By Marco Hugo Barsotti MHB Welcome to the bulletin of Francia Oggi and Centrale Milano for Wednesday 29 July 2026, on FranciaOggi.com, in podcasting, via AI chatbot and on Medium Waves at 1575 kHz. In the newsroom in Nice Marco Hugo Barsotti, from Paris Rachel Costa.
Fires in France: who are the arsonists arrested? – Why does Prime Minister Lecornu urge French banks to grant loans to Le Pen? – Weather Paris Milan Monte Carlo
News from France
Profiles of those arrested for forest fires in France since 6 July: among addictions, mental disorders and young volunteers
Since 6 July, French authorities have recorded 184 arrests for starting vegetation fires, the Interior Minister announced. Of these, five people have been sentenced to custodial imprisonment and fifteen are in provisional custody awaiting trial. In the summer months, the blazes have destroyed thousands of hectares of forest and Mediterranean scrub, revealing a predominant profile of male subjects, often young, with histories of addiction or psychological disorders.
Among the first judged cases, a 40‑year‑old man was sentenced to three years in prison, including two years of pre‑trial detention, for three fires in the Vosges forest of Raon‑L’Étape. Investigations revealed that the offender had taken refuge in the woods to facilitate withdrawal from drug addiction and, on the night of 14–15 July, set grass alight to make his “bed more comfortable”. Pyrophilia was not diagnosed, but the attending psychiatrist noted a marked fascination with fire.
Other arrestees showed complex mental conditions: a 36‑year‑old autistic alcoholic was sentenced to eighteen months in prison, including six months of detention, for burning one hundred square metres of vegetation in Saint‑Estève using waste bags, aerosol and a lighter. A forty‑year‑old with dysphoric schizophrenia, resident in Normandy, was sentenced to three years in prison for setting fire to a two‑hectare wheat field and an agricultural warehouse. In both cases, the courts recognised an alteration of discernment at the time of the acts.
In the Var, a 23‑year‑old man was charged with “destruction by fire” and faces up to 15 years in prison, after being suspected of spreading large‑scale fires in Brignoles, Cabasse and Vins‑sur‑Caramy. Other convictions involve a forty‑year‑old from Var charged with voluntary arson, and a thirty‑year‑old from the Landes sentenced to four years, of which eighteen months are suspended, for lighting two fires with cigarette butts near Biscarrosse and for sexual violence against gendarmerie officers.
A striking aspect is the presence of young volunteer sapeur‑pompier among the defendants. In the dramatic case of the Fontainebleau forest, which burned over 2 000 ha in mid‑July, two 18‑year‑olds – a volunteer firefighter and a law student – were charged with deliberately lighting fire in two separate spots. Further investigations led to the indictment of a volunteer firefighter from Vendée, sentenced to three years’ imprisonment with suspension and permanently barred from firefighting activity.
Among minors, authorities recorded several cases. A 15‑year‑old boy from Var admitted accidentally causing a fire in the Valcros forest with an unextinguished cigarette and later burning 600 m² of vegetation with a lighter. The adolescent was referred to a juvenile judge and will undergo psychological treatment. Likewise, a 15‑year‑old was stopped in Gironde for setting shrubs near his placement centre on fire, and a seventeen‑year‑old from Ardèche must appear in court on 9 September for a fire that devastated 120 ha of forest and forced the evacuation of 67 people.
In summary, investigations show that most fire‑setters are men, often with addiction problems or psychiatric disorders, with a minority of young volunteer firefighters and few women involved. Authorities continue to search for perpetrators pending further trials, especially for minors, whose exact share of the 184 arrests has not yet been determined.
Note: the data come from French Interior Ministry communications, judicial sentences and investigative reports from franceinfo.
Fact Check by Gemma4
Why the Prime Minister is pushing French banks to grant a loan to Marine Le Pen for the presidential campaign
Sébastien Lecornu, Interior Minister, summoned the executives of the main French banks on 20 July at Matignon to urge them to finance the 2027 election campaigns, including that of the Rassemblement national candidate, who is currently struggling to obtain a mortgage in France. The meeting was made public only a few days later, underscoring the sensitivity of the topic.
The government’s stated goal is “to exclude foreign financial flows” from electoral campaigns. In the past, Marine Le Pen requested more than €9 million from a Russian bank in 2014 and, in 2022, obtained about €10 million from a Hungarian institution after national banks refused. Authorities want to guarantee, as with all candidates, access to French funds to ensure the regularity of the democratic process.
During the 20 July meeting, the government proposed creating an agreement among several banks, with the possibility that the State cover part of the default risk, reviving the concept of a “democracy bank” put forward by former Prime Minister François Bayrou. The initiative should be inserted into the autumn budget law, but many banks remain skeptical.
