French politician; General Secretary of Renaissance since 2024; formerly prime minister
Attal has kept a busy campaign schedule through the August holidays, aiming to close the gap with rival Edouard Philippe as France heads toward the 2027 vote. Other candidates slow down, prioritising rest for voters; Attal seeks to show determination and win over voters one by one.
France is heading toward a tightly contested 2027 presidential race. Marine Le Pen leads first-round polls while the left remains fractured. Centre-left candidates push to unite; a crowded field risks splitting the vote ahead of a potential runoff.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage signs a memorandum of understanding with France's National Rally leader Jordan Bardella, pledging closer cooperation on stopping migrant boats. The document, described as “legalese” by Farage, is non-binding and aims to disrupt smuggling networks with France’s help if their parties gain power. Critics call it a stunt; supporters say it signals a tougher border stance.
Eiffel Tower staff have walked out after female employees were asked to leave posts and be replaced during a private Saturday visit by a delegation from the Hindu group BAPS. Tower management has apologised, opened an internal inquiry and the monument has reopened; BAPS has apologised and denied anyone was refused access.
Britain has announced a National Centre for Information Defence to detect, attribute and disrupt AI-enabled disinformation campaigns. The move follows a UN address by Prime Minister Burnham warning of an industrial-scale information assault and calls for closer cooperation with tech platforms and allies. The effort aims to shield the UK from foreign interference and bolster national resilience.
Pope Leo XIV has completed the second day of a four‑day visit to France, drawing hundreds of thousands to an outdoor Mass on the Champs‑Élysées and meeting pilgrims in Lourdes. He has met President Emmanuel Macron, warned about AI and is scheduled to meet abuse survivors in Lourdes and migrants in Paris.
Raphaël Glucksmann has consolidated a strong first-round win in the centre-left primary, prompting him to mobilise the divided left ahead of the 2027 presidential contest. He vows to defeat the far right and to unite supporters around a reformist, pro-European platform.