Gabriel Attal Declares Candidacy for Renaissance Group Leadership
Gabriel Attal has officially announced his candidacy to head the Renaissance group in the National Assembly. The election, which will take place on Saturday, will see Macronist deputies elect their president via electronic vote. The candidacy comes amidst discussions within the party and a push from the Prime Minister to expedite the appointment, despite President Emmanuel Macron's initial preference to wait until September. Attal will be the sole candidate, as Gérald Darmanin and Élisabeth Borne, previously considered potential contenders, will not run.
Macron Defends Biden Amid NATO Summit
During the NATO summit, President Emmanuel Macron defended his American counterpart, Joe Biden, against criticisms regarding his mental acuity. Macron emphasized that everyone makes slips of the tongue, referencing Biden's recent gaffe where he mistakenly referred to 'President Putin' while welcoming Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Macron's defense comes as Biden continues to assert his capability to win the upcoming presidential election despite poor poll numbers.
In other news, the poverty rate in France remained stable in 2022, with 14.4% of the population living below the poverty threshold according to INSEE. This statistic highlights the ongoing economic challenges faced by many French citizens amidst inflation. Additionally, JoeyStarr, a well-known rapper, is under investigation for alleged violence against his 9-year-old son, following a complaint by his former partner.
Meanwhile, French rugby players Oscar Jegou and Hugo Auradou have arrived in Mendoza to face charges of aggravated rape. The two players are accused by a 39-year-old woman and could face significant prison time if convicted. They are set to appear before the Argentine courts on Friday.
Lastly, travel advisories have been issued for those planning vacations. Bison Futé has classified this Friday as a red day for departures in several regions including Hauts-de-France, Normandy, and Île-de-France. Heavy traffic is expected, particularly on the A7 in the Rhône valley, with some relief anticipated on Sunday.
