Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy is set to face trial in 2025 following allegations that he accepted funds from the late Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi to finance one of his election campaigns, news agencies reported citing prosecutors. If convicted, the former French president could face up to 10 years in prison. The trial will delve into evidence suggesting that Sarkozy, along with 12 co-defendants, engaged in a conspiracy to unlawfully secure funds from Gaddafi to support his successful 2007 presidential bid.&nbsp;"There's not even the smallest inkling of proof," he reportedly said in a 2018 interview.&nbsp;

<h2>Denial of allegations</h2>

Sarkozy, a right-wing politician who has encountered numerous legal challenges since his single term as president from 2007 to 2012, vehemently denies the allegations involving Libyan funding.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-with-prigozhin-dead-wagner-groups-bloodied-past-tumultuous-present-uncertain-future-629170">With Prigozhin dead, Wagner group's bloodied past, tumultuous present &amp; uncertain future</a>

These allegations stand as the most severe legal issue he currently faces. Despite being convicted twice for corruption and influence-peddling in separate cases related to attempts to manipulate a judge and campaign financing, Sarkozy has contested both verdicts through appeals.

<h2>Prominent figures among co-defendants</h2>

Several significant figures are among the co-defendants who will face trial for their alleged involvement in the Libyan funding scandal. These include Claude Gueant, Sarkozy's former right-hand man, Eric Woerth, the former head of campaign financing, and Brice Hortefeux, a former minister.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greek-wildfires-are-worst-in-europe-in-decades-says-eu-backed-climate-service-629165">Greek wildfires are worst in Europe in years, says EU-backed climate service</a>

The investigation was triggered by revelations from the investigative platform Mediapart, which released a document purportedly indicating that Gaddafi had agreed to provide Sarkozy with up to 50 million euros ($54 million based on current exchange rates).

The prosecutor's office has announced that the first hearing is designated for March 7, 2024. The trial is planned between January 6, 2025, and April 10, 2025, according to the information provided. After his unsuccessful appeal in May, 68-year-old Sarkozy's 2021 conviction on charges of corruption and influence peddling stands. His legal team has expressed their intention to contest this verdict at France's highest court, reported Reuters.&nbsp;

<h2>Sarkozy-Gaddafi relations&nbsp;</h2>

Sarkozy and Gaddafi shared an unexpectedly amicable relationship, exemplified by Gaddafi setting up his Bedouin tent across from the Elysee Palace during a state visit to France shortly after Sarkozy's election. Sarkozy's recent activities have rekindled attention in France, with the release of the second volume of his memoirs and his suggestions regarding the recognition of Russia-occupied Ukrainian territories following last year's Kremlin-led invasion.

Watch | PM Modi, Xi Jinping discuss border issues in Johannesburg

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He has also expressed his stance that Crimea, which has been annexed by Russia, will remain under Russian control, dismissing the possibility of reverting to the pre-annexation status quo.

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Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy is set to face trial in 2025 following allegations that he accepted funds from the late Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi to finance one of his election campaigns, news agencies reported citing prosecutors.

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy is set to face trial in 2025 following allegations that he accepted funds from the late Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi to finance one of his election campaigns, news agencies reported citing prosecutors. If convicted, the former French president could face up to 10 years in prison. The trial will delve into evidence suggesting that Sarkozy, along with 12 co-defendants, engaged in a conspiracy to unlawfully secure funds from Gaddafi to support his successful 2007 presidential bid. "There's not even the smallest inkling of proof," he reportedly said in a 2018 interview. Denial of allegations Sarkozy, a right-wing politician who has encountered numerous legal challenges since his single term as president from 2007 to 2012, vehemently denies the allegations involving Libyan funding. Also Read | With Prigozhin dead, Wagner group's bloodied past, tumultuous present & uncertain future These allegations stand as the most severe legal issue he currently faces. Despite being convicted twice for corruption and influence-peddling in separate cases related to attempts to manipulate a judge and campaign financing, Sarkozy has contested both verdicts through appeals. Prominent figures among co-defendants Several significant figures are among the co-defendants who will face trial for their alleged involvement in the Libyan funding scandal. These include Claude Gueant, Sarkozy's former right-hand man, Eric Woerth, the former head of campaign financing, and Brice Hortefeux, a former minister. Also Read | Greek wildfires are worst in Europe in years, says EU-backed climate service The investigation was triggered by revelations from the investigative platform Mediapart, which released a document purportedly indicating that Gaddafi had agreed to provide Sarkozy with up to 50 million euros ($54 million based on current exchange rates). The prosecutor's office has announced that the first hearing is designated for March 7, 2024. The trial is planned between January 6, 2025, and April 10, 2025, according to the information provided. After his unsuccessful appeal in May, 68-year-old Sarkozy's 2021 conviction on charges of corruption and influence peddling stands. His legal team has expressed their intention to contest this verdict at France's highest court, reported Reuters. Sarkozy-Gaddafi relations Sarkozy and Gaddafi shared an unexpectedly amicable relationship, exemplified by Gaddafi setting up his Bedouin tent across from the Elysee Palace during a state visit to France shortly after Sarkozy's election. Sarkozy's recent activities have rekindled attention in France, with the release of the second volume of his memoirs and his suggestions regarding the recognition of Russia-occupied Ukrainian territories following last year's Kremlin-led invasion. Watch | PM Modi, Xi Jinping discuss border issues in Johannesburg × He has also expressed his stance that Crimea, which has been annexed by Russia, will remain under Russian control, dismissing the possibility of reverting to the pre-annexation status quo. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Trial looms for ex-French President Sarkozy over alleged illicit funding from Gaddafi for election campaign

