French Left Line-Up: Socialist leader Olivier Faure says he will run in April 2027, pitching “green socialism” and a tougher stance against Marine Le Pen, as the left’s crowded presidential field keeps reshuffling. Presidential Campaign Watch: Dominique de Villepin signals he’ll confirm his candidacy only once the official campaign begins, while also criticizing Édouard Philippe’s Mayotte immigration push. Education Policy: France’s phone ban in high schools starts next week, but headteachers warn implementation is “impossible” with summer holidays leaving no time for governing councils to update rules. LGBTQ Rights: A Paris LGBTQ rights campaigner and police officer, Pierre Picavet, is hospitalized after a homophobic attack; prosecutors say the suspect used slurs and was intoxicated. Niger Crisis With French Stakes: Niamey returns to normal after a soldier mutiny was crushed, with Russia and Algeria backing the junta—raising new questions about Sahel security and France’s waning influence. Sahel Security Debate: A France-based analyst argues the Sahel still matters to Paris for intelligence, counter-terrorism, rapid deployment, migration and strategic resources like uranium. Election Finance Claim: Marine Le Pen’s RN alleges French banks refused loans for its campaign, pushing the party to consider “alternative and foreign solutions.” International Tech & Data Sovereignty: A legal/policy debate highlights that data location doesn’t equal sovereignty, fueling pressure on cloud providers and procurement rules.