From the scandal of the film blacklist to the latest financial investigation into a French politician, via an exciting new biopic and the right to beauty in our cities, Inside France looks at the latest news and talking points from France.
Probe v probe
Another week, another investigation launched into a French politician . . .
This time the national financial prosecutor announced that it is opening an embezzlement investigation into Edouard Philippe, the mayor Le Havre, his deputy and another local official. The investigation itself is kind of technical, all about the awarding of contracts in Le Havre, and if it had been any other local mayor it would be unlikely to make headlines.
But Philippe is not just mayor of Le Havre, he’s a front-runner in the 2027 presidential election race and current polls (albeit we’re still a year out) suggest that he’s the best placed candidate to beat the far right.
So will this scupper his chances? Well it might, but his main rivals have embezzlement problems of their own – Marine Le Pen was convicted of it in 2025 so will probably be ineligible to stand, and her deputy Jordan Bardella is also under investigation, this time over suspected misuse of EU funds by his party.
Both of these men could be completely cleared of wrong-doing (and both of them deny it), but given the pace that these investigations move at, there is now a distinct possibility that the election second round next year will be between two men who are both under investigation for financial impropriety.
I wonder why it is that voters are becoming disengaged?
READ ALSO: EXPLAINED: Could an embezzlement probe cost French centrist Philippe the election?
Blacklist
This year’s Cannes film festival has mostly been notable for an almighty row that blew up between Canal+, one of the largest French film studios, and 600 actors, directors and technicians who signed a petition against what they see as the excessive influence on French cultural life of Canal+ owner Vincent Bolloré.
It’s not just that the Breton tycoon owns dozens of TV stations, newspapers, magazines and publishers – it’s that he uses them to push his own very right-wing, very Catholic views. Those who signed the petition were worried about political interference at Canal+ – the studio head denied the claims, and then proceeded to announce that he was blacklisting anyone who signed it . . . which would seem to confirm their suspicions.
The initial petition had few well-known backers (apart from the actress Juliette Binoche), but since news of the blacklist broke it has now been signed by international stars including Javier Bardem, Ken Loach and Mark Ruffalo. Streisand effect, anyone?
Whether the studio sticks to this idea remains to be seen, but it’s not a great look for them, and I’m sure I can’t be the only one who immediately thought of the Hollywood Ten, perhaps the most famous film blacklist in history, targeting left-wingers in Hollywood in the 1940s and 50s. Of course, that did not end with refusing to employ people.
Josephine
But there were some bright spots at the festival, including the announcement of a film about the life of Josephine Baker. The Franco-American dancer, singer, actress, resistance fighter and civil rights campaigner had an absolutely incredible rollercoaster of a life and I cannot believe it has taken this long for a major biopic about her.
If you can’t wait for the film, I recommend taking a trip to the Château des Milandes in Dordogne, which she bought and renovated and used as a home for the children that she adopted. The château and gardens are beautiful, and there’s also a very interesting exhibition about her life.
Talking France
We discuss the blacklist scandal in the latest episode of Talking France, and whether Bolloré’s influence on media should worry France, as well as the problem of cadmium in baguettes and some tips for avoiding a French renovation nightmare. Listen here.
READ ALSO: OPINION: Bolloré’s influence on French cinema, TV and media is dangerous
Beauty and the city
It’s usual practice for newly-elected mayors to announce their plans, and in Paris Emmanuel Grégoire has laid out a programme that includes increasing pedestrianised areas, improving pedestrian safety and tidying up public spaces.
So far, so routine – but announcing that 1,000 scruffy public spaces would be given a makeover, he said he wanted to instil the “right to beauty” in each neighbourhood in Paris.
It’s easy for local government to get bogged down in the practicalities of waste collection and traffic fines, so I appreciate an administration which concerns itself about beauty, and believes that we all have a right to it in our daily lives, whether that’s a well-appointed local park, an attractive river bank or a renovated historic building.
Nantes appears to be taking its beauty seriously too – I had a connecting train there last weekend and was thrilled to discover that right next to the station is a lovely park filled with quirky sculptures. It was full of travellers taking the opportunity to stretch their legs, breathe in some fresh air and appreciate the art while they waited for their connection – now that’s what I consider truly beautiful town planning.
If you ever have a train connection in Nantes, do visit the lovely sculpture-filled park they have helpfully put right next to the station so that travellers have somewhere to stretch their legs. Truly top-notch planning
— Emma Pearson (@emmapearson.bsky.social) 17 May 2026 at 13:28
Inside France is editor Emma Pearson’s weekly look at some of the news, talking points and gossip in France that you might not have heard about. It’s published each Saturday and members can receive it directly to their inbox, by going to their newsletter preferences or adding their email to the sign-up box in this article.
