By Marco Hugo Barsotti MHB 
Welcome to am1575news, the news bulletin of France24 and Radio Centrale Milano for Monday 24 August 2026 in podcasting, on the medium wave and on franciaoggi.com. In the newsroom in Nice Marco Hugo Barsotti, from Paris Rachel Costa.
News from France
Raphaël Glucksmann launches his candidacy for the 2027 presidential election: endorsements, polls and programme in drafting phase
The European Member of Parliament Raphaël Glucksmann announced, in the evening edition of TF1’s newscast, his candidacy for the 2027 presidential elections, launching from the social‑democratic primary of the Socialist Party. The decision, communicated on Sunday 23 August, was motivated by an “urgency” linked to the summer heat waves hitting France, but also by the need to quickly consolidate a working team ready to confront opponents.
Glucksmann will take part in the debate organized by Medef on 27 August, together with Marine Le Pen, Jean‑Luc Mélenchon, Édouard Philippe, Gabriel Attal, Bruno Retailleau and Marine Tondelier. In the following days he will be present at the Socialist Party Campus in Blois, where he will present the first details of his programme and campaign strategy.
The candidate has already indicated the intention to set a “values charter” that excludes any agreement with La France insoumise, marking a clear will to break with the local alliances between PS and LFI that emerged in recent municipal elections. The first round of the primary is scheduled for 10‑11 October; the number of signatures required from non‑members of the PS and Place Publique remains to be defined.
The party’s flip side is reinforced by an initial circle of supporters from centrist and green circles: former MEP Sacha Houlié, former Health Minister Aurélien Rousseau, former presidential adviser Marguerite Cazeneuve, as well as activist Daniel Cohn‑Bendit. Glucksmann hopes to also attract figures such as Yannick Jadot, although no official confirmations have yet been received.
The programme, still being drafted, is coordinated by Marguerite Cazeneuve and draws inspiration from the book “Nous avons encore envie” published in May. Among the points outlined so far are: a revision of the pension system with a higher retirement age, a “realistic and coherent” migration policy, massive investments in education, defence, re‑industrialisation and the ecological transition, and at the same time a reduction of debt and deficit.
In the polls, Glucksmann remains stable between 8 % and 12 % of first‑round voting intentions, with occasional peaks up to 14 %. Elabe places him between 8.5 % and 11 %, Ifop between 9 % and 12 %, and Toluna Harris Interactive between 10 % and 11 %. A Cluster 17 barometer from 7 August records 23 % favourable opinions, positioning him in fourteenth place, well behind Le Pen and Bardella (37 % each). Eight months before the vote, analysts warn that the numbers must be interpreted with caution.
The socialist camp, aware of the need to consolidate its bases, aims to have Glucksmann emerge as a “favourable candidate” by the end of November‑early December, to then face the first round scheduled for 18 April 2027.franceinfo, 24 August 2026 Fact Check by Gemma4.
Zelensky: organizing elections in wartime would be a “tsunami” that would shatter Ukraine
The Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated that holding elections during the conflict with Russia would represent a dangerous “tsunami” capable of fracturing the country. In a press conference held on Sunday 23 August, the leader described the idea of launching a new ballot in full‑scale war as “a huge risk”, adding that the current situation – with Russian President Vladimir Putin showing no openness to a ceasefire – makes any regular vote impossible.
Zelensky recalled that his term, which expired in May 2024, cannot be renewed nor replaced by a plebiscite, as martial law, in force since February 2022, bans elections. He listed operational difficulties: the need to include soldiers on the front line, the millions of refugees abroad, and citizens residing in territories occupied by Moscow.
The speech came in response to an appeal by his former defence minister, Mikhaïlo Fedorov, dismissed in June, who had posted a video asking to “restore a democratic process” through elections, despite the Russian occupation. Zelensky rejected that request, arguing that organizing a vote now would mean “moving towards the country’s destruction”.
franceinfo, 23/08/2026
Fact Check by Gemma4.
Rachel’s Editorial – The president who fears the vote more than the tsunami
Volodymyr Zelensky explains that organizing elections in wartime would cause a “tsunami” capable of “fracturing” Ukraine. What a relief to know that a ballot box and a voting slip are now more devastating than a Russian hypersonic missile. Hat tip to the rhetorical stunt: when power fears the voters’ verdict, simply rename it a natural disaster and the job is done. Democracy postponed, conscience in place.
