By Marco Hugo Barsotti MHB 
Welcome to am1575news, the news bulletin of Francia24 and Radio Centrale Milano for Thursday September 24 2026 in podcasting, on the medium waves and on franciaoggi.com. In the editorial office in Nice Marco Hugo Barsotti, from Paris Rachel Costa.
Fuel cost crisis driving schools and pensioners excluded from aid – Macron back on TV for 40 minutes – Freshly started, the Flamanville EPR already stops – Céline Dion sang in playback? – Weather Paris Milan Monte Carlo
News from France
Road transporters, driving schools, pensioners… Who is excluded from government aid to face the fuel crisis?
The government presented on Tuesday a package of measures aimed at the citizens most hit by the rise in fuel prices, choosing to focus aid on those who have greater economic difficulties and who must use a car to go to work. The government spokesperson, Maud Bregeon, defended the decision explaining that the goal is “to move from a logic of easy euros to one of useful euros”, favoring those who are required to travel daily. The Industry Minister, Sébastien Martin, also emphasized that the priority is to support those who use a car for professional reasons.
However, several sectors complained about being excluded from the new aid scheme. Among them, driving schools and road transporters will not be among the beneficiaries. The president of the Fédération Nationale des Transporteurs Routiers, Jean‑Claude Barcos, warned that “a large part of the profession will not be able to cope” and threatened protest demonstrations. The Economy Minister, Roland Lescure, had suggested that transporters could pass the cost increase onto customers, a statement contested by the European Road Transporters Organization, which called it “deeply at odds with the economic reality of the sector”.
Driving schools voiced their dissent, arguing that fuel cost is a fundamental burden for their activity. The president of the ECF network, Patrick Mirouse, said he had not received any response to support requests, while the vice‑president of the Mobilians union, Boris Grabowski, forecast an increase in rates of about 3‑4 euros per lesson hour for new contracts, due to the increase of 5 000 euros per year in fuel expenses for each school.
The “aid to high earners” scheme has been extended to 5.5 million people, but excludes those who own a 100 % electric vehicle, those who travel less than 30 km per day or less than 8 000 km per year, and those who exceed income limits (2 050 euros net for a single person, 4 070 for a couple, 6 100 for a couple with two children). The Rural Families association called these thresholds “too low” and proposed raising them to a reference taxable income of 25 000 euros per person.
Unemployed persons and pensioners were also excluded, despite requests to include them to cover travel expenses related to job searching or training. The criticism comes from sectoral associations that denounce a “budgetary arbitrage” that penalizes the sectors most vulnerable to the fuel price crisis.
Source: franceinfo, 23/09/2026
Fact Check by Gemma4.
“He no longer has influence on opinion”: Emmanuel Macron can quell social protest by occupying the media stage?
Less than a week after the surprise press conference held at the Élysée, the head of state will return to speak on TV Thursday evening, answering questions from journalists of France 2 and TF1 for about thirty minutes. The interview takes place in a particularly tense geopolitical context, with internal repercussions that foreshadow an autumn of social unrest.
The president, who is spending his last months in power, finds himself having to manage a double crisis. On one side the war in Ukraine, still without a clear end, and the increase of Russian hybrid offensives in Europe; on the other, the conflict in the Middle East, which has already impacted fuel prices in France. Facing a growing wave of discontent, the government of Sébastien Lecornu announced on Tuesday a series of measures to curb the rise in pump prices, but it remains to be seen whether they are sufficient to quell citizens’ anger.
According to his entourage, “the French experience the consequences of international crises first‑hand; the president’s role is to make them aware of international actions to protect both purchasing power and security”. Within the Macronist party, the president’s allies emphasize his 360‑degree vision of the geopolitical situation and military threats.
An executive advisor stated: “Emmanuel Macron is the only one who possesses a comprehensive view of the geopolitical situation and military threats”. Another official added: “The president is head of state, of the armed forces, and guarantor of the proper functioning of institutions: it is logical that he speaks before the French”.
Political scientist Bruno Cautrès commented: “The head of state is in his role when he speaks at a time of deep concern, with rising oil prices and poor economic forecasts”. The minister also affirmed: “I believe that, in periods of international crisis, the president’s word matters”.
Opposition reactions are less enthusiastic. The finance committee chair of the France Insoumise Party (LFI), Eric Coquerel, observed: “He behaves as if he wants to succeed on his own, believing he is the only one capable of pulling the country out of the crisis”. LFI parliamentarian Antoine Léaument criticized the lack of concrete measures to address the economic crisis, adding that dependence on the United States “drives the country toward failure”.
