Latest news with #ElyseePalace
Auto Express
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Express
This Renault is the peak of ‘French excellence'
Many vehicles have been chosen to ferry the French president around in the past and now the Renault Rafale can be added to that list. Emmanuel Macron's new car isn't just any old Rafale either; it's been specially designed by the Elysée Palace, Renault and French artisans. The presidential Rafale was created by Renault's design centre in Guyancourt, France, and comes with several suitably patriotic styling cues to ensure it looks the part during its governmental service. One of these is the French flag expanding out from the Renault badge in the grille, and the French tri-color on the doors. Plus there's that essential prerequisite of presidential vehicles: removable flag holders. Advertisement - Article continues below Renault has also gone to the trouble of incorporating cooling technology into the exclusive 'Bleu Présidence' paint finish that can limit heat absorption by 10C. The paint also includes a blue, white and red glitter effect. Whether it's Monsieur Macron or another lofty member of the French government, whoever is sitting in the back will find an 'office on wheels', according to Renault. For what we assume to be security interests, there are no full images of the Rafale's rear sears, although we have been told there's a 'bespoke layout'. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below However, we can see changes in the front, where black and white marble from the Pyrenees has been applied to the steering wheel, centre console and dashboard. The upholstery in the Presidential Renault Rafale also gets specially selected off-cuts of leather with red, white and blue stitching. On the headrests is a laser engraving of the French coat of arms. Instead of the full-hybrid model, the Presidential Renault Rafale is based on the plug-in hybrid 4WD 300, meaning it has a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol mated to three electric motors for 296bhp. It also means the presidential car has 65 miles of electric-only range (although the Rafale's extra armour will add weight and surely lower the range somewhat), so it can just about travel from Charles de Gaulle Airport to the French parliament building and back on EV power. Renault has also tuned the Rafale's chassis to focus on a 'smooth, stable ride, even in urban environments'. The suspension set-up had to be recalibrated in order to counteract the extra weight of the car's armour, which Renault has understandably been secretive about. The Rafale also gets 20-inch wheels with Michelin all-weather tyres and rear-wheel steer. The Rafale isn't the first Renault to get presidential preference. The partnership started way back in 1920 with the Renault 40 CV before the likes of the Reinastella, Safrane Limousine and Vel Satis were all used by France's heads of state. Want to look like a world leader? Take a look at our latest deals on a new Renault Rafale , or find top prices on a used Renault Rafale . Find a car with the experts New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment BMW or Mercedes would do anything to keep the new Xiaomi YU7 from sale in the UK and Europe, and this is why The Electric Car Grant is here: Government's new £3,750 EV discount in detail The Electric Car Grant is here: Government's new £3,750 EV discount in detail The government has set out its plan to help reduce the cost of affordable EVs by introducing a new £3,750 Electric Car Grant for new EVs sold under £3… New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
Kuwait Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Kuwait Times
French presidency underscores significance of Amir's official visit
Kuwaiti-French ties marked by strategic partnership and shared vision PARIS: The French Presidency on Sunday affirmed the special significance of the official visit by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to France — his first since assuming leadership of the State of Kuwait. In a statement to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), the Elysee Palace stressed that the visit underscores the depth of historical relations and serves to reinforce the longstanding comprehensive partnership between the two friendly nations. The statement highlighted that the visit reflects the mutual desire of both countries to bolster cooperation across a wide range of sectors, including diplomacy, defense, economy, education, health, culture and scientific research. It noted that the visit is rooted in the robust bilateral ties characterized by mutual trust and respect, and represents a reaffirmation of the shared commitment to advancing this strategic partnership. The Elysee added that the visit will also strengthen coordination in addressing regional challenges and will include His Highness the Amir attending the Bastille Day military parade on July 14 alongside French President Emmanuel Macron. His Highness is also scheduled to hold a working luncheon with the French leader at the Elysee Palace. Kuwaiti-French relations, the statement noted, are founded on historic solidarity, with France being among the first countries to recognize Kuwait's independence and offering vital support during the 1991 liberation. This historical support has laid the foundation for enduring political trust and continued high-level engagement between the two nations. The two sides maintain close cooperation in international forums and share converging views on several global issues, particularly