France’s Macron to Name New PM, Shelving Threat of Snap Elections

Michael Robert Wiseman, an American sex offender, was arrested in northeastern France earlier this month. He is charged with sexually abusing his 10-year-old adopted child. Wiseman had previously fled the United States on two occasions over the past 14 years to avoid prosecution for his crimes.

France is concluding its 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign this Sunday in Azerbaijan. After a decisive 4-0 victory over Ukraine, the team has already secured its place in the tournament. However, they will be without star player Kylian Mbappé and Eduardo Camavinga due to injuries, while Manu Koné is suspended and not replaced in the squad, leaving 22 players available for selection.

The illegal import of meat from France to Switzerland has significantly increased in recent years, with methods ranging from hiding steak portions under car bonnets to stacking entire quarters of beef on back seats. This surge in smuggling is primarily driven by the price disparity, as meat costs two to three times less in France compared to Switzerland.

An Ipsos survey of nearly 10,000 people across nine Western countries reveals that satisfaction with democracy is below 50% in eight of them, with only Sweden showing higher levels of contentment. The survey highlights significant concerns regarding the future of democracy, as majorities in all but one country express fears about its stability. Key threats identified include fake news, lack of political accountability, extremism, and corruption.

Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico's first female president, has become a victim of a public sexual assault, highlighting the ongoing issue of women's safety in the country. This incident has sparked a national outcry and calls for action against sexual violence. In related news, Pakistan faces severe period poverty, with 44% of women and girls lacking access to essential sanitary products. Meanwhile, in France, a new wave of influencers is encouraging women to engage in DIY construction projects, promoting empowerment through practical skills.

A French judge has lifted the travel ban on Pavel Durov, the CEO of Telegram, allowing him to leave the country. The ban was initially imposed as part of a criminal investigation. This decision marks a significant change in Durov's legal situation in France.

Dee Dee Bridgewater, a 75-year-old jazz singer, is preparing for a concert in Des Moines, Iowa, where she plans to perform selections from the Great American Songbook. However, she expresses a strong desire to focus on songs that address pressing political issues, such as the war in Gaza and the impact of Trump, rather than traditional love songs. Bridgewater, who has collaborated with jazz legends like Dizzy Gillespie and Sonny Rollins, emphasizes the importance of using her music as a platform for activism and protecting democracy.

France secured its place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 by defeating Ukraine in a decisive match held on November 13, 2025. This victory marks a significant achievement for the French national team as they continue to establish their dominance in international football.