France declared a 12-day state of emergency in the Overseas Territory of New Caledonia, following riots and arson that left at least four people killed. The trigger of the violence came after the French assembly in Paris passed a contentious voting bill, according to New Caledonia High Commissioner Louis Le Franc, who said that a curfew and a ban on TikTok were now in force.
In a move to address the ongoing protests by French farmers, Prime Minister Gabriel Attal unequivocally declared France's rejection of the EU-Mercosur free trade agreement. The decision, previously hinted at by President Emmanuel Macron, aims to alleviate the grievances of farmers who have been blocking roads and highways across the country. France's two largest farmers' unions said in a statement that they will lay siege to Paris from Monday.
French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal Friday announced his country's decision once again to oppose the free trade deal between the European Union (EU) and Mercosur amid protests from local farmers objecting to President Emmanuel Macron's latest measures affecting agrifood production.
The 34-year-old Gabriel Attal Tuesday became France's youngest-ever Prime Minister. He was appointed after the 62-year-old Élisabeth Borne resigned on Monday following indications from President Emmanuel Macron that he wanted her replaced in a move to rebuild his political might ahead of the European elections and the Olympic Games in Paris, according to government sources quoted by local media.