>> you're watching france 24 "live from paris." u.s. president joe biden tries to push the reset button after four years of donald trump. at the munich security conference, he vowed that america would secure its role in the world stage and stand with its allies. g8 nations vowed to help poorer countries with the covid vaccine . standoff between iran and the u.s. over nuclear talks shows no

signs of budging. the u.s. says it is willing to take part in talks brokered by the eu, but iran says it will only come to the table if sanctions are lifted first. hello, everyone. thanks for joining us. america is back -- that is the pledge from joe biden, who made his first appearance as u.s. president on the world stage today at the munich security conference. he is trying to turn the page and make a shift to multilateralism after four years of donald trump's america first policy. ryden vowed to rebuild trust with european allies and work on challenges like as control, covid-19, and climate change -- biden vowed to rebuild trust.

>> we are in the midst of a fundamental debate about the future of our nation and our world. those that argue that given all the challenges we face from the fourth industrial revolution to the global pandemic that autocracy is the best way forward and those that understand that democracy is essential to meeting these challenges, historians will examine and write about this moment. >> for more on this story, we are joined by our washington correspondent. biden has really tried to push the reset button here when it comes to the role of the u.s. in the world. >> yes, exactly. a simple but clear message -- america is back. it is a message joe biden and his administration have been repeating ever since he took office back in january.

they have been pushing the message that the u.s. is back on the international stage, starting with, of course, it's relationship with its closest allies, especially its european allies. that was the second line for joe biden. america is back. transatlantic ties are back. that is what he wanted to talk about in that munich security conference, showing that europeans -- really earning back the europeans' trust. he admitted himself that after four years under trump, even though he did not directly name the former president, he understands the europeans might be a little bit wary about america's word, so he agreed the u.s. would have to work to earn back that trust, but he also made it clear that both the americans and the europeans have to work together.

it was in the interest of both sides to rebuild that relationship because only together, only with these transatlantic ties could they face these big challenges ahead. he mentioned some of them -- the coronavirus pandemic, climate change, rebuilding the world economy. all of that is only possible if the united states and europe stand together, discuss things they do not agree with, but talking together and finding a solution together. >> biden addressed several issues in his speech. he spent some time on russia, and it looks like he is really trying to change american policy when it comes to russia. >> yes, there was a much tougher stance on pressure coming from joe biden. it was when he was mentioning some of the challenges that the u.s. and europe need to work together to tackle, and among

those challenges -- the first of those challenges, he mentioned, of course, dealing with competition from china, but he really reserved his toughest words for the russians, and specifically for the russian president, whom he spoke of by name. he said vladimir putin seeks to weaken the european project and nato, and he insisted that the russian president wanted to undermine the transatlantic unity. in the words of joe biden, why did russia want to undermine the transatlantic unity? because it is so much easier for the kremlin to bully and threaten individual states rather than to negotiate with a strong and united transatlantic community. again, joe biden emphasizing the fact that only together, europeans and americans, can they deal with the threat coming

from russia. joe biden who also spoke about the situation with the iranian nuclear program, talking about how the united states was willing to possibly return to the negotiation table, return to these talks with the iranians at the invation of the europeans, and that is one concrete example of how the europeans can help american, return to the negotiating table, how these two blocs of the transatlantic community can work together to deal with a major global challenge. >> thank you so much. earlier in the day, the g-7 nations held a summit and vowed to ramp up efforts to help poorer countries get their hands on covid vaccines. there are at least 130 countries that have not even begun vaccine rollouts. president joe biden said the u.s. is donatg $4 billion to

the united nations covax program, which is aimed at helping the poorest countries. >> a pledge to boost funding for the rollout of vaccines to the world's poorest nations, g-7 leaders have agreed to provide an additional 7.5 billion dollars fight the pandemic in developing countries. >> what is important is that there are vaccines and not just financial commitments. we have not really discussed a time frame. >> instead of sending vaccines directly, g-7 nations have been funding a complex distribution scheme known as covax. the eu says it will double its contribution, while the u.s. said was planning to billion dollars. after calling for richer nations to donate up to 5% of vaccine

supplies, the french president said 6.5 million health workers in africa should be a priority. >> they need 13 million health to -- 13 million vaccine doses. if we can deliver those as fast as possible, it would mean so much. >> wealthier nations are accused of porting vaccines. the who says just 10 countries account for three quarters of all shots administered globally. >> vaccine equity is not just the right thing to do. it is also the smart thing to do. >> under pressure over domestic vaccination campaigns, world leaders have not yet given details as to how many shots they are willing to share or when that might happen. >> here in france, there have and 24,000 new covid cases reported in the last 24 hours, fairly consistent with the daily tally in recent weeks. a 6:00 p.m. curfew is still in effect, and restaurants and

cafes remain closed. 324 people died in the last day from the coronavirus, bringing the nationwide death toll to about 84,000. ron -- iran repeated its position that it would only resume talks with the u.s. if sanctions are lifted first. the biden administration has said it wants to return to the table. former president trump lift negotiations, and around -- i run -- iran has since been ramping up enrichmen >> from tehran's point of view, their reaction has not changed because from the -- for them, the european signatories' position has not changed,

washington's position has not changed. in their eyes, all they have say -- all they have seen is statements and words. right now they are going to move forward with their position and expand their nuclear program step-by-step. they believe it is their right to expand what they call a peaceful nuclear program because washington withdrew from the nuclear deal. they warned their going to restct the so-called short notice inspections by the united nations. over the past 24 hours, what i run what -- what a run has observed is statements -- what iran has observed is statements, some of which are encouraging, some of which could be interpreted as mixed messages. the biden administration has terminated policies from the trump administration.

