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The president, the government and the majority," a senior MP in Macron's camp, Gilles Le Gendre, told Liberation newspaper. Another MP in Macron's camp, Patrick Vignal, bluntly urged the president to suspend the pension reform bill, which will raise the retirement age by two years to 64, given the anger it has triggered, and its deep unpopularity. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes 1 2 3 4 5While Borne said the administration would try in future to better involve citizens and unions in lawmaking, she gave no specifics, and both said they had devoted as much time to dialogue on the pension bill as possible. Other opposition MPs urged Macron to fire Borne, call snap elections and hold a referendum on the pension bill because of the widespread anger. Polls show a wide majority of French are opposed to the pension reform, as well as the government's decision to push the bill through parliament without a vote.

☆ Protests resume in France amid anger at Macron's pension age reform
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-18 | by ( Dominique Vidalon | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/Gonzalo FuentesPARIS, March 18 (Reuters) - Refinery strikes persisted on Saturday in France and more demonstrations were taking place throughout the country amid anger at the government pushing through a rise in the state pension age without a parliamentary vote. A further rally was planned in Paris later on Saturday while BFM television showed images of demonstrations already taking place in cities such as Compiegne in the north, Nantes in the west and Saint-Etienne in central France. A broad alliance of France's main unions has said it would continue to mobilise to try to force a U-turn on the changes. Macron's overhaul raises the pension age by two years to 64, which the government says is essential to ensure the system does not go bust. Reporting by Dominique Vidalon; Editing by David HolmesOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

It was a far cry from the barbs Macron traded with Boris Johnson when he was in Downing Street. The French foreign minister at the time, Jean-Yves Le Drian, said France had been "stabbed in the back". Macron's hardball tactics to ensure French fishermen got a good deal had made him the bete noire of British tabloids. But even before news of the AUKUS deal he was incensed by Johnson's decision to leak details of their conversation to the press, a French official said. A French official let out a sigh of relief after it wrapped up: "It went well, didn't it?"

As part of the new deal, Britain will help fund a detention centre in France while Paris will deploy more French personnel and enhanced technology to patrol its beaches. Officers from both countries will also look to work with countries along the routes favoured by people traffickers. The funding package will be paid in instalments, with Britain paying 125 million pounds in 2023-24. Britain said France would contribute significantly more. Later this month, King Charles will also travel to France on his first state visit as monarch.

☆ Apple supplier Foxlink halts production at Indian facility after massive fire
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-27 | by ( Munsif Vengattil | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/2] Apple logo is seen on the Apple store at The Marche Saint Germain in Paris, France July 15, 2020. REUTERS/Gonzalo FuentesNEW DELHI, Feb 27 (Reuters) - Apple (AAPL.O) supplier Foxlink has halted production at its assembly facility in the Southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh and evacuated 400 of its employees after a massive fire on Monday, two local government officials told Reuters. Management has estimated damage of 1 billion Indian rupees ($12 million) at the facility, he said, adding there were no casualties. An official for Foxlink did not respond to calls. ($1 = 82.7320 Indian rupees)Reporting by Munsif Vengattil in New Delhi, Editing by Louise Heavens and Sharon SingletonOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Stellantis tops forecasts in H2, launches 1.5 bln euro share buy-back
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/3] The logo of Stellantis is seen on a company's building in Velizy-Villacoublay near Paris, France, February 1, 2022. The company also announced a dividend of 4.2 billion euros ($4.48 billion), or 1.34 euros per share, on 2022 results, and said it would launch a share buyback program worth up to 1.5 billion euros to be performed by the end of this year. Adjusted earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) at the world's third largest auto maker by sales stood at 10.949 billion euros in the July to December period, topping analysts' expectations from a Reuters poll of 9.63 billion euros. Stellantis, which was created just over two years ago through the merger of Fiat Chrysler and Peugeot maker PSA, said it had so far made cash synergies of 7.1 billion euros. That places it two years ahead of schedule in its target to reach annual cost savings of 5 billion euros.

