French government

French President Emmanuel Macron publicly pushed back against Donald Trump's proposal for Gaza, saying the peace it promises does not exist and criticising the terms being put forward. The exchange adds to international debate over how the war and postwar governance of Gaza should be handled, with allies openly disagreeing over the US approach.

France's far-right National Rally has made significant gains in indirect Senate elections, marking a breakthrough in a chamber where it previously held almost no seats. The result points to the party's growing entrenchment across French political institutions, extending its influence beyond the National Assembly. Observers see it as another sign of the far right's normalisation in French politics, with implications for President Macron's already weakened position.

Thousands of people marched in cities across France to demand stronger action on climate change. One demonstrator summed up the mood, saying she wished more people had turned out 'after the summer we've just had', a reference to recent heatwaves and extreme weather. Organisers and participants are pressing the French government for more ambitious emissions reductions and adaptation measures.

French lawmakers have adopted a law banning children under 15 from social media, making France one of the first European countries to impose such a restriction. The move is part of growing global concern over the effects of social platforms on young people's mental health and safety, and other governments are watching closely as they consider similar measures.