that could be interpreted as encouraging. also the european signatories meeting with the u.s. secretary of state, saying all parties are committed to the deal, but in the same statement, washington reiterating they want to run to make the first move -- they want tehran to make the first move. again in iran's eyes, these are merely statements. they are looking for action. they want the european signatories and washington to take significant step towards restoring the deal and lifting sanctions, and until and unless that happens, they are moving forward with their plans with all eyes on next tuesday. that is when they set the deadline, saying that unless sanctions are lifted, theare going to than -- ban so-called short notice inspections. >> the midwest in the u.s. is recovering from a crippling winter storm. chicago received 45 millimeters

-- 45 centimeters ofnow. farther south, power is finally coming back on in texas but about 13 million people in the state are still being told to boil their water for safety reasons. >> texas residents scramble to make repairs to their homes after days without power or heat as meteorologists suggest the winter storm that has caused havoc across the u.s. south may be easing. >> we are able to tell the company, please go forward and restore those as you can. there is still a lot of work they have to do to get back to the customers, restoring the avenues in the field is a process they have to undertake. >> it will be some time for the texas grid, independent from the rest of the united states, is back up to full strength, particularly as demand increases. >> it's built like a very bad

come along, arctic camping trip. finally got some power back consistently, but the next component is water. >> president biden said texas would get federal support. a quarter of the state's population is under orders to boil water before drinking it. emergency centers were working overtime to give those in need shelter. >> [indiscernible] a lot of folks that have been discharged from hospitals or different areas that don't have places to go. they have temperatures below freezing at their homes or don't have a home to go to. >> elsewhere, snow is still blanketing the east coast and causing snow beyond texas with hundreds of thousands from virginia to louisiana without power. >> texas senator ted cruz is

facing fierce blowback for escaping that storm in his home state. he was seen at an airport boarding a flight to cancun with his family as millions of constituents were without power and water. he also reportedly left the family dog behind, prompting outrage on social media. he eventually made an apology. >> it was obviously a mistake. in hindsight, i wouldn't have done it. i was trying to be a dad. all of us have made decisions. when you've got two girls who have been called two days and don't have heat or power and they are saying, we don't have school, why don't we go, let's get out of here. >> it's official -- prince harry and his wife meghan markle are not returning to their royal duties. also, harry is giving up his honorary military titles, marking a formal split from the royal family. >> no return to royal duties for

prince harry and meghan markle as buckingham palace formally confirmed their split from the british royal family. this comes a year after the couple announced their decision. the duke and duchess of sussex have confirmed to her majesty the queen they will not be returning as working members of the royal family, following conversations with the duke. the queen has written, confirming that in stepping away from the work of the royal family, it is not possible to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service. the palace said harry's deployment would revert to the queen before being distributed to other members of the royal family. he also relinquishes his various patronage is as part of the split. in addition, meghan markle will be stripped of her role as patron of britain's national theater and the association of commonwealth universities. they will retain their titles of duke and duchess of sussex and

harry remains sixth in line to the national throne. they now live in california and are expecting their second child. >> time now for business news. uber has lost a landmark legal case in the u.k. why is this such a big deal? >> this whole deal was about how to classify drivers. the u.k. has said -- the u.k. supreme court has said they are in fact workers, which means over will have to grant -- uber will have to grant holiday pay and pensions. it may inspire similar challenges in other companies and other sectors that rely on gig workers. the u.k. is one of its largest markets, and these new regulations alter its business model consistently --

considerably. >> drivers are in aosition of subordination and dependency in relation to uber, such that they have little or no ability to improve their economi position through professional or entrepreneial skill. in practic the only way to increase earnings is working longer hours. for these and other reasons, the employment tribunawas right find that uber drivers are workers who qualify for the rights conferred on workers by employment legislation. >> students in france have been hit hard by the pandemic with many falling into financial fficulty as student job opportunities dried up. food banks have seen a sharp spike in demand as have hotlines fering psychological help to students dealing with depression. >> on the hunt for a job, the

hospitality major needs 800 euros a month for housing and utility bills. >> when you are an apprentice, you don't get student grants, so it's all about the salary. this internsp is different. >> like many others in her position, job prospects are minimal, and paying for basic needs like food has become a struggle. >> i try to find temporary work when i'm available because there's no work in places like restaurants. >> up to 25% of young professionals in france are now unable to find work. 2.5 times the national unemployment rate. the situation has only been made worse by the coronavirus pandemic. a paris-based organization which provides food and masks to students has seen a spike in recent months, serving up to 500

