France and Gabon seek ‘new beginning’ in relations

France is set to host Iran's foreign minister in Paris for critical discussions aimed at addressing nuclear and regional tensions. This meeting comes amid ongoing international scrutiny of Iran's nuclear ambitions and its relations with Western nations.

The French prison service has granted notorious drug trafficker Ouaihid Ben Faiza day release from a maximum security prison to meet a potential employer, a decision that has ignited public outrage in France. This incident comes in the wake of heightened tensions surrounding drug-related violence, particularly following the murder of anti-trafficking activist Mehdi Kessaci's brother in Marseille.

France is considering reinstating voluntary military service in response to rising security concerns and the potential for future conflicts in Europe, as highlighted by recent comments from military officials regarding the sacrifices that may be required in war.

French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans to reintroduce voluntary military service starting next year, targeting young volunteers aged 18 for a 10-month commitment. The initiative aims to recruit 3,000 individuals by 2026 and 50,000 by 2035, reflecting heightened security concerns in Europe.

Boualem Sansal, the Franco-Algerian writer, made his first public appearance on France 2 after spending a year in detention in Algeria. During the interview, he expressed concerns about speaking freely due to potential reprisals against his family.

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu urged members of parliament to approve the national budget for 2026 by the end of the year. The proposed legislation is set to be reviewed by the Senate before returning to the lower house for a final vote.

Ouaihid Ben Faiza, a notorious drug lord in France, has been granted daytime release from a high-security prison for work purposes, returning to prison at night. This decision has raised significant controversy due to his history of escape and serious criminal activities, prompting criticism from prison unions and the Justice Minister, while his lawyer argues it supports his reintegration into society.

England faced Argentina in their final match of the 2025 Autumn Nations Series, with Argentina coming off a strong performance after defeating Wales and Scotland earlier in the tournament. The match was anticipated as a key contest to conclude the series for both teams.