Nicolas Sarkozy convicted of illegal campaign financing in failed 2012 re-election bid

French authorities have arrested four individuals, including members of the pro-Russia SOS Donbass group, on charges of espionage for a foreign power. The group's founder, a dual French-Russian national, was among those detained as part of an investigation into intelligence-gathering activities. This operation highlights ongoing concerns regarding foreign influence in France.

France is set to announce the revival of military service, now on a voluntary basis, as part of a broader effort to enhance its military capabilities amid rising security concerns, particularly regarding Russia. President Emmanuel Macron is expected to detail this initiative, which marks a significant shift nearly 30 years after the end of conscription.

The Paris court has postponed the hearing regarding the French government's request to suspend the Chinese online platform Shein for three months. This request stems from concerns over the sale of controversial items, including childlike sex dolls and banned weapons, with the new hearing date set for December 5.

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy's conviction for illegal campaign financing has been upheld by France's highest court, resulting in a six-month prison term with an electronic bracelet and an additional six months suspended. This ruling confirms the legal consequences stemming from his 2012 re-election bid, which was marred by financial misconduct.

France's top court has upheld the conviction of former President Nicolas Sarkozy for illegal campaign financing related to his 2012 reelection bid, confirming a one-year prison sentence, half of which is suspended. This ruling finalizes the legal consequences stemming from the Bygmalion case, where Sarkozy was found guilty of overspending on his campaign.

France is set to revive military conscription in a new voluntary format as part of efforts to strengthen national defense amid rising security concerns, particularly regarding Russia. This initiative aims to attract young volunteers for military service, reflecting a shift from the traditional model of mandatory conscription that has been dormant for years.

The Paris court has postponed the hearing regarding the French government's request to suspend the Chinese online platform Shein for three months due to its sale of controversial items, including childlike sex dolls and banned weapons, now scheduled for December 5.

France is seeking a three-month suspension of Shein's operations after the discovery of childlike sex dolls and banned weapons being sold on the platform. This request was made to a Paris judge, highlighting ongoing concerns about the nature of products available through the ultra-fast fashion retailer. Shein has already closed its third-party marketplace in France as of November 5, but its main site remains operational.