Author: France 24

Locals in Buenos Aires have voiced support for the Argentine men’s football team after players held up a banner declaring sovereignity over the disputed Falkland Islands after their World Cup semi-final victory over England on Wednesday. Britain has called for FIFA to investigate the incident.

The United States will slap 25 percent tariffs on some Brazilian goods starting July 22 following a yearlong investigation under the Trade Act of 1974. The probe concluded that Brazil engaged in unfair trade practices. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva condemned the move, saying it was politically motivated to favour his rival for upcoming elections, Flavio Bolsonaro. Also in this edition, we look at the Japanese firm trying to bring back 1980’s style corporate culture.

His blossoming, botanical and flowing forms recall the life cycles of plants and humans. Designer Ali Zalzali tells FRANCE 24 about creating his first couture collection, ‘Natura Morta’ and the evocative short film he made to conjure up the universe of these hand-crafted pieces. 

The US and Iran have rekindled their tit-for-tat strikes as both battle over control of the Strait of Hormuz. It comes a month after a preliminary deal was signed to end the conflict. Kuwait and Bahrain faced renewed aerial attacks from Iran, with Theran saying it was targeting US military bases in the Gulf. But how long can that conflict last? FRANCE 24’s Angela Diffley tells us more.

France on Wednesday moved closer to joining the ranks of countries that guarantee the right to assisted dying, a move championed by President Emmanuel Macron. Macron had promised an assisted dying law when he was re-elected for a second term in 2022, in a change seen as one of the most important social reforms since France allowed same-sex marriage in 2012. If the country’s highest constitutional authority approves the legislation, France will join the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland and Canada in legalising assisted dying.

With his voice still shaking after Argentina’s stunning comeback against England, Albiceleste striker Lautaro Martinez described his side’s journey as “incredible.” The reigning World Cup champions will now look to defend their crown against Spain on Sunday night. It sets up a mouthwatering clash between the timeless Lionel Messi and Spain’s sensational prodigy Lamine Yamal, as Argentina chase a historic fourth star for their jersey.

Official data released on Wednesday shows China’s GDP grew 4.3 percent in the second quarter, compared to a year prior. The last time quarterly growth was that weak was in late 2022, when China was feeling the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Slow consumer demand, despite a surge in exports, helps explain the slowdown. Also in this edition, Gibraltar’s business community breathes a sigh of relief as the physical border between the British overseas territory and Spain is removed.

In this edition, Critic Emma Jones tells us why Christopher Nolan’s take on the Greek epic was worth the wait – and the eye-watering budget – and how the themes of this ancient story still speak to contemporary audiences. The all-star cast includes Matt Damon as a world-weary Odysseus, Anne Hathaway embodies a very patient Penelope and Lupita Nyong’O plays both Helen of Troy and her twin sister Clytemnestra. 

President Donald Trump on Tuesday reimposed a naval blockade of all Iranian ports and threatened to hit power plants and bridges next week unless Tehran resumes negotiations, in the latest U.S. escalation of the conflict.

At least 30 people have now been confirmed dead in a blaze that engulfed a bar in northern Bangkok in the early hours of Monday morning. 27 victims have been formally identified, with authorities still working to confirm the identities of the remaining three. Meanwhile, forensic investigators are seeking to establish the cause of the blaze, with the bar agreeing to comply with an investigation into alleged negligence. Story by Camille Corcoran.