To win the trophy surrounded by two lions given to the English football champion, you have to show as much appetite as endurance, and Manchester City, winner of four of the five previous editions, has understood this perfectly. By winning in front of their audience, Sunday April 19 during the reception of Arsenal (2-1), the Cityzens – 2nd, 67 points and a game behind – fell behind the Gunners – 1st, 70 points – and reshuffled the cards of a championship which nevertheless seemed packed.

Leading the Premier League since the seventh day, the London club now finds itself threatened in the final sprint. And confidence no longer reigns, both among Spanish coach Mikel Arteta and among the ranks of the players. Already caught in the offensive trap of the Manucuniens, in the final of the League Cup (2-0), on March 22, Arsenal this time suffered the wrath of Rayan Cherki, brilliant to open the score at the start of the match (16th, 1-0), thanks to a new technical number.

And if the response did not take long to come, it only came from an error from Gianluigi Donnarumma, author of a perilous control in front of Kai Havertz, who by opposing the hasty clearance of the Italian goalkeeper, managed to deflect the ball into the Cityzens net (16th, 1-1). Then nothing, or almost nothing, to sound the revolt, the Gunners falling back into their offensive lukewarmness.

Arsenal keep their chances in the Premier League and in Europe

Returning from the locker room, Gianluigi Donnarumma, consoled by his teammates, returned to the applause of the Etihad Stadium. And the former Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper (2021-2025), perked up, distinguished himself during a rare intrusion by the Londoners, ahead of Kai Havertz then Gabriel Martinelli (60th).

But in a newly restarted title race, the Cityzens did not intend to settle for a draw. “If we lose, it’s over,” said Pep Guardiola, the Mancunian coach, before the match. With a long restart from their goalkeeper, the locals then took the advantage thanks to their Norwegian scorer, Erling Haaland (65th, 2-1), author of a disjointed volley.

A lead that they were able to hold until the end of the match, despite the tensions that arose in the final minutes, and a copious distribution of yellow cards, addressed to Brazilian defender Gabriel, to Erling Haaland, but also to Pep Guardiola (83rd).

To save their title dreams, which have eluded them since 2004, Arsenal will now no longer have the right to make mistakes during the last five days of the championship, starting with the reception of Newcastle on April 25. For the moment, the Gunners remain in control of their destiny. Likewise in the Champions League, a competition they have never won, where they will face Atlético de Madrid in the semi-finals, on April 29 and May 5.

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The investigation was opened after reports, at the beginning of last year, from an MP and the head of an institution. Objective of the investigators: to determine whether X has violated French law.

Elon Musk and Linda Yacarino, former general director, are then targeted since they are at the head of the platform. Initially focused on the social network’s algorithm, investigators have since widely broadened their investigations.

In the sights of French justice: Grok, the artificial intelligence of Among them, possession and distribution of child pornography images, contestation of crimes against humanity, or even attacks on the representation of the person following deepfake of a sexual nature.

It is in this context that Elon Musk is summoned, without any obligation, the free hearing allowing the accused to present his version of the facts. It’s up to him to go there or not.

Also readSearch of the premises of the social network X in France, Elon Musk summoned by the Paris prosecutor’s office

In a publication, the social network denounced during the searches an “abusive judicial act” based “on political motivations” and refuted any offense. He assured that he would “not allow himself to be intimidated”. “The Paris prosecutor’s office is clearly trying to exert pressure on the general management of X in the United States by targeting (its) French entity,” estimated the American company.

Update from the Paris prosecutor’s office on Saturday: “In accordance with French criminal procedure, which guarantees each accused the possibility of expressing themselves on the facts of which they are suspected, the managers and staff of company But “their presence or absence is not an obstacle to the pursuit of investigations,” he continued. Employees of X are also summoned from Monday to Thursday to be heard as witnesses.

At this stage, the X platform is not the subject of criminal proceedings in this case.

Also readGrok, Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence which continues to cause controversy

According to the Ministry of the Economy, the cost of the war in the Middle East is estimated “around 4 billion” euros while 130 million euros in support spending have been announced in recent weeks by the government.

Maintain the budgetary trajectory at all costs: the French government will meet on Tuesday the public finance alert committee, to assess the economic situation and “inform the decisions” to be taken, against a backdrop of uncertainties linked to the situation in the Middle East.

“The objective is to identify possible slippages early enough and to take corrective measures quickly,” explained to Le Parisien this Saturday, April 18, Minister of the Economy Roland Lescure.

This body, launched after significant slippages in the public deficit in 2023 and 2024, will bring together in Bercy parliamentarians, representatives of Social Security, unions and local authorities around the Ministers of the Economy Roland Lescure, Public Accounts David Amiel, Labor Jean-Pierre Farandou, Health Stéphanie Rist and Regional Planning Françoise Gatel.

A four billion euro crisis

Last year, this structure met twice: on April 15 around former Prime Minister François Bayrou, who had alerted the French to the debt “trap” which threatened “the survival (of) the country”, and on June 26 to announce an additional brake of five billion euros on public spending in order to meet the objective of a deficit of 5.4% of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2025. It met finally established at 5.1%, good news which the government welcomed at the end of March.

