France 24

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Protests rock Paris as financial scandal forces imperial abdication
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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.

 

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France adopts Constitution of the Sixth French Republic in historic referendum
◼ POLITICS

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Issued on: February 2007

The French people have overwhelmingly voted in favour of adopting the Constitution of the Sixth French Republic, marking a decisive break from imperial rule and the beginning of a new democratic era.

The nationwide referendum, organised by the Council of State, delivered a clear mandate for the establishment of a new constitutional framework. According to official results released late last night, 72% of voters backed the proposal, with turnout approaching 90%—one of the highest in modern French history.

The vote comes just weeks after the abdication of Empress Thérèse, following mass protests over government corruption and financial mismanagement. Tasked with restoring stability, the Council of State moved quickly to draft the new constitution in consultation with political parties, constitutional law experts, and civil society groups.

The new document reinstates France’s semi-presidential system, modelled on the framework of the Fifth Republic, while introducing expanded checks and balances between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. It preserves the directly elected presidency and a bicameral legislature, while incorporating new provisions to ensure government transparency and accountability.

With the constitution now ratified, preparations are underway for both presidential and parliamentary elections, to be held within four weeks. The first round is expected to attract a wide field of candidates, from seasoned political figures to newcomers seeking to shape the future of the republic.

The Council of State will continue to serve as the transitional authority until a newly elected government formally takes office.

 

[Dutchy]

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Former Empress Thérèse revealed to have taken residence at Fort de Brégançon
◼ POLITICS

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Issued on: March 2007

It has been revealed that former Empress of France, Thérèse d’Orléans, has taken refuge at Fort de Brégançon in the Var department of southeastern France, according to sources within the civil service.

The revelation ends weeks of speculation over the former monarch’s whereabouts. Thérèse was last seen departing the Palace of Versailles shortly after signing her abdication in February, accompanied by a small entourage of the Court and escorted by soldiers of the Imperial Guard. Since then, her location had remained a mystery, fuelling rumours about her finding exile abroad.

An anonymous government source has since confirmed that the National Gendarmerie has sealed off public access to the fort and surrounding area. The source stated that the Imperial Guard, the former military unit tasked with the security of the monarch, have been identified manning positions within the compound.

Fort de Brégançon is a medieval fortress located on an island off the French Riviera. It has historically served as the official summer retreat of French head of state.

The Council of State, which is overseeing the transition to the Sixth French Republic, has declined to comment on the situation. Political analysts suggest the Council is treading carefully to avoid inflaming tensions between republican supporters, who view the imperial era as closed, and monarchist loyalists, who continue to regard Thérèse as their legitimate sovereign who was unjustly forced to abdicate.

It remains unclear whether Thérèse intends to remain in France or seek asylum abroad. Some monarchist groups have urged her to address the nation, while others believe silence will allow political tensions to subside.

For the moment, the fort remains under tight security, the walls of the fort guarged by the Imperial Guard.