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Politics

Japan: in Tokyo. School students are trained in the formulation of tourism policies.

In response to the results of studies showing the low interest of Japanese citizens in public affairs, in 2024 the Government of Tokyo launched a programme that encourages the contribution of young citizens to the design of their economic and social policies by inviting a group of school students to train in policy formulation through workshops at the headquarters of the Government of the capital during summer holidays. This year ' s file concerns the incoming tourism sector.

Anger in French high school. Students demand better educational conditions.

At a time when debates on public spending and reform of the education sector in France are escalating, protests are widening within secondary schools. From the city of Lill to other regions of the country, students and teachers are coming out to the streets to denounce the deterioration of infrastructure and the lack of educational resources, demanding more favourable conditions of study. While reaffirming the legitimacy of some of these demands, French President Emmanuel Makron warns against the violence that accompanied recent movements, at a time when student organizations call for continued mobilization and escalation of protests at the national level.

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Budget 2027: Government unveils its project, under market pressure

On Thursday, the French government announces its budget for 2027, which includes measures on pensions, while interest rates on debt are blazing. The PLF and PLFSS will be presented to the Council of Ministers, before their consideration by Parliament.

French PM presents belt-tightening 2027 budget, including frozen wages and new taxes

French Prime ​Minister ‌Sébastien Lecornu ⁠on Thursday presented a belt-tightening government budget for 2027, with savings predicted to come from freezing wages in the public sector and all but the lowest ‌pensions. A series of targeted tax measures were also predicted, though the country's independent fiscal watchdog said the plans to reduce the deficit were "limited" in light of the challenge facing the government.

Burnham reopens Brexit debate: EU says UK must chart Its own path on future relations

The EU said Wednesday it was up to London to chart a way forward for Britain's relations with the bloc, after Prime Minister Andy Burnham put the idea of rejoining on the table. Burnham reopened the divisive Brexit debate Wednesday by saying his centre-left Labour government could go "all the way" and propose membership of the bloc, once it has weighed the "pros and cons" of different possible relationships with Europe. For the European perspective, FRANCE 24's Dave Keating reports from Brussels.

Brazil elections: Can Lula’s anti-poverty record win over voters?

In Brazil, incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is seeking a fourth and final term in the presidential election on October 4. In 2022, he made the fight against hunger and poverty a key campaign promise. Between 2023 and 2024, nearly nine million people were lifted out of poverty thanks to the government’s social and economic programs. The decline was particularly sharp in Brazil’s Northeast. A traditional stronghold for Lula, will the progress made in reducing poverty translate into stronger support for the current president? FRANCE 24's team on the ground reports.

Why are French students blocking their school entrances?

🇫🇷 🎒 🪧 High schoolers across #France continued to blockade their #schools on Thursday, trying to form a "blocus" at the entrances of their schools in #protest. French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said that 625 people, mostly students, had been detained during blockade attempts on Wednesday, noting "an expansion of the movement". But what are they asking for? FRANCE 24's Tanishk Saha explains.

Portugal's Ronaldo walks away amid tensions with coach

Cristiano Ronaldo has left Portugal’s training camp after several days of tensions with head coach Jorge Jesus. Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença travelled to Copenhagen to try to ease the situation, without success. Ronaldo eventually missed training and left Denmark on his private jet. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner must now explain his decision.

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Live: UAE probes possible 'terror' link in attack on FlyDubai flight to Israel

The United Arab Emirates on Thursday launched an investigation into the Israel-bound FlyDubai FZ1073 flight from Dubai in which a copilot allegedly stabbed his captain in an apparent attempt to crash the plane. The UAE’s chief prosecutor said the possibility of a terror link will be probed. Follow our liveblog for all the latest developments.

El Salvador sets date for 2027 presidential election as Bukele seeks third term

El Salvador will hold presidential elections on February 28, 2027, the electoral tribunal said Wednesday, opening the way for President Nayib Bukele to seek a third term after constitutional changes removed presidential term limits. Bukele has drawn praise for sharply reducing gang violence but faced criticism over rights abuses during his crackdown.