Share
![cover art for Your questions answered: Why do people think the French aren't funny and can anyone stop Marine Le Pen?](https://res.cloudinary.com/pippa/image/fetch/h_750,w_750,f_auto/https://assets.pippa.io/shows/62220755dea798001213358c/1701961458903-99786daf240a4cdca38bf18f24e6f3a1.jpeg)
Talking France
Your questions answered: Why do people think the French aren't funny and can anyone stop Marine Le Pen?
In this special episode to kick off series 10 of Talking France we answer a selection of questions from our listeners including: Do the French have no sense of humour? Why are there so many speed cameras in France and what's the best way to learn French?
Our politics expert John Lichfield also answers a couple of reader questions including the big one: Can anyone stop Marine Le Pen becoming the next president of France?
And much, much more...
Podcast listeners can become members of The Local for just €1 for the first month by clicking here.
-----
A big thanks to all our listeners who answered our survey and sent in questions. There were so many that we couldn't answer them all but we picked a good selection. We will try and answer others in articles on the site so keep an eye on our website The Local.fr
Further reading:
More episodes
View all episodes
1. How long will France's new PM last and what will the Paris Olympics legacy be?
36:24||Season 13, Ep. 1Talking France is back with a new series. This week, we'll bring you right up to date with the political shenanigans in France and examine whether there will be any positive legacy for Paris now the Olympics are over.Remember the political crisis that was paused over the summer? Well French politicians have pressed the play button again and the drama continues to be gripping. We'll run the rule over the new French PM and look ahead to what's coming and how long he'll last in the job.We'll also look back to the Paris Olympic and paralympic games and examine what, if any, will be the lasting legacy for the French capital - apart from the rings on the Eiffel Tower.Once again host Ben McPartland will draw on the wisdom of the team at The Local France, Emma Pearson our editor, Gen Mansfield our journalist and John Lichfield our French politics wizard.If you are a regular listener please consider becoming a member of The Local France to help keep this podcast going and if you have time please leave a review on the platform you use to listen to Talking France. This helps us be found by people looking for podcasts about France.Extra reading:John Lichfield: With Michel Barnier as PM France is retreating to the 1950sCan Paris make the Metro fully accessible for those with disabilities? Deals and discounts: How to save money on train travel in France this autumn?The key post Olympics Paris travel changes you need to knowWhat will happen to flights at Bordeaux airport when Ryanair leaves?12. How can France's stormy political crisis be resolved and will the Olympics go to plan?
35:31||Season 12, Ep. 12In the last episode before the summer break we focus on the post-election political crisis that is gripping France.We've had the elections, they produced a shock result and although there were some losers - namely Marine Le Pen’s far right which finished third despite pollsters predictions that they would win - there wasn't really a clear winner. So what happens now? When will France get a new government? If its the leftist alliance then what will they do in power?Or will nothing happen and will frustration among politicians boil over into protests and unrest on the streets this summer? Surely France can't let that happen because we've got the Olympics coming up and it's vital that it all runs smoothly. But will it all go to plan? We'll find out the latest with the opening ceremony approaching fast.And away from the political crisis and olympics anxiety we look ahead to this summer in France. Ben McPartland your host is joined for one more time by the team at The Local France : Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and our French politics guru John Lichfield.Thanks to all our listeners for tuning in during this latest season. We'll be back in September when no doubt there'll be a lot of talking points to catch up on. In the meantime please consider joining The Local to help us continue producing this weekly podcast about France.READ MORE:Is France facing a summer of political chaos and unrest?10 maps to help understand France's parliamentary electionsExplained: The French leftist alliance's programme for governmentHotels, tickets and scams: What to know about visiting Paris for the 2024 Olympics11. How to explain France's shock election results and what happens now?
25:37||Season 12, Ep. 11In this special edition of the Talking France podcast we'll look in detail at the shock results of the defining second round of France’s snap parliamentary elections.We also get all the reaction from the key players, look ahead at what happens next and get all the analysis from our politics expert John Lichfield.Host Ben McPartland is also joined by The Local France’s Emma Pearson.READ MORE:What happens next in France after bombshell election results?French far right blasts 'alliance of dishonour' as left celebrates shock winWho will be France's next prime minister?OPINION: France has stepped away from the far-right abyss, but into a political morass10. With France's far right at the gates of power will French voters let them in?
