A podcast based in Paris covering French current affairs, culture, and politics. The show is hosted by Sara Bertilsson and Stefan de Vries. It offers insights into French society and news.
Épisodes
Paris Riots: Broken Windows, Looters and a Deaf Government
France is facing another explosive wave of protests. In this episode, Sarah and Stefan look at how teenage students, parents, teachers and the Yellow Vests have found common ground, and why that convergence is making the authorities increasingly nervous.They discuss the anger over inflation, insecure futures and a government widely seen as out of touch; the violence on the streets of Paris; smashe
Valjean for President? Glucksmann, Mélenchon and Les Misérables
Raphaël Glucksmann isn’t even a Socialist Party member. Last Sunday, he won its primary anyway, with two-thirds of the vote, leaving the party’s own leader on 14 per cent. Stefan de Vries asks what is left of the French Socialists, why the “united left” never got to hold its own vote, and who really gains from Glucksmann’s win: Mélenchon, or François Hollande waiting in the wings.Plus: a new Les M
Bardella Under Fire, Macron’s Comeback Dream and Perfect Fries
France is simmering. In this episode, Sara and Stefan unpack the high-school protests spreading across the country: overcrowded classrooms, missing teachers, tense confrontations with police, and what young people are demanding for their future.They also discuss Mediapart’s reporting on alleged past antisemitic messages by Jordan Bardella — and what the political fallout could mean for the Rassemb
Presidential Politics, Radio Silence and Céline Dion Fever
What happens when two minutes of political commentary send France’s biggest radio station silent?Sara Bertilsson and Stefan de Vries unpack the mounting pressure on French media—and what it reveals about power, politics and free speech in France.Their guest is Hind Ziane, geopolitical analyst, TV commentator and founder and CEO of Paris-based political strategy and CivicTech company Génération Pol
Back to School, Back to Le Pen: Season 7 Kicks Off
France is back from summer break, and so is its most wide-open presidential race in decades. Political scientist Damien Lecomte joins Sara and Stefan to explain why voters now fear Jean-Luc Mélenchon more than Marine Le Pen, and what that means for 2027.So French! is back for season 7! Sara and Stefan return from the summer break to a France gearing up for the most unpredictable presidential elect
France's Record-Breaking Heatwave and Climate Policy Failures
In this episode, Stefan and Sara discuss France's extreme heatwave, government responses to climate change, transparency issues in French politics, and upcoming French presidential elections. Stefan also tells how his journalistic nosiness led to a radical change in French public spending, or as Sara calls it, the "Lex De Vries".
From Abuse to Arsène Lupin: France’s Dark Reality and Favourite Fantasy
This week on So French!, Sara Bertilsson and Stefan de Vries look at two sexual abuse scandals shaking France: the killing of 11-year-old Lyhanna and the growing allegations against singer and actor Patrick Bruel. What do these cases reveal about the failures of the French justice system, the protection of women and children, and the way power shields powerful men?And after the darkness, a little
Cannes Fights Back Against France’s Right-wing Media Mogul
At the Cannes Film Festival, the biggest drama isn’t on screen. In this episode of So French, Sara Bertilsson and Stefan de Vries dive into the growing power of billionaire Vincent Bolloré over French media, cinema and politics. Can one media empire shape what Europe watches, thinks and creates?Plus: fresh trouble for presidential hopeful Édouard Philippe, the endless parade of Macron-era politica
The Presidential Circus Begins… and a War on Chicken
S06E11: One year before France’s 2027 presidential election, the race is already crowded with old political heavyweights, ambitious newcomers and oversized egos. Stefan and Sara discuss the return of familiar names like François Hollande, Dominique de Villepin and Michel Barnier, the chances of Édouard Philippe and Jordan Bardella, and the question hanging over French politics: who comes after Emm
Macron at 10, Local Elections and Céline-Mania
Ten years after the launch of En Marche, we take stock of the Macron era. What has Emmanuel Macron’s promise of a political movement “neither left nor right” truly delivered? Has France been transformed, or has it become more divided than ever?We also unpack the results of the latest local elections, the final major political test ahead of the 2027 presidential race. What do these outcomes reveal
Power Plays & Michelin Stars: France Between Politics and Pleasure