Banking institutions increasingly view lending to presidential candidates as risky. Daniel Baal, president of the French Banking Federation and Crédit mutuel, suggested that the State could guarantee the loans or provide advances. Regulations provide that candidates who obtain more than 5 % of the vote in the first round may be reimbursed by the State up to €8 million, or up to €10.7 million if they reach the second round, provided the accounts are approved by the National Campaign Accounts Commission (CNCCFP). However, past cases – such as Nicolas Sarkozy’s 2012 accounts being invalidated – show how uncertain the process can be.
Other political figures, like Valérie Pécresse in 2022, had to rely on private donations to settle debts, while Jean Lassalle launched an online fundraiser for his third presidential bid. According to Maya Atig of the FBF, banks operate on rational criteria, not on “heart‑felt” impulses.
The Rassemblement national is seeking a €10.7 million loan, but so far has received no response from French banks nor from those in Italy, Germany, Hungary or the United Kingdom. Kevin Pfeffer, the party treasurer, called the issue “a democratic question”. Daniel Baal stressed that private financing is insufficient for a presidential campaign, once again raising the question of what solution to adopt. Le Pen’s appeal‑court conviction for alleged misuse of public funds amounting to €2.8 million does not help increase banks’ reserves.
The Banking Federation shifted responsibility to the State, stating that the electoral role falls within the public interest and that it is up to the government to assess specific public measures for the election.
This article summarises recent discussions on campaign financing in France, with particular focus on Marine Le Pen’s case and the government’s role in facilitating access to bank credit.
Fact Check by Gemma4
Editorial by Rachel – The democracy loan in installments
I now read you my editorial of the day.
What a wonderful museum of absurdity we have before us: Prime Minister Lecornu, at a table with the big banks, launches the idea of a “democracy bank” to fund Marine Le Pen’s campaign. Isn’t it ironic that someone who has long been barred from national banking circuits now has to knock on the door of a state apparatus that proposes to save the country’s “financial sovereignty”? Rhetorical question: when the State becomes guarantor, who is really being saved?
Banks, those timid creatures of prudence, have already warned that lending to a candidate for power is riskier than an investment in cryptocurrencies. And we are here asking them to pretend not to see that behind the phrase “avoid foreign financing” lies the fear of having to rely on a Russian motorbike or a Hungarian account to keep the electoral machine alive. Isn’t that the greatest hypocrisy of the twenty‑first century?
The document never mentions the weight of the appeal‑court conviction for misappropriation of public funds, yet immediately afterwards talks about “state guarantee” as if it were a soft blanket for a good night’s sleep. Doesn’t it seem a bit like the government wants to turn a telenovela where Ecumenism is the new opposition party and the centre teeters between its own inconsistencies?
In short, we are faced with a farce where the Prime Minister plays the role of director of a “fantasy‑politics” film, with banks as reluctant actors and the audience… us, demanding just a bit of consistency. If democracy had a checking account, do you think it would be in the red or in the black?
Koan of the day
A monk asked the Master: “Why does the Prime Minister want to persuade banks to lend money to those who wish to lead the nation, if the risk is so high?”
The Master replied: “The real risk is not for the bank, but for the credibility of the one who promises to protect it; a guarantee that falls is louder than a silence.”
The monk persisted: “If the State becomes guarantor and the loan is then not repaid, who will pay the debt of democracy?”
The Master smiled and said: “Who pays is the one who believed democracy was a bank; reality reminds us that debts and promises have the bitter taste of universal truth. But let’s return to the news.
Wage increases hit the lowest level since 2021: average corporate increase rises only 2 % in 2026
According to the latest edition of the NAO (mandatory annual negotiations) survey carried out by Mercer France, French companies face an uncertain economic environment and are favouring more targeted raises to curb pay disparities. After a 4 % increase in 2024 and 2.5 % in 2025, the median envelope allocated to base salary increases in 2026 grew by just 2 %, the lowest figure recorded since 2021 and below the annual inflation rate.
The report reads that “in an always‑uncertain economic context, negotiations have slowed and the social climate remains tense, with 17 % of conflicts”. Sophie de Heer, head of compensation at Mercer France, added that the upcoming EU directive on pay transparency pushes French firms to concentrate raises on specific groups, aiming to reduce internal inequalities and comply with new regulations.
Statistics show that individual raises, mainly merit‑based and most common among executives, were granted to about 66 % of employees. However, their size remains lower than in the past three years, with a median of 1.80 % in 2025 and a slight decline in 2026. By contrast, general raises, mainly for non‑executives, sit at a median between 0.35 % and 0.38 %, also marking a downward trend.
