International report

Apr 12 2025 24 ep. 6 mins 124

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RFI goes behind-the-scenes of one of the week's major stories.

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Turkey's opposition calls for boycott as anti-Erdogan protests continue

Apr 12 2025 7 mins

The Turkish opposition has vowed to fight "until the end" against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, with the leader of the CHP party accusing the head of state of staging a "coup" in arresting Istanbul's opposition mayor.

EU struggles for defence independence as Trump turns up the heat on security

Apr 08 2025 6 mins

The European Union faces a formidable challenge in bolstering its defence capabilities without dependence on the United States, following President Donald Trump's persistent calls for Europe to shoulder a greater share of the burden. Meanwhile, transatlantic trade relations are deteriorating, as Trump imposes punitive tariffs that could potentially impact arms trade between the US

Erdoğan tightens his grip with crackdown on protests while Europe stays silent

Apr 07 2025 7 mins

Turkey’s opposition is accusing Europe of abandoning those fighting to keep democracy alive, as European leaders and the EU offer only muted criticism over the jailing of Istanbul’s mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu, and the crackdown on protests.

The Nazi roots of today's global far-right movements

Apr 02 2025 7 mins

The conviction of far-right figure Marine Le Pen has thrown her National Rally (RN) party into turmoil. She was sentenced to four years in prison and banned from public office for five years, a ruling that could stop her from running in the 2027 presidential election. Once deeply controversial, the RN has gained popularity in recent years as it seeks to distance itself from its tro

Further arrests as Turkey cracks down on protests over jailed Istanbul mayor

Mar 29 2025 5 mins

The lawyer of Istanbul's jailed mayor Ekrem Imamoglu has now been arrested, alongside several more journalists, following the country's biggest demonstrations against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan since 2013.

Turkey braces for more protests over Istanbul mayor's arrest

Mar 22 2025 5 mins

Anger is mounting over the arrest of Istanbul's popular mayor Ekrem Imamoglu on corruption and terror charges. Seen as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's main political rival, Imamoglu was arrested on Wednesday, just days before he was due to be named as the candidate for the main opposition CHP party in the 2028 presidential election.

Syria in crossfire as Turkish-Israeli rivalry heats up over Assad’s successors

Mar 17 2025 4 mins

The overthrow of Bachar al-Assad's regime in Syria and its replacement by new rulers with close ties to Turkey are ringing alarm bells in Israel. RFI's correspondent reports on how Ankara and Jerusalem’s deepening rivalry could impact Syria's future.

Turkey eyes opportunities in Africa as France withdraws its military presence

Mar 11 2025 5 mins

France's recent military withdrawals from the Sahel and West Africa are leaving a void that Turkey is keen to exploit, experts told RFI. But while Turkey is profiting from its position as a NATO member and experienced arms exporter, it needs to be careful not to overstretch itself in terms of resources on the continent.

Europe's defence vulnerabilities exposed as US shifts on Ukraine

Mar 05 2025 17 mins

With war at Europe's doorstep and US support uncertain, the continent must focus on military readiness and strategic autonomy. RFI's David Coffey speaks with Serge Stroobants of the Institute for Economics and Peace on whether Europe can defend itself and at what cost.

Kurdish leader Ocalan calls for PKK disarmament, paving way for peace

Mar 01 2025 5 mins

The imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers Party, the PKK, Abdullah Ocalan, has called for an end to the fight against the Turkish state. This may open the door to ending four decades of conflict that has claimed over 40,000 lives. RFI's correspondent in Istanbul looks at the implications for the wider region.