France heads to the polls and to the table in this new episode of So French. Stefan de Vries and Sara Bertilsson unpack the first round of the local elections, where nearly all races were decided in one go, yet the political landscape looks more fragmented than ever. Is this a preview of the 2027 presidential battle, or just another uniquely French paradox? In Paris, the high-stakes duel between R
From Nuclear Bombs to Tourism Booms
A very French week of Power and Pleasure!France had quite a week. Macron deployed the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier to the Mediterranean, reshaped France's nuclear doctrine, and floated the idea of extending the French nuclear umbrella to European allies, including the Netherlands. Is this the moment Europe finally gets serious about its own defence? Or is this Paris doing what Paris doe
Trials, Files & Presidential Appetites
In Episode 7 of So French!, we return to the courtroom, where far-right leader Marine Le Pen is battling to preserve her political future. Prosecutors want her conviction in the European Parliament fake jobs scandal upheld, including a five-year ban from office. Yet they stopped short of demanding immediate enforcement, leaving a narrow legal path that could still see her on the 2027 presidential
Habemus Budget and the rise of (another) Sarkozy
France finally has a budget and, for now at least, a government to go with it. In this episode of So French, Sara Bertilsson and Stefan de Vries unpack how Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu pushed the 2026 budget through parliament using the notorious Article 49.3, why the Socialists backed away from a no-confidence vote, and what this very French political drama tells us about power, compromise, a
Macron's Last Act and Bye Bye Bardot
A new year, familiar chaos!In the first So French! episode of 2026, Sara Bertilsson and Stefan de Vries look back at a turbulent 2025 in French politics and ask what lies ahead in the final full year of President Emmanuel Macron.From collapsing governments and record-low approval ratings to court rulings that reshaped the political landscape, we unpack the key moments that defined last year. And t
The XMas Edition: Dry Champagne & a Vegetarian Wolf
Christmas in France means lights, long dinners… and traditionally, plenty of wine.But something is shifting.In this festive Christmas edition of So French!, Sara Bertilsson and Stefan de Vries meet Sarah Missaoui, founder of Déjà Bu, Paris’s first alcohol-free bar and drinks cellar. As more French people drink less or stop altogether, even during the holidays, what does that mean for a country so
France’s Promises, Ukraine’s Empty Hands
This week, So French goes deep into one urgent question: what is France really doing in the war in #Ukraine — and what does it mean for #Europe’s future?Two major shocks landed almost at the same time:🔹 Donald Trump’s surprise 28-point “peace plan”🔹 A French-Ukrainian deal for up to 100 Rafale fighter jets over the coming decadeGrand promises, geopolitical theatre… and hard realities.To separate s
Compromise? Sorry. We’re French.
In this episode, Stefan and Sara delve into the complexities of French politics, exploring the cultural psyche that influences political behaviour, particularly the reluctance to compromise. They discuss recent developments, including Amsterdam's new parking regulations targeting French tourists, the ongoing debates surrounding the French state budget, and the implications of Nicolas Sarkozy&#
France in Flux: Budgets, Bling, and the Bataclan Decade
Ten years ago today, So French! was born — just one week before the terror attacks that would forever change France. As we relaunch our podcast in a turbulent political and social landscape, Sara and Stefan look back at a decade of transformation: from terror threats to TikTok-era extremism, and from François Hollande to Emmanuel Macron (and still, somehow, Nicolas Sarkozy).This week, we dive into
The One Where They Reunite
🎉 We’re Back! So French Returns After 5 Years 🇫🇷After a five-year hiatus, So French is back — and celebrating 10 years since our very first episode! In this special relaunch, co-hosts Sara Bertilsson and Stefan de Vries reunite to reflect on the past decade of podcasting about life in France, #politics, scandals (yes, plenty!), and the ever-evolving French society.Join us as we talk about what’s c
Paris, The City of Strikes
It's the seventh week of the National Strike. Will we see any major developments, or will the country stay chaotic over the next couple of days? What's at stake in the upcoming local Elections? Will the pension reform diminish Macron's chances? And who will become the next Mayor of Paris?A dustman in Paris was fired because someone tweeted that he was taking a nap. What's behind th
How to survive the Strike of the Decade?
