Topic: Union for a Popular Movement

French election: Is Muslim candidate's criminal record fair game or race baiting?

Ahead of next month's French election, allegations about a French-African Muslim candidate's criminal record is raising questions about whether France offers a level playing field for ethnic minorities. Ali Soumaré, a candidate in regional elections, says he is the victim of slander.

No burqas in France? Ruling party moves to ban veils in public.

The new effort to outlaw the full-length veil - niqabs and burqas - in public trumps earlier efforts to ban it only in some official buildings. The move comes at a time when French Muslims say they are being targeted as outsiders or not fully French.

New literary star Marie Ndiaye takes on France's old guard

Marie Ndiaye won the Prix Goncourt for tackling immigration in her novel "Trois femmes puissantes." She refuses to retract her equally bold criticism of Sarkozy's France.

France passes new law to ban 'gangs'

President Sarkozy's law-and-order push now includes three years in jail or a 45,000 euro fine for being a member of a gang.

Conservatives gain in European parliament vote

A record low turnout of only 43 percent of 375 million eligible voters pointed to skepticism about a more integrated Europe.

French kill Web piracy bill, by accident

The Monitor's View: America, take notice: a 'change' president – in France

Sarkozy is delivering on his promise to break with the past.

France turns to fines, jail to combat ultrathin ideals

Passed by the lower house of parliament Tuesday, it makes the promotion of 'excessive thinness' a crime punishable by fines of up to $78,000.

French elections a blow for Sarkozy's conservatives

The opposition Socialists beat out the ruling UMP in many cities, prompting calls for the French president to modify his ambitious plans.