☆ Carmaker Stellantis upbeat about future of German brand Opel - magazine
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-19 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/2] The logo of Stellantis is seen on a company's building in Velizy-Villacoublay near Paris, France, February 1, 2022. REUTERS/Gonzalo FuentesBERLIN, Feb 19 (Reuters) - Franco-Italian carmaker Stellantis is upbeat about the outlook of its German subsidiary Opel which it believes will be able to keep operating as a separate brand, the company's Europe chief Uwe Hochgeschurtz told magazine Automobilwoche. "I'm happy with the brand and with its array of products," Hochgeschurtz was quoted as saying in the interview published on Sunday. Hochgeschurtz blamed Opel's loss of market share largely due to inadequate transport capacity to deliver the cars to sellers. "Given the lack of truck drivers, there is only limited transport capacity.

REUTERS/Gonzalo FuentesPARIS, Feb 13 (Reuters) - Airbnb (ABNB.O) is offering a night for two in the Palais Garnier opera house in Paris this summer, transforming a box in the theatre into a plush bedroom with sweeping views of the famous auditorium. Before the pandemic, Airbnb had created other unusual overnight stays in the French capital, one of its key markets. The Palais Garnier stay includes a music recital, dinner in an ornate rehearsal room backstage and a behind-the-scenes tour of the elaborate 19th century building, including its underground pool, the inspiration for the phantom's lair in the book and musical. The Palais Garnier stay will be listed on March 1 for 37 euros, also the number on the box, one of the theatre's most prestigious, which will be decked out with antique furniture specially for the night. I think it will be a bit unreal," said Veronique Dubrulle Leroux, the great-granddaughter of Phantom of the Opera author Leroux, who will host the visitors.

☆ S. Korea fines German automakers for colluding to curb emissions-cleaning technology
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-09 | by ( Hyunsu Yim | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes/FilesSEOUL, Feb 9 (Reuters) - South Korea's anti-trust regulator said on Thursday it would impose a combined fine of 42.3 billion won ($33.48 million) on three German automakers for colluding to curb emissions-cleaning technology for their diesel cars. Mercedes-Benz was fined 20.7 billion won, BMW 15.7 billion won and Audi 6 billion won, the regulator said, adding that Volkswagen was not fined because it did not earn revenue relevant to the issue. BMW, Volkswagen and Audi were not immediately available for comment outside business hours. Last year, Mercedes-Benz and its Korean unit were fined 20.2 billion won for false advertising tied to gas emissions of diesel passenger vehicles. The European Commission in 2021 fined Volkswagen and BMW a total of 875 million euros for colluding to curb the use of emissions-cleaning technology they had developed.

The slogan reads "No to the Macron's pension reform". In what could prove a prolonged standoff, unions and their members are seeking to minimise the impact on personal finances already strained by the worst cost of living crisis in decades. French unions generally do not have permanent strike funds to help members cope, though some will set up occasional kitties financed by donations for a specific cause. While it is generally used to cover legal fees and compensate workers in local strikes, members are now clamouring for it to help cover lost pay during the pension strikes. However, even before the cost of living crisis, French unions have struggled to resist government reform plans in the decades since massive strikes in 1995 successfully forced a conservative government to drop a pension overhaul.

☆ Stellantis recalls 76,000 plug-in hybrid minivans over engine issue
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-24 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/2] The logo of Stellantis is seen on a company's building in Velizy-Villacoublay near Paris, France, February 23, 2022. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes/File PhotoWASHINGTON, Jan 24 (Reuters) - Automaker Stellantis' (STLA.MI) U.S. unit said on Tuesday it was recalling 76,000 plug-in hybrid electric minivans because of a short circuit issue that could cause engines to stall unexpectedly. The recall covers 67,000 2017 to 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans in the United States and about 9,000 in other countries. Stellantis said it was aware of six customer assistance records, 242 warranty claims and 59 field reports potentially related to this issue but was unaware of any accidents or injuries potentially related to the recall. The automaker will update the power inverter software and, if needed, update the instrument panel cluster software.

