News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Fillon confirmed as conservative candidate

The former French Prime Minister Francois Fillon has been elected as the conservative candidate in next year's presidential election. His rival Alain Juppe admitted defeat after yesterday's run-off poll in which Fillon attracted around 67% of the vote. A fan of the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, Fillon says he'll cut half a million public sector jobs, end the 35-hour week, scrap the wealth tax and introduce immigration quotas. Fillon addressed his supporters after being confirmed the winner: "France wants the truth and France wants action. The past five years have been pathetic. We have to draw a line under it and start over as we've never done in 30 years. For this I will need everyone."

Syrian forces capture key part of Aleppo

Syrian government forces have captured a key part of eastern Aleppo from rebel forces. Thousands of civilians have left the area after a weekend of heavy fighting. Scott Craig is a spokesman for the UN's refugee agency, the UNHCR: "civilians have been fleeing the fighting - the precise number at this stage is difficult to gauge but we know that civilians are fleeing and that the humanitarian situation there is desperate."

UN investigator starts Turkey visit

A United Nations investigator has begun a five-day trip to Turkey to look into allegations of torture by the authorities in the wake of July's failed coup. As part of his visit, Nils Melzer will visit detention centres. Ankara has denied the allegations. Tens of thousands of people have been jailed in a crackdown that has been condemned by activists and several foreign governments.

Trump claims millions voted illegally

The US President-elect Donald Trump has claimed that millions of people voted illegally in the presidential election. In a tweet, he said he would have won the popular vote as well as the electoral college if those votes were discounted. He offered no evidence to support his claim.

Ceremonies and rallies follow Castro's death

Rallies are expected in Cuba today in the wake of the death of Fidel Castro whose death was announced at the week-end. The focus of the week's events will be in the capital's Revolution Square. Castro died on Friday at the age of 90.

The weather

Some snow showers forecast for this afternoon, especially in the north and east. Most of the sunshine will be in the south. A lively wind. And highs ranging between minus 3 and plus 5 degrees, in the south up to 8.

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