Protesters rally in France against Barnier’s appointment as prime minister

PARIS (AP) — Thousands of protesters took to the streets across France on Saturday, responding to a call from a far-left party leader who criticized as a “power grab” the president's appointment of a conservative new prime minister, Michel Barnier. The protests directly...

France's new prime minister twice voted against gay rights and critics won't let him forget it

PARIS (AP) — As soon as Michel Barnier was named France's new prime minister, critics found a skeleton in his closet. Back in 1981, the 30-year-old lawmaker joined more than 150 conservatives in the National Assembly to vote against a law decriminalizing young homosexuals. That...

Sweden joins countries seeking to end screen time for children under 2

Sweden says children under the age of 2 should not be exposed to any digital screens. The recommendations, issued by the Scandinavian country’s public health agency earlier this month as a new school year begins, are the latest in a worldwide effort to limit screen time for young children. The...

Macron names EU's Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier as France’s new prime minister

PARIS (AP) — President Emmanuel Macron named Michel Barnier as France’s new prime minister on Thursday, hoping the Brexit negotiator and veteran conservative can work with the country's bitterly divided legislature to end political turmoil that has roiled Macron's presidency. ...

President Emmanuel Macron names former Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier as France’s new prime minister.

Serbia makes a $3 billion deal to buy 12 French warplanes, in a shift away from Russia

BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) — Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on Thursday announced a $3 billion deal to buy 12 French warplanes, in a move that shifts his country away from its dependence on Russian arms. The announcement about the Rafale multi-purpose fighter jets was made during a...

France's Macron says giving Telegram CEO Durov French citizenship was a good thing

BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday defended his decision to give special fast-track citizenship to Telegram messaging app CEO Pavel Durov, who is now under preliminary charges in France over alleged criminal activity on his popular platform. Macron...

UK government mulling crackdown on outdoor smoking. Pubs are unhappy

LONDON (AP) — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed Thursday that his government is looking at introducing tougher anti-smoking measures, which could potentially see a ban on smoking in outdoor spaces, including at pubs and restaurants. His confirmation came after the Sun...

Paralympic Games opening ceremony starts the final chapter on a long summer of sport in Paris

PARIS (AP) — Just weeks after hosting the Olympics, Paris inaugurated the 2024 Paralympics on Wednesday with a nearly four-hour-long opening ceremony in the heart of the city. Against the backdrop of a setting sun, thousands of athletes paraded down the famed Champs-Elysées avenue...

French President Emmanuel Macron declares the 2024 Paralympic Games open at a ceremony in central Paris