Juliette explains why France needs 41 ministers*, we discuss some of them** to get a general idea of these people and why one country needs 41. Juliette also explains what the three levels of ministers in the French government are all about.

*and yet, two weeks after Paralympics they almost forgot to appoint one for people with handicaps..

**Here's a telling quote from the Minister of Education, Anne Genetet, who used to run a "Maid agency" in Singapore: "Don't hire a maid who has already worked for Westerners, she might be more demanding."

We also spend time on Gisèle Pelicot and the French mass rape trial. What does this mean for French society?

While we don't end with fun animal news we do discuss future Special Episodes of the podcast. Juliette talks a bit about the Institute of Political Studies she attended.

Find us at https://universeodon.com/@WTFrance

This week the prime minister is looking for political allies, ministers and money. Still no government though.

Some people been upset about the selection process around the new European Commission and Ursula von der Leyen.

We also discuss Dutch politics, why most politicians are male and the concept of undated resignation letters (Trump makes an appearance!).

Finally in happy news: A death poet in the Notre Dame!

Find us at https://universeodon.com/@WTFrance

While France has a PM it still does not have a government. The left is unified in blocking the right-wing government-to-be and turned down offers to provide a token minister.

Dutch politics are also discussed in context of the migrant crises. Marine Le Pen might go the jail for fraud.

And we discuss Fabrice Pannekoucke, who inspired this weeks podcast art! #pannenkoek

Finally in happy news: President Macron has a good idea!

Find us at https://universeodon.com/@WTFrance