Author: France 24

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Egypt’s leader Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on Wednesday called for a ceasefire in Gaza and greater deliveries of humanitarian aid to the Palestinians, while signing cooperation agreements on trade and energy.

His first improvisation session was on the violin as a small child, but when Immanuel Wilkins switched to the saxophone, his musical destiny was sealed. His critically acclaimed début, “Omega”, was released in 2020 on the Blue Note label and in the four years since then, Wilkins has explored many different facets of jazz with his quartet. As he embarks upon a European tour, the musician tells us about exploring the Blues and its meaning for Black history and identity on his latest record. We also discuss the ritualistic power of music and sound.

For the first time since 2003, neither Argentina’s Lionel Messi nor Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo feature as nominees for the Ballon d’Or, while Olympic champions Spain and Champions League winners Real Madrid headline the list of players vying for football’s most prestigious individual award.

Volkswagen’s management went head to head with some 25,000 employees as leaders defended planned cost cuts that include possible plant closures in Germany and the end to a longrunning job protection scheme. Unions say the threat is tantamount to a “declaration of bankturptcy”.  But first, China rolled out the red carpet to dozens of African leaders as it kicked off the ninth edition of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. 

Are the gloves off in Israel? After the October 7th attack by Hamas, the nation put aside bitter differences. But after the killing of six Israeli hostages, cue the biggest protests since last year’s attempted judicial overhaul by Binyamin Netanyahu’s hard right government. Demonstrators accuse the prime minister of piling on demands to extend a war that has become his ticket to staying in power. 

Showcasing upcoming movies starring Daniel Craig, Tilda Swinton, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt and George Clooney, there’s a generous dose of Hollywood glamour at this year’s Venice Film festival. Film critic Emma Jones brings us the latest from La Serenissima, and flags up some of the major new releases which could be in the running for the top prize: the Golden Lion.

More than 20 years ago, a study significantly changed the perception of hormonal treatment for menopause, pointing to increased risks of breast cancer or cardiovascular diseases. But today, new data has transformed the dominant view on how to treat the many symptoms of menopause. FRANCE 24’s Julia Sieger tells us more.

Lebanon’s former central bank governor, Riad Salameh, has been arrested in Beirut. Once lauded for reviving the country’s economy after the civil war, Salameh’s later years in office were marred by allegations of financial crimes including embezzlement and money laundering.  Plus, the trial against Martin Winterkorn, the former CEO of Volkswagen, has begun nine years after the “Dieselgate” emissions cheating scandal sent shockwaves through the global auto industry. 

Lebanon’s former central bank governor, Riad Salameh, was arrested on Tuesday following a judicial hearing in the capital Beirut. Salameh has been charged in Lebanon with financial crimes including money-laundering, embezzlement and illicit enrichment. He has denied all wrongdoing. 

On today’s arts24 music show, Jennifer Ben Brahim chats with Thibaut de Longeville, director of the award-winning documentary series “DJ Mehdi: Made in France”. The French-Tunisian producer was one of the rare musicians to unite the worlds of hip-hop and electro as well as being synonymous with the Ed Banger label – the pioneers of the “French Touch” movement. DJ Mehdi passed away in September 2011 after a tragic accident; he was only 34 years old. The six-part documentary series weaves together archival footage, first-hand accounts from loved ones and musicians to form a rich tapestry that was the life…