This week: Black Thursday is coming! On December 5, a national strike will paralyze the country. It could well last until the New Year. How to survive what could become the biggest strike in decades?Another black day for the French Army, when 13 soldiers died in a helicopter accident during an anti-jihadist operation in Mali. France’s military involvement in Africa is now in question.Turning Black
Why the French are terrible at languages (and what they can do about it)
Parlez-vous franglais? The French are not known for speaking English fluently. Or any other foreign language. Our guest, Giuseppe Fantigrossi of the start-up Play2Speak, will tell us why that is the case, and more importantly: how the French can finally improve their foreign language skills.This weekend, it has been one year already that the Yellow Vests started their protests. And they are contin
New York City bans foie gras, the French are hooked on Halloween
Seine-Saint-Denis is France's poorest district. In 2024 it will be the main site of the Olympic Games. This week the government presented a plan to improve life for its 1.6 million inhabitants. What are the challenges? And is the plan sufficient?Bad news for New York Foodies: in 2023, all foie gras will be banned. We talk with New York Chef Hugue Dufour, who is not amused with the ban.On this side
Why headscarves to the French are like red rags to a bull
Once every while debate rages in France about Muslim veils. This week another high-point was reached: the topic was discussed in no less than 85 (!) TV programmes, with 286 talking heads, not one of them being a veil wearing muslim woman... In the country that has 'Liberty' and 'Equality' in its publicity slogan, many people would like to see restrictions on the way people dress. And by 'people',
French Media go bananas about Chirac's death
Hosts Sara and Stefan are baffled by this week's media frenzy following former President Jacques Chirac's death. Why did French media go bananas with their coverage? They also discuss the fire at the chemical plant in Rouen. The aftermath showed once again that French citizens have very little trust in government institutions. And to a certain extent, that distrust is justified by the way French a
Back to School!
The schools have started again, the Rentrée is almost forgotten, yet the debate on how to reform the old fashioned and underperforming French education system is still raging. The OECD published a report comparing school systems around the World, and the French are not the best pupils. We go into detail of these findings with our special guest Juliette Buisson, Middle School Teacher in Saint-Germa
Threats and trees: Brazil gets personal with Macron
The crazy hot Europan Summer is over and that means we're back with So French! It is our fifth Season already. And we are recording in a brand new studio not far from the Eiffel Tower.In this week's episode: France is getting serious about violence against women, while Brazil is insulting Macron. Also: the families of the victims of Air France flight 447 were shocked to learn that the investigatin
Bastille Day Edition - special Guest: Lindsey Tramuta
A special guest: Lindsey Tramuta, from Lost in Cheesland
Baguette, bistro or bouquinistes?
Three French 'B’s' are competing for a spot on the World Cultural Heritage List. Will it be the baguette, the bistro or Paris’s bouquinistes that gets the official heritage stamp from Unesco's much-coveted seal of approval? We’ll try to make up our mind of what we think is the most important French tradition to preserve!France’s top political power couple since almost four decades goes on trial!
After the fire, a flaming debate ignited on the future of the Notre-Dame
President Emmanuel Macron gave his first press conference since his election almost two years ago. We were there and give you a summary.The Notre-Dame trauma, turning into a Notre-Dame drama, with controversy regarding everything from the funds donated for its reconstruction, the state of the French heritage sites and WHAT the new Notre-Dame should look like French drug dealers taking on new meth
So Fake! Macron fell on own sword while fighting
This week:While trying to fight fake news, Emmanuel Macron fell on his own sword. Facebook and Twitter suspended a European election campaign made by the French government because it broke the new French Fake News law. Our guest Jackson Webster, a cybersecurity expert at Legalcluster in Paris, talks to us about the difficult relationship between social media and governments.Would you like to buy a
Summer or winter time? Chocolatine or pain au chocolat?
