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:''For the impact on left-wing policies on France and the rest of Europe, see [[European migrant crisis]]''

:''For the impact on left-wing policies on France and the rest of Europe, see [[European migrant crisis]]''

'''France''', officially the '''French Republic''', is a country located primarily in [[western Europe]]. The elected president is the dominant figure in the country's politics. The French national currency, or franc, was phased out and replaced by the [[euro]] in 1999-2002. France is the world's most popular tourist destination with 80 million visitors in 2011.<ref>"[http://geography.about.com/od/economic-geography/a/20-Most-Popular-Countries-As-Tourist-Destinations.htm 20 Most Popular Countries as Tourist Destinations]".</ref> The Eiffel Tower in Paris is world's most visited tourist attraction. [[Nuclear power]] produces 78 percent of the country's electricity.

'''France''', officially the '''French Republic''', is a country located primarily in [[western Europe]]. The elected president is the dominant figure in the country's politics. The French national currency, or franc, was phased out and replaced by the [[euro]] in 1999–2002. France is the world's most popular tourist destination with 80 million visitors in 2011.<ref>"[http://geography.about.com/od/economic-geography/a/20-Most-Popular-Countries-As-Tourist-Destinations.htm 20 Most Popular Countries as Tourist Destinations]".</ref> The Eiffel Tower in Paris is world's most visited tourist attraction. [[Nuclear power]] produces 78 percent of the country's electricity.

In ancient times, the area that is today France was included in the Roman province of Gaul. Together with Germany and Northern Italy, it was part of the Carolingian Empire. The earliest document attesting to a distinct French language is the Oaths of Strassbourg of 842. In 843, the Treaty of Verdun divided the Carolingian Empire into French, German, and Italian kingdoms.

In ancient times, the area that is today France was included in the Roman province of Gaul. Together with Germany and Northern Italy, it was part of the Carolingian Empire. The earliest document attesting to a distinct French language is the Oaths of Strasbourg of 842. In 843, the Treaty of Verdun divided the Carolingian Empire into French, German, and Italian kingdoms.

France has played a significant role in world events since the era of Cardinal Richelieu in the mid-seventeenth century. The monarchy lasted until the [[French Revolution]] of 1789-1799. [[Napoleon|Napoleon I]] ruled France and much of Europe as emperor in 1804–1815. Since 1870, France has been a republic with the motto "liberty, equality, fraternity." The country was occupied by Germany in World War II.

France has played a significant role in world events since the era of Cardinal Richelieu in the mid-seventeenth century. The monarchy lasted until the [[French Revolution]] of 1789–1799. [[Napoleon|Napoleon I]] ruled France and much of Europe as emperor in 1804–1815. Since 1870, France has been a republic with the motto "liberty, equality, fraternity." The country was occupied by Germany in World War II.

France is a leading member of the [[European Union]], an economic and political union founded in 1952 as the European Coal and Steel Community. France's current constitutional structure, called the Fifth Republic, was introduced by President [[Charles de Gaulle]] in 1958. It features a strong president elected to a five-year term of office.  

France is a leading member of the [[European Union]], an economic and political union founded in 1952 as the European Coal and Steel Community. France's current constitutional structure, called the Fifth Republic, was introduced by President [[Charles de Gaulle]] in 1958. It features a strong president elected to a five-year term of office.  

The French language derives from the vernacular Latin spoken by the Romans in [[Gaul]], although it includes some Celtic and Germanic words. Historically, French has been used as the international language of diplomacy and commerce. Today it remains one of six official languages at the [[United Nations]] and has been a unifying factor in Africa, Asia, the Pacific, and the Caribbean.

The French language derives from the vernacular Latin spoken by the Romans in [[Gaul]], although it includes some Celtic and Germanic words. Historically, French has been used as the international language of diplomacy and commerce. Today it remains one of six official languages at the [[United Nations]] and has been a unifying factor in Africa, Asia, the Pacific, and the Caribbean.

[[Image:Sacre Coeur.jpg|thumb|Le Sacre Coeur.]]

[[Image:Sacre Coeur.jpg|thumb|Le Sacre Coeur.]]

