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Futuristic vision of Paris revealed...and more news

The Local France
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Futuristic vision of Paris revealed...and more news
Belgian architect Vincent Callebaut presents his "future Paris". Photo: AFP

As French media remains focused on the aftermath of the Paris terror attacks, The Local has put together a list of what else is going on across the country - including job cuts at Air France and a possible makeover for Paris.

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Policeman in custody over death of protester

The policeman responsible for the death of activist Rémi Fraisse during a protest in south-western France last year has been taken into custody.  

Fraisse died in October during a violent clash with security forces while demonstrating against a controversial dam project in the French Tarn region.

Fragments of TNT that were found on his clothes indicated that he was killed by a police concussion grenade.

Architect’s vision of Paris revealed

Belgian architect Vincent Callebaut has revealed what Paris may look like in the year 2050. His futuristic vision of the city features lots of trees and green spaces and eight  skyscrapers designed to save space and recycle their own energies.

In pictures: take a closer look at the Paris in 2050

His ideas are reportedly based on existing technologies and would help Paris reach its goal of reducing green gas emission by 75 percent.

Callebaut has not yet presented the plans to town officials.

Ecology minister wants new nuclear reactors

Ecology minister Ségolène Royal spoke out about the need for a newer, safer generation of nuclear reactors to replace those that can’t be repaired.

Despite the statement, she still defends her stance on nuclear power saying that the switch to renewable energy needs to be sped up.

Royal’s energy transition bill is designed to reduce the share of nuclear power in electricity from 75 percent today to 50 percent in 2025, and is currently being reviewed by parliament.   

Air France to cut up to 5,000 jobs

Troubled airline Air France has announced plans to axe 5,000 jobs in an effort to lower costs and to see the company’s competitiveness take off, reported the Le Figaro newspaper.

Air France made headlines four months ago when pilots went on a two-week strike over the expansion of low-cost subsidiary Transavia France, which resulted in a loss of €400 million for the company.


Photo: Aero Icarus/Flickr

GPs demand higher consultation fees

Two GP unions are now demanding a consultation fee of 31 after the request of raising it from 23 to 25 were rejected by Health Minister Marisol Touraine.

The dispute about the new health bill, which aims to implement third-party payments and capping the consultation fee at 23, prompted GPs and specialists to go on strike during the Christmas holidays.

Comet Lovejoy close enough to Earth to be seen

Within the next few weeks it will be possible to catch a glimpse of comet Lovejoy, officially known as Comet C/2014 Q2, as it passes Earth close enough to be seen with the naked eye.

The French public have been told that they can potentially spot it during the early evening hours after dark when it passes the Orion constellations. In light polluted areas, it may be necessary to use binoculars to see it clearly.

This month is the only chance to spot the comet as it will not return for 8,000 years.

by Simone Flückiger

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