Melissa on the road

Journalist at RFI (ex-DW, BBC, CBC, F24...), writer (on art, music, culture...), I work in radio, podcasting, online, on films. As a writer, I also contributed to the New Arab, Art UK, Byline Times, the i Paper... Born in Paris, I was based in Prague, Miami, London, Nairobi (covering East Africa), Bangui, and in Bristol, UK. I also reported from Italy, Germany, Haiti, Tunisia, Liberia, Senegal, India, Mexico, Iraq, South Africa... This blog is to share my work, news and cultural discoveries.

27/12/2024

To a safe 2025

Best wishes from us, a multicultural newsroom of Paris-based journalists, also hoping to continue the task of informing in a challenging year!

26/12/2024

French researcher Aurelien Barrau on the climate crisis

A few words from French researcher Aurelien Barrau, who I rarely see translated in English.

Here is my summary of one of his recent talks.

The decoupling of economic growth and ecological disaster is happening.

The real problem is not primarily fossil fuel usage, as suggested by Mrs Ursula von der Leyen, but the exceeding of planetary limits, which is unsustainable.

The destruction of the biosphere, beyond climate change, is a dire threat.

Growth is incompatible with our survival, and denying this is complicit in mass destruction.

Barrau criticises the mainstream environmental narrative as insufficient, claiming it remains too timid and conventional.

While agreeing that the environmental crisis is systemic—marked by climate change, ocean acidification, and biodiversity loss—he suggests that the term "growth" has been misused, as it refers to a decline in our human potential.

Instead, he advocates for post-growth, not as deprivation, but as healing and liberation from destructive addictions.

He also warns against the idea that clean, infinite energy would be beneficial, claiming it would only lead to more destruction if it continues to fuel our destructive tendencies.

Barrau argues that the real issue is not energy production, but the goals we pursue with it.

He also rejects the notion that biodiversity loss is just a threat, calling it a catastrophe in itself.

Lastly, he embraces planetary boundaries, arguing that creativity and life are shaped by constraints.

He asserts that human existence is inherently finite and that beauty arises from limitations, not endless expansion.

He calls for humility, especially in our relationships with the Global South, and suggests that we must abandon our arrogant rationality to learn from our mistakes and embrace a new, sustainable path for the future.

Worry on journalism and democracy in the UK

The article "Tortoise and the Heir: The 'Slow News' Media Firm Behind the Observer Sale and the Curious Company It Keeps" by Carole Cadwalladr, published in Byline Times on 18 December 2024, delves into the recent acquisition of The Observer by Tortoise Media and examines the backgrounds and affiliations of Tortoise's key investors.

Key Points:

Acquisition Details: The Scott Trust, owner of The Guardian and The Observer, has agreed to transfer ownership of The Observer to Tortoise Media. This arrangement involves the Scott Trust providing a £5 million cash payment to Tortoise, supplementing the £20 million that Tortoise has already raised for the integration of the two newsrooms.
Investor Profiles: Tortoise Media, co-founded by former BBC News Director James Harding, is financially backed by several prominent figures, including:
- Matthew Barzun: A former U.S. Ambassador to the UK and Sweden, Barzun is a significant investor in Tortoise Media.
- Alexander Nix: Former CEO of Cambridge Analytica, Nix's involvement raises questions due to the company's controversial data practices.
- Lord Rothschild: A member of the influential Rothschild banking family, his investment links Tortoise to longstanding financial power structures.
Editorial Concerns: The sale has sparked apprehension among Observer journalists and media analysts regarding potential shifts in editorial direction and the preservation of the newspaper's journalistic independence. The involvement of investors with backgrounds in data analytics and political consulting intensifies these concerns.
Industry Context: This transaction occurs amid a challenging landscape for traditional print media, with outlets seeking innovative business models and investment to remain viable in the digital era. Tortoise Media's "slow news" approach, emphasising in-depth journalism over rapid news cycles, represents one such model.

The article underscores the complexities and potential implications of The Observer's acquisition by Tortoise Media, highlighting the need for vigilance in maintaining journalistic standards and independence in an evolving media environment.

According to the article, the sale primarily affects The Observer, not The Guardian. However, there are potential implications for the broader media ecosystem managed by the Scott Trust. Here’s a breakdown:

Impact on The Observer: The transfer of ownership to Tortoise Media directly impacts The Observer. The integration of its newsroom with Tortoise's operations raises concerns about shifts in editorial policy, journalistic independence, and long-term strategy.
Limited Immediate Effect on The Guardian: The article does not suggest any immediate operational changes for The Guardian. However, as The Observer has traditionally shared resources and strategies with The Guardian, any changes in The Observer's direction could indirectly influence The Guardian, especially if the Scott Trust uses this deal as a test case for future adaptations.
Symbolic and Strategic Repercussions: The deal might reflect broader challenges facing the Scott Trust and its ability to sustain traditional journalism, which could eventually shape decisions about The Guardian’s strategy and independence.

24/12/2024

In Bayrou's words

French PM Bayrou defends his government in television interview, as criticisms abound

An hour after the spokesperson of the Elysée Palace announced the details of the new government formed by the new Prime minister François Bayrou, the ally of Emmanuel Macron went live on television to defend a cabinet already under fire as France's political crisis deepens.

In a 30-minute-long interview with journalists Apolline de Malherbe and Benjamin Duhamel on BMF TV, François Bayrou said his government was "the future", adding the first of all the ministers will be Education, with former Prime minister Elisabeth Borne at his head and Philippe Baptiste at he head of Research.

Bayrou praised his skills and promised improvement for the education system.