at a time. >> with 6:00 p.m. curfew's still in place, france's government has sought to incentivize the job market, offering state bonuses of up to 8000 euros to companies which employ young adults. universities have also been authorized to open their doors offering classes one day week while several institutions have stepped up providing daily one euro meals. >> stocks in wall street rebounded in earlier trade but have flattened again. the dow jones and nasdaq closed on the flatline while the s&p 500 fell .2%. markets in europe closed higher on the week. in paris and frankfurt, both indices were up .70 5%. bitcoin has hit a new record high. the total value reached $1

trillion today, finishing off a record-breaking week for the cryptocurrency. it surged around 54% this week alone. the makers of the humanoid robot sophia have a new vision -- to mass-produce robots by the end of the year. the company said four models, including sophia, will start rolling off production lines in the first half of 2021 just as researchers predict the pandemic will create new opportunities for the robotics industry. >> she could become the companion of the future. >> my name is sophia. i am an artificial intelligence. >> sophia, the 24th generation of human robots, has been active since 2015. she moves, talks, and expresses emotions, and for her creators, she could provide a comforting presence during ckdowns or periods of solitude.

>> to be around people is dangerous these days, but these robots can keep people safe from danger while still providing that human warmth, that human connection. >> hong kong-based henson robotics plan to produce thousands of robots like sophia by the end of the year. >> the pandemic willctually help us get robots earlier in the market because people start to realize that there is no other way. >> the global market for robots jumped 82% last year. it's estimated worth, now 8 million euros. >> this brave new world of rots. i'm not sure i'm ready for it. >> time now for our focus report. tonight, we take you to india where thousands of farmers have been camp just outside new delhi for three months protesting new laws they say endanger their

livelihoods. there have been ongoing negotiations between the government and farmers, but so far, no breakthrough. our correspondents have this report. >> this gap on the border of new delhi stretches for kilometers. it has been home to thousands of protesting farmers for nearly three months now. outside, tensions run high as scores of police use intimidation tactics to pressure protesters to give up their struggle and return to their homes. >> they are throwing these shells and stones at us. the police are behind this. going back home is not an option. people behind this are committed. we will go back home only when we are dead. >> three laws deregulating the country's agricultural sector are at the heart of these protests. at the camp's community center, protesters both young and old are determined not to back down.

>> this is a matter not just for farmers, but the common man, the urban dweller, and other people, too. the farmers here are fighting is one for all these people. >> the camp is equipped with everything required to ensure a long-term stay including portable toilets, medical and laundry facilities, libraries, and an ample amount of food and water. protesters say they are not here to attack but to hold their ground until their demands are met. >> we are here in peace. we will stay in peace, and we will win in peace. we are not interested in violence because we live in a democracy. >> he is not answering us for anything. they are not even looking at us. >> nearly 60% of indians are employed in the agriculture sector. together, they are a politically influential bloc.

as the protest continues to grow, the modi government has offered several concessions but refused to repeal the laws. >> we feel strongly for the 99% of the farmers that are not protesting, and we also feel strongly for the 1% of the farmers who are protesting. finally, the modi government has pushed through the reforms that almost all good companies have said should be done. if the farmers want to stick to their existing system, they can, but they now have the option that they do not have to sell only to an authorized government agent. they can sell to anybody, and everybody has said this will help improve farmers' income. >> while economic experts have praised the reforms, farmers feel disrespected and feel they will be left at the mercy of large corporations. one of their main concerns is that the laws do not guarantee a minimum support price provided by the government for essential crops. for the 86% of farmers who own

less than two hectares of land, this could be catastrophic. >> if this goes into the hands of the big corporate houses, they will give us any rate they want. i feel so angry. have i committed a crime by being born into a farming family? this is what i think. >> vast experience -- government markets were completely shut down in 2006 to open the doors for private players, but there was little investment. >> the new laws state that farmers will have more options, that the market will be open and then they can sell produce to anyone anywhere at the best price. the government told us the same thing, that we would have more options, when they privatid e agriculture sector here, but farmers are left with less choice than before. local businessman quote the price they want to local farmers who have no other option but to

sell at that rate because if they don't, they lose their crops. >> protesting farmers feel the government will slowly withdraw from the agriculture sector entirely and that markets will close. >> farmers used to come here and sell their products, but they no longer do. now, businessmen buy directly from farmers, and the bigger businessman sell it on at a higher rate. >> back in this village, he worries the laws will destroy what remains of india's farming community. >> many of the farmers here want to stop. they don' talk about their children. they have no future in this industry. no father wants to see his child enter an industry where he has to fight and struggle for his most basic needs. >> anger and resentment is

reaching its peak in india's farming community. as protest continue to grow in scale, there seems to be no end in sight. >> that is it for now. stay tuned for more world news here on france 24. ♪

02/19/21 02/19/21 [captioning made possible by democracy now!] amy: from pacifica radio, this is democracy now! 25 years ago on february 19, 1996, democracy now! went on the air. today we take a freewheeling journey through the years. >> chevron, just like shell, used