This week we try to find an answer to essential life questions like should we keep Summer Time or Winter Time? And do we say 'pain au chocolat' or 'chocolatine'?We also discuss the start of the conviction of the Cardinal of Lyon in a child's abuse case and Emmanuel Macron's start of the campaign for the European Elections. S04E11 - Recorded in Paris, March 7, 2019
Säcrebleu! Scandinavian Cooks beat French Chefs
This week we talk about the controversy regarding French police’s non-leathal flash-ball weapons, about food and about France's entry for this year's Eurovision Song Contest.Episode S04E10
S04E09 - The Grand National Debate: brilliant or blabla?
To satisfy the yellow vests, Emmanuel Macron launched his Grand National Debate. But will it be enough to calm down the profound anger in French society?In the mean time, Renault's CEO Carlos Ghosn is still in a Japanese prison, are the French smoking less and less and was the country eating a lot of galette des rois... Recorded in Paris, 12 January 2019
S04E08 - Winter Writers: Agnès Poirier in Café de Flore
We are having a coffee with author Agnès Poirier in the fancy Café de Flore. She is a journalist and writer of “Left Bank”, a lively account of the intellectual and artistic life in post-war Paris.
S04E07 - Yellow Vests, Red Anger
Yellow vest protests have disrupted more or less everything in France's everyday life. What happens now? Will the anger be back after Christmas?And in the middle of this, the environment weems to be the collateral damage. Over a million French now want to sue the government to force them to take action to save our planet.
S04E05 - A Mysterious Birth Defect
The mystery of the babies born without arms. A new health scandal, and a possible cover-up by authorities? We’ll talk you through the story that’s grappling France.Emmanuel Macron took some rest, he was allegedly very tired. Yet, making fun of the President, is a lucrative business. Tens of thousands of euros to migrants and homeless people thanks to Macron’s best - or worst - quotes.
S04E04 - Macron’s Reshuffle and Mélenchon's Kerfuffle
At least ten people said 'non' to Macron, but after two weeks of looking for candidates, the French President finally managed to reshuffle his government. Police raided the offices of Les Insoumises, the left-wing party, and that didn’t go down very well with its leader Jean Luc Mélenchon...Will a new measure to improve air conditions in France’s major cities: will car tolls save it’ inhabitants f
S04E03 – Adieu Aznavour
This week two (former) interior ministers dominated the news. One of them resigning… twice! Triggering a new crisis in the already fragilized government The other one, taking off towards new horizons, in the south: Manuel Valls switched Paris for BarcelonaOf course, we'll talk about the entertainer of the century, Charles Aznavour. The great singer passed away this week career that lasted over hal
S04E02 – Millionaires and Murderers in Monaco
While his former close aid Alexandre Benalla was being heard by the Senate, the French president came under fire (once again) for “his contempt towards the working class and unemployed”. No worries, it’s just “straight talk”, say his defenders.We also discuss the thriller-like case of the killing of the richest woman in Monaco, Hélène Pastor. The trial started in a French court this week. This ti
S04E01 – Back To School
Your favourite podcast is back for a fourth season. We're back from the holidays and so is France. But getting up from the pool and back to school will come with some novelties for the country’s students. The typical French rentrée is not looking sunny for President Macron. He has had a rough summer and his approval ratings have hit a record low.We also discuss the hip hop brawl that took Boob
E57 – Summer Special 3: Pamela Druckerman (NYT)
In our third and last Summer Special, we sit down with Pamela Druckerman. She is a Franco-American writer living in Paris and the author of the international bestseller French Children Don't Throw Food. In her latest book, There are no grown-ups, she investigates life in her forties and wonders whether her mind will ever catch up with her face.Since the presenters of this podcast are also pare
E56 – Summer Special 2: Sophie Pedder (The Economist)
For our Summer Series we sat down with Sophie Pedder, the Paris Bureau Chief of The Economist. Over the last couple of years, she interviewed Macron several times. Her new book is called Revolution Française: Emmanuel Macron and the Quest to Reinvent a Nation.We had a very interesting and entertaining conversation with Sophie on President Macron, but also about the challenges of living in France a
E55 – Summer Special 1: Stephen Clarke – Vive la French Revolution!