The French language is controlled by the French Academy (''L'Académie française''). Members of the Academy are appointed for life so there is a very conservative approach to the changing demands on the language even going as far as banning words with an English origin. The French people (and other French speakers) often ignore the "correct" French and adopt modern English words. This can cause an even wider gap opening up between the cultural elite, who prefer to follow the official French even if it is many years and even decades out of date, and ordinary French speakers who prefer to have a more useful language. There have even been arguments between the government and the Academy over the introduction of "foreign" French words from countries like Belgium and Canada which the government is keen to use. Some even say that this painfully slow and traditional organization is strangling the French language.

The French language is controlled by the French Academy (''L'Académie française''). Members of the academy are appointed for life so there is a very conservative approach to the changing demands on the language even going as far as banning words with an English origin. The French people (and other French speakers) often ignore the "correct" French and adopt modern English words. This can cause an even wider gap opening up between the cultural elite, who prefer to follow the official French even if it is many years and even decades out of date, and ordinary French speakers who prefer to have a more useful language. There have even been arguments between the government and the academy over the introduction of "foreign" French words from countries like Belgium and Canada which the government is keen to use. Some even say that this painfully slow and traditional organization is strangling the French language.

=== Other French government efforts to protect French culture ===

=== Other French government efforts to protect French culture ===

''See also:'' [[French cuisine]]

''See also:'' [[French cuisine]]

The [[French]] are well known for their culinary achievements.<ref>[https://www.thespruceeats.com/introduction-to-french-food-and-cooking-1375348 A Brief Introduction to French Food and Cooking] BY Rebecca Franklin</ref>

The [[French]] are well known for their culinary achievements.<ref name="thespruceeats.com">[https://www.thespruceeats.com/introduction-to-french-food-and-cooking-1375348 A Brief Introduction to French Food and Cooking] BY Rebecca Franklin</ref>

Rebecca Franklin in her article entitled ''A Brief Introduction to French Food and Cooking'' wrote:

Rebecca Franklin in her article entitled ''A Brief Introduction to French Food and Cooking'' wrote:

{{Cquote|French food and cooking are generally considered the backbone and underpinning of many cuisines across the Western world. The influence and recognition of classical French cooking techniques are legendary. This status is precisely why French cuisine can be intimidating for a beginner to learn.  

{{Cquote|French food and cooking are generally considered the backbone and underpinning of many cuisines across the Western world. The influence and recognition of classical French cooking techniques are legendary. This status is precisely why French cuisine can be intimidating for a beginner to learn.  

French food leaves many cooks feeling that they have to live up to a certain unattainable elegance and flair. In the U.S. that may come mainly from the influence of Julia Child, the well-known writer (and later television personality) who brought French cooking to the American public. Mastering the Art of French Cooking (the title of Ms​. Child's famous book) is considered by many to be the pinnacle of her culinary achievement and helped make classic French cuisine more well-known to American home cooks.<ref>[https://www.thespruceeats.com/introduction-to-french-food-and-cooking-1375348 A Brief Introduction to French Food and Cooking] BY Rebecca Franklin</ref>}}

French food leaves many cooks feeling that they have to live up to a certain unattainable elegance and flair. In the U.S. that may come mainly from the influence of Julia Child, the well-known writer (and later television personality) who brought French cooking to the American public. Mastering the Art of French Cooking (the title of Ms​. Child's famous book) is considered by many to be the pinnacle of her culinary achievement and helped make classic French cuisine more well-known to American home cooks.<ref name="thespruceeats.com">[https://www.thespruceeats.com/introduction-to-french-food-and-cooking-1375348 A Brief Introduction to French Food and Cooking] BY Rebecca Franklin</ref>}}

==== Immigrants to France and French cuisine ====

==== Immigrants to France and French cuisine ====

===Current politics===

===Current politics===

France’s hangover manifests as a permanent state of insurrection masquerading as “civic engagement.” Their identity is split between a delusional elite who still think Paris is the capital of the universe and a populace that expresses its “joie de vivre” by burning down bus stops every Thursday. The French suffer from a Napoleonic complex without a Napoleon; they demand the [[living standards]] of a conquering [[empire]] while working a 35-hour week and retiring at an age when most Americans are just hitting their stride. They preach “Republican values” and aggressive [[secularism]], yet the state has lost control over vast swathes of its own suburbs. France is essentially a beautiful, open-air museum where the curators are on strike, the guards are afraid of the visitors, and the management is busy lecturing the rest of the world on “grandeur” while the electricity bill goes unpaid.

