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EU strikes migration deal for more deportations and detention centers abroad

The European Union has moved forward with a vast overhaul of its migration policy, aiming to ramp up deportations and ink controversial deals to build detention centers abroad. Rights groups have criticized it, comparing the new regulations to the Trump administration's aggressive immigration policies. Speaking with FRANCE 24's Mark Owen, Camille Le Coz, Director of the Migration Policy Institute of Europe, says that the way the policy has been framed in the EU law "is to make it compatible with international law".

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Russia 'bogged down' in Ukraine, suffering net territorial losses for first the time since 2023

Angela Diffley is pleased to welcome Peter Zalmayev, director of the Eurasia Democracy Initiative. He offers a forceful assessment of the evolving dynamics of Russia's war against Ukraine. Rejecting narratives of Russian momentum, he argues that Moscow's intensified bombardment of Kyiv reflects mounting pressure on President Vladimir Putin, whose military campaign has become increasingly "bogged down" and politically costly. While acknowledging the devastating impact on Ukrainian civilians, he contends that Russia's battlefield difficulties, growing casualties, and declining territorial gains have created pressure on the Kremlin to project power through spectacular strikes on urban centers. As Moscow faces AI-enhanced drone warfare to systematic strikes on Russian oil infrastructure and military logistics, Putin must demonstrate to his "jingoistic militaristic base" that "Russia is not impotent. Russia can strike back."

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Pro-Trump candidate lead in Colombia 'part of Donroe doctrine' asserting itself in region

Pro-Trump lawyer Aberaldo de la Espriella pulled ahead as a leader in Colombia’s race for the presidency in the first round of elections over the weekend, capitalizing on a growing appetite for heavy-handed crackdowns on criminal groups across Latin America. Speaking with FRANCE 24's Mark Owen, Christopher Sabatini, Senior Research Fellow on the Americas at Chatham House, says that "this is really again a part of what's unfortunately called the 'Donroe' doctrine asserting itself in partisan politics in Latin America".

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Malta: Explosion at a fireworks factory

A powerful explosion at a fireworks factory in Malta injured two people on Monday, sending a massive plume of smoke and debris into the air, police reported. The first blast occurred at around 6:35 am and was followed by a second powerful explosion, according to witnesses. No workers were at the factory when the explosions occurred.

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Centenary of Marilyn Monroe: 'Just as relevant now as she was then'

Oliver Farry is pleased to welcome Michelle MORGAN, Marilyn Monroe biographer. Author of The Seven Year Itch, and the Birth of an Unlikely Feminist. One hundred years after the birth of Marilyn Monroe, the actress remains one of the most recognisable cultural figures of the twentieth century. Yet, as biographer Michelle Morgan argues in this centenary interview, the enduring fascination with Monroe often obscures the complexity of the woman behind the image. Far from being merely the glamorous "dumb blonde" immortalised by popular culture, Monroe emerges as a determined, intellectually curious, and surprisingly modern figure who challenged the limitations imposed upon her by Hollywood and society alike.

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How to handle armed groups? Colombians vote in presidential election

Colombians are heading to the polls Sunday. With current president Gustavo Petro stepping down, the search for his successor is seen as a referendum on his leftist social policies and response to growing violence in the country. Left-wing candidate Ivan Cepeda, who says he will continue pursuing peace accords with armed groups, is leading in the polls. But he faces stark opposition from the more hawkish right. Trump-loving millionaire lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella and Paloma Valencia, who comes from one of Colombia's most important conservative dynasties, both favor harsher crackdowns on guerrilla groups. Details by Caroline Baum.

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"Fujimori never again!" Protesters fill streets of Lima ahead of Peru presidential elections

In Peru, hundreds of demonstrators marched through Lima on Saturday to protest against Keiko Fujimori’s candidacy and her family's political dynasty. They fear that, if elected, she will continue her father’s authoritarian regime. Keiko Fujimori came out on top in the first round of the presidential election and will face left-wing candidate Roberto Sánchez in the second round on June 7. Details by Eliza Herbert.

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How to to end edemic violence in Colombia? Presidential elections to take place on Sunday

Colombia is going to the polls this Sunday. The presidential election is set to determine Gustavo Petro’s successor. Violence is at the heart of this campaign: armed groups are stepping up their attacks, and each candidate has their own proposals for how to prevent it. Violence is an endemic problem in the country that has been ravaged by conflict for decades. Story by Eliza Herbert and Antoine Fenaux.

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Judge blocks Trump's Kennedy center plan and halts renovation plan

A judge has revoked the Kennedy Memorial Center board's decision to add Donald Trump's name to the institution, and close for 2 years of intense renovations. The President reacted in a lengthy tirade on his platform Truth Social, and angrily gave up his responsibility in the maintenance and management of the performing arts institution. Story by Antonia Kerrigan.

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Ferrari presents Luce, its first-ever electric car, in a tough market

It's a major milestone for the luxury automobile industry, as Ferrari unveils its first fully electric car. The company introduced the Luce - Italian for "light". While its all-electric powertrain will take it from zero to 100 even faster than Ferrari's petrol-powered offerings, the four-door Luce has room for a family of five. It's the culmination of five years of development at the iconic Italian sportscar giant - but a potentially risky bet, as other luxury and mass-market carmakers have had to temper their EV ambitions amid mounting headwinds.

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'Europe grieves with Belgium' following fatal crash between train and school bus

Four people, including two children were killed in northern Belgium on May 26 when a train hit a school minibus. Camera footage from the level crossing shows that it was closed at the time of the accident, with the barriers down. The investigation into how the school vehicle got onto the tracks is underway. Condolences have poured in from across the European continent, including from European Commission President Ursula on der Leyen, who said "Europe grieved with Belgium."

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