By Hamid Ould Ahmed ALGIERS (Reuters) - Tens of thousands of protesters rallied in Algiers for an eighth successive Friday to demand the departure of the ruling elite as Algeria prepares for a presidential election in July. President Abdelaziz Bouteflika stepped down from 20 years in power 10 days ago, bowing to pressure from the army and weeks of demonstrations mainly by young people seeking change in the North African country. But protests have continued as many want the removal of an elite that has governed Algeria since independence from France in 1962 and the prosecution of what they see as corrupt figures. Bouteflika has been replaced by Abdelkader Bensalah, head of the upper house of parliament, as interim president for 90 days until a presidential election on July 4. "No to Bensalah," the protesters chanted, marching peacefully in the centre of Algiers where mass protests broke out on Feb 22. A Reuters correspondent at the scene estimated the crowd size at tens of thousands of … [Read more...] about With Bouteflika gone, tens of thousands protest in Algeria to demand more change
Algeria to france
Energy, EU, migration on the agenda as Macron heads to Spain
Macron will meet first with Spain's new Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who travelled to Paris soon after coming to power in June. The visit was seen as a sign of Sanchez's intention to play a bigger role in European affairs compared with his predecessor Mariano Rajoy. A source in Macron's office hailed Sanchez's desire to "be more involved in European matters," at a time when Paris faces resistance to its EU reform blueprint from other countries, not least Germany. The two men, both ambitious leaders in their 40s, "have a very close relationship," the source said, adding there was "nearly total convergence" on their goals for the eurozone. In particular, Macron is trying to win support for a eurozone budget, which he sees as a symbolic step towards closer European integration. Spain and Portugal have first-hand experience of such solidarity, having both received multi-billion-euro rescue … [Read more...] about Energy, EU, migration on the agenda as Macron heads to Spain
Energy, EU on the agenda as Macron heads to Spain and Portugal
PARIS — France’s Emmanuel Macron makes his first visit as president to Spain and Portugal, starting on Thursday, in his push to overhaul the EU, with the two southern allies seeking French help to connect their energy grids to Europe. Macron will meet first with Spain’s new Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who travelled to Paris soon after coming to power in June. The visit was seen as a sign of Sanchez’s intention to play a bigger role in European affairs compared with his predecessor Mariano Rajoy. A source in Macron’s office hailed Sanchez’s desire to "be more involved in European matters," at a time when Paris faces resistance to its EU reform blueprint from other countries, not least Germany. The two men, both ambitious leaders in their 40s, "have a very close relationship," the source said, adding there was "nearly total convergence" on their goals for the eurozone. In particular, Macron is trying to win support for a eurozone … [Read more...] about Energy, EU on the agenda as Macron heads to Spain and Portugal
France expels ‘mentor’ of 2015 jihadist attackers to Algeria
Djamel Beghal was given a 10-year jail term in 2005 after being sent to France following his arrest in the United Arab Emirates shortly after the September 11, 2001, terror attacks in the US. He was suspected of leading a network charged by Osama bin Laden to attack American interests in France and is considered by French officials to have been a mentor for several generations of aspiring jihadists. His activities have also highlighted the struggle by French authorities to prevent Islamic radicalisation in prisons, which have proved fertile recruiting grounds for jihadist fighters. Beghal, now 52 and stripped of his French nationality, was freed from the Vezin-le-Coquet prison near the western city of Rennes early Monday. He was brought to Charles de Gaulle airport near Paris for a flight to Algiers, a source close to the case told AFP. Beghal had been under surveillance for suspected radicalism by French intelligence … [Read more...] about France expels ‘mentor’ of 2015 jihadist attackers to Algeria
Donald Trump Praises Team of Immigrants for Winning World Cup for France Days After Calling Immigration ‘Very Negative’
World 2018 World Cup Donald Trump After France beat Croatia in the final match of the World Cup on Sunday, President Donald Trump quickly posted on Twitter to congratulate the French team, one composed largely of immigrants and the children of immigrants. “Congratulations to France, who played extraordinary soccer, on winning the 2018 World Cup,” Trump wrote. On France’s 23-member team, 19 of the players are immigrants to France or the children of immigrants. Just to name a few: Antoine Griezmann, the team’s leading scorer, is half-German and half-Portuguese. Samuel Umtiti, who scored the goal that sent France to the final, was born in Cameroon. Kylian Mbappe, a teenage prodigy, is part Cameroonian and part Algerian. Recommended Slideshows 76 In Pictures: The 75 Most Powerful Military Forces in the World 61 Every World Press Photo Winner Ever: 60 Images That Define Our World 51 The World's Most Expensive Cities for a Cup of Coffee … [Read more...] about Donald Trump Praises Team of Immigrants for Winning World Cup for France Days After Calling Immigration ‘Very Negative’