete from dozens of school yards and replacing it with dirt and plants.

“In Paris, Schoolyard Oases account for nearly two hectares of vegetation over 100 schoolyards, so it is already significant. And then, we also make the streets greener,” said Jacques Baudrier, deputy Paris mayor tasked with the green ecological transition in buildings.

However, City Hall’s environmental goals have led to a number of demonstrations. Le Dantec and other environmental activists claim that numerous decades-old trees had been cut down by the local government to make place for garden areas.

In reshaping the city’s landscape, the authorities’ own goals are at odds with the removal of mature trees since new saplings are less effective at fending off heat radiation and are more susceptible to drought.

In order to fulfill Mayor Anne Hidalgo’s idea for a “green belt” around the city, Thomas Brail captured video of more than 70 trees being cut down in April on the city’s northern borders.

Paris cannot be remodelled to better combat climate change, according to urban planners at City’s Hall, without cutting down some trees, but Brail disagreed.

“These trees had a role to play (in fighting heat),” the activist said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The temperature outside of Paris’ Garnier Opera house reached 56 Celsius on urban planning expert Tangui Le Dantec’s thermometer as a third heatwave roasted France this week.

The temperature outside of Paris’ Garnier Opera house reached 56 Celsius on urban planning expert Tangui Le Dantec’s thermometer as a third heatwave roasted France this week. There was hardly a tree in sight, and there was no shade. The Place de l’Opera is one of many so-called “urban heat islands” in the French capital that lack the trees that can shade cities and cool them down, offering a crucial line of defence against the heatwaves that meteorologists warn are becoming more intense due to global warming. Le Dantec’s thermometer registered 28 Celsius just a minute’s walk away, in the shade along the Boulevard des Italiens’ tree-lined path. “Immediately, there’s a bit of a breeze ... You can breathe,’ Le Dantec, who founded Aux Arbres Citoyens, an action group opposed to tree felling. Paris has a low percentage of green space compared to other major cities. The World Cities Culture Forum reports that only 10% of Paris is made up of green space, such as parks and gardens, compared to 33% in London and 68% in Oslo. According to the national weather service Meteo France, last month was the warmest July on record in France. The scorching temperatures highlighted the need to improve the capital’s natural defences against climate change. Oh, hot days at Disneyland Paris 😅 (note this is tolerated due to the heat wave) pic.twitter.com/CAbN7Cv7JS — DLP Report (@DLPReport) August 3, 2022 × By 2026, Paris City Hall hopes to establish “islands of freshness” and will have planted 170,000 trees. Additionally, it is removing the concrete from dozens of school yards and replacing it with dirt and plants. “In Paris, Schoolyard Oases account for nearly two hectares of vegetation over 100 schoolyards, so it is already significant. And then, we also make the streets greener,” said Jacques Baudrier, deputy Paris mayor tasked with the green ecological transition in buildings. However, City Hall’s environmental goals have led to a number of demonstrations. Le Dantec and other environmental activists claim that numerous decades-old trees had been cut down by the local government to make place for garden areas. In reshaping the city’s landscape, the authorities’ own goals are at odds with the removal of mature trees since new saplings are less effective at fending off heat radiation and are more susceptible to drought. In order to fulfill Mayor Anne Hidalgo’s idea for a “green belt” around the city, Thomas Brail captured video of more than 70 trees being cut down in April on the city’s northern borders. Paris cannot be remodelled to better combat climate change, according to urban planners at City’s Hall, without cutting down some trees, but Brail disagreed. “These trees had a role to play (in fighting heat),” the activist said. (With inputs from agencies)

Heatwave in Paris reveals paucity of trees in the city

Many people are mesmerised by the wonders of Egypt, especially the great pyramids of Giza. Only one problem. Travelling has become too expensive nowadays, but not to worry, a museum in France, is hoping to make your dreams come true without the hustle of making hefty travel plans. Tourists can now go to the heart of ancient Egypt, through an immersive virtual reality experience at Paris' Arab world institute.

World Of Africa: Take a virtual tour of ancient Egypt from Paris

A recent cleaning operation in Bassin de la Villette, an artificial lake in the middle of Paris found bizarre pollutants underneath. From a flat screen tv to bikes, many unlikely objects have been found.

WION Climate Tracker: Workers clean up lake in Paris, many unlikely objects found

Cinema Paradiso has kicked off in the Louvre Museum. A selection of documentaries will be shown. 2500 spectators are expected to visit the cinema festival in Paris.

Cinema Paradiso kicks off in the Louvre Museum: Selection of documentaries to be shown

In his first ever foreign trip as the Israeli caretaker, Prime Minister Yair Lapid on Tuesday met with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris.

Yair Lapid visits France on his first foreign trip as PM

The famous Paris landmark and the symbol of love the Eiffel tower is crumbling and the only solution to stop its decay is a full renovation. This is a warning that has now been published in a French magazine Marianne. According to the magazine, the iconic monument is currently in a dire situation riddled with rust and needs immediate repairs from its core

Eiffel Tower in need of full repairs | Experts call repaint 'A Cosmetic Facelift'

Salah Abdeslam, the lone survivor of a team of Islamic State extremists who terrorised Paris in 2015 was convicted Wednesday of murder and other charges and sentenced to life in prison without parole.

2015 Paris Attack: Salah Abdeslam receives full-life sentence

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