The editorial staff of “Libération” summarizes the main news of the day of Monday, December 23
Every evening, the editorial staff of Libé selects the news of the day that should not be missed in France and the rest of the world.
Valls, Borne, Darmanin: the government of ghosts of François Bayrou
François Bayrou's new team, announced this Monday evening on the steps of the Elysée, includes many figures from the macronie. Starting with former Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne, who inherits National Education. Formerly at Labor and the Interior, Gérald Darmanin is this time at the head of Justice. This is the big surprise on the list: former Prime Minister Manuel Valls has been appointed head of the Overseas Ministry. Shortly before the announcement on the steps of the Elysée, Xavier Bertrand had made it known that he would not appear in the new team, refusing to “participate in a government of France formed with the approval of Marine Le Pen”. The first Council of Ministers of the Bayrou government will be held on January 3, indicated the Elysée this Monday. Find the essential political news here.
An “extraordinary surge of generosity”: after Cyclone Chido, donations for Mayotte soar
For ten days, donations to associations and foundations have been pouring in from individuals and communities. The Fondation de France announces Liberation having already received more than 20 million euros. Contacted by Liberationthe Association of Mayors of France (AMF) speaks for its part of a “promise of donations of one million euros” voted by the municipalities “in less than a week to civil protection and the Red Cross”. But this figure does not take into account the numerous donations from cities to the Fondation de France (FDF). More information here.
Jamilah Habsaoui affair: the mayor of Avallon is no longer indicted and is given the status of assisted witness
She is not completely out of the woods, but the nightmare is gradually fading away for Jamilah Habsaoui. The mayor of Avallon is no longer indicted in the affair which shook this town of 6,000 people on the borders of Yonne at the beginning of April, according to information from France 3 this Monday, December 23. At the time, searches carried out by the police, carried out in particular within the family home, had notably led to the seizure of 70 kg of cannabis resin and 983 grams of cocaine, as well as 7,143 euros in cash and two ingots of gold. A preliminary investigation launched in October 2023 for drug trafficking implicated two brothers of Jamilah Habsaoui as being able to engage in the purchase and resale of narcotics from their sister's home. More information here.
In Romania, a new government to face Russia and the far right
This Monday, December 23, the new government was announced in Romania. After three weeks of negotiations, the two large traditional parties of the PSD (social democratic) and the PNL (liberal) agreed to govern alongside the Hungarian minority party (UDMR), with the support of deputies representing other minorities of the country. Together, they control 54% of the seats in Parliament, renewed on December 1 in the middle of the Georgescu storm. Most of the opposition is made up of the far right, divided into three groups which represent more than a third of the elected representatives. More information here.
In New York, Luigi Mangione plaide non coupable
Luigi Mangione appeared in New York criminal court this Monday, December 23, handcuffed, a metal chain around his waist, with his white shirt collar sticking out from his burgundy sweatshirt. And, in front of the New York courts, the 26-year-old man clearly released these two words, in reaction to the charges of murder as a “terrorist” act of which he is targeted: “Not guilty”. He is accused of having shot and killed Brian Thompson, the CEO of the country's largest private health insurer, UnitedHealthcare, on December 4 in New York. Our article.
Also read on Libération.fr
In Idlib, showcase of the Islamist group HTS in Syria: “They represent the best of the worst, or the worst of the best”
The northwestern province of Syria is led by the Hayat-Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) movement, now in power since 2017. Without being democratic, it has managed to restore a semblance of normal life there, by working on return of electricity and by being conciliatory with minorities. Our report.
For Judith Godrèche, the costly consequences of her speaking out: “A loss which is confirmed a little more every day”
The actress, who accuses filmmakers Benoît Jacquot and Jacques Doillon of rape, explained this Monday on France Inter, suffering “every day” the fallout from his remarks. In the process of adapting a book by Annie Ernaux, the director fears not being able to finance her next film. Our article.
Sexual harassment: American actress Blake Lively files complaint against director Justin Baldoni, co-star of the film “It Ends With Us”
Actress Blake Lively filed a complaint against director Justin Baldoni on Friday, December 20. Together, they starred in the film It Ends With Us, released in August 2024. Blake Lively accuses the director and actor of having repeatedly violated the physical limits that she claims to have set, as well as of having made inappropriate comments. Finally, she accuses him of having orchestrated a campaign aimed at damaging her reputation during the promotion of the film. Our article.
