PRESS REVIEW – Monday, August 25: French politics is in turmoil as Prime Minister François Bayrou faces calls for a general strike and no-confidence motions. Also, US President Donald Trump's plan to send troops to Baltimore, Chicago and New York creates outrage. In the UK, the rise of far-right protests raises questions about the meaning of the English flag. Finally, the Notting Hill Carnival fills London's streets with bright colours.
François Bayrou is facing an uncertain few weeks as France's four main left-wing parties have called for a general strike, and a block of his budget plan. Libération reports that the France Unbowed party has also vowed to file a motion of no-confidence against the prime minister. For right-leaning Le Figaro, it's all or nothing for Bayrou if he wants to save his premiership. Les Echos argues that Bayrou has no choice but to put his job on the line. It adds that the "block everything" slogan might not resonate with most French people, which could play to Bayrou's advantage. Le Parisien, meanwhile, has an analysis piece focusing on Bayrou's plan to get rid of two national holidays, an idea that is deeply unpopular.
In the US, Donald Trump's plan to expand the military's presence in a number of cities is getting a lot of coverage. PBS says that after Maryland's governor invited Trump for a tour of Baltimore, Trump said he might send in the troops instead. The president has now pledged to send troops to Baltimore, Chicago and New York. Politico reports that the governor of Maryland, Wes Moore, has accused the president of using scare tactics. The Washington Post says that the Pentagon has been planning military deployment in Chicago for weeks. The Chicago Tribune looks at the responses of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois governor JB Pritzker.
Fresh protests over the use of hotels for housing asylum seekers took place in several cities in the UK this weekend, as well as counter-protests and anti-racism marches. FRANCE 24 reports that the government has since announced plans to reform the asylum appeals process. The Guardian has an opinion piece by John Harris, who argues that English flags have become tokens of prejudice, not pride. The Observer traces how local councils have responded to the flags, depending on the dominant party in the area. The Telegraph, meanwhile, focuses on one man who has decided to take advantage of the flag removals.
Finally, it's not all doom and gloom in the UK, as the Notting Hill Carnival is in full swing in London.
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