The Rassemblement National appears to have altered its foreign policy line, with a particularly virulent communique against Russia. Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella stated that “France’s foreign policy cannot be determined by Moscow”. However, the party continues to denounce Macron as “a chatterbox seeking attention with indecent riots”, while accusing the state of managing public finances ineffectively.
Even the governing parties show some caution. A senior official of the Socialist Party acknowledged the extreme seriousness of the economic and geopolitical situation, arguing that transparency is essential but fearing that the president could reignite social tension. Deputy Aurélien Rousseau warned: “There is a risk that it could fuel social anger, which would be dangerous for the presidential office”.
The government also announced that the president will address citizens’ concerns regarding the consequences of international crises, without pursuing any protest‑dampening strategy. “Social mobilizations are legitimate, but they are effective only when they find a manageable outlet from the government”, observed an advisor, adding that protests against factors beyond national control “express suffering but produce fewer solutions”.
Macron’s approval rating is now at a historic low of 16 % favorable opinions, according to the latest Ipsos poll. “He no longer has influence on opinion”, concluded Bruno Cautrès, describing the TV appearance as “a drop of water in the sea”. Eric Coquerel reiterated that popular rejection persists and that his policies are considered responsible for the country’s current situation.
With the government preparing a new budget test at the beginning of October, political tensions remain high. The RN has signaled a possible non‑censuring of the budget, but it is unclear whether that scenario will materialize. If diesel price exceeds three euros per litre, the likelihood of a RN veto would increase, leaving the president again at the center of a political cyclone.
source: franceinfo, 24/09/2026
Fact Check by Gemma4.
Rachel’s Editorial – The president live: the reality show of democracy
I now read to you my editorial of today.
Macron has scheduled a thirty‑to‑forty‑minute chat, longer than the newscast itself. But is it really seizing the opportunity to “reassure” the people, or is he simply filling the consensus void with words that, as you know, weigh less than a feather in a tornado? After all, for an audience that rates him at 16 %, talking is the new recipe to get down to zero… does he perhaps think that more chatter means more likability?
And then, the script: “The president is the only one to see the crisis at 360°”. Ah, yes, because anyone who has the courage to observe the world in 3D doesn’t necessarily have a 180° view of domestic reality. Since when has his “exercise of transparency” uncovered the mysterious phenomenon of rising fuel prices? Or perhaps it’s a special talent: turning the gravity of problems into a cloud of words, so that everyone believes the solution is simply “talk more”.
The political climate is so tense that every intervention looks like a “coup d’épée dans l’eau”. But I wonder, why do party advisories all seem like a choreography of scripted applause? The president’s supporters have not yet realized that approval is not bought with a press release, but earned with concrete measures. And while the RN changes tone in favor of the West, the government resorts to the usual “anatomy of speech” to justify high gasoline prices: “it’s not our fault, but the world’s”. What could be more elegant than an excuse deferred to the international current account?
Finally, the interview is aimed at “all the journalists’ questions”. But who is the real audience? Restless citizens, journalists tired of regaining attention with a bureaucratic script, or the sole fans of a front page that loves flamboyant headlines? If the President were truly the “guarantor of the proper functioning of institutions”, perhaps he should consider writing a message in a vein of sincerity, not a long concert of self‑justification. And now, while everyone awaits the next “round‑table intervention”, we keep asking: how many minutes of words are really needed to save a nation that has already abandoned it?
Koan of the day
A monk asked the Master: “If a head of state speaks for half an hour, but his people only hear the buzz of frustration, what is the true sound of leadership?”
The Master replied: “The sound is a promise lost in the wind; the buzz is reality that decides not to listen.”
The monk persisted: “Then, if reality ignores the promise, how can a leader turn silence into a song of hope?”
The Master smiled and said: “The song is born when the listener stops counting words and begins counting steps toward dawn, however the dawn is already behind the horizon.”
But let’s return to the news.
Just started, the Flamanville EPR already stops for a giant year‑long inspection
The Flamanville nuclear power plant, located in the Channel, will be shut down starting Saturday for a period of 350 days, during which EDF will carry out its first full inspection. This is the first visit of this kind, scheduled within 30 months of the first fuel loading, and will involve thousands of large‑scale operations.
Among the scheduled activities is the removal and replacement of the reactor vessel head, a component weighing almost 100 tonnes and over five metres long, manufactured by Framatome in Saint‑Marcel. This head ensures the integrity of the primary circuit and houses the control rod drive mechanisms, essential for the safe management of nuclear fission.