But the task remains arduous, while the war in the Middle East is shaking up the French economy and leading to “a significant increase in debt service”, with the cost of the crisis “estimated at around 4 billion” euros, Bercy warned on Tuesday. And uncertainty persists, with Iran once again closing the strategic Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, after announcing its reopening on Friday during the truce with the United States.

130 million euros in aid to tackle the crisis

Faced with soaring energy prices, the government this week slightly reduced its economic growth forecast, to 0.9% in 2026 (compared to 1% previously forecast), and revised its inflation forecast upwards, to 1.9% (compared to 1.3% previously). However, it maintains its target of 5% deficit this year and its commitment to bring it below 3% in 2029, as requested by Brussels. “Credible” forecasts, according to Maxime Darmet, economist at Allianz Trade.

On Tuesday, the alert committee will take stock of the situation of the public accounts, in light of these new forecasts, and will have the task of “shedding light on the decisions to be taken”, Bercy indicated this week. David Amiel had warned at the end of March that “any new public expenditure which could be made necessary by the energy crisis” would lead to “a cancellation of an expenditure which was planned, to the nearest euro”, to “meet (the) objectives for 2026”.

“Transparency”

The government has already announced 130 million euros in support spending in the face of the crisis: 70 million to help transporters, fishermen and farmers, and 60 million to strengthen the energy check. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu indicated on Friday that a “next aid package” would be announced in May for the most affected sectors.

“We feel that France is really being watched closely by the markets, and the government is very aware of this,” emphasizes Maxime Darmet. “There is really a desire not to increase the deficits,” he notes.

During this meeting, “I first expect a cancellation of credits,” indicated the general budget rapporteur to the National Assembly, Philippe Juvin (LR). “Then, I expect transparency on the real figures of the planned deficit”, because “it is essential to know precisely where we are”, he added. “Thirdly, I am waiting for more solid prospective elements,” continued the MP. “I hope for transparency on the forecasts and the way in which the budget will slip due to the effect of the war,” explained the president (LFI) of the Finance Committee of the Assembly, Éric Coquerel. “Based on that, I don’t really see how we avoid a amending finance bill,” he judged.

This text corresponds to part of the transcription of the report above. Click on the video to watch it in full.

In front of a crowd of Italian and Lombard flags, Jordan Bardella already sees himself as a winner. “Here in Milan, I have come to reassure you, Our victory in the next presidential election is close,” he declared this Saturday, April 18 before continuing: “A victory for the National Rally in France will not only be a French victory, but a victory for all the nations of Europe.”

Despite a smaller audience than expected, the heavyweights of the European extreme right are attending the Patriots for Europe rally in Milan, an event initially announced as a summit for reimmigration. Throughout the speeches, the same line: strengthen borders and change the budgetary and ecological standards of the European Union.

But above all, a desire to bring together the European extreme right, while saluting their Hungarian ally defeated in the last elections. “Dear Victor, you defended the borders and fought against human traffickers and arms traffickers. Let us all continue this fight for freedom and legality together,” said Matteo Salvini, Italian Deputy Prime Minister.

A few hundred meters away, three anti-fascist counter-demonstrations brought together several thousand people, kept apart by a large police cordon. At the same time, Spain today also organized a gathering of progressive parties, with the slogan defending democracy.

There is no point in running, you have to start on time. Edouard Philippe has made La Fontaine’s maxim his own since his early declaration of candidacy for the presidential election, in September 2024. A character trait of the Norman: he likes to weigh, weigh, consult. Strategic caution, too. The Juppeist is still marked by the failure of his mentor, in 2016, who won too quickly in the right-wing primary – he was beaten in the second round by François Fillon – and entered the campaign too early.

So, even if a presidential wind is blowing in the air one year before the election and places him in the position of favorite to face the National Rally (RN) in the second round, Edouard Philippe does not intend to give in to haste. Crowned by his re-election in Le Havre (Seine-Maritime) during the municipal elections, he resumed his tour of France with a view to 2027, Wednesday April 15 and Thursday April 16, in Brittany. He met business leaders, breeders and fishermen, and registered the rallying of the president (various right) of the department of Finistère, Mäel de Calan, ex-fellow traveler of the UMP.

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Spain, Mexico and Brazil expressed, on Saturday April 18, their concern about “the dramatic situation” in Cuba and, without explicitly mentioning the United States, which has imposed a blockade on the island since January, called for “a sincere and respectful dialogue” with Havana.

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“We express our enormous concern about the humanitarian crisis that the people of Cuba are going through, and demand the adoption of the necessary measures to alleviate this situation,” said the three governments in this press release, published by the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

They called for “avoiding actions that worsen the living conditions of the population or are contrary to international law.”

Summit of left leaders

The three countries also plead in favor of “a lasting solution to the current situation and the guarantee that it is the Cuban people who decide their future in complete freedom”.

This call comes as a summit of left-wing world leaders is being held in Barcelona, ​​attended, among others, by the President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, and her Brazilian counterpart Luis Inacio Lula da Silva, under the aegis of the Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez.