☆ Chanel hits playful note at haute couture show in Paris
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-24 | by ( Mimosa Spencer | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/6] A model presents a creation by designer Virginie Viard as part of her Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2023 collection show for fashion house Chanel in Paris, France, January 24, 2023. REUTERS/Gonzalo FuentesPARIS, Jan 24 (Reuters) - Chanel creative director Virginie Viard took a spirited direction for the French fashion house's spring haute couture show, sending models out of hulking, stylized animals crafted from cardboard and wood. They emerged, one at a time, circling the towering statues like ringmasters, in bouncy, cheerleader miniskirts, floral jumpsuits and shimmery tweed jackets. During her bow, Viard drew artist Xavier Veilhan, who designed the set, out from the risers while the audience cheered. The Paris haute couture shows, which include some of the most prestigious names in fashion like Georgio Armani Prive, Jean Paul Gaultier and LVMH-owned (LVMH.PA) Christian Dior, run through Thursday.

☆ Dior dazzles with Josephine Baker-inspired haute couture show in Paris
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-23 | by ( Mimosa Spencer | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/5] Models present creations by designer Maria Grazia Chiuri as part of her Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2023 collection show for fashion house Dior in Paris, France, January 23, 2023. REUTERS/Gonzalo FuentesPARIS, Jan 23 (Reuters) - Dior designer Maria Grazia Chiuri paid homage to Josephine Baker with her spring haute couture show on Monday, sending out a dazzling lineup featuring golden jaquards, crushed velvet and beaded fringes that swayed and sparkled down the runway. "She immediately understood the power of fashion," Chiuri said of Baker, the famed French-American jazz singer and dancer. She sought to depict the beauty and confidence of these women, Thomas told Reuters, describing the challenge of whittling the list down to 13. The exhibit, which is set up in a temporary show space at the Rodin Museum in Paris is open to the public through January 29.

☆ French refinery, metro strikes loom in clash over pension reform
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-12 | by ( Blandine Henault | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] Protestors and French CGT labour union workers attend a demonstration as part of a nationwide day of strike and protests to push for government measures to address inflation, workers' rights and pension reforms, in Paris, France, September 29, 2022. REUTERS/Gonzalo FuentesPARIS, Jan 12 (Reuters) - France's CGT trade union on Thursday called for strikes in the refinery sector against plans to make people work longer before they can retire and Paris metro unions said they would do "everything they can" to stop the pension reform. The French will have to work two years longer, to age 64, before retiring, if the reform, announced by Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne on Tuesday, is adopted by parliament. They will also need to work longer to get a full pension. "There is a right to strike, there is a right to demonstrate, but I think it is also important not to penalise the French," she said.

"I am sad and proud at the same time", said Thomas Bregas, a young Franco-Moroccan wrapped in a Morocco flag. Morocco had a shot at becoming the first African nation to reach a World Cup final, but France are now poised to become the first team to retain their World Cup title in 60 years on Sunday. He added that Moroccans had nothing to be ashamed of after an "extraordinary" World Cup journey. In Paris, Police were gearing up for possible skirmishes, after scuffles followed last week's Moroccan quarter-final win over Portugal. Morocco fans in France had been in a celebratory frenzy ever since their team went on its historic World Cup journey, becoming the first African and Arab team to reach the last four in the global showpiece event.

PARIS, Dec 9 (Reuters) - Antoine Arnault, LVMH chairman Bernard Arnault's eldest son, was on Friday named chief executive of family holding company Christian Dior SE, replacing veteran executive Sidney Toledano and stirring speculations of succession at the group. Christian Dior is a listed company that owns the bulk of the Arnault family's stake in LVMH (LVMH.PA) , the world's largest luxury group. At LVMH, Antoine Arnault, a business school graduate and a board member since 2006, oversees the group's communications and environmental issues, driving efforts to shore up its reputation. [1/4] Antoine Arnault, CEO of Berluti, attends the Fall/Winter 2019-2020 collection show for fashion house Berluti during Men's Fashion Week in Paris, France, January 18, 2019. Alexandre Arnault, 30, is an executive at Tiffany & Co. while Frederic Arnault, 27, is chief executive of TAG Heuer.

REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes/File PhotoPARIS, Dec 9 (Reuters) - Antoine Arnault, the eldest son of LVMH (LVMH.PA) chairman and chief executive officer Bernard Arnault, has been named chief executive of family holding company Christian Dior SE, replacing veteran LVMH executive Sidney Toledano. Christian Dior SE is a listed company that owns the bulk of the Arnault family's stake in LVMH, the world's largest luxury group. The most visible of the five, Antoine Arnault, 45, oversees the group’s communications and environmental issues, driving efforts to shore up its reputation. The fashion label was folded into the LVMH group in 2017, and Christian Dior SE now holds 41% of LVMH, corresponding to 56% of the voting rights in the group. Alexandre Arnault, 30, is an executive at Tiffany & Co. while Frederic Arnault, 27, is chief executive officer of TAG Heuer.

☆ Climate activists block Champs Elysees to demand better insulation of buildings
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-08 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/5] Environmental activists of "Derniere Renovation" (Last Renovation) group hold a banner as they block the traffic on the Champs Elysees avenue near the Arc de Triomphe in Paris to draw attention to environmental issues on housing and building renovation during the energy crisis in France, France, December 8, 2022. REUTERS/Gonzalo FuentesPARIS, Dec 8 (Reuters) - Environmental activists briefly blocked Paris's Champs Elysees avenue on Thursday in protest at what they called the French government's lack of action to counter climate change, notably inadequate levels of insulation in buildings. Some 20 members of "Derniere Renovation" (Final Renovation) sat on the wide boulevard, snarling traffic in both directions for around 10 minutes before being pulled away by police. In a statement, the group called on the government to launch a campaign for better building insulation, which it said could massively cut French carbon emissions. The building industry was willing and able to implement such a plan and "all that is missing is the political will," it said.

☆ French queen Marie Antoinette's furniture to go up for auction in Paris
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-16 | by ( Antony Paone | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/Gonzalo FuentesPARIS, Nov 16 (Reuters) - Two pieces of furniture formerly owned by France's Queen Marie Antoinette are set to go to auction on November 22 in Paris. The 250-year-old chest of drawers and chair are estimated to be worth 800,000 to 1.2 million euros ($832,000-1.25 million) and 100,000 to 200,000 euros ($104,000-208,000) respectively. She would marry the soon-to-be Louis XVI that year." The chair was the last royal order placed by the then queen, before she was overthrown during the French Revolution and later executed at age 37. Last year, a pair of diamond bracelets which also belonged to the former Queen were sold at auction in Switzerland for $8.18 million, several times the pre-sale estimate.

☆ Phrygian caps to be the Paris 2024 Games mascots
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-14 | by ( Alan Baldwin | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/6] Paris 2024 Olympics - Official mascots of Paris 2024 Olympics unveiled - Olympic Committee Head Quarters, Saint-Denis, France - November 11, 2022. Picture taken November 11, 2022 General view as the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic mascots the Phryges are unveiled REUTERS/Gonzalo FuentesPARIS, Nov 14 (Reuters) - Phrygian caps will be the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games mascots as organisers look to celebrate the French revolution's spirit. "'Phryges' aim to show that sport can change everything, and that it deserves to have a prominent place in our society," Paris 2024 brand director Julie Matikhine said on Monday. The red Phrygian caps come in two versions - the Olympic and the Paralympic one - with a blade leg. The Olympic Games will be held from July 26-Aug. 11 and the Paralympics from Aug. 28-Sept. 8.

