A journalist uncovers media empire's political influence, while comedian calls for a 'Sixth Republic' and actor Omar Sy reflects on student protests and cultural funding in France.
Journalist discusses media influence in France
On 13 October, journalist Jean Leymarie on France Culture discussed the book The Plot Against France by Gérard Davet and Fabrice Lhomme, which investigates Vincent Bolloré's media empire and its alleged influence on French politics. Leymarie described the book as a "small masterpiece of journalistic inquiry" that exposes a "terrifying world" where employees are afraid to criticize their bosses.Criticism of media regulators
Leymarie criticized the regulatory body Arcom for its "timidity" in overseeing media companies like Bolloré. The journalist emphasized the urgency of addressing media regulation as the presidential election approaches, suggesting that current oversight is insufficient to prevent potential political manipulation.Authors promote book on far-right ties
On 14 October, Gérard Davet and Fabrice Lhomme appeared on France Inter to promote their book, which claims that the Bolloré media conglomerate seeks to "convince the French to bring the far right to power." The discussion included references to an interview Emmanuel Macron gave to the far-right newspaper Valeurs actuelles on immigration, described by the authors as a "seismic event" at the Élysée.Political momentum of Raphaël Glucksmann
On 12 October, Patrick Cohen on France Inter praised Raphaël Glucksmann's political momentum following his first-round election victory. Cohen noted that Glucksmann, an Atlanticist and critic of Russia, has focused his political agenda on opposing the far right and Russia. However, the article mentions that Glucksmann's concerns are not primarily about France or the French people.Comedian suggests new political era
On the same day, comedian Mahaut Drama on France Inter suggested that Bally Bagayoko could be the leader of a potential "Sixth Republic," calling for a revolution with a "structure, a strategy, and a leader." The article criticizes France Inter for not addressing the potentially anti-democratic nature of her remarks.Actor discusses French student movements
On 16 October, Sonia Devillers on France Inter interviewed actor, sociologist, and humanist philosopher Omar Sy, who was promoting a new season of the Netflix series Lupin. Sy discussed his Senegalese heritage and the nomadic Peul people, explaining his long-term movement between Trappes, Paris, Los Angeles, and Dakar. He expressed concerns about the student movements in France, noting the "same bad questions and the same bad answers" and detecting "dark forces" manipulating student conflicts.VAT increase threatens French cinema
In addition, the article discusses the potential increase in VAT on Canal+ subscriptions, which could reduce its funding for French cinema from 200 million euros to 50 million euros annually. The article notes the lack of media coverage on this issue, suggesting a contradiction in the cultural sector's stance on national interests versus the "French cultural exception."
