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Talking France

What are real French values and does France care about its troubled far-away territories?

Season 12, Ep. 4

This week we find out why so many workers are going on strike in Paris at the moment. From waste collectors to firefighters - what do they all want, and what's the Olympics got to do with it?

We also explain the crisis in France's overseas territory of New Caledonia, why the president has deemed it necessary to fly there and why France has such a complicated relationship with several far flung parts of the world.

And French star footballer Kylian MBappé has said goodbye to Paris and to France, so we'll explain why everyone, including the mayor and the president, is so upset. 

And in response to a great listener's question we'll try to explain what classic French values are and why you might need to know them - especially if you want to become French.

Host Ben McPartland is joined by Emma Pearson the local France's editor and we also hear from John Lichfield our politics expert.


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