French President Emmanuel Macron has condemned protesters banging saucepans and pots during his speeches, saying that such actions will not help France move forward. Pot-banging is an old tradition in France to register protests, and it was seen during Macron's recent address to the nation after he signed the pension reform bill into law over the weekend. Macron said that the reality across France was not just those making noise with pots or grumbling.

<h2>Macron tours rural France to calm the tensions</h2>

Political opponents and trade unions have urged protesters to bolster their campaign against the law, and a new day of mass protest has been called for on May 1. Macron has been touring the country hoping to calm the tensions and turn the page on his unpopular pension reform, which provides for hiking the retirement age from 62 to 64.

Watch:&nbsp;France pension reforms: Emmanuel Macron to address France amid pension chaos&nbsp;

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During his visit to the wood factory in Muttersholtz on Wednesday, Macron also said that he would always be with people and that he has to keep going. He made very few public appearances during the three months after announcing the deeply unpopular pension reform.

Wednesday saw massive protests by members of Confédération Générale du Travail (CGT) and Confédération Française Démocratique du Travail (CFDT) trade unions in front of the mayor’s office in Muttersholtz, where the French President began his tour of rural France. The objective of his tour is to gain acceptance of&nbsp;his pension reforms.

<h2>Police and demonstrators come face to face</h2>

Demonstrators were seen banging frying pans as well as pan lids and horns. The pension reform signed into law by Macron has been the subject of fury and protests for the past three months. The government used an executive order to push through the law, bypassing a vote in parliament.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/french-president-macron-says-he-hears-peoples-anger-but-defends-pension-law-583545">French President Macron says he hears people's anger but defends pension law</a>

Despite Macron's efforts to calm tensions, sporadic protests have continued in Paris and other cities, with small groups gathering at night and burning bins after dark. Following massive protests on Wednesday, French police had to use force to move protestors 200 metres away from the village where Macron was visiting.

<h2>Unions and workers to boost anti-govt protests</h2>

As Macron makes further visits across the country this week, unions have planned more protests. These scenes are reminiscent of the president’s travels around France during the yellow-vest protests of 2018-19 when Macron was frequently confronted by angry hecklers. The next nationwide trade union-led demonstrations will be on Labor Day on May 1.

Meanwhile, a free climber known as the "French Spiderman" climbed a 38-story skyscraper in Paris to protest the raising of the pension age. Alain Robert, 60, climbed without a harness, using only his bare hands and a pair of climbing shoes. "I’m here to show my support for those who oppose the pension reform," he said before starting his ascent of the 150-metre skyscraper in the capital’s La Défense business district.

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French President Emmanuel Macron has condemned protesters banging saucepans and pots during his speeches, saying that such actions will not help France move forward.

French President Emmanuel Macron has condemned protesters banging saucepans and pots during his speeches, saying that such actions will not help France move forward. Pot-banging is an old tradition in France to register protests, and it was seen during Macron's recent address to the nation after he signed the pension reform bill into law over the weekend. Macron said that the reality across France was not just those making noise with pots or grumbling. Macron tours rural France to calm the tensions Political opponents and trade unions have urged protesters to bolster their campaign against the law, and a new day of mass protest has been called for on May 1. Macron has been touring the country hoping to calm the tensions and turn the page on his unpopular pension reform, which provides for hiking the retirement age from 62 to 64. Watch: France pension reforms: Emmanuel Macron to address France amid pension chaos × During his visit to the wood factory in Muttersholtz on Wednesday, Macron also said that he would always be with people and that he has to keep going. He made very few public appearances during the three months after announcing the deeply unpopular pension reform. Wednesday saw massive protests by members of Confédération Générale du Travail (CGT) and Confédération Française Démocratique du Travail (CFDT) trade unions in front of the mayor’s office in Muttersholtz, where the French President began his tour of rural France. The objective of his tour is to gain acceptance of his pension reforms. Police and demonstrators come face to face Demonstrators were seen banging frying pans as well as pan lids and horns. The pension reform signed into law by Macron has been the subject of fury and protests for the past three months. The government used an executive order to push through the law, bypassing a vote in parliament. Also Read | French President Macron says he hears people's anger but defends pension law Despite Macron's efforts to calm tensions, sporadic protests have continued in Paris and other cities, with small groups gathering at night and burning bins after dark. Following massive protests on Wednesday, French police had to use force to move protestors 200 metres away from the village where Macron was visiting. Unions and workers to boost anti-govt protests As Macron makes further visits across the country this week, unions have planned more protests. These scenes are reminiscent of the president’s travels around France during the yellow-vest protests of 2018-19 when Macron was frequently confronted by angry hecklers. The next nationwide trade union-led demonstrations will be on Labor Day on May 1. Meanwhile, a free climber known as the "French Spiderman" climbed a 38-story skyscraper in Paris to protest the raising of the pension age. Alain Robert, 60, climbed without a harness, using only his bare hands and a pair of climbing shoes. "I’m here to show my support for those who oppose the pension reform," he said before starting his ascent of the 150-metre skyscraper in the capital’s La Défense business district. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

