Crunch time for Le Pen, Ryanair's threat and McDonald's targets rural France

This week we'll look at a potential earthquake in French politics that could strike next week. That's when far right leader Marine Le Pen will find out whether she's been banned from standing in elections. Could she be banned? Should she be banned? What will happen if she is? We'll delve deep into all of those questions and try to come with some answers.We'll also find out about McDonald's vision of conquering rural France. Can the US fast food giant win the hearts and stomachs of French villagers?We'll explain why France is once again arguing over the rules of surrogacy and how the law compares to elsewhere in Europe plus we'll examine whether Ryanair has followed through with its threat to pull out of France.And we'll tell you the story of how Asterix and Obelix resisted the Romans but conquered France.Host Ben McPartland and is joined by the team at the Local France, Emma Pearson, Gen Mansfield and John Lichfield, who, if he was a character in Asterix he’d be called Politix.Related reading:OPINION: Le Pen's future hangs in the balance, and France is heading for a messy constitutional rowAsterix: Five things to know about France's favourite characterMcDonald's targets French villages with plans for 50 new outletsReader question: Is McDonald's really healthier in France?What are France's rules on surrogacy?What happened Ryanair's threats to pull out of France over 'eco tax'?LISTED: All the new flights to and from France in Spring 2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Om Podcasten

Talking France is The Local’s weekly podcast where we discuss the big news and talking points in France as well as explore and explain the major issues that impact life in the country. We also answer your essential questions and look ahead at what’s coming up.In each episode presenter Ben McPartland chats about the most important news and must-know information with The Local France’s Emma Pearson and Genevieve Mansfield. They are also frequently joined by John Lichfield, a veteran journalist whose knowledge of French news and politics is second to none, as well as other expert commentators.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.