It's Quatorze Juillet, France's national holiday! Reason for us to take the metro to Saint-Dénis, where all former French kings were buried. We are visiting this Paris suburb with our special guest, the excellent and funny writer Stephen Clarke, who knows a lot about the Revolution, about French history and about many other things.S03E22 - Recorded in Saint-Denis, July 13, 2018
E54 – Vatican Visit and Vegans Revolt
Emmanuel Macron went to the Vatican, while French butchers were under fire. They ask for police protection because they fear vegan attacks.French police uncovered another terrorist plot. But this time one of the suspects is a former… police officerAnd the immigration has been has been dominating European headlines and scaring European politicians for almost three weeks now. What's going on?Recorde
E53 – The Italian Job
France and Italy have traded insults, and that's not the first time this year. We’ll also talk about how Autolib, Paris’ famous car sharing programme, could end up being an expensive affair for the tax payer, and maybe seen scrapped all together…Speaking of tax money: a lot of presidential candidates have been throwing money out the window during their campaign last year.And we’ll try to sort out
E52 – Start-up Nation: Fact or Virtual Reality?
This week everybody around the world was talking about Spiderman, the new hero who saved a kid in Paris.And how are things going with Macron’s dream of France as a Start-up nation? We have a special guest, Abby Klein, host of the cool podcst Radical Departures. She will guide us through the world of French tech.Recorded in Paris, May 31, 2018
E51 – Wax Disaster
In our regular cheese update, we talk about the great French Camembert war! No cheesefire in sight, as purists defend a smelly national treasure.Our guest, Charles Wente (Senior Producer, France 24), will share his insightful perspective on this week’s topics.And if you thought Emmanuel Macron was good-looking, take a good look again. We’ll tell you why.S03E18 - Recorded in Paris, 18 May 2018
E50 – A delicious wife and a resentful ex-President
This is our 50th Episode, and we thank you for listening to us. This week:* With strikes, bad approval ratings and a trolling former President all at once, Macron has little reason to celebrat his first anniversary.* We also talk about the Cannes Filmfestival and about the stratgeic interests of New Caledonia. * And you probably thought this was done years ago, but it was actually only this week t
E49 – Macron's March For Europe
Is Macron the European Messias, or is nobody ready to give in to his whims?At home, the French President was not really bothered by all the strikes and protests. Is anyone actually working in France these days? We take a closer look at the very controversial reforms underway this springWith sunny days on the horizon, there is a new ice cream flavour – très french – if you dare…And Maud Descamps is
E48 – Macron's Anger Management
Everybody seemed a bit angry at Macron this week: the railway workers, the Italians and some MP’s who risk losing their job due to new reforms. France is going to invest 1.5 billion euros in a technology that could eradicate mankind.And if you are afraid of asking a grumpy French waiter for a doggy bag: there’s hope for your leftovers.Recorded in Paris, April 7, 2018
E47 – Fake Vintage Vats and an Infamous Inmate
This week, we let you know what ‘innovative’ striking is as the country’s public service workers are kicking off a long-lasting campaign to stop a government-planned major reform.And worse than fake news… fake wine! France this week learned about a major scam, a producer selling cheap wine as exclusive vintage. What if you can no longer trust what’s in your bottle?Also Nicolas Sarkozy is back, but
E46 – Power to the Women
We take a closer look at two of the biggest losers French politics – almost one year after the presidential electionAnd is time finally up for one of France’s most infamous politicians and his wife? Known for their luxurious taste, preference for cash and unusual ability to get away with… almost anything!This week has seen the International Women’s day being marked around the world. This year with
E45 – I want to ride my bicycle!
Paris is suffocating again because of heavy air pollution, again. Yet it is pretty hard to change the mentality of the Parisians when it comes to mobilityWe’ll also talk about the first part of Jean-Marie Le Pen’s memoirs.Rock Star Johnny Halliday’s family is fighting over his 100 million euro estate. And Emmanuel Macron is playing a part in a musical play.With Maud Descamps & Stefan de VriesR
Snow French!
