France

The economy shows strain from the Middle East conflict, with Hermès shares tumbling due to weakened luxury demand. French firms pursue international energy and transport deals, as TotalEnergies discovers hydrocarbons in Congo and a French-owned container ship transits the Strait of Hormuz.

• 12French-owned container ship passes through Strait of Hormuz
• 8French high-speed train crashes into military truck, killing driver
• 7TotalEnergies Sees Q1 Profit Surge on High Prices, Strong Trading - Crude Oil Prices Today
• 6Airbus misses profit estimates as deliveries slow amid engine crunch
• 5Macron says no fuel shortage amid Middle East war, pushes for shared EU debt

Macron is leading a concerted diplomatic campaign to secure the Strait of Hormuz, announcing a coalition of over 15 countries and co-hosting talks with the UK. His foreign policy is defined by public criticism of Trump's stance on NATO and Iran, alongside high-profile meetings with the Pope and in Japan.

• 23Macron criticizes Trump's NATO and Iran comments as unrealistic
• 18Macron bands Trump with Putin, Xi as ‘dead against’ Europe - The Straits Times
• 17European leaders hold crisis talks on Strait of Hormuz security
• 16Macron says over 15 countries plan to secure Strait of Hormuz access
• 15Will Elon Musk appear before the French courts?

Security posture is defined by external military preparedness and internal legal reckoning. The military chief cites possible war with Russia as a primary concern, while the state tests its mobile corps command. Domestically, Lafarge is convicted of financing terrorism in Syria, and Paris security is ramped up after a foiled attack.

• 16French cement firm Lafarge convicted of financing terrorism in Syria
• 11France ramps up Paris security after foiled attack on US bank
• 9French, Japanese and Omani naval vessels cross Strait of Hormuz
• 8Second French soldier dies from wounds sustained in Lebanon
• 7French government seeking release of 86-year-old French widow detained by ICE

Societal tension revolves around migration and its lethal risks, with four migrants dying in northern France while attempting a Channel crossing. The information space is saturated with global misinformation, but domestic activism persists, as seen with boats from Marseille setting sail for a Gaza aid flotilla.

• 5Global press freedom falls to lowest level in 25 years, RSF warns
• 5Kanye West postpones Marseille concert amid antisemitism backlash
• 4Posts target popular Malaysian biscuit brand with false non-halal claim - AFP Fact Check
• 4Old Philippine earthquake video falsely shared as recent Indonesia quake - AFP Fact Check
• 4'Gaza, Marseille is with you!': French boats set sail to join international aid flotilla