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The United States, opposed to communist power in Cuba since it was established in 1959, increased its economic pressure on the Caribbean country of 9.6 million inhabitants in January by blocking all hydrocarbon supplies, just after overthrowing its main ally, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. This blockade has exacerbated the economic and energy crisis that Cuba has been experiencing for many years.

The World with AFP

Hanging after opening the score, the Blues could not do better than a draw against the Netherlands, Saturday April 18, in Auxerre (1-1), and no longer have their destiny in their hands in the race for direct qualification for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.

Beaten 2-1 in Breda on Tuesday despite a clear domination, Laurent Bonadei’s players are still one point behind the Oranje, before the last two qualifying matches against Poland and Ireland in June. They are therefore reduced to hoping for a misstep from the Dutch to take back first place in the group, the only one offering a direct ticket to the World Cup.

This draw at Abbé-Deschamps will therefore leave a bitter taste for Griedge Mbock’s teammates, who risk having to go through the play-off stage in order to compete in the sixth World Cup in their history.

Like Tuesday, Bonadei’s players dominated without succeeding in shaking the tough Dutch in defense and sometimes threatening on the counter-attack despite the absence of several executives, including their star Vivianne Miedema (95 goals in 118 caps).

Tense by the stakes, and after having finally found the fault with Marie-Antoinette Katoto’s saving goal before the break (45th + 1), the French women cracked in the second period, just when they finally seemed liberated and dominant.

A recurring problem for the Blues: this is the 13th consecutive match where they have conceded at least one goal. All this despite some decisive interventions from their goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin in the first period, with authoritarian exits from several corners (4th, 5th), and a firm hand on a strike from FC Barcelona striker Esmee Brugts (11th).

More and more feverish

Deliberate but not incisive enough, like a very restless but sometimes messy Sakina Karchaoui for her 100th selection in the tricolor jersey, the Blues did not manage to set the pace necessary to enliven the meeting.

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Apart from a few alerts, the Blue defense rarely trembled in a locked first period, where the chances were meager on both sides.

Feverish as they approached the Dutch area, the Blues were finally liberated just before the break by Lyon striker Marie-Antoinette Katoto, whose powerful header after a precise cross from Sandy Baltimore (45th+1) made the 8,334 spectators gathered in the AJA den roar.

Galvanized by this liberating goal, Bonadei’s players showed themselves to be more dangerous upon returning from the locker room and then seemed to take control of the match.

A serenity that did not last. On one of their only occasions, the Dutch struck with surgical precision, young Chelsea midfielder Wieke Kaptein beating Pauline Peyraud-Magnin after enormous work from Brugts (76th), already decisive with a goal in the first leg.

Increasingly feverish, the Blues tried everything, and Grace Geyoro was not far from giving back the advantage to France when her powerful shot hit the crossbar (79th) of a probably beaten Daphne van Domselaar. A last hope ultimately in vain.

The World with AFP

Around forty elected officials from the left and environmentalists, including the leader of the socialist deputies, Boris Vallaud, the environmentalist Yannick Jadot and the MEP Raphaël Glucksmann (Place publique), called, Saturday April 18, to build a “credible and mobilizing project” to block the National Rally (RN) during the next presidential election, scheduled for 2027.

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Alarmed by an “unprecedented breakthrough by the extreme right” in the municipal elections, these parliamentarians and local elected officials believe that the left and environmentalists are “retreating dramatically in rural and peri-urban territories”, in a column published on a new site, Construire2027.fr, and relayed by several press titles, including Ouest-France, La Dépêche, Sud-Ouest and Le Télégramme.

“Whole sections of our elites are resigning themselves and preparing for the announced shift of France into the Trumpist and Putinist camp,” worry the first signatories of this text, which must be open for online signatures in the evening. “We are not resigning ourselves to the victory of the National Rally in 2027. (…) We want to win now. »

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Among them are also socialist executives, such as the president of the socialist group in the Senate, Patrick Kanner, and internal opponents of the first secretary, Olivier Faure, such as the president of the Occitanie region, Carole Delga, and the mayor of Rouen, Nicolas Mayer-Rossignol, but also several mayors and other local elected officials, as well as some environmentalist, communist or Public Place parliamentarians.

“A project with a majority vocation”

While the left, excluding La France insoumise, is currently divided over the method of nominating a presidential candidate, they call for “opposing the far right with hope for the country, a credible and mobilizing project”.

For them, “moral condemnations, historical comparisons with the 1930s and rapprochements with Trump’s America, Orban’s Hungary (…) or Putin’s Russia, as relevant and worrying as they may be, are no longer enough.”

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In their appeal, they judge that only the construction of “a project with a majority vocation” and the “team which will implement it” will allow the emergence of the “candidacy of a large gathering” for the presidential election, without commenting on the method of nomination.

On Friday, the leader of the Ecologists, Marine Tondelier, sent a letter to the other left-wing parties, excluding LFI, to suggest that they create a “shared” programmatic “base”. The fact remains that the desire for candidacy is increasing on the left – on Saturday, former Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve announced in Paris the names of the members of his future “political committee”.

The World with AFP