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Frances new agricultural law, named after conservative lawmaker Laurent Duplomb, faces strong opposition due to its reintroduction of the controversial pesticide acetamiprid, banned in 2018 for harming ecosystems and pollinators. A record-breaking petition with over 1.5 million signatures calls it an aberration for public health and biodiversity. The law aims to reduce farming burdens but concerns arise from proposals like acetamiprids return, which can impair bee navigation and weaken colonies, and may impact human nervous systems. Despite the petition, changing the law directly is unlikely, with left-wing parties vowing to push for its repeal.

Christian Boltanski, a renowned French contemporary artist, passed away at 76, leaving behind a profound impact on the art world. Known for his multimedia works exploring mortality and memory, Boltanskis unique approach combined everyday objects with photographs, videos, and sculptures. His childhood, marked by the Holocaust, influenced his artistic vision, leading to powerful installations like recorded heartbeats, moving walkways with childrens images, and biscuit box stacks bearing deceased individuals names. Boltanskis legacy will continue to inspire and challenge, as his art consistently pushed boundaries and invited viewers to contemplate life and death.

Tefal Campaign Buzzword Emerges in French Presidential Race: Lack of Engaging Ideas and Strong Personalities The 2022 French presidential election campaign has introduced a new term, Tefal campaign, coined by Ipsos France pollster Brice Teinturier. This term describes a situation where candidates platforms and proposals arent resonating with the public, much like food on a non-stick pan. The French public feels there arent enough compelling ideas or strong personalities among the candidates, with a ten percent drop in interest this January compared to 2017. The absence of incumbent president Emmanuel Macron from active campaigning and the lack of a shocking scandal like in 2017 contribute to this slippery campaign. The challenge for hopefuls is to make their messages stick when the public seems disengaged and the leading figure remains on the sidelines.

France introduces health pass for COVID-19 safety, encouraging vaccination and reopening society. New rules require proof of vaccination or negative test for various activities, with exemptions for places of worship. Mandatory vaccination for healthcare professionals and a surge in vaccine appointments follow the announcement.

Nightclubs in France reopen amidst COVID-19 concerns, with vaccination and testing requirements in place. However, many clubs remain closed due to strict protocols and low vaccination rates among young adults. Only one-third of clubs are expected to reopen this weekend, as the Delta variant becomes the dominant strain. President Macron to address the nation on Monday, potentially announcing new measures.

Frances top health advisory body recommends mandatory vaccinations for healthcare workers and those interacting with vulnerable individuals, citing the Delta variants threat. The government is expected to follow these recommendations, with President Macron set to address the nation on Monday. The National Medicine Academy also urges vaccination for all aged twelve and above, and suggests altering vaccine dosage schedules.

French Court Sentences Three for Human Trafficking in Champagne Industry A French court recently convicted three individuals for human trafficking within the champagne industry, exploiting seasonal workers from Mali and Senegal. The court sentenced the director of a servicing company to two years in jail, with another two years suspended, and the two other defendants to one year in jail. The court also dissolved the servicing company and ordered a wine-making cooperative to pay a seventy-five thousand euro fine. Each victim is to receive four thousand euros from the guilty parties. The ruling was praised by victims and a lawyer for the victims, but the company directors lawyer called it unfair and announced an appeal. This case highlights ongoing scrutiny in the Champagne region, with another inquiry looking into the use of Ukrainian workers during the same harvest, marked by exceptional heat and tragic deaths.

French court dismisses Sylvie Uderzos claims against her father, Albert Uderzo, co-creator of Asterix comics. The court found no evidence of mental vulnerability, ending a six-year family dispute over the management of the literary estate.

France is ramping up military spending, aiming to reach two percent of its GDP by 2025, to modernize equipment and enhance soldier training. This strategic shift is part of a new military programming law, focusing on high-intensity training exercises to prepare for potential conflicts against advanced adversaries. The goal is to maintain a strong defensive posture in an evolving international landscape.