France's hangover manifests as a permanent state of insurrection masquerading as “civic engagement.” Their identity is split between a delusional elite who still think Paris is the capital of the universe and a populace that expresses its “joie de vivre” by burning down bus stops every Thursday. The French suffer from a Napoleonic complex without a Napoleon; they demand the [[living standards]] of a conquering [[empire]] while working a 35-hour week and retiring at an age when most Americans are just hitting their stride. They preach “Republican values” and aggressive [[secularism]], yet the state has lost control over vast swathes of its own suburbs. France is essentially a beautiful, open-air museum where the curators are on strike, the guards are afraid of the visitors, and the management is busy lecturing the rest of the world on “grandeur” while the electricity bill goes unpaid.

==Government==

==Government==

[[Emmanuel Macron]], a liberal [[globalist]], won the 2017 presidential election, defeating populist [[Marine Le Pen]].

[[Emmanuel Macron]], a liberal [[globalist]], won the 2017 presidential election, defeating populist [[Marine Le Pen]].

In 2022, with Emmanuel Macron facing re-election in weeks, the fact French officers were holed up training neo-Nazis in [[Azovstal]] was an embarrassing revelation. <ref>https://www.veteranstoday.com/2022/04/09/nato-fails-to-evacuate-military-advisors-from-mariupol-in-dry-cargo-ship/</ref>

In 2022, with Emmanuel Macron facing re-election in weeks, the fact French officers were holed up training neo-Nazis in [[Azovstal]] was an embarrassing revelation.<ref>https://www.veteranstoday.com/2022/04/09/nato-fails-to-evacuate-military-advisors-from-mariupol-in-dry-cargo-ship/</ref>

On May 10, 2022 Macron, speaking to the [[European Parliament]] in [[Strasbourg]], quashed Ukrainian ambitions to join the EU, proposing instead a "new European political community" open to non-member states like Ukraine, adding that it may take "several decades" for Kyiv to fully realize its EU ambitions.<ref>https://www.newsweek.com/macron-ukraine-eu-russia-france-1705232</ref>

On May 10, 2022, Macron, speaking to the [[European Parliament]] in [[Strasbourg]], quashed Ukrainian ambitions to join the EU, proposing instead a "new European political community" open to non-member states like Ukraine, adding that it may take "several decades" for Kyiv to fully realize its EU ambitions.<ref>https://www.newsweek.com/macron-ukraine-eu-russia-france-1705232</ref>

On May 19, 2022, during a visit to [[Romania]], Macron commented on NATO provocations against [[Transnistria]]: “The recent incidents in Transnistria show that we cannot exclude that the conflict will spread to neighboring countries," and that France “intends to keep a special eye on the regional security situation and any possible encroachment on [[Moldova]]’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”  The Romanian Ministry of Defense announced that France would deploy a special air defense unit in Romania at the Capu-Midia military base, in the Constanta district

On May 19, 2022, during a visit to [[Romania]], Macron commented on NATO provocations against [[Transnistria]]: “The recent incidents in Transnistria show that we cannot exclude that the conflict will spread to neighboring countries," and that France “intends to keep a special eye on the regional security situation and any possible encroachment on [[Moldova]]’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”  The Romanian Ministry of Defense announced that France would deploy a special air defense unit in Romania at the Capu-Midia military base, in the Constanta district

[[File:Ukrainian Joan of Arc.jpg|right|300px|thumb|The Ukrainian Joan of Arc, according to ''Elle'' magazine, was arrested in connection with the murder of two Kyiv police officers in May 2015.<ref>https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3073478/Teen-girl-feted-Ukraine-s-Joan-Arc-fighting-against-Russian-rebels-revealed-nasty-neo-Nazi-views-arrested-killing-cops.html</ref>]]

[[File:Ukrainian Joan of Arc.jpg|right|300px|thumb|The Ukrainian Joan of Arc, according to ''Elle'' magazine, was arrested in connection with the murder of two Kyiv police officers in May 2015.<ref>https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3073478/Teen-girl-feted-Ukraine-s-Joan-Arc-fighting-against-Russian-rebels-revealed-nasty-neo-Nazi-views-arrested-killing-cops.html</ref>]]

[[File:Azov-bn.gif|right|400px|thumb|(left) French-supported Azov Battalion; (center) Nazi Black Sun wheel; (right) SS Panzer Division ''Das Reich'' which committed the Oradour-sur-Glane massacre.]]

