Expression. Thursday marks a new strike day in French schools, colleges and high schools, in connection with the management of the health crisis at school. And with the backdrop of a discontent from the teaching world towards the Minister of National Education, Jean-Michel Blanquer, pinned down for a short stay in Ibiza during the end of year celebrations. Demonstrations are planned in several cities in France such as Strasbourg and Rennes. In Paris, the planned demonstration, initially prohibited, “will not be prevented” by the police headquarters, despite the late filing of the declaration. Last Thursday, exasperated by the waltz of health protocols linked to Covid-19, the members of the staff of the National Education went on massive strike and demonstrated. Nearly 78,000 people marched in France.
Health. After an interview between Jean Castex and Emmanuel Macron early in the morning, a health defense council will meet on Thursday at the Élysée. There is no question of lifting the health restrictions in place, but this meeting should be an opportunity to give some visibility as to the future of these restrictions. “We should ask the French for another two weeks of effort before lifting the restrictions”, explained a source close to the executive to Agence France-Presse. “We want to give a little visibility, especially since people are fed up. We will say that if the conditions improve, in one or two weeks we will lift the restrictions, ”adds another source. The Council of Ministers will follow this meeting.
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Presidency. In the United States, Joe Biden will celebrate the first anniversary of his taking office in the White House. On Wednesday, the Democratic president gave a rare but long-awaited press conference, during which he returned to the “challenges” and “progress” of the past year. Returning to the difficulties encountered last year, he attributed the responsibility to the pandemic, but also to his Democratic opponents. Joe Biden will also have to speak next March during the State of the Union address.
READ ALSOGérard Araud – 2021, annus horribilis for Joe Biden
Countryside. Marine Le Pen will be traveling to Fréjus on Thursday, while the communist Fabien Roussel will go to Essonne, then to the Saint-Arnoult-en-Yvelines toll booth to educate motorists about fuel prices. Anne Hidalgo, Socialist presidential candidate, will travel to Oise for the launch of some 80 local committees. For her part, Christiane Taubira will be in Lille.
READ ALSOJean-François Kahn – From the plural left to the confetti left: farce!
Justice. Appeal trial of polemicist and presidential candidate Éric Zemmour, prosecuted for contesting crimes against humanity. On January 17, the presidential candidate was sentenced for incitement to hatred after comments on unaccompanied minors, on CNews in 2020. He assured not to regret his remarks.
READ ALSOAll the times Éric Zemmour was convicted (and released)
Music. Les Enfoirés arrive in Montpellier for their series of concerts 2022 for the benefit of the Restos du Cœur. They will stay there until January 24.
Handball. During the Euro, Thursday at 6 p.m., the France team will face the Netherlands, from Hungary.