The new Prime minister also insisted on the vital role that former Socialist and former PM Manuel Valls will have as Overseas territory minister, while the crisis in Mayotte has marred the year 2024 and picked with the recent Cyclone Chido.

"If we want to fight the immense problems France face at the moment, we cannot let disagreements rule", Bayrou said, positioning himself as the representative of the centre of the political spectrum.

He vowed to overcome party divisions to answer French voters's worries, notably on security issues, he said.

Bayrou denied any "influence" from the National Rally on the composition of his government.

The discussion lingered on the role of the Justice and Interior minister and France's justice system.

Bayrou, as named by French President Emmanuel Macron, will head the fourth government of the year, hoping to drag the second-largest EU economy out of a deep political and financial crisis.

Criticisms

The leader of the National Rally, Jordan Bardella, has accused Bayrou of having "formed the coalition of failure."

The leader of the Green Party, Marine Tondelier, condemned the "indignity" of the Prime Minister, "who places himself in the hands of the far right."

The leader of the France Unbowed (LFI) MPs, Mathilde Panot, mocked "a government filled with people rejected at the ballot box who have contributed to sinking our country... with the support of Marine Le Pen and the National Rally."

Right-wing LR members of parliament have said they will not "rule out withdrawing their support" to Bayrou's government, as they will be "very demanding," according to Laurent Wauquiez, representative for this group.

The government will meet for the first time on 3 January at 10am Paris time, and Bayrou is expected to give a policy speech to parliament on 14 January.

The left-wing party LFI has vowed to table a motion of no confidence against him and his government as soon as possible.

The main uncertainty will be around the reaction of the far-right, which holds almost 30 percent of the seats at the French National Assembly.

23/12/2024

France's new goverment

With France's new government announced, Bayrou hopes to move the country forward

France's Prime minister François Bayrou unveiled his top ministers on Monday night after protracted talks with party chiefs across the political spectrum. The Prime Minister said he needed heavyweight figures to distinguish himself from his predecessor, Michel Barnier, but most of the key ministers remain unchanged.

The team was unveiled just before 7pm local time, 6pm GMT, after postponements over the weekend, an illustration of a chaotic start at Matignon for many observers of French politics.

Former prime minister Elisabeth Borne has been named Education minister.

Former Socialists Manuel Valls and François Rebsamen enter the government as minister for Overseas territories and minister in charge of decentralisation, respectively.

Former interior minister Gerald Darmanin has also been nominated again as members of Bayrou's team as Justice minister.

Outgoing interior minister Bruno Retailleau, a conservative who has vowed to crack down on illegal immigration, is also keeping his job, as well as right-wing culture minister Rachida Dati, Jean-Noel Barrot for foreign affairs and defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu.

The government will meet for the first time on 3 January at 10am Paris time.

Xavier Bertrand, who had been offered the Justice ministry, stated that he would not join Bayrou's government, because it was "formed with the approval of Marine Le Pen."

Repeated delays

The Elysee presidential palace said on Monday morning the new cabinet would not be announced before 6pm Paris time due to the day of mourning for the victims in the cyclone-hit French overseas territory of Mayotte.

Cyclone Chido swept through the Indian Ocean archipelago on 14 December. At least 35 people have been confirmed dead and more than 2,500 injured. The death toll is expected to rise due to the number of undocumented migrants on the island.

Meanwhile, after nine days of convoluted consultations, Macron named François Bayrou, 73, heads the liberal Democratic Movement (MoDem) party, as the new Prime Minister on 13 December, who had first promised to present a government this past weekend.

Both Bayou and Macron have come under fire for their handling of the crisis in Mayotte. Bayrou flew to his home city of Pau for a local mayoral event and Macron lost his temper in front of TV cameras while in Mayotte to assess the extent of the damage.

Deadlock

French politics has been deadlocked since Macron gambled on snap elections last summer, as the choice backfired when no party or alliance secured a majority, and the left arrived first in the new National Assembly.

After weeks of pause, then difficult discussions, Macron finally named former Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier prime minister on 5 September 2024.

But France has since been plunged into chaos this month when the far right and left joined forces to oust Barnier, the shortest lived premier in the Fifth Republic which began in 1958.

Bayrou was finally appointed by Macron on 13 December, hoping that his new administration would be presented before 22 December, or "in any case before Christmas".

Macron and Bayrou held a series of talks last Sunday 22 but, contrary to expectations, the composition of a new administration was not announced.

"The length of this auditioning process... is unbearable," far-right National Rally lawmaker Jean-Philippe Tanguy told broadcaster BFMTV-RMC.

Priority to the budget

Bayrou keeps saying his priority is to make sure his government can survive another no-confidence vote and that it passes a budget for next year.

He is hoping to bring in figures from the left, right and centre to protect his government from possible censure but exclude the hard left and far-right.

Bayrou is the sixth prime minister of Macron's mandate, and the fourth of 2024.

But many commentators are already predicting Bayrou's premiership will be short-lived, as most ministers were already present in the past two governments that failed.

Bayrou has also endured a tumultuous first week as premier. A new poll by Ifop for the Journal du Dimanche weekly (JDD) found 66 percent of respondents were unhappy with his performance. Only 34 percent said they were satisfied or very satisfied with Bayrou.

Going back to 1959, Ifop said it had not seen such a low rating for a prime minister starting the job.

Bayrou is expected to give a policy speech to parliament on 14 January.

Hard-left firebrand Jean-Luc Melenchon of the France Unbowed party (LFI) has vowed to table a motion of no confidence against him and his government.

The main uncertainty will be around the reaction of the far-right, which holds almost 30 percent of the seats at the French National Assembly.