23:55||Season 12, Ep. 10France has voted in the first round of the snap parliamentary poll - an election considered one of the most pivotal in recent French history.This week, we explain the results, look ahead at what happens over the next few days and what Sunday's second round will bring. Can the far-right get a majority government or will the so-called Republican Front hold firm once again? President Emmanuel Macron is running out of options but what will he do next?We'll also explain how the far-right's policies on French preference and dual nationality would impact foreign residents.To answer all these crucial questions and to help explain the messy state of play in France, host Ben McPartland will call on our team at The Local - Emma Pearson and Gen Mansfield as well as our French politics expert John Lichfield.Related articles:The best France can hope for now is 12 months of turmoilWill the far-right get a majority in the French parliament?What happens next in France's key election as far right leads after first roundWhat is 'national preference' for the French and how would it hurt foreigners?What's at stake for foreigners in France is far-right Jordan Bardella becomes PM?Coalition, resignation or shared rule: The possible outcomes of France's snap election9. Elections to take France into 'dark territory' and explaining the second homes crackdown
27:15||Season 12, Ep. 9This episode comes at a crucial time in France's recent history. The first round of France's snap parliamentary elections are on Sunday and there couldn't be more at stake. Is France heading for a political earthquake or can President Emmanuel Macron somehow limit the aftershocks and restore some calm?We'll look at what lies ahead in the weeks and months to come?Our French politics expert John Lichfield will explain why he thinks France is heading for deep, dark, unchartered waters.We'll also explore what the parties on the left, right and centre might do if they get to form the next French government and what we can expect to happen during Sunday's first round.Away from the elections we'll explain the proposed new law in France that is being described as a "ban on second homes" and who and where it will impact the most.And was all the talk of the Paris Olympics being unaffordable for most just "project fear"? Whether its travel, accommodation or event tickets we'll explain why you could still get to the Paris Olympics without emptying your bank account.I'm Ben McPartland and I'll also be joined this week by The Local's Emma Pearson and Gen Mansfield.Related articles:France has taken leave of its senses and its no laughing matterFrench elections: What does each party's manifesto promise? French election breakdown: TV debates, latest polls and anti-SemitismParis Olympics: The prices to take advantage of as prices fallWhat is France's law to 'ban second homes'?8. Could French elections wreck the EU and France's tourist sites to avoid this summer?
32:19||Season 12, Ep. 8We're in the midst of a pretty major political crisis here in France with snap elections coming up so needless to say we have plenty to talk about in this week's episode.Firstly we bring you right up to date with all the drama, the dodgy deals and shaky alliances, the infighting and betrayals and the pleas for French people to get out and vote.Our French politics wizard John Lichfield will explain why this election could be more calamitous than Brexit for France and the EU and look at what Emmanuel Macron could do if it all goes wrong for him.We also look at what exactly a prime minister in France does and what power they have. Plus we try to decipher what it could mean for foreigners in France if that prime minister ends up being a far right one.And away from French politics we look at the famous sites that authorities warn will be overcrowded this summer and what you can do to avoid them and we also bust the myth about whether France really has a 60 percent inheritance tax rate.Host Ben McPartland is joined in Paris by The Local's Emma Pearson and Gen Mansfield.Related articlesWhat a far-right prime minister could mean for foreigners in FranceFrench election breakdown: Party alliances and the Ciotti soap operaWhat does a French Prime Minister actually do?The 10 French tourist spots most likely to be overcrowded this summerMythbuster: Does France really have a 60 percent inheritance tax rate?OPINION: Macron's election gamble is an invitation to calamity7. What now for France after Macron's great election gamble?
19:03||Season 12, Ep. 7Welcome to a special episode of The Local's Talking France podcast in which we take a look at the (latest) political crisis in France following the EU election results.On Sunday night, as the European election results were drifting in French President Emmanuel Macron took everyone by surprise by announcing he was dissolving the French parliament - the Assemblé Nationale - and that new elections would be held in just three weeks time. Yep pretty dramatic stuff, which is why we are recording a special politics focussed episode of Talking France this week.I'm Ben McPartland and joining me to answer the questions of why's Macron done this, what happens next and what are the chances of France ending up with a far right prime minister will be The Local's team Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and John Lichfield.Related reading:What happens next as France heads for snap elections?Who can vote in France’s snap parliamentary elections?OPINION: Macron’s election gamble is an invitation to calamityExplained: What happens when French leaders are forced into ‘cohabitation’?6. Why Russia is picking on France and how Europe's 'monumental' travel change will affect you
37:49||Season 12, Ep. 6The talking points from France this week... in no particular order are - Russian meddling in French affairs. Yes France has accused Russia of being involved in a string of recent incidents from fake coffins left at the Eiffel Tower to bedbug invasion rumours. Why would Moscow do this and is it working?We also find about why the commemorations to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day on Thursday are even more significant this year, why you could be fined in France just for washing your car and we explain why you are likely to be scolded in public by a French person.And big border changes are coming that will likely affect you so we explain what difference it's all going to make to your journey in and out of France, whether it's by plane, train, automobile or ferry.Host Ben McPartland is joined by the team from The Local France, Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and politics expert John Lichfield.Related reading:What to expect for the 80th anniversary of D-Day in FranceANALYSIS: How serious is Russian interference and disinformation in France?Travel to France: What does EES mean for cross-Channel ferry trips?What will EES mean for travel on 'Le Shuttle' through the Channel Tunnel?The 22 things that are likely to get you a scolding in FranceWhy washing your car in France can lead to a €450 fine5. Explaining Paris syndrome and how the EU elections will impact France
34:59||Season 12, Ep. 5On the bill this week we have the European elections. We answer the important questions: Why should we care, how will they affect France and what will they mean for the future? As well as explaining a little bit about the European parliament.We also look at how new laws aimed at averting dangerous wildfires in France will affect home owners plus explain why hundreds of thousands of home addresses in rural France are changing and what this means for you.We also find out which politicians are the best to call on in France to get support for any local dispute.And we explain why some tourists suffer from panic attacks, delusional thinking and hallucinations when they visit Paris. And if there's anything they can do to avoid it.Ben McPartland your host is joined by The Local's Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and politics expert John Lichfield.Related articles:Reader question: Can I approach my French MP for help with a local problem?European elections: What are the 'têtes des liste' in France?What is Paris syndrome and are some nationalities more susceptible?Wildfires in France: What are the new legal requirements for property owners?The one French website you need if you've changed your addressWhat do I do next if my French street name has been changed