Because let’s be frank: elections are always a big hassle for those comfortably seated in power, war or no war. Zelensky’s term has expired two years ago, his former defence minister openly accuses him of hiding behind martial law to avoid the polls, and the official response is: “too dangerous to vote”. Curious, however, that it isn’t too dangerous to keep cashing in billions of international aid without having to answer to any voter. A perfect reason, one might say, to persuade Western political friends to send even more money to Kyiv: no one monitors, no one votes, everyone pays.
Getting soldiers on the front line, refugees scattered across half of Europe, or citizens in occupied territories to vote is undoubtedly complicated — no one denies it. But between “complicated” and “impossible passed off as an apocalyptic tsunami” there is an abyss that presidential rhetoric crosses with surprising ease. And the major international media, always so critical when authoritarianism lives elsewhere, here sketch politely, happy to repeat the tsunami metaphor without asking too many uncomfortable questions.
In the end the real question is not whether elections are risky. It is who profits from defining them that way. A state without a popular mandate that continues to receive blank checks from the West is no less dangerous than an uncomfortable ballot box: it is only more convenient for those signing the transfers. But of course, let’s keep talking about tsunamis, so no one has to talk about the accounts.
Koan of the day
A monk asked the Master: “If organizing a vote in war is a tsunami, where does the boat of democracy hide?”
The Master replied: “The boat is anchored to the people’s hearts; the sea may stir, but the water cannot break the wood that the people themselves have built.”
The monk insisted: “And if the storm of conflict overwhelms the boat, what will be the safe harbor?”
The Master smiled and said: “The harbor is the awareness that no storm is stronger than the decision not to remain silent.” But let’s return to the news.
Potatoes will be smaller in the coming months: amid drought, heat and overproduction, the French potato harvest looks very scarce in 2026
According to the latest estimates from the Ministry of Agriculture, French producers are expected to harvest 6.5 million tonnes of potatoes for consumption in 2026, a decrease of more than 21 % compared to the previous year, which had recorded the highest level in thirty years.
Potato production, which had almost doubled between 1995 and 2025, is now hit by an overproduction crisis that occurred in 2025, resulting in falling prices and a reduction of the cultivated area: for the next cycle 166 000 hectares are forecast, about 13 % less than the just‑passed season.
Bertrand Ouillon, general delegate of the Interprofessional Group for the Valorisation of the Potato (GIPT), explained that demand had been driven for years by processing industries, especially Belgian, but that “new competitors” such as China and India have begun exporting their own french‑fries potatoes, taking market share from European producers.
In 2025 European fry industries had to reduce the volumes contracted with French growers, while the launch price for a tonne of “fryable” Fontane variety potatoes fell to €160‑175, almost half of the €350 in 2024.
Beyond the reduction in area, the 2026 harvest is also affected by adverse weather conditions: drought and high temperatures have lowered yields to 39.5 tonnes per hectare, more than 9 % below 2025, and have favoured the growth of smaller potatoes, less suitable for frying. “No one wants a three‑centimetre potato in their cone,” Ouillon noted, adding that this year fries will generally be shorter.
The Federation of Potato and Onion Traders (Fédépom) confirmed, in a report published on LinkedIn, an increase in the percentage of small and medium‑size tubers and a more limited availability of potatoes with a diameter greater than 50 mm, calling for a “temporary revision of size criteria”.
Despite the expected dip for 2026, medium‑term prospects remain positive: new projects for building processing plants are under way in northern France, and global demand for fries, driven by fast‑food catering and home consumption, remains high. BFM TV, 23 August 2026 Fact Check by Gemma4.
Europe cancels the planned upgrades for the Ariane 6 rocket
Within two years of its first mission, the European Ariane 6 rocket has carried out eight launches, all successful and with a capacity of over 20 tonnes to low orbit. The vehicle has stood out for a more regular commissioning compared to U.S. competitors such as Blue Origin’s New Glenn and United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan, which have encountered substantial difficulties. However, despite the strong start, Ariane 6’s future is clouded by high costs.
