French News Digest: Boar Hunting and Brexit Squabbles

This week’s edition has news about Franco-American-Iranian relations, the evacuation of Bordeaux airport and lead poisoning risks in Paris. Read on to get up to speed with the latest and greatest in French news.

Politics

The head of the French channel ports, Jean-Marc Puissesseau, has slammed “Project Fear” for causing an unnecessary panic about Brexit. He claims that, while a no-deal Brexit in March would have been a problem, they are more prepared for such an event to occur on October 31^st. This contradicts other claims, like the prediction of Irish premier Leo Varadkar who claims delays are likely following a no-deal, and Philip Hammond’s warning that French officials will be able to control the queues at Calais at will.

“Yellow Vest” protests have been causing havoc around France for some time now, but it seems that French tourism has recovered strongly after an initial wobble. Domestic and international tourists have increased by 3.3% and 3.8% respectively compared to the same period last year.

French foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian has hit back at the US President for criticising France’s comments on the political situation in the Persian Gulf. This is after Donald Trump mentioned the French President in a series of tweets about mounting pressure in Iran, claiming that France has no authority to wade into the debate. Mr Le Drian has said that France has every right to comment and is pushing for “peace and security in the region and we are working to allow a de-escalation of tensions. We need no ‘permission’ to do this.”

Culture

Pressure groups are calling for a licensing structure for e-scooters in France. This follows the death of a rider who took their electric-powered scooter onto the motorway and collided with a motorcyclist, who was also injured. The group Apacauvi met with the minister of ecology this week, calling for stricter regulations.

Bordeaux airport was evacuated yesterday after a suspicious package was discovered onsite. A number of flights have been diverted, and speculation is rife.

Brave workers have begun the task of decontaminating some Paris schools which were damaged following the fire in Notre Dame. Multiple tests found dangerous levels of lead on the playgrounds, and the children have been evacuated while this is remedied.

The decision to allow boar hunting by bow and arrow in Montfavet has provoked discussion. Hunters will be permitted to shoot to kill, with a team of archery experts and a wolf protection officer in attendance, only at night. The measures are reportedly to mitigate a spate of incidents where boar have wandered into town centres and caused disruption. Their unusual migration has been attributed to droughts and lack of food. Animal rights campaigners have reacted poorly to the idea, claiming it is cruel and unnecessary.

Sport and Showbiz

French actor Alain Delon is currently recovering from a stroke. He is in Switzerland, resting, with his daughter. The acting legend, best known for Swimming Pool and Purple Noon had been complaining of headaches and dizziness for some time. His son Anthony has reported that his father is stable and doing well.

Tunisian footballer, Naim Sliti, is set to leave Dijon to join Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia after two seasons with the French team. The midfielder also plays for the Tunisian national team, scoring ten goals over 39 appearances.

Currency

Sterling has a difficult week, with the Parliamentary recess leaving economic data at a minimum, according to moneycorp. While the pound gained ground against Commonwealth dollars it lost it to the euro.