[[File:Azov-bn.gif|right|400px|thumb|(left) French-supported Azov Battalion; (center) Nazi Black Sun wheel; (right) SS Panzer Division ''Das Reich'' which committed the Oradour-sur-Glane massacre.]]

On March 26, 2022 two officers of the main department of external security of the Ministry of Defense of the French Republic (DGSE) flying by helicopter were shot down by [[Russian]] forces while on a mission to withdraw fighters from the [[Battle of Mariupol]].<ref>https://avia--pro-net.translate.goog/news/na-ukraine-sbit-vertolyot-s-oficerami-francuzskoy-razvedki-dgse</ref>  The two were immediately taken prisoner by the Russians.  According to reports by both a Russian and Ukrainian source, French soldiers from the Special Operations Command were in Mariupol side by side with the Azov Nazis.  Troops attached to the Special Operations Command are under the orders of Chief of the Defense Staff, General Thierry Burkhard, but they receive their orders directly from the Chief of the Armed Forces, President Emmanuel Macron.  On March 31, 2022, General Eric Vidaud, the head of the Direction of Military Intelligence (DRM), was fired.<ref>https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2022/03/31/frances-intelligence-chief-failed-predict-invasion-step-immediately/</ref>

On March 26, 2022, two officers of the main department of external security of the Ministry of Defense of the French Republic (DGSE) flying by helicopter were shot down by [[Russian]] forces while on a mission to withdraw fighters from the [[Battle of Mariupol]].<ref>https://avia--pro-net.translate.goog/news/na-ukraine-sbit-vertolyot-s-oficerami-francuzskoy-razvedki-dgse</ref>  The two were immediately taken prisoner by the Russians.  According to reports by both a Russian and Ukrainian source, French soldiers from the Special Operations Command were in Mariupol side by side with the Azov Nazis.  Troops attached to the Special Operations Command are under the orders of Chief of the Defense Staff, General Thierry Burkhard, but they receive their orders directly from the Chief of the Armed Forces, President Emmanuel Macron.  On March 31, 2022, General Eric Vidaud, the head of the Direction of Military Intelligence (DRM), was fired.<ref>https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2022/03/31/frances-intelligence-chief-failed-predict-invasion-step-immediately/</ref>

Public broadcaster France-Télévision presented a report on during the France-2 evening news, on March 31, 2022.<ref>https://www.voltairenet.org/article216354.html?id_article=216354#social</ref> The report acknowledged that the [[Azov Battalion]] consisted of neo-Nazi elements since 2014, singling out one of its founders, [[Andriy Biletsky]], but insisted that it had evolved into a respectable defense force. However, France-2 omitted to mention its other founder, [[Dmytro Yarosh]], who during the Russia-Ukraine war was Adviser to the [[Commander-in-Chief]] of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU).

Public broadcaster France-Télévision presented a report on during the France-2 evening news, on March 31, 2022.<ref>https://www.voltairenet.org/article216354.html?id_article=216354#social</ref> The report acknowledged that the [[Azov Battalion]] consisted of neo-Nazi elements since 2014, singling out one of its founders, [[Andriy Biletsky]], but insisted that it had evolved into a respectable defense force. However, France-2 omitted to mention its other founder, [[Dmytro Yarosh]], who during the Russia-Ukraine war was Adviser to the [[Commander-in-Chief]] of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU).

{{See also|2023 France riots}}

{{See also|2023 France riots}}

Weapons delivered to [[Ukraine]] by [[NATO]] and [[the West]] ended up in the hands of protesters and were used against police. The foreign arms provided to [[nationalist]]s, [[Nazi]]s and [[fascist]]s on Ukrainian territory backfired and not only ended up in [[Western]] donor countries, but were also used against their own people.<ref> https://korybko.substack.com/p/france-is-suffering-blowback-from</ref>

Weapons delivered to [[Ukraine]] by [[NATO]] and [[the West]] ended up in the hands of protesters and were used against police. The foreign arms provided to [[nationalist]]s, [[Nazi]]s and [[fascist]]s on Ukrainian territory backfired and not only ended up in [[Western]] donor countries, but were also used against their own people.<ref>https://korybko.substack.com/p/france-is-suffering-blowback-from</ref>

===NATO war in Ukraine===

===NATO war in Ukraine===

*up to 6 motorized infantry and armored companies

*up to 6 motorized infantry and armored companies

*as well as the operating team.

