Author: France 24

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.

The French team were defeated by Spain (2–0) in the World Cup semi-final. France’s dream of reaching a third consecutive final – a feat achieved by only two other nations before them – has come to an end.

Crude oil prices surge as renewed US-Iran strikes fuel market fears. In France, real-estate agents say property buyers are changing priorities as heatwaves become more frequent. And Cuba suffers another nationwide blackout amid the impact of US sanctions.

New Zealand actor Sam Neill, known for his roles in “Jurassic Park” and “The Piano”, has died aged 78. Neill had announced in April that he was cancer-free after undergoing treatment for stage-three ​blood cancer. Tributes are flowing in for the star, including from New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon who said Neill was “one of the greats”. Story by Carys Garland.

A serious escalation is occurring in the fighting between the US and Iran. Overnight and into this morning, the American military targeted sites across the Islamic Republic – while Iran fired ballistic missiles at US airbases in Jordan and Bahrain. There has been an escalation in the war of words too: President Donald Trump vowed to reinstate an American blockade of Iranian ports and charge ships for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Details and analysis by Scott Lucas, professor of US and international politics at the Clinton Institute of University College Dublin.