In the race for the new Prime Minister position in France, Xavier Bertrand is emerging as a frontrunner, with Emmanuel Macron conducting consultations with right-wing leaders. The discussions come amidst political uncertainty following early legislative elections in July. The potential appointment of Bertrand, president of the Hauts-de-France regional council, is met with conditions from the right-wing party leaders, who seek guarantees against censorship and adherence to a right-wing program. This political maneuvering is crucial as the draft finance bill for 2025 is due by October 1, amidst predictions of a worsening deficit due to increased local authority spending.
In a separate incident, a church in Saint-Omer suffered a devastating fire, leading to the arrest of a 39-year-old suspect known for previous similar offenses. The investigation continues as the cause of the fire remains undetermined. Meanwhile, the legal landscape in France is heating up with a high-profile trial involving 51 men accused of a horrific crime against Gisèle Pélicot, raising questions about the trial's publicity. Furthermore, the Flamanville EPR nuclear reactor has finally begun producing its first electrons after years of delays, signaling a significant development in France's energy sector.
On the international front, Russian President Vladimir Putin made a controversial visit to Mongolia despite an ICC arrest warrant against him, highlighting the complexities of international law and diplomacy. In another case, two French rugby players charged with aggravated gang rape in Argentina await a decision on their potential return to France, as legal proceedings unfold. Lastly, good news for consumers as energy prices in France are finally seeing a decline, returning to pre-crisis levels following the disruptions caused by the war in Ukraine.
