“Say things in French!”

“Say things in French!” - The French culture minister has ignited a debate over the encroachment of other languages in France, by telling his followers to “say things in French”. Franck Riester made his plea in a Twitter post on Sunday, which marked the 25th anniversary of the Toubon Law that governs the use of French on TV and radio. The 1994 law banned the use of foreign languages in all TV broadcasts — meaning all foreign-language shows are dubbed. It also dictates that radio stations must play French songs at least 40% of the time. Critics rounded on the minister’s tweet, pointing out that President Emmanuel Macron regularly uses English expressions.

Last local news

Evening Update Friday 18th July 2025

A major wildfire broke out Thursday evening burning 240 hectares and prompting the evacuation of 104 people in Martigues, Bouches-du-Rhône. Meanwhile,... Evening Update Friday 18th July 2025 Read More

18/07/2025

French and Riviera News Friday 18th July 2025

Train traffic between Hyères and Toulon has been halted following a serious incident. Trains were affected on Thursday, July 17th, shortly after 1pm a... French and Riviera News Friday 18th July 2025 Read More

18/07/2025

Weather Forecast - Friday 18th July 2025

Clear skies with a gentle breeze. Highs of 30 degrees in Monaco and Antibes, 31 degrees in Nice and 29 degrees in Menton and Saint-Tropez. This evenin... Weather Forecast - Friday 18th July 2025 Read More

18/07/2025

Evening Update Thursday 17th July 2025

A 38-year-old man has been fatally struck by a truck early Thursday, the 17th of July, on the A8 motorway near Coudoux, Bouches-du-Rhône. ... Evening Update Thursday 17th July 2025 Read More

17/07/2025

French and Riviera News Thursday 17th July 2025

Tensions are running high in Antibes, where around thirty animal rights activists from the group One Voice have gathered outside the former Marineland... French and Riviera News Thursday 17th July 2025 Read More

17/07/2025