Tightened security at French and German airports ahead of Christmas

They're nicknamed the gorillas – or bodyguards – of the French Republic. The police officers of the force's Protection Unit are in charge of the security of French and foreign dignitaries but also candidates for France's presidential elections, as well as other figures who require special protection. We take a rare look at the strenuous selection process policemen and women have to go through before taking on the job. Our France 2 colleagues report, with FRANCE 24's James Vasina.

German MP Karl Lauterbach: 'You must compare the damage which would have occurred to what we prevented'

Many Facebook groups based in Mali and Nigeria began sharing a video of a helicopter on December 9, claiming it showed an aircraft delivering weapons to terrorists. In Mali, the posts often accused the French government of operating the helicopter, while posts coming from Nigeria laid the blame on the Nigerian government. In reality, the video is from neither one of these countries – it was filmed in the Central African Republic during a routine supply drop.

Car hits German carnival parade - DW's Kate Brady reports

In this edition, we’re focusing on the French delicacy of foie gras. One of France’s most cherished foods, it’s a staple at Christmas tables across the country. But foie gras is also a source of controversy. There are ethical concerns about how it is produced, which has led several French cities to ban it for official gatherings. The move has launched a fierce national debate.

This summer, catastrophic floods hit the Ahr valley in western Germany. Half a year later, with winter drawing in, DW reporter Peter Hille traveled there to meet people who are slowly beginning to resume their lives.

French troops left their military base in Timbuktu as part of a reorganization of Operation Barkhane announced by French president Emmanuel Macron in June. The Kidal and Tessalit bases were handed over to the Malian army in October and November, respectively.

A Berlin-based human rights group says top clothing retailers may be sourcing Xinjiang cotton that has allegedly been picked using forced labor. The European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights has filed a criminal complaint in a federal court in Germany.

The Greek and Tunisian coast guards have also reported successful rescue missions. Nonetheless, dozens of people have died in shipwrecks in the Mediterranean over the past several days.

German IS returnee Jennifer W. is one of the first people worldwide to receive a prison sentence for war crimes against Yazidis in Iraq.

Germany's new government will face several domestic and international challenges in the new year. Still, a sense of optimism prevails.

Papers react to the political debate sparked by the decision to fly the European flag from the Arc de Triomphe. Most agree it boils down to political opportunism in an election year, with La Croix pointing out that it's the EU that should be offended for having its flag flown from a monument representing Napoleonic conquest. We also look at 2022's controversial sporting events, a Moroccan YouTuber seeking asylum in France, and a warning for cat owners.