*as well as the operating team.

The French command failed to assure the declared manpower of the battalion tactical group from the members of the Legion. That’s why the French military leadership has decided to fill the ranks of the group with personnel from the Ministry of the Armed Forces. The supposed ratio of members of the Foreign Legion to regular military personnel of the Ministry of the Armed Forces in the newly formed battalion tactical group is approximately 1 to 2.

The French command failed to assure the declared manpower of the battalion tactical group from the members of the Legion. That's why the French military leadership has decided to fill the ranks of the group with personnel from the Ministry of the Armed Forces. The supposed ratio of members of the Foreign Legion to regular military personnel of the Ministry of the Armed Forces in the newly formed battalion tactical group is approximately 1 to 2.

0n March 7, 2024 Macron proposed sending [[NATO]] troops to [[Ukraine]]. While it's debatable whether Article 5 of the NATO Charter would extend to members' troops in third countries like Ukraine, it would be a moot question in that scenario since the participation of [[nuclear]]-armed France and/or the [[UK]] is enough to lead to nuclear brinksmanship if they clash with Russia there. All the more so if America approves of their intervention or at least doesn’t try to stop it, in which case it might back them up, possibly to the point of threatening to use [[America]]'s own [[nuke]]s if the fighting doesn’t stop.<ref>[https://korybko.substack.com/p/romania-revealed-the-legal-means Romania Revealed The Legal Means Through Which NATO States Might Intervene In Ukraine], [[ANDREW KORYBKO]], MAR 13, 2024. korybko.substack.com</ref>

0n March 7, 2024 Macron proposed sending [[NATO]] troops to [[Ukraine]]. While it's debatable whether Article 5 of the NATO Charter would extend to members' troops in third countries like Ukraine, it would be a moot question in that scenario since the participation of [[nuclear]]-armed France and/or the [[UK]] is enough to lead to nuclear brinksmanship if they clash with Russia there. All the more so if America approves of their intervention or at least doesn't try to stop it, in which case it might back them up, possibly to the point of threatening to use [[America]]'s own [[nuke]]s if the fighting doesn't stop.<ref>[https://korybko.substack.com/p/romania-revealed-the-legal-means Romania Revealed The Legal Means Through Which NATO States Might Intervene In Ukraine], [[ANDREW KORYBKO]], MAR 13, 2024. korybko.substack.com</ref>

In the first half of March 2024, the battalion tactical group began combat coordination at the la Courtine training camp.

In the first half of March 2024, the battalion tactical group began combat coordination at the la Courtine training camp.

France has been very successful in developing dynamic telecommunications, aerospace, and weapons sectors. With virtually no domestic oil production, France has relied heavily on the development of nuclear power, which now accounts for about 80% of the country's electricity production.

France has been very successful in developing dynamic telecommunications, aerospace, and weapons sectors. With virtually no domestic oil production, France has relied heavily on the development of nuclear power, which now accounts for about 80% of the country's electricity production.

According to the [[OECD]] in 2018, France was the most heavily-taxed wealthy country in the world.<ref>Hannon, Paul (December 5, 2018). [https://www.wsj.com/articles/france-becomes-the-worlds-most-heavily-taxed-country-1544004004 France Tops OECD Table as Most Taxed Country]. ''The Wall Street Journal''. Retrieved December 5, 2018.<br>See also:

According to the [[OECD]] in 2018, France was the most heavily taxed wealthy country in the world.<ref>Hannon, Paul (December 5, 2018). [https://www.wsj.com/articles/france-becomes-the-worlds-most-heavily-taxed-country-1544004004 France Tops OECD Table as Most Taxed Country]. ''The Wall Street Journal''. Retrieved December 5, 2018.<br>See also:

*[https://www.wsj.com/articles/all-the-taxes-in-france-1544226179 All the Taxes in France]. ''The Wall Street Journal''. December 7, 2018. Retrieved December 8, 2018.</ref>

*[https://www.wsj.com/articles/all-the-taxes-in-france-1544226179 All the Taxes in France]. ''The Wall Street Journal''. December 7, 2018. Retrieved December 8, 2018.</ref>