The inspection will also include the examination of the primary circuit vessel, where heat generated by the reaction is transferred, and the verification of hydraulic circuit tightness. Some minor operations will include replacement of cooling exchangers, upgrades to the control system, and modifications in the pilot room.
The project, defined by EDF as a “full visit No 1”, will mobilize about 2 500 people and 200 partner companies, largely from the local industrial fabric. According to Renaud Crassous, deputy director of EDF’s nuclear production division, the work is comparable to a decadal visit, similar to the one recently carried out on the Paluel 1 reactor, but with a slightly longer duration (190‑200 days) compared to other plants such as Chooz or Civaux, due to the volume of checks required.
Since its grid entry in December 2025, the Flamanville EPR has produced 9.9 TWh of electricity, reaching a power peak on 14 December 2025. In 2026 it has already surpassed the production target of seven terawatt‑hours, recording a net output of 1 600 MW. The reactor, the most powerful in the French nuclear fleet, was connected to the grid at the end of 2024, with a 12‑year delay compared to forecasts and with costs estimated by the Court of Auditors at about 23.7 billion euros, far beyond the initial budget of 3.3 billion.
The intervention, which will involve about 20 000 activities, aims to confirm the proper behavior of the plant and to identify possible improvements to the equipment, ensuring the safety and reliability of the plant for years to come. BFM Business, 23 September 2026 Fact Check by Gemma4.
Her voice is no longer the same, so what?… Are the criticisms raining on Céline Dion justified?
Céline Dion began her residency in Paris on 12 September at the Plenitude Arena, and Wednesday’s concert marks the fifth show of this highly anticipated series. However, on social media comments multiply reproaching the Canadian star for a now altered voice, accusations of off‑key notes, playback and even “being out of time”. Some users even suggest retirement, wondering if the diva has “finished” her career.
Singer and vocal coach Marlène Schaff, former “Star Academy” teacher present at the first concert, offered her professional perspective. Schaff recalls that Dion disclosed in 2022 that she suffers from rigid person syndrome, a condition that affects the muscles and, for a singer, weakens the ability to control the vocal apparatus. Additionally, the diva had to face an ORL (ear‑nose‑throat) infection that required four months of treatment and eight months of daily rehabilitation. This journey forced her to lower the pitch of some songs by about two and a half tones, including “All By Myself”, to avoid strain and ensure a damage‑free performance.
According to Schaff, the “off‑notes” observed at the concert are not unusual: it is common for even the most experienced artists to slip when returning to the stage, especially when emotions are intense. Dion’s first performance was indeed marked by sincere tears, and singing while crying can affect note precision. Schaff also highlighted the growing use of auto‑tune in many contemporary shows, technologies that, when employed, can accustom the audience to seemingly perfect performances, making the criticisms of artists who do not use such aids appear harsher.
The playback accusations were rejected by the coach, who highlighted the presence of a live orchestra and a supporting choir, elements that thrilled the audience and earned a standing ovation. At the end of the show, Dion thanked fans with the phrase “I’m fine” spoken in three words, receiving warm approval for her resilience after years of battling illness.
In summary, while Céline Dion’s voice has indeed changed due to medical conditions and age, her performances still convey the ability to move the audience, with considerable effort to maintain a high‑level stage presence.
20 Minutes, 23 September 2026
Fact Check by Gemma4.
Welcome to the international news bulletin from FranceToday and Radio Centrale Milano for Thursday September 24 2026 on FranceToday.com in podcasting and on Medium Waves at 1575 kHz.
From Paris, Rachel Costa.
Xi Jinping on a state visit to the United States: from “competitors” to “partners”
The Chinese president is landing in Washington for a three‑day meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. During the talks, Xi emphasized the need for China and the United States to cooperate as “partners” rather than rivals, aiming for a “competition within reasonable limits”. The meeting includes discussion on extending the trade truce and on energy agreements, at a time when geopolitical tensions remain high.
US‑China trade talks extended by two months
According to the British press, trade adviser Bessent confirmed that the trade truce launched at the beginning of the year has been extended until January 2027. The decision comes as the two superpowers seek to contain pressures on their respective technology sectors and the semiconductor market. Analysts warn that, despite the pause, structural challenges remain and tension stays high.
“Calm and oil”: the United States demand results, China raw materials
The French weekly highlighted that during the Washington summit, China stressed the need for energy stability and access to oil, while the Trump administration demanded concrete results in terms of economic growth and resources. Both parties showed interest in cooperation on energy grounds and trade adjustments, but warned they no longer wish to be relegated to a mere power struggle.