☆ Sodexo sees demand for catering and vouchers lifting margins
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-02 | by ( Diana Mandia | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] The logo of French food services and facilities management group Sodexo is seen at the company headquarters in Issy-les-Moulineaux near Paris, France, March 18, 2016. The company delivered a 5% margin in its last fiscal year and last week forecast an increase to 5.5% for 2022-2023. B&R will target capital spending close to 10% of revenue per year between 2022 and 2025, Sodexo said. Sodexo, whose businesses also include workplace design, sterilization of medical devices, reception and cleaning services, said it would step up its focus on food services as rising inflation leads more companies to outsource catering. However, Sodexo forecast organic sales growth of between 6% and 8% for fiscal 2024-2025, lower than its forecast of 8% to 10% for 2022-2023.

☆ Catering group Sodexo targets operating margin above 6% in 2025
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-02 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/2] The logo of French food services and facilities management group Sodexo is seen at the company headquarters in Issy-les-Moulineaux near Paris, France, March 18, 2016. REUTERS/Gonzalo FuentesNov 2(Reuters) - French catering and food services group Sodexo (EXHO.PA) on Wednesday forecast organic revenue growth of between 6% and 8% for fiscal years 2024-2025 and a margin above 6% in 2025, as it aims to refocus on food services and accelerate growth in its voucher business. One of the world's biggest catering companies alongside Britain's Compass (CPG.L), Sodexo said it expected its voucher business to deliver low-double-digit organic revenue growth for fiscal 2024 and 2025 and an underlying operating profit margin exceeding 30% in 2025. The group had decided not to open the voucher division to external capital in May. Reporting by Diana Mandiá in Gdansk; editing by Milla NissiOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Workers continue strikes at TotalEnergies Normandy and Fezyin refineries - union
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-20 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

The logo of French oil and gas company TotalEnergies is seen at the company's headquarter skyscraper in La Defense near Paris, France, October 12, 2022. REUTERS/Gonzalo FuentesCompanies TotalEnergies SE FollowPARIS, Oct 20 (Reuters) - Workers at TotalEnergies (TTEF.PA) Normandy and Feyzin refineries decided to continue a strike which has dragged on for almost four weeks on Thursday, a CGT union representative told Reuters, adding that a walkout at all other sites of the company had been ended. Workers at TotalEnergies's La Mede refinery and at a storage site in Dunkirk in the morning chose to resume work, the union representative said. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterReporting by Tassilo Hummel, Editing by Dominique VidalonOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Italy unions to pursue 8.4% wage claim at Stellantis and Ferrari
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-19 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Stellantis logo is seen on the company's headquarters in Poissy near Paris, France, February 20, 2022. REUTERS/Gonzalo FuentesMILAN, Oct 19 (Reuters) - Italian union delegates on Wednesday approved a proposal presented by their leaders to seek a wage rise of 8.4% for next year at Stellantis, Ferrari, Iveco and CNH Industrial, setting the scene for formal talks with the industrial groups. Consumer prices rose 8.9% year on year in Italy in September and workers are seeking higher wages in response. Leftist union FIOM is not part of these talks and has presented its own separate requests. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterReporting by Giulio Piovaccari; editing by Agnieszka Flak and Keith WeirOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ France begins nationwide strike amid soaring inflation
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-18 | by ( Juliette Jabkhiro | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

French students block the entrance of the Lycee Montaigne high school to protest as part of a nationwide day of strike in Paris, France, October 18, 2022. REUTERS/Gonzalo FuentesPARIS, Oct 18 (Reuters) - French trade unions began a nationwide strike on Tuesday, asking for higher salaries amid decades-high inflation and posing President Emmanuel Macron one of his stiffest challenges since his reelection in May. French public railway operator SNCF said that traffic on local connections was down 50% but that there were no major disruptions on national lines. Civil service workers' unions have also called for joining Tuesday's strike, with possible disruptions in schools and other public facilities. The leader of hard-left party La France Insoumise (France Unbowed), Jean-Luc Melenchon, marched alongside this year's Nobel Prize winner for Literature, Annie Ernaux.

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