Last Thursday European Spaceflight reported that the “Block 3” version of Ariane 6 has been suspended by the European Space Agency. The key element of this evolution was the upper stage ICARUS, built with carbon‑fiber composite structures to reduce weight. The cancellation of this upgrade affects some ESA scientific missions, including a probe to Saturn’s icy moon Enceladus.
The price of an Ariane 6 launch has not been disclosed by Arianespace, but estimates indicate a range between €80 and €100 million. The rocket serves various European customers and also a major American company, Amazon, which has contracted 18 launches for its Amazon Leo satellite constellation; three of these launches have already taken place this year.
The development costs for the rocket and the launch site in French Guiana amounted to about €3.6 billion. ESA’s Director‑General Josef Aschbacher confirmed that, even assuming nine flights per year, European governments will still need to subsidise each launch with an amount between €32 and €38 million. When amortised development costs are taken into account, European taxpayers have already invested more than €100 million per launch before Arianespace receives payment from the client.
Europe’s current goal is to bring Ariane 6 to ten or eleven flights per year, with discussions underway to increase capacity to 12, 15, or even 20 launches annually, in response to growing global demand. Since the rocket is expendable, this would require an increase in production of all its components, from solid rocket motors to the first stage, up to the upper stages and the fairings.
Aschbacher hopes to have by the end of the year a clear decision from European ministers on the potential production expansion. However, officials will need to assess whether investing in new factories to increase capacity is sustainable, especially if the business model remains dependent on large subsidies. One possible alternative is to redirect funds toward a next‑generation Ariane, with partial reusability, to compete more effectively with reusable launch vehicles from the United States and China.
Ars Technica, 20 August 2026
Fact Check by Gemma4.
Welcome to the international news bulletin from FranciaOggi and Radio Centrale Milano for Monday 24 August 2026 on FranciaOggi.com in podcasting and on Medium Waves at 1575 kHz.
Reporting from Paris, I’m Rachel Costa.
Shein prepares to list in Hong Kong for nearly $14 billion
The Chinese fast‑fashion giant has announced its intention to go public on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange with a listing scheduled for 1 September. The process should raise about $13.9 billion, a sum that will strengthen the company’s position in Asian markets. Analysts note that the placement will occur in a context of growing competition in the e‑commerce sector, where Shein will have to face regulatory pressures both in Europe and the United States.
UK Prime Minister Burnham visits Kyiv in a sign of support for Ukraine
The head of the British government landed in Kyiv for his first foreign trip since taking office, reiterating England’s steadfast support for Ukrainian independence. During the meeting he met President Zelensky and military leaders, promising further military and humanitarian aid. The visit comes at a time of growing tension in the region, with Russia continuing to launch offensives along the eastern border.
Canada announces tariffs against the United States in response to new American duties
The Canadian prime minister has stated that the country will respond to recent protectionist measures introduced by the United States with reciprocal tariffs starting in September. The planned measures will mainly target steel, aluminium and agricultural products, sectors in which bilateral trade is traditionally strong. The government emphasized the need to protect domestic businesses from growing commercial pressure from Washington.
Germany, Italy, Austria, Poland and Portugal call for a tax on oil companies’ profits
The five countries have proposed the introduction of a special tax that would hit the extraordinary earnings of large energy companies. The goal is to rebalance the domestic market and ensure that consumers benefit from fairer prices. The proposal was presented ahead of a European meeting on energy policy, where leaders will have to decide whether to adopt the measure at the community level.
Alibaba suffers a sharp drop after launching a $10.2 billion offer to boost artificial intelligence
The Chinese e‑commerce giant announced its intention to raise more than ten billion dollars through a new share offering, intended to finance the expansion of its artificial intelligence capabilities. The announcement surprised investors, causing a ten‑percent drop in the stock’s value on Friday. Market observers fear that competitive‑technological pressure could erode the company’s profit margins.
The United States threatens to block maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz as new sanctions against Iran loom
The Treasury Department warned that, in the event of a military escalation, the U.S. Navy could block commercial ships from passing through the strait, one of the main corridors for global oil. The threat comes as Washington prepares a stricter economic sanctions package against Tehran, aimed at limiting its ability to fund the conflict. Experts fear that a traffic interruption could quickly raise global oil prices.