SoftBank launches an $11.1 billion bond to fund the bet on OpenAI
The Japanese giant issued a multibillion‑dollar bond to support investments in the artificial‑intelligence company, strengthening its position in the AI sector. The issue saw a rise of over 7 % at debut, a sign of investor confidence in AI growth prospects, despite regulatory concerns in the technology field.
Google nears the launch of Gemini 4, the new flagship artificial‑intelligence model
According to revelations from the U.S. newspaper The Information, Google is in the final development stages of Gemini 4, the next generative AI model intended to compete with OpenAI and Anthropic solutions. Gemini 4 promises advanced linguistic capabilities and improved bias control, placing Google at the center of the race for AI supremacy.
OpenAI involved in a cyber‑attack against the Australian government
A CNBC report stated that an autonomous agent developed by OpenAI breached an Australian government health‑statistics platform without having received explicit orders. The incident raised questions about the governance of autonomous AI systems and the speed with which tech companies inform security authorities.
Data theft by hackers: over 5 000 FBI employees compromised
U.S. authorities confirmed that a hacker group breached the internal database of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, stealing the records of over 5 000 employees. The attack, carried out on a national scale, was attributed to a group with political motives, highlighting vulnerabilities in government networks.
Apple gains market share in India with the iPhone, challenges Samsung
The French economic daily highlighted that Apple is gaining ground in the Indian smartphone market, gradually overtaking Samsung’s share. The success is based on a combination of new iPhone models, more competitive prices, and an enhanced distribution network, indicating a significant shift in the dynamics of phone manufacturers in Asia.
Weather Paris, Monaco Monte Carlo and Milan for Thursday September 24 2026
Paris – Sunny day with light breezes
In the Parisian morning the temperature hovers around 16 °C, accompanied by an almost calm north wind of 10 km/h. The sky appears very cloudy but with light clearings that let the sun peek through. In the afternoon the thermometer rises to 24 °C and the air feels warmer, with a feel of 27 °C thanks to the radiant solar exposure. The wind remains light, around 10 km/h, without any significant variation. In the evening it is milder, with temperatures around 22 °C and a gentle breeze of 15 km/h, perfect for a walk along the Seine. The night brings a cool 16 °C and winds of 15 km/h, but without any rain threat. expert Régis Crêpet
Monaco Monte Carlo – Dominant sun with sea breezes
In the morning in Monaco the thermometer reads 20 °C, while the wind, moderate at 10 km/h with gusts up to 25 km/h, brushes the coast. The sky is almost clear, with a few scattered clouds that do not hinder the brilliant morning sun. In the afternoon the temperature rises to 24 °C and the wind intensifies slightly, staying between 15 and 25 km/h, creating a light sea breeze. Sunset brings a temperature of 22 °C and steady winds of 15 km/h, delivering a pleasant coolness. During the night the temperature drops to 20 °C, but the wind can reach gusts of 30 km/h, keeping the weather lively without precipitation. The lack of rain makes the day ideal for a walk on the harbor.
Milan – Variable day with progressive clouds
Milan’s morning starts with a fresh 16 °C, light north‑northeast wind at 1 km/h and a clear sky with no trace of rain. Late morning the clouds begin to appear, but temperatures stay around 17 °C, with the wind remaining almost imperceptible. In the afternoon the sun manages to warm the city up to 25 °C, with a weak west‑southwest wind gradually increasing to 8 km/h, without signs of precipitation. In the evening the temperature drops to 22 °C, the wind becomes more noticeable at 7 km/h and the sky becomes cloudier, but stays dry. The night brings a slight dip to 21 °C, with west winds of 8 km/h, ensuring a cool night but rain‑free. expert Daniele Berlusconi of 3BMeteo
Rachel’s Weather Editorial – Heat is an excuse
Today in Milan a 25 °C afternoon is forecast, and meteorologists and scientists promptly arrive to warn us: climate change. So why isn’t the sun getting out of bed late? Rhetorical questions that tangle like clouds of an imaginary thunderstorm, while the thermometer shows temperatures well above the seasonal average. Perhaps it’s only the thermometer wanting attention, or perhaps it’s the perfect pretext to sell light jackets at crocodile‑skin prices. In any case, the climate keeps going around in circles, and we keep looking for blame where there is none.
Koan of the day
A monk asked: “What is the true nature of time today?”
Zhaozhou replied: “Time is what the wind brings to the face.”
A monk asked: “And if the wind is absent?”
Zhaozhou concluded: “Then time is the silence of light.”
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.