By Marco Hugo Barsotti MHB 
Welcome to am1575news, the news bulletin of France24 and Radio Centrale Milano for Sunday 30 August 2026 in podcasting, on the medium wave and on franciaoggi.com. In the editorial office in Nice Marco Hugo Barsotti, from Paris Rachel Costa.
News from France
Complicated to change the cards on the table when you are a comeback: in Blois François Hollande still puts himself forward as a reserve in the socialist primary
It is the afternoon of Friday 28 August in Blois, under a changeable sky, when journalists wait in front of the town hall for the former President of the Republic. François Hollande emerges, microphones are pointed at him and, in a calm tone, announces his willingness to remain “an alternative” should the October socialist primary fail to combine unity and dynamism. For left‑wing opponents his presence is a “risky strategy” which, in their view, gives no reason to believe in real chances of victory.
Hollande, now a deputy from Corrèze after the dissolution of Parliament in 2024, seized the opportunity of the Socialist Party’s “summer campus” – a welcome event for the new political season – to emphasize the need not to split the party. “The primary risks dividing, but it will not have the dynamics we have known in other eras,” he said in front of the cameras, launching a message that also seems aimed at Raphaël Glucksmann, the official candidate of the social‑democratic left list.
While rejecting the idea of a “failure” of the process, Hollande expressed scepticism about the primary’s contribution to the path toward the Élysée: “One cannot wish any disaster, but the primary will not produce anything good for the Élysée.” He then reiterated the proposals presented a few weeks ago to Le Point, including a capitalization pension quota, an extension of contribution periods and raising the legal retirement age to 63. Moreover, he proposes a gradual increase of VAT by four percentage points, offset by a reduction of payroll contributions.
The speech was met with the assessment of a PS official close to Olivier Faure, who described the proposals as “a positioning of openness and unity, while remaining left‑wing.” However, Hollande’s stance remains distinct from that of the already declared candidates – Glucksmann, Philippe Brun, Jérôme Guedj and Ségolène Royal – and from Olivier Faure’s, who is now certain to run at the beginning of September.
The role of “reserve candidate” that Hollande seems to want to assume is the subject of internal debate. Some observers fear that his possible appearance after the primary could further weaken the winner, already tested by an intense campaign against the centrist forces of Jean‑Luc Mélenchon and Marine Le Pen. A spokesperson for Faure warned that “if it breaks, it breaks for everyone.” Others, however, highlight Hollande’s continued popular support: in the Harris Interactive poll for TF1‑LCI, the former president stands at 8 % confidence, equal to Glucksmann, and in internal socialist surveys he obtains 62 % preference, behind only the Place Publique candidate.
His public appearances are not limited to Blois. After the presentation of his book “Unir. New world, new left”, scheduled for 7 September in Paris, Hollande will travel among festivals and fairs, from the rose festival in Frangy‑en‑Bresse to the market in Carvin, without linking any direct commitment to the October primary. Meanwhile, a “pre‑campaign” team is forming around him, with communication and electoral mobilization experts ready to support him should he decide to enter the race.
In summary, Hollande continues to move in the background of the political scene, hoping to carve out a space of influence without breaking the rules of the socialist primary, in hopes of becoming the “testimonial candidate” that the party could eventually call upon. Franceinfo, 29/08/2026 Fact Check by Gemma4.
TESTIMONIES. “It’s not certain that this makes you want to have children”: the birth leave, a real opportunity for parents, but an unequal scheme
From 1 July every parent can take one or two months of birth leave, paid at 70 % for the first month and 60 % for the second, in addition to the traditional maternity, paternity or adoption leave. A few days after its implementation the first beneficiaries have begun to review the experience.
Emmanuelle, a thirty‑nine‑year‑old doctor, took advantage of the birth leave to spend a full two months with her new baby girl. “I feel privileged, we were able to devote time to the whole family without being absorbed by work,” she said. As of 23 August, the Health Insurance records about 110 000 birth leave applications, including those for future births.
The testimonies collected by franceinfo highlight several practical benefits. Linda, a sales employee, emphasized how an additional month after maternity leave eased post‑partum physical fatigue. Nina, mother of two children, appreciated the ability to alternate care with her partner, especially during colic episodes. Vanessa, a resident of the Rhône, explained that the leave allowed her to manage the search for a daycare solution when her crèche application had been rejected. Fabien, a company executive, used the leave to support his wife without a long break in his own career.
Some fathers have found a “real bond” with their children. Stephan, a controller at SNCF, says he spent the month of August on parental leave: “Being with him every day is a real opportunity.” According to pediatrician Célia Levavasseur, a parent’s presence in the first nine months is crucial for the child’s emotional security and also promotes prolonged breastfeeding, recommended by the WHO up to six months.