Mercer stresses, however, that increasing the base salary is not the only tool used in NAOs. Companies are introducing complementary measures such as higher meal‑voucher values, revised profit‑sharing plans, exceptional bonuses and initiatives aimed at improving pay equity. Remote work remains widespread, with most firms offering two days of home‑office per week, accompanied by a €200 annual allowance.
Forecasts for 2027 indicate that, despite persistent difficulties, median envelopes could rise again, reaching a +2.5 % again. This uplift will depend on macro‑economic conditions and firms’ ability to balance cost‑containment needs with regulatory pressure and employee expectations.
The document is based on a survey conducted between October 2025 and March 2026 on a sample of 277 French companies, including listed firms, across various sectors and sizes, with responses gathered from HR managers and compensation specialists.
Fact Check by Gemma4
Welcome to the international bulletin from FranciaOggi and Radio Centrale Milano for Wednesday 29 July 2026 on FranciaOggi.com in podcasting and on Medium Waves at 1575 kHz.
From Paris this is Rachel Costa.
Washington and Riyadh strike Iraq, Iran attacks three tankers in the Strait of Hormuz
The United States armed forces, in collaboration with Saudi forces, launched air strikes against targets deemed linked to Iran‑backed groups in southern Iraq. In retaliation, Iran shot down three tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global oil trade. The escalation immediately pushed Brent prices higher, fueling fears of possible disruptions to world energy supplies.
International authorities are seeking to contain the crisis, with the United States warning of further action if Iran continues to threaten maritime navigation. Meanwhile, financial markets are watching the conflict’s evolution closely, fearing spill‑over effects on gas prices and global energy supply chains.
Iran launches missile attack against US forces in the Middle East
The United States Marine Corps was hit by a series of ballistic missiles launched by Iran, an episode that reignited regional tensions. The attack, occurring shortly after the joint air operations of Washington and Riyadh, prompted the Pentagon to declare the highest alert level. The event caused a sharp drop in energy stocks, with Brent crude briefly climbing above $90 per barrel again.
Analysts warn that the US response, though still restrained, could turn the crisis into a broader conflict, with potential repercussions for global markets and trade flows. Diplomatic officials from several countries are intensifying contacts to avoid an escalation spiral.
Fed decision awaited: will it keep rates steady or adjust them?
The market awaits the Federal Reserve’s decision, scheduled for Wednesday, with great anticipation. After months of restrictive policies to curb inflation, economists are split between those expecting rates to stay in the narrow band of 3.5 % to 3.75 % and those forecasting a slight hike to signal a stronger fight against price growth.
Investors are also watching employment data and household consumption, key factors for assessing the strength of the US economy. A possible shift in the Fed’s course could affect global equity markets, bond prices and capital flows to emerging economies.
Johnson & Johnson proposes $5.5 billion to settle talc lawsuits
The American pharmaceutical multinational announced a $5.5 billion settlement aimed at resolving thousands of legal cases linked to the use of talc in its products. The disputes, which raised concerns about the oncological safety of talc, involved consumers from several countries, including Italy. Although the agreement does not admit liability, it represents one of the largest medical‑litigation resolutions in recent years.
Shareholders welcomed the news with relief, as the prospect of further heavy compensation was seen as a risk to the company’s financial results. The deal should close the dispute chapter and allow Johnson & Johnson to focus its resources on new growth initiatives.
S&P 500 futures fall as oil rises after Iranian attack; Korean stock market crashes 8 %
The S&P 500 futures market recorded a slight decline in response to the surge in oil prices triggered by Iran’s attack on US forces. Brent topped $90 per barrel, raising fears of a negative impact on global production costs. At the same time, the Seoul exchange closed in the red with an 8 % loss, due to the strong exposure of its tech companies to energy prices and concerns over a geopolitical escalation.
Analysts note that volatility could persist as long as US‑Iran tensions remain unresolved. Investors are revisiting positions in sectors sensitive to energy costs, such as transportation and chemicals, while seeking refuge in more defensive assets.
Claude Code from Anthropic dominates market despite interest in open‑source models
The artificial‑intelligence model “Claude Code”, developed by Anthropic, remains the most used in code‑generation applications, surpassing both proprietary and open‑source competitors. The report published by The Information highlights that, despite growth of projects like Codex and other open‑source initiatives, Claude Code retains a dominant market share thanks to its ability to handle complex requests with greater accuracy.
AI experts stress that large enterprises’ trust in Anthropic’s security and transparency has fostered widespread adoption of the model. Meanwhile, debates over regulation of open‑source models continue to intensify, with authorities in various countries evaluating potential impacts on privacy and cybersecurity.
