Aujourd'hui: What's happening in France on Tuesday
Welcome to the roundup of news, politics and talking points in France today.
The French parliament is today debating a security bill that has proved highly contentious. The new security law - among other things - could ban people from publishing photos or videos of police officers.
One of the reasons that so many people are concerned about this is the high number of cases of police brutality in France that have been revealed via amateur video footage - here’s a selection of the most high profile cases.
France debates nasty new law stopping ordinary folk and journalists taking pics, videos of cops (and thus cop brutality doesn't get exposed). Unions to protest today outside parliament. Amnesty has condemned law as breaching many rights https://t.co/C0yFs4fBll via @TheLocalFrance
— Rory Mulholland (@mulhollandrory) November 17, 2020
And sticking with politics, our columnist John Lichfield takes a long, hard look at France’s interior minister and concludes that he is becoming a danger to France’s reputation abroad and unity at home.
Some readers will remember him as the man who is apparently 'shocked' when he encounters the soy sauce and Tex Mex aisle at the supermarket.
France's interior minister says he is shocked every time he sees an ethnic food aisle in a supermarket, and now I can't stop thinking about him crying next to the soy sauce https://t.co/fCmBjnr7bU
— Katy Lee (@kjalee) October 21, 2020
Christmas
There are still many uncertainties surrounding Christmas this year - here’s what we know so far about lockdown and travel rules - but one thing is certain; we’re allowed to buy Christmas trees and we can start on Friday.
And across France a petition calling on people to boycott Amazon this Christmas and instead support their struggling local retailers is rapidly gaining signatures.
Paris
If you’re in Paris, there is a big reduction in public transport from tomorrow. Metro services outside of rush hour will be halved as the lockdown brings about a big reduction in passenger numbers.
Language
Brilliant. @markchapman does very well with his pronunciation of the French town of #Reims here. I'd like to see him have a go at these other French towns. @MicahRichards would be on the floor with #Rouen https://t.co/yc4tbpXWy3
— Ben McPartland (@McPBen) November 17, 2020
Inspired by the heroic efforts of this British sports presenter, we’re taking a look at the trickiest place names in France and how you really say them.
And all of us at The Local have made some pretty embarrassing mistakes in French over the years so we're asking our readers to share their most cringe-worthy moment - whether it's accidentally telling someone that you're horny or demanding food without condoms, make us feel better by sharing . . .
Tell us - What are your most embarrassing mistakes when learning French? Shoutout to @evanoconnell for this excellent idea.
— The Local France (@TheLocalFrance) November 17, 2020
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The French parliament is today debating a security bill that has proved highly contentious. The new security law - among other things - could ban people from publishing photos or videos of police officers.
One of the reasons that so many people are concerned about this is the high number of cases of police brutality in France that have been revealed via amateur video footage - here’s a selection of the most high profile cases.
France debates nasty new law stopping ordinary folk and journalists taking pics, videos of cops (and thus cop brutality doesn't get exposed). Unions to protest today outside parliament. Amnesty has condemned law as breaching many rights https://t.co/C0yFs4fBll via @TheLocalFrance
— Rory Mulholland (@mulhollandrory) November 17, 2020
And sticking with politics, our columnist John Lichfield takes a long, hard look at France’s interior minister and concludes that he is becoming a danger to France’s reputation abroad and unity at home.
Some readers will remember him as the man who is apparently 'shocked' when he encounters the soy sauce and Tex Mex aisle at the supermarket.
France's interior minister says he is shocked every time he sees an ethnic food aisle in a supermarket, and now I can't stop thinking about him crying next to the soy sauce https://t.co/fCmBjnr7bU
— Katy Lee (@kjalee) October 21, 2020
Christmas
There are still many uncertainties surrounding Christmas this year - here’s what we know so far about lockdown and travel rules - but one thing is certain; we’re allowed to buy Christmas trees and we can start on Friday.
And across France a petition calling on people to boycott Amazon this Christmas and instead support their struggling local retailers is rapidly gaining signatures.
Paris
If you’re in Paris, there is a big reduction in public transport from tomorrow. Metro services outside of rush hour will be halved as the lockdown brings about a big reduction in passenger numbers.
Language
Brilliant. @markchapman does very well with his pronunciation of the French town of #Reims here. I'd like to see him have a go at these other French towns. @MicahRichards would be on the floor with #Rouen https://t.co/yc4tbpXWy3
— Ben McPartland (@McPBen) November 17, 2020
Inspired by the heroic efforts of this British sports presenter, we’re taking a look at the trickiest place names in France and how you really say them.
Tell us - What are your most embarrassing mistakes when learning French? Shoutout to @evanoconnell for this excellent idea.
— The Local France (@TheLocalFrance) November 17, 2020
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