In December 2019, people took to the streets of large cities all over France to protest the pension reform proposed by Prime Minister Édouard Philippe.

Buddhist monks and other Tibetans protest against Chinese rule while their spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, continues his exile in India. The topic of Tibet was a sore point for China as it prepared to host the Summer Olympics.

Peaceful student demonstrations were marred by the intrusion of young rioters, non-students who joined in and caused mayhem and violence. Now the student organizers have accepted the aid of union members and are working together to keep the march safe.

Une autre manifestation dans les rues de Paris: celle-ci à cause des difficultés à obtenir un permis de conduire. Le coût exorbitant d’un permis est actuellement d’environ 1200€ en France, et les candidats font face à une longue attente, d’au minimum plusieurs mois, juste pour pouvoir passer l’examen. Augmenter le nombre d’inspecteurs de conduite automobile aiderait à écourter ces délais en même temps qu’à diminuer le coût du permis.

Sophie and Patrice discuss the retirement reforms in France and the mass protests opposing them. They also explain the role of President Macron in this controversial situation.

Take a walk with Dominique de Villepin, during the latter part of his term as France's Prime Minister, through Marseilles in the south of France.