However, the birth leave does not fully resolve gender inequalities. Sociologist Romain Delès notes that, despite the possibility for fathers to take care of children, domestic responsibilities still remain predominantly shouldered by women. A previous 2025 survey by the Ministry of Health and Labor had already highlighted an unequal distribution of family tasks upon returning to work, despite the extension of paternity leave to 28 days.
The partial pay value of the leave, in fact, entails a higher “opportunity cost” for men, who generally earn higher salaries. In many families, especially where the wage gap is stark, the mother takes the leave to limit income loss. Hélène, a new mother of a little Chloé, explained: “If my husband stopped, we would lose €800 a month; it’s not sustainable.”
The disbursement procedure of the allowances has sparked further complaints: several parents received the payment only six or seven weeks after the start of the leave. The Health Insurance justifies the delay with complex administrative practices and incomplete dossiers, but for single‑parent families the loss of income represents a significant hurdle.
Associations such as Mam’en solo are already urging greater equity and an increase of the allowance for single parents, but so far the requests have not been followed up.
franceinfo, 30 August 2026
Fact Check by Gemma4.
Rachel’s Editorial – The “miracle” of the leave: two months of happiness or two months of bills to settle?
What a delight to hear about parents who, thanks to two months of birth leave paid at 70‑60%, can “live” the first months with newborns. But is it really a revolution or just a liquid pancake on a burning fire? The article fills us with cherished testimonies, but where are the numbers showing that this “bonanza” truly drives births? If the government rings the bell of “demographic re‑arming”, isn’t it more plausible that the real goal is to make the media smile?
Yet, behind the words of Emmanuelle, Linda, Nina and the others, a much darker picture emerges. Who can afford to give up 30‑40 % of income? The answer is “only well‑off families”, as pediatrician Célia reminds us: the leave becomes a privilege for the CSP+. So, while the debate unfolds in grand style, low‑income mothers and fathers remain watching the bright billboard without finding a ticket.
And let’s not forget the irony of the times: birth leave is presented as a tool for gender equality, but statistics show that the division of household chores remains imbalanced. Fathers, although theoretically encouraged to care, find themselves “washing the dishes” while mothers continue to bear the career penalty. Is this really how equality is “re‑assured”, or is it just an elegant way to mask the persistence of inequalities?
Finally, the biggest irony may be the payment delays: if the allowances arrive ten days after the end of the leave, who gets the last bite of economic security? For single‑parent families, it is an unattainable luxury. The government’s discourse on “more time for the family” collides with the reality of bills, rents and mortgages. In summary, two months of “bonanza” are not enough to convince anyone to have a child, but they serve very well to fill the columns of press releases.
Koan of the day
A monk asked the Master: “If birth leave pays only 70 % of the salary, who really needs this benefit?”
The Master replied: “It serves those who believe that a reduced number is better than no number, and those who can afford to count spending days with the scale of privileges.”
The monk persisted: “Then, what is the true measure of equality when only the richest can cross the bridge of leave?”
The Master smiled and said: “Equality is a clock that tells the time for everyone, but its hands are made of gold for some and wood for others; time flows the same, but the weight is different.”
But let’s return to the news.
Large recall in China, but still no action in Europe: regulations on Tesla and other electric car handles
Despite the largest recall ever recorded in China for door handles on more than 4.3 million vehicles, European authorities have not required any return to the garage. The decision of the Chinese regulator, SAMR, concerns exclusively the local market; in Europe the vehicles continue to circulate with the original configuration, as European regulations do not provide for retroactivity of type approvals.
The Chinese recall particularly concerns Tesla Model 3 and Model Y, but also some local manufacturers. In China, the repair involves a technician applying an emergency adhesive to the handles. In Europe, Tesla limited the intervention to a simple software correction via an over‑the‑air update, which automatically lowers the windows in case of airbag activation, but does not entail any mechanical modification of the doors.
The principle of non‑retroactivity of approvals explains the gap. A car registered according to the rules in force at the time of sale retains its legality for its entire lifespan. Therefore the early versions of the Model 3 (2017‑2023) and the first exemplars of the Model Y, lacking a mechanical lever for rear passengers, are not subject to adaptation obligations. Other models, such as the Ford Mustang Mach‑E or some Lexus with electronic closures, also enjoy the same protection.
A recent Bloomberg investigation documented at least 15 deaths in the United States between 2012 and 2025, all linked to Teslas whose doors remained locked after an impact and fire. In Europe, a tragic accident in Germany in 2025, in which three people perished in a vehicle engulfed in flames, has highlighted the issue. In China, a fatal accident with the Xiaomi SU7 was the “catalyst” for the measures adopted by the government.
Although France has not yet recorded deaths attributed to this defect, fear of becoming trapped following a sudden interruption of the 12 V battery is increasing. Firefighters have modified rescue procedures, more often resorting to breaking the glass or using hydraulic levers to open the doors.
