Pension reform: Macron expected in a television interview

Today, Emmanuel Macron will address the French during a highly anticipated television interview. At 13:00, he will try to quell anger against his pension reform adopted by force and explain how he intends to overcome this crisis without changing his government or leaving it up to the voters. While demonstrations, sometimes marred by tension, have continued in the country, the Head of State, who has been on the sidelines since January on the issue of pensions, will respond live to the Élysée Palace, journalists Marie-Sophie Lacarrau of TF1 and Julian Bugier of France 2, on the eve of another day of union mobilization on Thursday.

Nuclear revival: the bill passed Tuesday

The National Assembly on Tuesday, with the support of LR, the RN and Communists, passed the nuclear revival bill on first reading, without the controversial safety reform. This vote gives a brief breath to the government shaken by the protests against the pension reform. He got 402 votes against 130. The text aims to reduce the procedures and deadlines for implementing Emmanuel Macron's promises to build six new EPR reactors by 2035, and launch studies for eight others. The Assembly has abolished the objective of reducing the share of nuclear energy in the French electricity mix to 50% by 2035, a “lock” introduced under Hollande's presidency.

State visit: Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping welcome the start of a “new era” in their relationship

Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping praised the entry into a “new era” in their “special” relationship with Westerners. The Russian president supported the Chinese plan to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, while accusing Kiev of rejecting it. According to Putin, the Chinese initiative calling for peace talks includes elements that can “serve as a basis for a peaceful settlement (of the conflict), when they are ready in the West and in Kiev.” For his part, Xi believes that Beijing was “for peace and dialogue” in Ukraine.

IN SHORT

A UN report published Tuesday mentions that under the pressure of overconsumption and climate change, water shortages “are tending to become widespread,” posing an “imminent risk” of a global water crisis.

Three weeks after a rail disaster that raised crowds against his government, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced Tuesday evening that general elections would be held in May, without specifying the exact date.

Adama Camara, a close friend of Paul Pogba, was arrested Sunday then indicted and imprisoned on Monday. He has been wanted since the summer by the French justice system in the investigation into extortions.

The coach of Argentina's world champion Lionel Scaloni estimated on Tuesday that her captain Lionel Messi would continue with the national team “until he says otherwise.” Messi is back home for two friendly matches.