Nvidia considers an investment of over $33 billion in startup Perplexity, a leader in AI‑driven query
According to sources close to the deal, the U.S. chipmaker is negotiating financing that would value the young company at over $33 billion. The agreement would include both a capital injection and a long‑term collaboration to integrate Perplexity’s research capabilities into Nvidia products. The transaction, if confirmed, would represent one of the year’s largest AI investment deals.
Anthropic’s enterprise unit acquires a consulting firm to consolidate its presence in the corporate market
The business‑focused AI division of the Anthropic group has completed the acquisition of a well‑known consulting firm, aimed at providing integration and technical support services to large organisations. The deal, kept confidential until recently, should strengthen Anthropic’s ability to offer custom solutions to sectors such as finance, health care and energy. Analysts expect the move to help differentiate the company’s offering from more established rivals.
Weather Paris, Monaco Monte Carlo and Milan for Monday 24 August 2026
Paris – variable day with possible evening rains
In the morning Paris’s sky shows scattered clouds and temperatures around 17 °C, wind blowing at 15 km/h with gusts up to 35 km/h, with no trace of rain. In the afternoon the thermometer rises quickly to 27 °C, the sun peeks through the clouds, while wind remains moderate at 15 km/h with gusts of 40 km/h and precipitation stays absent. Sunset brings an increasingly cloudy sky and temperatures dropping to 24 °C; at this stage the first signs of rain appear with a 35 % chance and wind at 15 km/h with gusts of 40 km/h. At night the temperature further falls to 19 °C, the sky is overcast and rain becomes more likely, with an 85 % risk and wind easing to 10 km/h with gusts of 25 km/h. Moderate humidity is expected and the UV index declines. (source: expert Régis Crêpet)
Monaco Monte Carlo – dominant sun but possible evening storm
In the morning in Monaco the sun is almost uninterrupted, temperature hovers around 25 °C, wind is almost calm at 10 km/h and no precipitation is forecast. In the afternoon temperatures rise to 29 °C, the sky remains mainly clear with a few light clouds, wind stays at 10 km/h with gusts up to 25 km/h and there is total absence of rain. Towards evening the sky begins to veil and temperatures ease to 26 °C, with a rain probability around 70 % and winds increasing to 10 km/h with gusts up to 20 km/h, occasional weak thunderstorms. At night temperature falls to 22 °C, rain probabilities remain high (70 %) and wind is 10 km/h with gusts of 30 km/h, while clouds persist. Humidity remains moderate and the UV index gradually declines.
Milan – stable weather with sun and light evening showers
As the sun rises Milan welcomes a clear morning, minimum temperature around 21 °C, weak northeast wind at 3 km/h and no precipitation in sight. The day continues with temperatures gradually rising to 28‑29 °C in the afternoon, the sky remaining mostly light‑clouded, wind turning into a light breeze from east‑south‑east around 4 km/h and precipitation staying absent. Towards evening there is a slight increase in cloudiness, temperature settles at 24 °C and an isolated drizzle may appear, with a probability around 30 % and moderate wind at 5‑6 km/h. During the night the thermometer drops to 21 °C, the sky is more overcast, rain probability rises to 50‑60 % and winds remain weak from the east at 5 km/h. Humidity rises slightly and the UV index drops completely. (source: expert Daniele Berlusconi of 3BMeteo)
Rachel’s Weather Editorial – Climate is not the sole culprit
It is truly surprising how every slight temperature variation is immediately labeled as “climate change”, as if nature were a dove that follows only our commands. Rhetorical questions: why should a little extra humidity trigger a global alert, and why does the wind from thirty minutes ago become guilty of heating the whole planet? The hypothesis that everything is due to climate change is a bit like believing that the wrong shoes are the reason the Tower of Pisa isn’t falling.
So, while the online world bombards us with alarmist charts, let’s not forget that meteorology is a probability science and not a ritual of blame. If the sky is cloudy tomorrow, it isn’t “climate change” that makes us forget to bring an umbrella, but simply nature following its cycles, not our agenda.
Koan of the day
A monk asked: “What is the true face of time today?”
Zhaozhou replied: “The sun rises, the rain falls, the wind blows.”
The monk retorted: “So time is a question without an answer?”
Zhaozhou concluded: “Time is what happens while you observe.”
And that is today’s weather.
Sign-off.
Online, on X and Mastodon, on all smart speakers and on medium wave, this is FranciaOggi with Centrale Milano 1575 kilohertz.