It's snowing a lot in Paris, but we will take you to the sunny Island of Beauty, and that is Corisca, of course.Millennials, or the boring new generation. And we’ll dicuss food, and stars and unbearable pressure. Maud Descamps is with us for a brand new winter-related expression of the week.S03E11 - Recorded in Paris, 9 February 2018
E43 – Wet Feet
The Jupitarian president once again using the Sun King’s to help conqueur the world.Prison guards are angry, the World's best ice cream is French and Parisians are getting wet feet.Recorded in Paris, January 27, 2018
E42 – Chinese, Cheese and Refugees
President Emmanuel Macron went on a trip to China, and brought a curious present for his host Xi Jiping.More on the ongoing #metoo discussion, but this week the controversy was caused by women, who disagree with the movement against sexual harassment.We mentioned this article in The New Yorker: Why Did Catherine Deneuve and Other Prominent Frenchwomen Denounce #MeToo?Refugees were dominating the h
Happy New Year!
The last episode of 2017 and the very first of the new year. We look back on last year and forward to 2018.We wish you all the best for 2018!S03E08 - Recorded in Paris, 30 December 2017
Homeless left out in the cold
Selling fighter jets, saving the Earth, delivering two eulogies, and being the king of Europe: Macron's agenda is fuller than a stuffed Christmas turkey this month.Also, with independence à la mode in Europe, the French Corsicans are making their voices heard, voting for more autonomy.One homeless man got very lucky this week, but most of the 140.000 ‘SDF‘, the homeless people, in France will
E39 – Are you joking?
Emmanuel Macron toured Africa, trying to change the decades-old touchy relationship with the former colonies on the vast continent and the old ‘motherland'.Paris is the world’s most visited city, and the number of apartments rented out through Airbnb has exploded in just a few years. Now the city wants to limit short staysFrench politicians are not known for their wit. However, this week one of ti
Episode 38 – Where's Marine?
Where is Marine? And what's going on with the Front national?We also take a closer look at the leadership battle in the French conservative party. Who will lead the party – and will it be in opposition, or compliance with president Macron? And does Sara feel insulteed by Carla Bruni?Listen to a new epiosde of our podcast!Recorded in Paris, 17 November 2017
Episode 37 – A Presidential Poem
Many women and some men, around the world have added their voices to a wave of complaints about sexual harassment. In France, the Islamic scholar Tariq Ramadan and the film director Roman Polanski were publicly confronted with their past.The government presented a 1 billion euro plan to reform the French University System. But why? And how?We’ll also take a closer look at the poetic qualities of t
Episode 36 – Rat on your pig
In this week's episode* We’ll take a closer look at how the Harvey Weinstein scandal and the #metoo hashtag has affected France* When the days are getting shorter, and the trees are losing their leaves, it’s not uncommon for Europeans to be a little bit sombre in this time of the year. The French seem to be the champions of depression. Two scholars claim to have found the culprit.* And what do you
Jihad Granny goes to Jail
Will the French Catalans join their brothers across the border?Who is Jihad Granny?And we will teach you some French swear words with the help of the foul-mouthed French President.S03E02 - Recorded in Paris, October 6, 2017
S03E01 (34) – Couscous, jihadi's and sexy accents
After a long and very French Summer Break, we are back with our third season of So French!We discuss the falling popularity of Emmanuel Macron. His will sign his new Labour Bill this week and unions are taking to the streets. Couscous, the popular Moroccan dish, caused a political row.Maud Descamps gives us the French Word of the Week and we talk to Wassim Nasr, a journalist at France 24 and a ren
The Sun King, Startups and Simone Veil
‘Le Startup’ is the magic word in France since Macron became president. This week, he opened the world's largest incubator in central Paris.Both President Macron and Prime Minister Philippe held long speeches this week to unveil their programme.One of France's most beloved women, Simone Veil (89), passed away. Who was she, and what is her legacy to French society?And don't try to under
Episode 32 – Macron keeps it cool during heatwave
As a heatwave hits the country, we dive into the muddy waters of European politics,and ask the question what Europe will look like under the new french president. Will Emmanuel Macron be a refreshing force, or will the warm relationship between Germany and France cool down once the UK leaves the union?Other topics: France is getting older and older, Paris wants to host the 2024 Summer Olympics, an
Episode 31 – State of Emergency: The New Normal
The French government would like to turn the exceptional measures of the state of emergency into regular law. We discuss the worrying implications of this bill with Marco Perolini, of Amnesty International.This weekend, it's election time again. This time, the French go to the polls to vote for their MP's. It looks like it's going to be a landslide victory for Wonder Boy Macron.And Maud Descamps i
Episode 30 – Moralisation and Muddy Waters
In their first week, the Government is already involved in two potential scandals. Once again the French media revealed some embarrassing details about two politicians, both close to Emmanuel Macron. The new President has promised to clean up his country's politics, so what will he do?He is preparing a new law to ‘moralise' politics, and moralisation is our So French Word of this episode, brought
Episode 29 – A Political Battlefield
France has a new president…but who is Emmanuel Macron really?The French political landscape looks more like the battlefields at the end of the First World War. They're are casualties everywhere.And…you may not yet have noticed…but l’amour is dead… The man who had the Parisians bump into love in every street corner has passed away.Recorded in Paris, on May 12, 2017 in Le Cercle Suédois, the Swedish
Episode 28 – Macron's Mission Impossible?