on the respect for international law and the promotion of mediation and peaceful conflict resolution. On the economic front, bilateral trade between Kuwait and France reached approximately €2.8 billion (around $3.27 billion) in 2023, with France ranking as Kuwait's fourth-largest trading partner in Europe. French companies maintain a strong presence in Kuwait, particularly in the sectors of infrastructure, energy, and construction. Cultural and educational ties also continue to thrive, with France supporting the French language and culture in Kuwait through institutions such as the French School and the French Institute. More than 1,000 students benefit from joint academic programs, while a growing number of Kuwaiti students pursue higher education in France. In the health sector, leading French medical institutions — including the Gustave Roussy Institute — are contributing to the development of Kuwait's healthcare services through specialized projects and technical consultations, reflecting expanding collaboration in public service and development fields. Relations between Kuwait and France stand as a model of enduring friendship and strong partnership, the Elysee emphasized, noting both nations' mutual commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation in a manner that supports regional and global stability. Earlier Sunday, His Highness the Amir departed Kuwait, heading to Paris on an official visit. He is accompanied by an official delegation that includes Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Al-Yahya, Director General of the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority Sheikh Dr Meshaal Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, and a number of senior state officials. — KUNA
CNBC
6 days ago
- Business
- CNBC
'To be free in this world, you must be feared': France's Macron calls for defense spending boost
French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday announced plans for a substantial increase in defense spending over the next few years, warning of imminent threats to France and wider Europe's security. ″Since 1945, freedom has never been so threatened, and never so seriously," Macron said, addressing leaders of the armed forces on the eve of the Bastille Day national holiday. ″To be free in this world, you must be feared. To be feared, you must be powerful," he said, in comments released by the Elysee Palace. Macron cited Russia, the ongoing war in Ukraine, cybercrime and terrorism as threats to national and European freedom. Macron called for to raise defense spending by 3.5 billion euros ($4.09 billion) next year and by another 3 billion in 2027. That would take the total amount spent on security that year to 64 billion euros — double the defense budget the the French armed forces had in 2017, when Macron first became president. French lawmakers must approve the increases before they can be enacted. France's parliament, the National Assembly, has already endured months of wrangling over the wider 2025 national budget and cost savings, with arguments leading to a previous government collapse late last year. France is attempting to rein in its yawning budget deficit, which hit 5.8% in 2024, along with public debt that amounted to 113% of the gross domestic product over the period. Macron said more details on the plans would be announced by Prime Minister Francois Bayrou on Tuesday when he gives an update on the 2026 budget. More "austerity" measures could be revealed at the time — or tax hikes, which would be unpopular with the Right. On Sunday, Macron called on his compatriots to work for the greater good. "The nation needs you," Macron said, adding that "every French man and woman must be cognitive of the threat around us," adding that, "we all need to make sacrifices. Freedom has a price tag." That price tag might be too high for lawmakers to accept, particularly those on the Left, who are already railing against spending cuts. Savings need to be made to reduce the budget deficit, which the government is targeting at 5.4% this year and 4.6% in 2026. Getting to the 2026 target implies that 40 billion euros' ($46 billion) worth of savings need to be found this year, Finance Minister Eric Lombard said in April. "I am sticking to the target of 4.6% for 2026, which will require an extra and very considerable effort worth 40 billion euros," Lombard told BFM TV, in comments translated by Reuters. "We are in a state of emergency, regarding our budget," he added.
LBCI
04-07-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Macron, Starmer to co-chair Ukraine summit in UK on July 10: Elysee
French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will co-chair a summit to discuss boosting Ukraine's defenses on July 10 in the United Kingdom, the Elysee Palace said on Friday. "There will certainly be a discussion on how to seriously maintain Ukraine's combat capability," the Elysee Palace said, adding that Starmer and Macron will co-chair the meeting of Kyiv's allies by video link. AFP
Al Arabiya
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Al Arabiya
Macron, Starmer to co-chair Ukraine summit in UK on July 10: Elysee
French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will co-chair a summit to discuss boosting Ukraine's defenses on July 10 in the United Kingdom, the Elysee Palace said on Friday. 'There will certainly be a discussion on how to seriously maintain Ukraine's combat capability,' the Elysee Palace said, adding that Starmer and Macron will co-chair the meeting of Kyiv's allies by video link.
