Laurent Fabius

Why foundation at heart of French global cultural network is close to collapse

France — Investigation

The future of the Fondation Alliance Française, regarded as the shop window for French cultural diplomacy, is at risk. A confidential report carried out by inspectors from three government ministries – and seen by Mediapart – slams the way the foundation has been managed. Its president Jérôme Clément, who is close to former foreign minister Laurent Fabius, has resigned. And five directors, including former prime minister and current mayor of Bordeaux Alain Juppé, have also quit. Antton Rouget reports.

Discord within network promoting French culture around the world

France

The Alliance Française was set up more than 130 years ago to promote French language and culture and is one of France's flagship ambassadors overseas. But today this lofty cultural organisation is embroiled in conflict with a number of senior executives around the world rising up against their boss in Paris, Jérôme Clément. They say he is authoritarian, lacks vision and that under him management is “amateurish”. He says parts of the network are still stuck in the 19th century and insists he has the government's full backing for his planned changes. Fabien Cazeaux reports.

French foreign minister Laurent Fabius steps down

France — Link

The 69-year-old former prime minister, who is to leave his job amid a cabinet reshuffle, appears likely to become head of the Constitutional Council.

French government tipped for reshuffle

France — Link

Foreign minister Laurent Fabius is expected to leave government in the reportedly imminent reshuffle decided by President François Hollande.

French foreign minister's son faces forgery investigation

France — Link

Thomas Fabius has also been named as a key witness in connection with alleged fraud and laundering the proceeds of tax fraud.

France says will recognise Palestinian state if new peace effort fails

International — Link

Foreign minister Laurent Fabius says Paris is trying to convene an international peace summit to work towards a two-state solution.

French foreign minister's intriguing tax favour for film director Luc Besson

France

An unauthorised biography of Luc Besson to be published in France on Wednesday recounts that the renowned French film director and producer was granted an extraordinary exemption from a multi-million-euro wealth tax payment when current French foreign minister Laurent Fabius was finance minister. The exemption, claims the book, was agreed after the intervention of Fabius, whose sister and nephew were employed by Besson. Fabrice Arfi reports.

Police question French minister’s son in money-laundering probe

France — Link

Thomas Fabius, son of Laurent Fabius who chaired climate conference, taken into custody after concerns over funding of €7m Paris flat.

France signals softer stance on Assad after Russia talks

International — Link

French foreign minister said that winning back Islamic State 'capital' Raqqa was priority and could involve help from Syria regime troops.

French climate march ban draws criticism

France — Link

French foreign minister Laurent Fabius said government made the decision 'to avoid additional risks' after Paris terror attacks.

Hollande demands 'all information' on German bugging of French foreign minister

International — Link

The French president said he expected Chancellor Angela Merkel to give 'exact details' over report that German intelligence spied on Laurent Fabius.

Planetary 'catastrophe' looms warns France ahead of Paris climate conference

International — Link

'Life on our planet is at stake' warned French foreign minister, pushing to limit global warming to 2°C over pre-Industrial Revolution levels.

French foreign minister’s son targeted by US arrest warrant

International — Link

Thomas Fabius, son of Laurent Fabius, is reported to accused of passing bad cheques totalling $3.5m to cover casino debts in Las Vegas.

French and German foreign ministers in joint visit to Bangladesh

International — Link

The 'historic' trip by Laurent Fabius and Frank-Walter Steinmeier is aimed at helping South Asian country combat effects of climate change.

Paris court hears Syria war victims' complaint against French foreign minister

International — Link

Syrian relatives of civil war victims accuse Laurent Fabius of encouraging 'mass crimes' in past comments allegedly favourable to the al-Nusra Front.