Former French President Valéry Giscard d’Estaing died Wednesday, at the age of 94. President Giscard d’Estaing, who had been briefly hospitalized several times in recent months, died of COVID-19, according to his family. In accordance with his wishes, the former president’s funeral will take place in strict family privacy.
Category: France
France
The Simplest Way for Manufacturers to Buy and Sell Online Worldwide
Manufacturing Buyer is changing
The world markets for manufacturers and online eCommerce has and is radically changing. Where today’s buyers of manufactured goods are rapidly adopting the newer approaches, they are adopting a much faster and more effective shopping path for manufactured goods, especially in developing counties.
France to Revise “Global Security Bill” After Protests
The French government has backed down on its proposal to the National Assembly regarding its “Global Security Bill,” and instead asked that it be revised with immediate effect. In particular, a controversial article of the bill, designed to protect the police force, should be changed, the government argued.
Census Continues to Provide Promising News for U.S. Wholesalers
Getting in one last bit of work before the long weekend, the US Census Bureau released its Monthly Advance Economic Indicators Report for October on the day before Thanksgiving. Advance wholesale inventories were up for the month of October, by 0.9%. The August to September percentage change was revised from up, 0.4% to up 0.7%.
France — Macron “Shocked” by Video of Police Beatings
The police beatings of a black man in Paris, which left President Emmanuel Macron shocked, has rekindled debate on racism and police violence in the midst of controversy over a security bill. Disturbing footage showed four policemen mercilessly clobbering a black music producer on the doorstep of his Paris studio.
France Levies Digital Tax on U.S. Tech Giants
According to French officials, company executives, and consultants, a number of US technology companies, such as Facebook and Amazon, have recently received information from French tax authorities requesting them to pay millions of euros in digital taxes for 2020. This reportedly angered the US government.
Western Union Buys STC, Europe Eases Lockdowns
Western Union, the world’s largest money transfer company, spent $200 million to acquire a 15% stake in the digital payment division of STC Group. Saudi Arabia’s largest telecommunications operator said in a statement on Saturday that the acquisition will provide the company with funds and support its long-term expansion plans.
EU: UK Hasn’t Compromised Enough for Brexit Deal
The European Union warned that the UK has not taken enough action to overcome the three major obstacles facing a post-Brexit trade agreement. The leaders of Belgium, France, and the Netherlands urged greater efforts to prepare contingency plans in case an agreement is not reached.
More Vendors Prompt Sweeping Changes to Retail Environment
Late last month, sports equipment company Under Armour announced it was cutting ties with some 2,000 retailers over the next two years. In doing so, Under Armour would focus on building up its direct-to-consumer business. Promo Marketing reported a more than 50% growth in Under Armour’s e-commerce business during the third quarter, with a 17% increase in direct-to-consumer sales.
EU Warns Against No-Deal Brexit, Rumored to Buy Vaccine
The leaders of France and Belgium urged the EU to intensify its efforts to prepare for a no-deal Brexit by the end of the year, in case negotiations with the UK fail to achieve a breakthrough at the last minute. That’s according to two people familiar with the relevant discussions at the EU leaders video summit on Thursday.
European Land Defense Industry Anything But Level
While defense manufacturers do indeed separate themselves from the rest of the market by the products they distribute, and the types of clients they serve, they are otherwise subjected to all the other normal rules of the industry market. Financial resilience, capacity to innovate, flexibility to client demands and critical size are all factors they must keep in mind and which will heavily impact their future. In Europe, not all producers are performing equally.
Egyptian Human Rights Activists Arrested
A prominent Egyptian human rights organization said that security forces arrested a senior member on Wednesday. The arrest came three days after its administrative director was arrested on charges that include joining a terrorist group. The arrest on Monday came after senior diplomats visited the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights.
US, Africa and Geopolitics
This year has been challenging shaping the trajectory around the world. The winner of the US presidential election will have vested interest in the US influence around the globe, including on the African continent. Currently, there is an attempt of the global geopolitical redistribution.
Mali- Top al-Qaeda Linked Militant Killed by French Forces
The French forces have claimed to have killed a militant who has been on the United Nations sanctions list. Bah Ag Moussa, was a top commander of the al-Qaeda linked militant group, Group to Support Islam and Muslim (GSIM). He is believed to be responsible for attacks on security forces in Mali.
Jeddah — MBS Vows to Crush Extremists
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Thursday vowed to deal with extremists with an “iron fist,” following Wednesday’s attack on Jeddah against Western diplomats. The attack was subsequently claimed by the Islamic State group. The so-called Islamic State claimed responsibility.
You Are Not Powerless in Your Job Search During Covid-19
You probably never dreamed you’d be in search of a job during a global pandemic. Talk about challenges, right? Okay, before you get down and think your chances just slid to the floor, let’s look at what you can do to make the most of your time, and how you can land that next job interview.
