Candidate’s wife appears to contradict husband’s claim she was legitimate employee

Presidential contender sinks in polls as nation agog at ‘Penelope-gate’ jobs scandal

Former PM Manuel Valls faces risk of failing to make run-off between final two candidates

Given the war with Isis could take years, French society must look beyond security

François Hollande vows to step up strikes on Islamic State strongholds in Iraq and Syria

Extra security introduced since Paris attacks extended after 84 killed on Bastille Day

‘The terrorists want to divide us, and the politicians are doing it for them’

Official figures show investment rebound supports fourth-quarter growth

Solidarity of ‘Je Suis Charlie’ slogan little seen as deep divisions appear in France

Scene set for weeks of complex negotiations on building pacts to form government

Tactical confusion as main parties try to stop Le Pen’s FN after historic poll result

Economic hardship and food shortages are creating long queues and scuffles

Code of silence prompted perhaps by a collective guilty conscience, and fear of strengthening the extreme right-wing National Front

UN criticises ‘excessively broad’ measures, which include computer-hacking

Opposition leader likened to Homer Simpson after voting with rightwing People’s party

Firms will be able to write down 140% of investment value

Bill would see modelling agencies face fines and potentially jail for hiring super-skinny girls

Results top Wall Street expectations due to tax benefits and favourable ruling

Former International Monetary Fund chief accused of being part of prostitution ring

Remi Fraisse killed by ‘offensive grenade’ during standoff between police and protesters

Bank of France previously estimated that euro zone’s second-biggest economy grew 0.2% in Q3

Taoiseach hosts biggest international political event in Dublin for years

Government minister warns of cut in fuel supply to areas under ‘fascist attack’

Protesters flood streets after Leopoldo Lopez arrested on charges of fomenting unrest

Government plans to restrict abortion to cases of rape or severe danger to a woman’s health

French leader doubtless happy to talk of poverty, North-South divide and human rights

Rising human trafficking a reason for tightening rules which include fines for clients

Move is part of an effort to ensure stable supplies after embarrassing shortages

Pierre Moscovici says government working to overhaul labour and pension rules

Rise in emigration sparks debate

President accused of igniting ‘time bomb’ after rejecting plan to heal government rift

Departure comes shortly before the next bailout review

Economic woes lead to major shortages of basic items in troubled country

Electorate to choose between continuing Chavez-style politics or a new era

Former minister allows Swiss authorities to pass account details to French judges