PODCAST 🎧: The perils of French lovers and Le Pen's plan for a 'foreigner tax'

Host Ben McPartland is joined by The Local France's Emma Pearson, Emma Albright, and politics expert John Lichfield.

We start this week's episode with an update on student protests - the recent demonstrations, the government's response and everything you need to know about the upcoming October 17th mobilisation. Will the Gilets Jaunes (Yellow Vests) call to hit the streets actually happen? Who will be participating?

We also take a look at the cyberattack that has hit supermarket refrigeration systems across France, affecting more than 500 stores.

With tonnes of food going to waste and potential losses running into millions of euros, we look at how the attack happened and what it tells us about the risks facing France’s food supply.

With the 2027 presidential election campaign well underway, we examine the latest political developments, including why the Parti Socialiste is set to go into a presidential election without its own candidate for the first time under the Fifth Republic. 

We also explore the risks of moving to France to live with a French partner. Parliament has just passed a wide-ranging bill on gender-based violence, but campaigners at Women for Women France want it to go further by criminalising administrative abuse - when an abusive partner uses someone’s immigration status to control them.

And finally, why do the French pronounce brand names such as LinkedIn, Ikea and McDonald’s differently from English speakers?

Talking France is a free podcast made possible by the support of paying members of The Local. Listeners of Talking France can take advantage of a special half-price introductory offer to get access to all the articles on The Local France - and support the podcast at the same time.

Join now for just €29.99/year and stay with us for a crucial presidential election race which could have a huge impact on the lives of foreign residents in France.