Despite the relatively low cost of tuition fees in French universities, practical costs to students' parents, such as housing, food and transport, amount to an average of more than 7,000 euros per year which is paid for using consumer credit deals by an estimated 14% of lower income families, according to a study by credit provider Cofidis.
A scientific study has identified the hitherto ignored and growing presence in France of several species of a giant 'hammerhead' flatworm normally native to Asia, which can typically measure almost 50 centimetres and which preys on smaller earthworms and slugs.
French public sector workers held a one-day strike on Tuesday against reforms planned by President Emmanuel Macron's government, which include the shedding of 120,000 jobs, notably disrupting transport, educational and energy services in a third day of action that also saw 130 demonstrations across the country.
A Paris university student union leader involved in current protests against a reform of university entrance criteria has dismissed as 'pathetic' and 'quite comical' criticism by government ministers who accuse her of 'provocation' and promoting 'political Islam' by wearing a headscarf during media appearances.
France's civil aviation authority has warned of significant disruption to flights during a strike from Monday evening to Wednesday morning by French air-traffic controllers in support of demands for increased pay and staff numbers, part of a series of public sector strikes called for Tuesday.
France's economy minister Bruno Le Maire has said he hoped the European Union would step in to compensate companies from among its member states who are targeted by sanctions which US president Donald Trump intends to introduce against firms doing business with Iran.
