French press review 16 February 2016

Libé fires at the UN and the European Union this morning. Meanwhile, Le Figaro finds some hope in the fact that more young people want to join the  police. Plus, La Croix reports on the first Azheimer village and Le Monde bids adieu to Laurent Fabius as head of the COP 21.

DR

Libération devotes its front page to Syria this morning. "The UN and Europe are also dying in Aleppo" reads the headline.

Libé is running a report criticising the UN's action, or lack thereof, in Syria. The paper says numerous experts, humanitarians and activists are becoming increasingly defiant with the international organisation's policy in the region.

And it's not just about the failed Syrian peace conference, but also the UN's humanitarian policy. "We've known that aid is being diverted since 2012, the Syrian government uses it to strengthen and consolidate its positions. This continues and the UN never denounces it. It is shameful" a diplomat told Libération.

The newspaper also thinks that the European Union is not doing enough. The UN, however, is defending itself. "We are only the reflection of the nations' inability to decide"  an official told the paper.

A record number of young French people want to become police officers according to Le Figaro. The right wing paper says 35 000 people have registred foir this year's police exam - 10 000 more candidates than last year. Out of this number only 2500 candidates will be selected.

"This is a direct consequence of last year terrorist attacks" explains the paper. "It's not the same motivation [...] now candidates are saying they are motivated by a sense of civic duty" explains the the police.

All of this takes place at a time where patriotic values are making a comeback - something the police intends to use to recruit more people.

"The attacks made me want to help the police forces. Before that I only saw policemen during idendity checks, it was annoying, but now I have a positive image of them" says Enzo, a 15 year old who told Le Figaro he wants to become a police officer. Laura, another candidate, explains her choice: "At least, I'll be useful".

Catholic daily La Croix reports on the creation of the first village for Azheimer victims. in South-Eastern France.  The village should open its doors in 2018 in Dax.

"It will be a village with small houses, a shop, a café, a hairdresser and 120 inhabitants. Life will be as normal as possible" explains the paper.

The poject is inspired by a Dutch initiative launched in 2009. The idea is for the residents, for the few days or weeks they'll spend there, to live a normal life in a secure space. "It's essential because in hospitals, liberty is often restricted" explains a Doctor to the daily.

"It's all about liberty" explains La Croix, even though some are critcising the initiative, fearing it might lead to the creation of a ghetto.

Le Monde reports on former Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius.Fabius resignation last week from his position.

"Fabius intended to stay President until next November" explains the daily.

The COP 21 UN climate conference closed with an ambitious agreement last November to curb CO2 emissions "well below 2 degrees" and numerous voices praised Fabius' work as COP President.

Environment minister Ségolène Royale should now become the COP 21 President. She'll have to make sure the agreement starts being implemented explains Le Monde.