Death of Steve Jobs dominates news stories in France

The lead story in the French news this week was about the death of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. To read a most eloquent commemoration, the French newspaper Liberation said it all.

Sarkozy popularity at all-time low

The current French President’s popularity is at an all-time low and according to a recent poll, if the presidential election were held today, he would lose. The Socialists won control of the Senate last month for the first time since World War II.

Besides the economy, Sarkozy is being plagued by rumors of corruption and “les affaires” and is busy touring the globe to demonstrate his strength as a peacemaker. According to Bloomberg News, Sarkozy’s problems are bearing down on him. Even though people assume he will run for a second term, he has yet to declare.

Who will be the Socialist Candidate?

Today is the first run-off election to see who and if one of the six candidates will win the first round. François Hollande is considered the leading candidate but one never knows. If he doesn’t win 50% of the vote, there will be a run-off between the two leading candidates on October 16. To read more about the French Socialist contenders and the elections, access the Wall Street Journal.

Investors urging France to reduce deficits

France is under heavy pressure by international investors to rein in chronic budget deficits to reassure investors that the country won’t be contaminated by the sovereign-debt crisis roiling Greece and other Southern European nations.

Germany and Greece signed an agreement this week aimed at boosting investment in the debt-drowned country and getting its economy growing again. To read more extensive coverage, consult the Wall Street Journal’s article.

Cops and robbers

Deputy police chief of Lyon, Michel Neyret, 55, has been suspended from the force because he’s under official investigation for having compensated informants with confiscated drugs and helping them to sell them.

According to the Telegraph, police also suspect him of helping a wanted international drug runner escape arrest. Neyret faces a ten-year prison sentence if convicted.

France Bans Ketchup in School Cafeterias

In an effort to promote healthful eating and, it has been suggested, to protect traditional Gallic cuisine, the French government has banned school and college cafeterias nationwide from offering the American tomato-based condiment with any food but—of all things —French fries. According to the LA Times, this is unAmerican.

And the world goes on.

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