“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 Thursday 28th August 2025

The massive wildfire in the Aude’s Corbières massif, has now been fully extinguished after three weeks. ... Evening Update Thursday 28th August 2025 Read More

28/08/2025

French and Riviera News Thursday 28th August 2025

It’s been reported that Uber plans to launch high-speed trains between London, Paris, Lille, and Brussels by 2029, partnering with Gemini Trains. ... French and Riviera News Thursday 28th August 2025 Read More

28/08/2025

Evening Update Wednesday 27th August 2025

Éric Ciotti has officially announced his candidacy for mayor of Nice in the March 2026 municipal elections, challenging current mayor Christian Estros... Evening Update Wednesday 27th August 2025 Read More

27/08/2025

French and Riviera News Wednesday 27th August 2025

As 12 million students return to class in France on the 1st of September, several key changes are being introduced. These include mandatory sex educat... French and Riviera News Wednesday 27th August 2025 Read More

27/08/2025

Evening Update Tuesday 26th August 2025

A stormy and rainy episode is expected tomorrow in the Alpes-Maritimes and Var, with heavy rainfall possibly reaching 100mm along the coast.... Evening Update Tuesday 26th August 2025 Read More

26/08/2025