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PODCAST: What the f**k is going on in France and where have all the eggs gone?

The Local France
The Local France - news@thelocal.fr
PODCAST: What the f**k is going on in France and where have all the eggs gone?
Talking France is a free podcast from The Local
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During a week of high drama in France, the Talking France podcast is back to help you keep up with all the latest political shenanigans, plus the 80th birthday of French social security, the social rules on lateness and why France is suffering from an egg shortage.

Host Ben McPartland returns with The Local France's Emma Pearson, Genevieve Mansfield and John Lichfield to try and make sense of what is happening in France right now. 

We start by dissecting the latest political tangle - the prime minister has resigned after only a month in the job, the president has set an ultimatum and the country might be facing fresh elections, as well as ongoing financial turmoil.

You can find the Talking France podcast on Spotify or Apple, download here or listen on the link below

 

France has had periods of political instability before, of course, and one of the most notorious was during the post-World War II period. Despite this, however, and all the other challenges that the country faced, this was also the time when the French social security model - la Sécu - was created.

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As the system celebrates its 80th birthday, we look at how it was created and whether it has a future.

Moving on to more everyday matters, you might have noticed a shortage of eggs in your local supermarket, which is apparently caused by the fact that the French simply cannot get enough of les oeufs.

And is it socially acceptable to be late in France? We take a look at the French social rules and attitudes to punctuality.

READ MORE:

OPINION: France is in a dark place, it may get darker

Talking France is a free podcast made possible by the generous support of members of The Local - if you would like to help us continue to produce the podcast, consider becoming a member.

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Comments (3)

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Ken
I don’t know what f**k you’re talking about! I’m near St. Jean De Luz and have no idea what you’re talking about. All the stores and Bouchers have plenty of eggs… And just across the border in Spain they’re loaded with eggs as well.
Richard
Hi. I would love you to do an item on.....why people like me, a post Brexit British passport holding arrival, with resident retiree (on self-sufficient income) status and a 5 year Carte Sejour STILL have my passport stamped at Toulouse airport every time I exit and enter France again from wherever. So it's many different border guards that do this not just the same one. So this happens even though,.in theory, my time spent here is not limited by 180days or whatever ie it's not relevant to have entry and exit dates. It's a huge problem as it rapidly is filling up my passport which has years to run and will cost a lot to renew early just for clean pages. My French isn't good enough to argue and contest at the border. Is there a reason for this? Happy to be contacted for more information. Thx
  • Emma Pearson Emma Pearson The Local Editor
    Hi Richard - can you drop us an email with your details? news@thelocal.fr

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