With the second round of the presidential election coming up in just one week, we scratch our heads and take a closer look at WHAT actually happened and WHAT to expect.And we also ask the question WHY Jean-Luc Mélenchon, the far-left candidate, refuses to encourage HIS voters to vote against Marine Le Pen.And of course, Maud Descamps brings us a fresh French word of the day!This month, So French!
Episode 27 – A Franco-British Food Fight
Only a week to go before the first round of the presidential elections, we’re we’re wondering if France will face a run-off between the extreme left and the far right.
Is France going to ditch the euro for the sucre?We alo have a look at what’s left of Nuit Debout, the grassroots movement that grew out of the protests against the new labour laws here in France. One year on, does the movement stil
Episode 26 – From the Jungle to the Beach
The French Left is crumbling down. Why don’t they just kiss and make up to have a better chance in the upcoming elections?Since two weeks, there's a lot of social tension in French Guyana. Journalist Déborah Neusy of the newspaper France Guyane is in Cayenne and gives us the latest.We have a report on university students working together with young Syrian migrants and we'll tell you the link betwe
Episode 25 – Fillon's Fashion Week
With just over a month to go until the French presidential election, we finally know who is a candidate and who isn't. We also discuss the ongoign revelations of François Fillon's way of life.The So French Word of this epsiode is ‘cadeau', given to you by Maud Descamps.And we listen to the stars, to the music selected by France's star-astronaut Thomas Pequet. You can find his playlist on Deezer: h
Episode 24: Elections, elections, elections
In this week's episode: Elections, elections, elections (and the occasional scandal)!We also talk about France’s large and diverse Asian population, with guest Leo Takeuchi of the organisation Asia 2.0And of course, Maud Descamps brings us a fresh French word of the day!
Episode 23: Primaries and politics
Lots of politics in this episode. We talk about the socialist primaries, a new political scandal involving former PM François Fillon and about the fact that politics in France is almost a men-only affair. And Maud Descamps went into the lion's den of American Republicans living in Paris, celebrating Donald Trump's inauguration.Hosts: Sara Bertilsson & Stefan de VriesRecorded in Paris, January 27th
Episode 22: No More Taxes
Is the French government executing its own citizens abroad? We’ll walk you through accusations of targeted killings approved by the president himself in legal grey zones.And after the 35 hour work week a legal right NOT to reply to work email. On top of that – a tax free year in France! Maybe the country is really turning into heaven on earth?And of course, Maud Descamps brings us a fresh French w
Episode 21: Politics, Pollution and an Astronaut
Since our last episode only three weeks ago, French politics has been shaken up. Old men like Sarkozy, Juppé and Hollande are leaving the scene, but will not be replaced by new faces.In other news:* Parisians were suffering this week from a extreme pollution. There's no solution in sight.* Beards are getting more and more popular in France* The country has a new space hero.Recorded in Paris on Dec
Episode 20: Trump, Primaires & PNL
We follow up on that surprise Donald Trump victory in the US elections. What is the impact on the French presidential elections, up in only six months? And how do Franco-Americans see the Rise of the Orange Leader? We'll discuss that with our special guest, the Franco-American journalist François Picard.PNL is the name of a rap duo that's a real phenomenon in France. And of course, Maud Descamps b