Trump and Zelensky in Washington: Ukraine and Iran wars intersect
The former US president received the Ukrainian president in Washington, during a meeting that coincided with escalating hostilities both in Ukraine and the Middle East. The two leaders discussed a possible increase in US military support to Ukraine, while also addressing Washington’s response to Iranian attacks on US forces. The meeting underscored the complexity of managing multiple concurrent conflicts without jeopardising strategic alliances.
International observers noted that the synergy between decisions on Ukraine and the Middle East could influence energy‑market dynamics, as sanctions on Iran and a potential escalation in Europe risk further pressure on gas and oil prices.
Apple overtakes Nvidia, regains top spot in global market capitalisation
The US technology giant Apple has once again reached a market capitalisation of $5 trillion, overtaking Nvidia, which had risen to the top a few weeks earlier. The jump was driven by strong Apple share performance, supported by steady growth in iPhone sales and digital services. The company is also benefiting from robust demand for its wearable devices and streaming services.
Analysts see the result as a signal of Apple’s ecosystem resilience, able to maintain investor confidence even in a market environment marked by geopolitical uncertainty and turbulence in AI and semiconductor sectors. Apple’s leadership reinforces the trend of concentrating investment in large‑cap technology stocks.
Weather Paris, Monaco Monte Carlo and Milan for Wednesday 29 July 2026
Paris – scorching sun and sweltering heat
In the Parisian morning the sky is clear, temperature around 22 °C and a light north wind at 10 km/h, with no sign of rain.
In the afternoon the oppressive heat takes over the city, with peaks of 39 °C and stronger winds, 15 km/h with gusts up to 35 km/h, but the sky remains dry.
Around sunset temperatures stay high at about 36 °C, wind intensifies to 15 km/h with gusts of 40 km/h and the lack of clouds persists.
During the night the thermometer drops to 26 °C, wind eases to 10 km/h with brief gusts of 20 km/h, the sky stays clear and no precipitation is recorded.
The day’s minimum temperature was 22 °C and the maximum 39 °C, with moderate‑strong winds and total absence of rain.
According to expert Régis Crêpet, the return of the heatwave is evident and the perceived temperature exceeds the actual value by several degrees.
Monaco Monte Carlo – Mediterranean heat without clouds
Morning in Monte Carlo arrives with bright sunshine, 28 °C, light east‑northeast wind at 10 km/h and no chance of rain.
In the afternoon the thermometer rises to 32 °C, wind remains steady at 10 km/h with gusts of 20 km/h, the sky stays completely clear.
At dusk temperatures sit at 29 °C, wind blows again from the east at 10 km/h, with no sign of precipitation.
During the night the temperature falls to 26 °C, wind calms slightly to 10 km/h, the sky remains clear and dry.
The day’s highs reached 32 °C, lows 26 °C, with light winds and total lack of rain.
The Mediterranean climate confirms its typicality: high pressure, uninterrupted sunshine and moderate humidity.
Milan – intense humidity and predominantly clear sky
At Milan’s wake the temperature is 26 °C, with an east‑northeast wind of 4 km/h, the sky almost cloud‑free and no rain.
During the morning the thermometer gradually climbs to 31 °C, wind stays light from the east at 5–6 km/h, the sky remains largely clear.
In the afternoon temperatures reach 35 °C, wind is almost absent, only brief gusts of 1 km/h from the southeast, the sky stays clear and dry.
In the evening temperatures stabilise around 34 °C, wind is barely noticeable from the southeast, brightness fades but without clouds.
At night the temperature gently drops to 33 °C, a slight west wind of 3 km/h brushes the city, and there is no precipitation.
The minimum temperature was 25 °C, the maximum 35 °C, with very weak winds and total absence of rain, as noted by expert Daniele Berlusconi of 3BMeteo.
Rachel’s Weather Editorial – When the climate is always to blame
What a surprise, every time the thermometer climbs a few degrees the whole world rushes to blame climate change, as if it were a ready‑made excuse for any extra humidity, any extra cloud, any out‑of‑season drizzle.
Rhetorical questions, perhaps: why not blame the oven that’s on, or the ice‑cream left out, or the simple fact that the sun is closer in summer? But no, the ready excuse is always “the climate”, and so we can all forget to turn on the fan and put on a hat.
Koan of the day
Monk: “Today the sun burns, the wind is almost absent, nothing falls from the sky.”
Zhaozhou: “The sun is a fire that does not burn, the wind is a sigh that does not move, the sky is a blackboard without ink.”
And that is today’s weather.
Sign-off.
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