One of the first things to consider is how you present yourself to others. Have you evaluated your personal brand lately? What makes you a valuable candidate to prospective employers? How will you stand out in a crowded marketplace? What transferable skills do you have? What are your strengths and how can you amplify them? Consider what courses are available to help you stay competitive in your industry. By evaluating your personal brand, you’ll get an overarching view of how potential employers see you.
European Leaders Phone Biden with Well Wishes
Top European leaders on Tuesday engaged US president-Elect Joe Biden via phone calls to congratulate him on his electoral victory and wish him well. Among them were British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, President Emmanuel Macron of France, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
Coronavirus — Netanyahu Addresses Global Conference
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed COVID-19 vaccines and other ways of ending the pandemic at a video conference with world leaders. The video conference was hosted by the Chancellor of Austria, Sebastian Kurz, with the participation of the Prime Ministers of Austria, Norway, Denmark, Greece and the Czech Republic.
Biden and the Future of the US Geopolitical Influence
On November 3rd, American citizens voted to elect the new President of the United States. The winner is Democrat Joe Biden, who has a long history in politics. Many major changes are coming to the US’ national and foreign policies in the new year. Furthermore, for the European Union, it will be a welcome change.
El Sisi Refuse to Link Any Religion to Acts of Violence and Extremism
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi affirmed “the total rejection of terrorist acts in all their forms, and the refusal to link any religion to acts of violence and extremism, and not to prejudice religious symbols,” while French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian stressed that his country respects and appreciates all religions, stressing that French Muslims are a part of France.
France Terror Attacks- Macron Doubles Border Control Agents
French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday, November 5, 2020, that the number of France troops on it’s borders will be doubled to 4,800 people after a spate of Islamist attacks in France and Austria. In December, he will ask other EU leaders for an in-depth reform of the Schengen treaty.
Big News in the Wholesale PPE Market
Necessity is often the mother of investment. The Great Lockdown, itself made necessary by the coronavirus pandemic, has caused the disruption of many sectors of the economy, a tidal wave of business closings, and even the collapse of entire industries. However, as is often the case in economic downturns, it’s not all bad news.
US Presidential Elections- World Leaders Congratulate Joe Biden
Following the Democratic Party presidential candidate, Joe Biden’s resounding victory in the US presidential elections, a section of world leaders have already sent in their messages of goodwill while wishing him well as he assumes the reins of power of the world’s superpower.
France Bans “Gray Wolves,” Turkey Vows Response
The French government has announced a ban on and the disbanding of the Turkish nationalist group, the Gray Wolves, who are accused of hate speech and violence in France. Turkey’s response was swift, describing it as a “provocation.” Ankara furthermore promised a “firm response” to the moves by the French government.
Politics of France, What is Next?
Last week, French President Emmanuel Macron launched and “leaked” an offensive against the “Islamic order.” This offensive has a utilitarian and local character, and hardly at all pulled on a new “crusade” that the French public would not imagine. However, as usual, in such cases, the result gives way to pure politics.
Vienna Attack — Pope Francis Calls for End to Violence
Via the social media platform Twitter, Pope Francis expressed his “pain and dismay” over the Vienna terrorist attack, in which five lives were lost. He demanded an end to violence to build peace “together” in society, and to live without hatred. One of the suspects of the attack, a young man aged 20, was shot dead by police.
Austria — Macron Offers Condolences After Terrorist Attack
The president of France, Emmanuel Macron, joined world leaders in offering his condolences to Austria, following a terrorist attack in the capital, Vienna. Four people were killed in the attacks. France, on its part, has been rocked by a series of terrorist attacks in recent days.
Short-Term Crude Oil Futures Rise by 50 Cents
Before the U.S. market opened on Monday, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak had a conversation with oil companies about OPEC+ production cuts which may be postponed. WTI crude oil futures rose by $0.50 in the short-term, and Brent crude oil futures rose by $0.40 in the short-term.
Several Suspects Arrested in Connection with French Assassinations
Three suspects were arrested in connection with the Nice and Lyon assassinations. The main suspect in the Nice assassination was seriously injured and is yet to be questioned, but six people have been arrested in connection with the case. Another has been arrested in connection with an attack on a priest in Lyon.
Canada- Terror Attack with Two Dead, Five Wounded
At least two people were killed and five left nursing serious injuries in the wee hours of Sunday following a stabbing spree carried out by a man who was disguised in a ‘samurai garb’. A suspect has so far been arrested after a citywide manhunt by the local police.
Nice Terrorist Attack- French Police Arrest Third Suspect
A third suspect of the Nice terror attack was arrested today as investigations into Thursday’s knife attack on a basilica in Nice (south-eastern France) that caused three deaths. The 33-year-old man was present during the search on Friday night at the home of the second suspect.
US Stock Indexes Closed Down, Technology Suffered
U.S. stock technology stocks suffered “Black Friday”. On Friday, Eastern Time, the three major US stock indexes closed down collectively. The Dow once fell more than 500 points. The Nasdaq’s biggest intraday drop exceeded 3%, and the late decline narrowed.
