Stories from France

The American investment fund OneStar is set to acquire a polytechnic chemical company. The fund reportedly intends to retain only 13% of the existing workforce. The acquisition is primarily focused on securing the company's patents.

A court has mandated a collective reparation approach for 50,000 victims in the Honghwène case due to insufficient resources for full compensation. Each victim will receive a flat indemnity of 750 euros.

Total reportedly made at least one billion in profits through oil speculation. This figure represents an increase of more than $1 billion compared to the previous year. The profit rise is attributed in part to the crisis in the Middle East and increasing crude oil prices. The Union Française des industries pétrolières reported that refiners have quadrupled their margins compared to distributors since the start of the conflict. The situation has resulted in economic consequences, including costs of over 6 million for gasoline. In March alone, 2.5 million euros in super profits were realized. TotalEnergies announced profits of 5 billion euros for the first quarter. Total has published spectacular first-quarter results. The broadcaster noted that despite being outside active combat zones, certain areas have been evacuated due to regular Israeli military strikes.

Workers at the Snacker Z recycling workshop in Paris, France, inspect used shoes to assess their condition for reuse. Snacker Z has grown from a small group of self-taught leather restoration volunteers into a large-scale social enterprise. The organization collected approximately 30,000 pairs of shoes last year. It donated over 7,000 pairs to those in need and resold 2,000 pairs using a solidarity model to create jobs. Mohammed Bokatem stated that no other non-profit in the footwear recycling industry currently operates at this scale. The initiative aims to create jobs and provide affordable product access through a circular economy model. The process involves reviving discarded shoes into new products. At Mohammed Boukha Tem's company, standard shoes undergo a cleaning process from the sole up and internal disinfection.

The president of the Marseille metropolitan area reported that local revenues equal expenditures. The announcement follows a video circulating on social media showing a man making racist remarks and firing a rifle into the air near children in Haute-Loire. Local officials refused to vote on the 2026 budget this Tuesday, concluding a standoff with the French state. The decision follows a financial gap reported by the collective. The municipality is currently facing a 123 million euro financial deficit for the year. The 92 mayors of the metropolitan area have issued an appeal for help, accusing the French state of responsibility for the deficit. One company involved in the region is planning a strategic shift toward the second-hand book market to address a six-month period of restructuring, affecting 500 employees.

New data indicates a 2.4% increase in certain economic indicators, suggesting resilience in the French economy. However, economists advise caution due to the ongoing war in the Middle East which began in late February. France Travaille predicts a drop in hiring intentions this year, with a 6% decrease, the lowest level since 2018. The economy in Western Europe remains resilient despite the energy crisis caused by the war in Iran. Member states in the region are projected to achieve an average growth of 2.3% this year, significantly higher than the EU average of 0.9%. This forecast was reported by the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies in its annual outlook.

French President Emmanuel Macron advocated for progress in the debate regarding the decriminalization of abortion for women. He stated that a government proposal to advance the issue appeared proportionate.

Spanish airline Volotea is reportedly implementing a practice where flight ticket prices may change after a purchase has been completed.

Researcher Tiffany Scandolera is studying the common bean at the Institut Jean-Pierre Bourguin. Researchers are studying how plants resist microbiological threats to ensure crop security.

The French rugby federation and Ligue Nationale de Rugby issued a joint statement rejecting World Rugby's 20-minute red card trial. Authorities warned that the proposed temporary expulsions pose a major threat to player welfare. The organizations argued that the trial could encourage dangerous play on the field. Officials argue the change could encourage dangerous play. Data cited by officials shows only 60% of teams reduced to 14 players lose matches. The trial, introduced in elite competitions last year, allows a sent-off player to be replaced after 20 minutes. French officials cited data showing only 60 percent of cases involve specific outcomes to argue that permanent red cards do not ruin contests. Cricket officials have proposed alternatives to the current sanction system, including renaming the sanction as an orange card.