Many owners, especially of recent models equipped with a manual emergency unlock, resort to DIY solutions. On e‑commerce sites yellow strips are sold to be fixed inside the door cavity, making the unlock lever more accessible. However these homemade kits carry the risk of plastic breaking in an emergency use.
Regulatory pressure is rising. The Dutch authority RDW, which manages European approvals for Tesla, has requested a thorough verification from the United Nations Commission to ensure door maneuverability even without power. At the same time, Euro NCAP has introduced in its 2026 rating a “Post‑Crash Safety” section that assesses the handles’ ability to function after an impact. To obtain five stars, new models will have to demonstrate that doors remain openable both from outside and inside, even without electricity.
Vehicles with traditional handles, such as the Renault 5 E‑Tech, the Peugeot e‑208 and the Volkswagen ID.3, already meet these criteria, while future cars that retain exclusively electric opening systems may suffer penalties in the overall safety score.
BFM TV, 29 August 2026
Fact Check by Gemma4.
Jordan Bardella receives the blow of Marine Le Pen’s candidacy and finds support in partner Maria Carolina
At the start of summer Marine Le Pen confirmed her candidacy for the 2027 presidency, relegating the young leader of the Rassemblement National, Jordan Bardella, to the background. The leader of the French right, who hoped to be the party’s candidate, had to accept the “blow” of being sidelined by Le Pen, despite a conviction for alleged “misappropriation of public funds”.
In the following weeks, Bardella chose to spend the summer away from the spotlight, accompanied by his partner, Princess Maria Carolina de Bourbon of the Two Sicilies. A close associate told RTL that “it was difficult”, but confirmed Maria Carolina’s constant presence by his side. On the princess’s Instagram profile, summer shots were posted, including a selfie of the two smiling together on a horse in a sunflower field.
Meanwhile the RN president continued to handle party affairs: he made several phone calls to inform the leadership about the election campaign and, on Saturday 29 August, returned to the political scene at the Châlons‑en‑Champagne fair, where the party will define Bardella’s role in Le Pen’s race.
The episode highlights Bardella’s personal resilience in the face of a political setback, supported by his partner’s closeness, who displayed her affection in a discreet yet public way on social media. Gala, 29 August 2026
Fact Check by Gemma4.
Welcome to the international bulletin from FranceToday and Radio Centrale Milano for Sunday 30 August 2026 on FranceToday.com in podcasting and on Medium Wave at 1575 kHz.
From Paris, Rachel Costa.
Fire at a Russian refinery after a drone attack
Authorities in the Leningrad region, where Saint Petersburg is located, confirmed the presence of forty‑two drones shot down in the airspace before a fire devastated a large refinery. Firefighters fought to contain the flames, while security forces intensified aerial patrols to prevent further incursions. Experts believe the attack is linked to rising tensions between Moscow and the West, with increasingly sophisticated drones used by hostile forces.
The fire caused a temporary shutdown of fuel production, fueling concerns about possible impacts on global oil prices. International energy companies are closely monitoring the situation, fearing a possible reduction in supplies from Russia, already under economic sanctions. Local authorities said they will continue to strengthen the defenses of critical infrastructure to prevent further attacks.
Trump signs deal with Venezuela to control 65 billion barrels of oil
The U.S. president announced a historic agreement with Venezuela, providing for the transfer of a full 65 billion barrels of oil reserves under U.S. control. The deal, described by the president as “the biggest energy agreement in history”, aims to ensure the security of oil supplies for the American market and to reduce the influence of other international actors.
Venezuelan authorities said they maintain sovereignty and ownership of their resources, while the United States government emphasized the strategic importance of the agreement for its energy policy.
Iran sees exports decline because of pressure on the dollar
Iran’s supreme leader urged the population to reduce dependence on the U.S. dollar, emphasizing that the country is experiencing a significant drop in its exports, especially oil. The economic sanctions imposed by the United States have hit the Iranian economy hard, prompting the government to seek monetary alternatives for its international transactions.
The announcement was accompanied by calls for global cooperation to counter U.S. economic pressure, with the aim of preserving the country’s financial stability. Market experts warn that the decision could cause further turbulence in already volatile energy markets due to geopolitical tensions in the region.
Trump threatens new tariffs on semiconductors against China
The president proposed introducing a new series of customs duties on semiconductors imported from China, aiming to reduce American technological dependence and protect sector companies. The initiative, presented as a response to Chinese trade practices deemed unfair, could increase costs for companies that use chips in their production chains.
Technology companies have expressed concern about the effects on innovation and global competitiveness. Congress is reviewing the proposals, while international observers fear that the escalation of trade tensions could trigger retaliation from Beijing, with repercussions on global electronic component markets.
