Le Monde

[Oceania]

BREAKING: Unemployment reaches 15% as government promises support
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PARIS- The latest figures by INSEE, the French statistics bureau, has reported that unemployment has reached 15.26%. This comes a few months before municipal elections, and at a time when the Socialist coalition is increasingly unpopular, and the Senate grinds to a halt with little business passed.

Protests have erupted in Paris, while the Ministry of the Economy announced a 500 million franc support package. A press conference is being scheduled to respond to the economic crisis.

 

[Oceania]

President Chirac in press conference, as working class reaches breaking point

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PARIS- President Jacques Chirac has responded to questions from the French press, as the unemployment rate reaches 15%.

The Bank of France has raised interest rates, while FNME, the trade union representing miners and energy workers, has supported a strike.

In the press conference, when asked about the strike, Chirac said that it was "regrettable", but that "We will do everything we can to stop them from striking, and will support everybody affected by this crisis."

The crisis is believed to have been caused by the Prime Minister's policies in cutting back welfare, in order to reduce the budget deficit. Chirac has given his full support to his Prime Minister, as the Welfare Policy Bill reaches the Joint Mediation Committee, as customary for all bills. The committee is a bipartisan committee, and it is expected that many compromises will have to be made in light of the crisis.

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[Oceania]

Bank of France declares financial emergency

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PARIS- The Governor of the Bank of France has declared a special financial emergency, as interest rates reach 18% and are expected to climb higher.

President Chirac has authorised the government to "use any measures necessary" to maintain the French economy. Meanwhile, questions are being raised at the increased military spending launched by Chirac's government, which has hampered the French budget. The Ministry of Defence has refused to release information on their spending.

The French CRS, the reservists of the National Police, have been seen in Paris as protests against the government get more violent, and spread to Marseille and other major left-leaning cities.

More information is likely to be released shortly.

 

[Oceania]

Blackouts 'likely' as energy workers go on strike
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PARIS- The government has confirmed that blackouts are likely from June as energy workers begin their strike. France is dependent on nuclear power, which will shut down in days.

President Chirac has committed to going to Canada, despite the turmoil back home. Energy is likely to be on the table, as France looks to oil and other energy providers.

The French National Police has detained 14 protests- 9 in Paris, 3 in Marseille and 2 in Bordeaux- as an emergency meeting of the French Council of Ministers is called to discuss the situation. Martial law is being considered, sources close to Chirac say.

 

[Oceania]

BREAKING: State of emergency declared
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PARIS- President Chirac, currently en route to Canada, has declared a state of emergency under Article 16 of the Constitution. The Constitutional Council has confirmed the decision as the National Police has announced 15,000 officers will be deployed.

A statement by the President is expected.

More information to come shortly.

 

[Oceania]

Statement by the President on the state of emergency

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"Good morning, citizens of France.

The crisis in the Republic has destroyed every institution of France. We have tried every measure short of this. We have tried to stop the country spiral into the chaos it is in now. But we have failed. I take responsibility for this. But I will explain my actions, and I will tell you why I am doing this.

I have always supported the trade unions. I cannot see why they would want to put another nail in our coffin, nor why they would strike against me, the Socialist President of France! I will ensure that your energy demands are met this summer, as the miners decide to abandon the ship.

The plan to cut back welfare has been attacked from all sides. But it is the right plan, and I stand behind my Prime Minister. If we balance the budget now, we can ensure a larger, better, more comprehensive welfare plan later on, and that is what we all want.

I am now on a plane to Canada. People say I am abandoning them. I say I am securing the best deal for France, and indeed, the world.

Who will pay for your energy? The government. Who is protecting your property from riots? The government. And who do you blame? The government. If you truly want things to get better, stand beside us, not with a gun to our head.

Citizens, we face a grave threat, a threat that we can destroy, if we are united. Do not divide us. Long live the Republic, and long live France."

 

[Oceania]

BREAKING: Blackouts officially declared in parts of France
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PARIS- Blackouts have been declared by the Ministry of the Interior, beginning in one week, in all parts of Aquitaine. The Prefect of Aquitaine has acknowledged the blackout and has requested national funds for sustainable energy projects.

This is a breaking story; stay with us.

 

[Oceania]

Welfare-cutting bill fails in Senate

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A bill that would cut welfare programs to balance the budget, widely considered the cause of the economic crisis, has failed in the Senate.

President Chirac ordered it to be expedited as a matter of urgency, but even so, 7 of his own Socialist Senators have voted against the bill. A statement by the Presidential Office said that 'We regret that the bill has failed, but we remain committed to balancing the budget and creating a fairer, better future for all.'

 

[Oceania]

Charles de Gaulle airport to close down, as protests increase​

PARIS- Charles de Gaulle Airport will close down for three months, from April to July, as fuel for aircraft has failed to meet demand.

In an official statement by the Ministry of Transport, the Minister said that:

"We regret to announce that Charles de Gaulle International Airport will close down from April to July. This is because of a shortage of aircraft fuel. We are working hard to bring it back up.

This does not affect any other airports, as their demand for fuel is lower and many airlines have already moved out of France.

We are sorry for any inconvenience caused."
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In other news, protests have increased across France, as the National Police reports 86 today, up from 72 yesterday. Arrests have also increased, from 107 to 159.

Other trade unions have also announced referendums on strikes. The most significant of these is SIPN, the uniformed police trade union.

 

[Oceania]

Tensions between PM and President, sources say​

PARIS- Tensions between President Chirac and Prime Minister Juppe are showing, sources close to the government say.

Some say that the Prime Minister could be dismissed soon, as his flagship welfare bill fails with opposition from his own Senators, and President Chirac is taking most of the blame for the crisis. The budget remains as a deficit due to no compromises being made between Chirac's conservatives and Juppe's socialists. Furthermore, the fact that they are from a different party has caused tensions in trying to respond to the crisis, with Juppe often persuading Chirac to support the trade unions.

As cracks begin to show, Nicolas Sarkozy, the Secretary of RPR, Chirac's own party, is being touted as a possible successor to Juppe.

 

[Oceania]

BREAKING: PM fired, replaced by Sarkozy

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PARIS- Prime Minister Alain Juppe has been dismissed by President Chirac, after the Prime Minister's welfare-cutting bill failed, and the government lost control of Parliament. He has been replaced by Nicolas Sarkozy, an ally of Chirac. It is expected that the government can work more efficiently with a Cabinet of the same party.

The Interior, Finance, Foreign and Defence Ministers have agreed to stay on as members of the new Cabinet, for the safety and security of France.

Sarkozy has just left the Elysée Palace, which is under guard by French soldiers, as the riots die down and French police begin to retake control of Paris. The new Prime Minister has authorised the deployment of more soldiers into Paris.