Sign in Subscribe

AFP Bureaus AFP

France's leftists win mayoral elections in largest cities

France's leftists win mayoral elections in largest cities

Leftists retained control of France's three largest cities while the far right failed to take any major urban centres in Sunday's municipal elections, closely watched for an indication of next year's presidential race. The far right sees 2027 as its best chance yet to

Left leads in Paris, far right eyes gains in France local polls: projections

Left leads in Paris, far right eyes gains in France local polls: projections

A Socialist candidate was leading in Paris while the far right looked strong in several southern cities as projections arrived from first-round local elections Sunday, seen as a political barometer ahead of France's presidential polls. According to initial results, a centrist touted as a strong contender for

France to elect mayors in run-up to key presidential vote

France to elect mayors in run-up to key presidential vote

France is gearing up for municipal elections this month, with a presidential candidate testing his popularity and the far right eyeing gains ahead of a crunch vote for the country's top job next year. The polls to elect mayors and councillors for six years are to be held

Strategic oil reserves, a crisis cushion

Strategic oil reserves, a crisis cushion

The 32 member countries of the International Energy Agency (IEA) decided on Wednesday to unlock 400 million barrels of oil from their reserves to ease the impact of the Middle East war. The sixth release of oil from the strategic petroleum reserves is the biggest such release ever. It is

Expats cling to Dubai's allure despite Iran's missiles

Expats cling to Dubai's allure despite Iran's missiles

While tourists and non-essential diplomats scramble to leave the Gulf as Iran retaliates across the region for US and Israeli airstrikes, many expatriates in the glittering hubs of Dubai and other Gulf cities are sitting tight. Several told AFP that, although work and leisure routines were disrupted by the

Voices from Iran: protests, fear and scarcity

Voices from Iran: protests, fear and scarcity

From Kurdistan in western Iran to the shores of the Gulf and in Tehran, AFP reporters have spoken to Iranians throughout the week to build a picture of their lives under daily US and Israeli bombardment. Most spoke of anxiety, but also frustration about rising prices and, for opponents of

Sleepless Iranians count cost of war as damage mounts

Sleepless Iranians count cost of war as damage mounts

As US and Israeli war planes pummel Iran with daily strikes, witnesses say that civilian deaths, damage to infrastructure and anxiety are mounting while security forces remain an intimidating presence on the streets. Millions of Tehran residents spent another stressful night on Thursday-Friday as huge explosions shook the city