Airbus studies selling its space activities to the United States
The European aerospace giant is evaluating the sale of its space‑related divisions, intending to focus on creating a pan‑European leader in the satellite sector together with Thales and Leonardo. The operation, if confirmed, should strengthen Airbus’ position relative to U.S. competitors such as SpaceX and Chinese rivals in the satellite launch market.
Analysts believe this move could allow the company to focus resources on more profitable segments, but raises questions about Europe’s ability to maintain a strategic presence in the space sector. Regulators are examining the proposal to ensure there are no antitrust violations.
OpenAI cuts off access to its models on Cursor after acquisition by SpaceX
OpenAI has decided to revoke the use of its artificial intelligence models on the Cursor platform, following the purchase of the company by SpaceX. The decision was motivated by the desire to concentrate resources on products with a broader market impact and to avoid conflicts of interest between the two entities.
The announcement has raised concern among developers who had integrated OpenAI models into their applications, who now will have to seek alternatives or migrate to in‑house solutions.
The move highlights the growing rivalry among the big technology companies in the AI sector, with implications for the availability of advanced tools globally.
Trump administration works on AI regulation to limit Chinese access to chips
The United States government has begun drafting new regulations intended to prevent Beijing from accessing remote chip technology, considered crucial for AI development. The measure, still under consultation, aims to set stricter rules for exporting sensitive components and to strengthen the cyber defence of critical infrastructure.
The Treasury Department and the National Security Office have collaborated to define a framework that protects American interests without stifling innovation. However, technology companies fear that overly severe restrictions could hinder international collaboration and slow the pace of emerging technology advancement.
Weather Paris, Monaco Monte Carlo and Milan for Sunday 30 August 2026
Paris – variable sky with some clouds
In the morning Paris is very cloudy, with temperatures around 18 °C, west wind about 10 km/h and gusts that can reach 30. The rain risk remains low, around 25 %, and the clouds ease toward the afternoon. In the afternoon there is a slight temperature rise, peaking at 23 °C, the wind increases to 15 km/h with gusts up to 40 and the precipitation probability stays around 30 %. In the evening the sky becomes half‑cloudy, the temperature drops to 21 °C and the wind settles around 15 km/h with gusts of 35. During the night the sky clears, temperatures fall to 18 °C, the wind strengthens to 20 km/h and gusts can reach 40. In summary, the day is characterized by highs of 23 °C, lows of 18, moderate wind and a slight chance of rain, according to expert Régis Crêpet.
Monaco Monte Carlo – prevailing sun and mild breezes
In the morning in Monaco the sky is clear, temperature around 24 °C, wind light from the south at 10 km/h with gusts of 15. No precipitation is forecast and the UV index is moderate. In the afternoon temperature rises to 28 °C, the sun is intense and the wind stays light, increasing to 10 km/h with gusts of 20, with no rain risk. In the evening the sky remains slightly cloudy, temperature sits at 26 °C and wind comes from the south at 10 km/h, without abundant clouds. At night the weather becomes calmer, temperature drops to 23 °C, wind is almost absent and there is no precipitation.
Milan – high pressure and blazing sun
At sunrise in Milan the temperature is 22 °C, the sky is clear and the wind is practically absent. The morning hours continue with a gradual increase: at 09 the temperature rises to 23 °C, at 10 to 25 and at 11 to 26, always with clear sky and no wind. In the afternoon the sun becomes stronger, temperature reaches 31 °C around 18, wind remains very light from the southeast, around 1‑2 km/h, without significant gusts. In the evening temperature drops to 30 °C, sky remains clear, wind stays light from the southeast. During the night the sky is slightly cloudy, temperature falls to 28 °C and wind is weak. No precipitation is forecast for the whole day, highs are at 31 °C, lows at 22, and the wind is mostly calm, according to expert Daniele Berlusconi of 3BMeteo.
Rachel’s Weather Editorial – The climate is always the culprit
It is curious to see how every temperature variation is immediately blamed on climate change, as if it were the sole fault of our sandwiches left out in the sun. We really wonder whether the true culprit is not our desire to turn on the air‑conditioner for three hours a day, yet we keep looking for the ideal villain in every cloud.
The next day, instead of analyzing the energy balance of our homes, we will find ourselves complaining about a light drizzle as if it were the final sign of global warming. Rhetorical questions: if a light wind makes our hair curl, should the world really retract its climate register? At least we can laugh at this vicious circle, because meteorology is more fun when it isn’t a daily ecology lesson.
Koan of the day
A monk asked: “What is the true face of time today?”
Zhaozhou replied: “Time is a child playing hide‑and‑seek with the sun.”
The monk responded: “What if the child hides behind the cloud?”
Zhaozhou concluded: “Then the sun is just a memory that is lost in the wind.”
And this 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.