French economy: the Banque de France raises its growth forecast to 1.1%

While the continuing slowdown in inflation is gradually restoring purchasing power to households, the Banque de France has raised its growth forecast for the French economy to 1.1% in 2024, compared to 0.8% expected so far. In addition, its governor François Villeroy de Galhau considered “not realistic” the objective of returning the public deficit to below 3% of the gross domestic product (GDP) in 2027 set by the outgoing government, and called for “setting a five-year target” that remains compatible with European rules. The latter also suggested “an exceptional and reasonable effort on certain large companies and large taxpayers” in order to reduce deficits, “as long as we do not return to below 3%” of public deficit.

Deadly explosions: Israel accused of being responsible

A simultaneous explosion crossed Lebanon on Tuesday. Pagers used by Hezbollah left nine dead and nearly 2,800 injured, including hundreds of members of the Lebanese Islamist movement. Iran blamed Israel for it. Israel did not comment on these explosions, which occurred in several Hezbollah strongholds a few hours after the country announced that it was extending the goals of the war against Palestinian Hamas in the Gaza Strip to its northern border with Lebanon.

Bamako: the jihadists claim an unprecedented attack

For years, jihadists affiliated with Al-Qaeda have claimed a daring and unprecedented attack in the Malian capital Bamako, where they went so far as to temporarily take control of part of the international airport. Images broadcast through the channels of the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (GSIM or JNIM according to the Arabic acronym) show fighters walking by shooting randomly into the windows of the presidential pavilion, which usually welcomes the departures and arrivals of the Head of State and his hosts, in this country ruled by

Abuse of position: EU justice rules on a fine of 1.49 billion against Google

European justice ruled on Wednesday on a fine of 1.49 billion euros imposed on the American giant for abuse of a dominant position in online advertising. This first-instance judgment comes just eight days after the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) definitively confirmed another fine against Google, of 2.4 billion euros, for anti-competitive practices in the price comparison market, after seven years of legal battle. The EU General Court will say at 09:30 (07:30 GMT) whether or not it confirms this sanction, which is the 3rd most severe imposed by the European Commission on the search engine champion. Google will still be able to appeal.

IN SHORT

Venezuelan authorities have announced that a fourth American has been arrested in Caracas for an alleged plot to “assassinate” President Nicolas Maduro. They denounce the “interference” of the EU and Spain in this case

The American Central Bank (Fed) will announce its first rate cut since 2020 on Wednesday, but the speed of this easing remains unclear.

Information from Le Parisien confirmed on Tuesday evening by IDFM indicates that the Ile-de-France Mobilitas Regional Transport Authority (IDFM) will implement a single rate in January 2025, with a metro, train or RER ticket at 2.50 euros throughout the Paris region.

American rapper and powerful hip hop producer Sean “Diddy” Combs, accused by federal prosecutors in New York of using his “empire” at the service of a violent sex trafficking system, has been detained.

Juventus Turin dominated PSV Eindhoven 3-1 at the start of the new Champions League. Bayern Munich swept Dinamo Zagreb 9-2, Lille lost (2-0) against Sporting, reigning champions Real Madrid won 3 to 1 against Stuttgart and Liverpool beat AC Milan 3 to 1