France 24

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[Dutchy]

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Protests rock Paris as financial scandal forces imperial abdication
◼ POLITICS

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Issued on: February 2007

Her Imperial Majesty Thérèse, Empress of the French, has dismissed her government and formally abdicated the throne, according to an official proclamation released earlier today.

The announcement follows weeks of mounting unrest that has gripped cities across France, as public outrage over systemic financial mismanagement within the Imperial Government reached a boiling point. What began as small-scale demonstrations in Paris over opaque budgetary practices and an ever-increasing national debt quickly grew into a nationwide protest movement demanding accountability, transparency, and ultimately, regime change. Leaked internal audits, whistleblower testimonies, and investigative reports had revealed extensive irregularities in government finances. Despite initial attempts by Versailles to downplay the revelations, pressure from civil society continued to build.

Last week, protesters numbering in the hundreds of thousands flooded the streets of Paris, Bordeaux, Marseille, and Lyon. Clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement were reported near major government buildings and outside the gates of the Château de Versailles. Amid growing fears of a national crisis, key ministers began resigning from their posts. Faced with a collapsing government and waning legitimacy, Empress Thérèse signed an imperial edict announcing her abdication, marking the end of the French Empire and paving the way for a democratic transition.

The Council of State has been appointed to oversee the transitional period. In its first public address, the Council pledged to “uphold the sovereign will of the people” and to restore democratic order through a transparent and inclusive constitutional process. A draft constitution for the Sixth French Republic is currently being drafted, with a public referendum scheduled to be held next month. If approved, this will be followed by elections for a parliament and a president.

The whereabouts of former Empress Thérèse remain unknown. She was last seen leaving the Château de Versailles late Monday evening, accompanied by a contingent of the Imperial Guard. Palace sources have remained silent, and no further public statements have been issued by the former monarch or her close advisors. Several prominent members of the Imperial Court have reportedly been detained or are under investigation.

For many, the abdication marks not only the end of an imperial era, but a profound shift in the political future of France. While monarchist factions continue to call for the preservation of certain ceremonial traditions, the popular mood appears firmly in favour of republican reform. As France enters this uncertain but hopeful new chapter, all eyes are on the French people to determine what kind of republic will rise from the ashes of empire.