Author: France 24

The controversy between Cristiano Ronaldo and Jorge Jesus continues, following the lengthy statement released by the forward on Tuesday. Ronaldo explained his decision to leave the Portugal squad and accused his coach of breaking his word. The affair dominated the headlines in the Portuguese press, overshadowing Portugal’s four Nations League victories. The media are questioning his future while Ronaldo insists he wants to continue playing for the Seleçao.

A top official with the World Health Organization said Wednesday it doesn’t know how a lab worker in Siberia died, and she urged Russia to provide more information about a case that prompted global concerns about suspected pneumonic plague. FRANCE 24’s Monte Francis reports.

French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has tried to calm both student protesters and jittery bond markets. In an address to the nation, Lecornu stressed that the education ministry had not seen any cuts in last week’s budget proposal, but insisted the government must cut its public deficit to 5%. There are growing concerns about France’s spending and debt, with the IMF urging the country to “get your house in order.” Lecornu also confirmed the release of 10 million barrels of diesel fuel. 

“The terrorists pulled us out through the window. They handcuffed me and pushed us into a car that they had brought from Gaza.” Former Israeli hostage Shoshan Haran speaks to France 24.

Paris is once again the centre of planet fashion, as the spring-summer 2027 collections take over the catwalks. Simon Moritz takes us through the big hitters, starting with Matthieu Blazy’s exploration of the different women who made up Gabrielle Chanel, as he goes from strength to strength at the prestigious fashion house. We also discuss the comings and goings at YSL, Balenciaga and Dior, and meet Lithuanian designer Juozas Statkevicius as he puts his national heritage in the spotlight.

Lionel Messi played his final match for Argentina, a 3-0 victory over Benin. A full tribute was paid to him before and after the match.

Protests have been gripping France with students demanding better learning conditions and more equal opportunities. The education ministry is among the few that have been granted an increase in next year’s draft budgets, but critics say it still doesn’t catch up with inflation.  We take a closer look.  Plus, OpenAI has apologised to Australia over its handling of government website hacks by a rogue AI agent in June. 

In an interview with FRANCE 24, Israeli former hostage Shoshan Haran said “we were naive” about Hamas before the October 7, 2023 attack on her kibbutz. Held in Gaza for 50 days, she recalled refusing to “show weakness” to her captors. She also called the accusations of genocide against Israel “a lie” and shared her late husband’s last words.

The Nobel medicine prize was awarded Monday to US psychiatrist and neurologist Karl Deisseroth and German scientists Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel for their pioneering work in the neuroscience field of optogenetics. In optogenetics, scientists control neurones by stimulating them with light — potentially unlocking breakthroughs for conditions such as dementia, depression and blindness. FRANCE 24’s Monte Francis reports.

Despite being behind at halftime, France scored four goals in 15 minutes to defeat Belgium (4-1). Thanks to this win, France are first in Group 1 after four matches.