We're back! After two months of hiatus (a typical French long holiday weekend) Juliette explains why France needs a new Prime Minister and government, how elections are not likely, and how there are two articles in the French constitution that describe how to topple a government*.

We discuss a number of other problems France has, the largest by far being the budget law for 2025.

A number of potential names for Prime Minister come by. Does it even matter?

As usual Brigitte Macron makes an appearance in her role as top Macron-influencer.

Two happy notes: we managed to go through this without mentioning Donald Trump! And we do mention Marine Le Pen, in context of her maybe being barred from holding elected office.

*yes, the French people historically have a third way to "topple" a government. We mention it :-)

(and apologies to my dad, he's not *that* old - Pepijn)

Find us at https://universeodon.com/@WTFrance

Juliette explains why France needs 41 ministers*, we discuss some of them** to get a general idea of these people and why one country needs 41. Juliette also explains what the three levels of ministers in the French government are all about.

*and yet, two weeks after Paralympics they almost forgot to appoint one for people with handicaps..

**Here's a telling quote from the Minister of Education, Anne Genetet, who used to run a "Maid agency" in Singapore: "Don't hire a maid who has already worked for Westerners, she might be more demanding."

We also spend time on Gisèle Pelicot and the French mass rape trial. What does this mean for French society?

While we don't end with fun animal news we do discuss future Special Episodes of the podcast. Juliette talks a bit about the Institute of Political Studies she attended.

Find us at https://universeodon.com/@WTFrance

This week the prime minister is looking for political allies, ministers and money. Still no government though.

Some people been upset about the selection process around the new European Commission and Ursula von der Leyen.

We also discuss Dutch politics, why most politicians are male and the concept of undated resignation letters (Trump makes an appearance!).

Finally in happy news: A death poet in the Notre Dame!

Find us at https://universeodon.com/@WTFrance