Nice Church Attacker was Unknown to Authorities
The name of the attacker who killed three people in Notre Dame Church in Nice, beheading one, was not on the list of people suspected of terrorist activity. The identity of this person has been revealed, and the police officers are looking for his possible instigators and accomplices.
Anti-Macron Protests Shake Up Madhya Pradesh
A protest by Indian Muslims at Bhopal’s Iqbal Maidan against French President Emmanuel Macron has caused a stir in Madhya Pradesh politics. Thousands of Muslims not only protested against France but also set fire to the flag of France during the protest on Thursday.
France Arrests Man with Ties to Nice Attacker
French authorities have detained a man suspected of having contacted the perpetrator of Thursday’s attack in Nice, France, which killed three people at a local Catholic church. As per preliminary investigations, the 47-year-old man is suspected of having kept in touch with the attacker, and was taken into police custody on Thursday night.
Muslim Countries Condemn Attack in Nice
Quite a number of Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), have strongly condemned Thursday’s terror attack in a church in Nice, southern France, and disassociated it from the values of Islam. Each country put out a statement through their Ministries of Foreign Affairs.
Census Offers More Promising News for US Wholesalers
On Wednesday, the U.S. Census Bureau released a preliminary report on data pertaining to wholesale inventory for the month of September. Wholesale inventory in the United States was shown to have decreased by 0.1% in September. This is compared to a 0.3% increase in August, which itself was revised from 0.4%.
Terror in Nice — Attacker Apprehended, Leaders Tribute
U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday expressed his support for his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron’s tough stance against radical Islam and his crackdown on Islamist terrorists. Through his social networks, President Trump expressed his support for France and stressed that such attacks should be halted “immediately.”
Three Killed by Terror Attack in Nice
France suffered yet another terror attack on Thursday in the southern city of Nice. An alleged Islamist terrorist killed three with a knife in the Notre-Dame Basilica. In addition, in what has left many utterly terrified, one of the victims, a 70-year old woman, was beheaded inside the church.
France Talks Tough With Turkey on Values
France “will never renounce its principles and values,” in regard to its recent tough stance on Muslims, despite what it terms as “attempts at destabilization and intimidation” by Turkey. This has been said Wednesday by the spokesman for the Franch president, Gabriel Attal, who also underscored “a strong European unity.”
Mali — Terror Trial Begins, Row with France Continues
Mali has begun trial for suspects accused of an attack on a luxury nightclub in Bamako. The two are said to be members of the Islamic State, an active militant group in the country. In March, a French citizen, a Belgian, and three Malians were killed in an attack at La Terrasse, a restaurant and a night club.
Turkey’s Lira Hits Another Low
Following the Coronavirus epidemic, Turkey’s currency has depreciated by a record amount against the dollar due to Turkey’s dispute with its NATO allies. In a recent speech, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan forged bitter relations with several other countries, including France and the United States.
Muslim Countries Boycott French Goods Over Macron Comments
Dissatisfied with French President Emmanuel Macron’s statement on Muslims and Islam, some Arab countries have begun to boycott French goods. The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued an appeal to stop the boycott, and President Macron has also responded.
Erdogan Calls for Boycott of French Products
The President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, implored the citizens of his country Monday not to buy products from France. His remarks came in retaliation for the strong position taken by France against Islamic groups, following the beheading of one of its teachers by a radical Muslim young man.
Kurz, Borrell Condemn Erdogan’s Attacks on Macron
The Austrian Chancellor, Sebastian Kurz, and the European Union’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, have strongly condemned the insults of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, aimed his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron. On his part, the Chancellor made his thoughts known on Twitter.
Is Turkey Becoming a Problem for the NATO?
Turkey made an official statement pertaining the refusal of the contract termination with Russia. The S-400 anti aircraft systems will be supplied to Turkey. It has been in service with the Russian Armed Forces since 2007. The announcement came directly from the president of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Erdogan Launches a Sharp Attack on Macron, Questions His Mental Powers
The Turkish president launched a sharp attack on his French counterpart, asking him to “check his mental health”, due to the latter’s proposal to protect his country’s secular values. For its part, Jordan condemned the re-publication of the caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad “under the pretext of freedom of expression.”
US Pressure on Azerbaijan and Armenia to Stop Fighting in Karabakh
In separate meetings with his Azeri and Armenian counterparts, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called for an end to the war in Nagorno-Karabakh. Azerbaijan has stated that it is ready to resume political talks after the occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh by Armenia.
A Light at the End of the Tunnel for US Wholesale?
The Associated Press reported last week that US wholesale prices jumped 0.4% in September, continuing a three-month trend. This is in contrast to a Reuters report, also from last week, which showed a 0.8% drop in Japanese wholesale prices over the same month.
Tensions Between Russia and Turkey Escalate
Erdogan made a statement that he does not recognize the Crimea as part of Russia. The Kremlin representative said that the Union of Russia and Turkey is impossible after Erdogan’s words about Crimea. “Erdogan has his own agenda. We can’t even talk about any ‘Union’,” Pushkov said.
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