President Macron condemns saucepan-banging protests as he tours rural France to calm tensions

Addressing a press conference on Sunday (the last day of the G7 Summit 2021), French President Emmanuel Macron said "China is an economic rival, from whom we expect full respect for (international trade) rules". Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden said "a summit of the Group of Seven wealthy nations mobilized the world's democracies to meet the challenges of the era".

G7 Summit 2021: French President Macron, US President Biden address media on the last day

France's former President Nicolas Sarkozy has been sentenced to 3 years in prison. Why is the sentence historic? What does it mean for Sarkozy and who is Paul Bismuth?

Gravitas: France's Ex-President Nicolas Sarkozy sentenced to jail

The 42-year-old took a test after developing symptoms and will now self-isolate for seven days, the Elysée Palace said in a statement.

French president Emmanuel Macron tests positive for Covid-19

French President Emmanuel Macron's administration has agreed to completely rewrite a draft plan that to curb freedom to film police officers on duty.

France: President Macron's administration agrees to rewrite police bill

French President Emmanuel Macron led Armistice Day commemorations at Place Clemenceau in Paris.

Macron leads Armistice Day commemorations in France

Police said that several shots were fired shortly after 8 p.m. (1900 GMT) on a lively street in the city center and that there were six shooting locations.

Austrian chancellor Sebastian Kurz says Vienna shooting was a 'repulsive terror attack'

Vienna Terror attack: Multiple gunmen opened fire across various locations

Police said that several shots were fired shortly after 8 p.m. on a lively street in the city center and that there were six shooting locations

WION Exclusive: Vienna Islamist terror attack | What we know so far | Explainer

At least three people were killed, including a gunman, and 14 others injured in shootings in the Austrian capital of Vienna, just hours before a national lockdown was to come into force against the Covid-19 pandemic, authorities said on Tuesday.

3 killed in Vienna terror attack in six different locations

Simultaneously battling the twin crises of the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic and a resurgence in Islamist attacks, French President Emmanuel Macron faces a defining moment

France: President Emmanuel Macron faces one of the toughest period of his term

#GravitasPlus with WION's Palki | 2 beheadings in 2 weeks, 7 terror attacks in 10 months, Islamic terrorism is haunting France once again. It has reignited the debate over free speech & blasphemy. Who will draw the line?

Gravitas Plus: France battles Islamic extremism

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad on Thursday said Muslims have the right “to be angry and to kill millions of French people for the massacres of the past”.

Twitter removes former Malaysian PM Mahathir Mohamad’s post justifying attack in France

France on Sunday urged Middle Eastern countries to stop retail companies from boycotting French products.

Stores in Muslim-majority nations boycott French goods

Former French&nbsp;president Nicolas&nbsp;Sarkozy has been charged over&nbsp;financing his 2007 election campaign with money from late Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi, according to&nbsp;prosecutors.

The move made Sarkozy, who ruled from 2007 to 2012 and is still an influential behind-the-scenes player on the political right, the target of an inquiry into alleged cash handovers and wire transfers between Tripoli and Paris in the months before he won power.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sarkozy-mounts-fightback-in-libya-probe-36848">Sarkozy mounts fightback in Libya probe</a>

It marked a dramatic acceleration in an inquiry that had largely faded in the news since it was opened five years ago, shortly after the 63-year-old left office.

Sarkozy, who has persistently denied claims that he accepted millions of euros from Gaddafi, some of it delivered in cash-stuffed suitcases, had&nbsp;vowed to clear his name, even if it takes years.

"We have the right to appeal. I will appeal these judicial restrictions," his lawyer Thierry Herzog told RTL radio, saying he believed the measures were aimed at humiliating the rightwinger.

After two days of questioning in police custody over allegations that first surfaced during a French-led intervention in Libya in 2011, Sarkozy was charged with corruption, illegal campaign financing and concealment of Libyan public money.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/frances-sarkozy-told-he-suspected-of-taking-gaddafi-election-money-36674">France's Sarkozy told he is suspected of taking Gaddafi election money</a>

Judges had barred Sarkozy from travelling to four countries including Libya and forbade him from talking to nine other people caught up in the five-year investigation, including two former ministers.&nbsp;

Among those he is banned from meeting are former interior minister Claude Gueant -- who is suspected of receiving some of the cash -- and former Brice Hortefeux, a close friend who held several senior posts in Sarkozy's administration.

Sarkozy had&nbsp;been released from police custody but put under judicial supervision.&nbsp;In French legal jargon, he was officially "placed under investigation" - a step judicial investigators can take if they have serious grounds for suspecting an offence. Being placed under investigation often but not always leads to trial.

It was the second major investigation for Sarkozy, who also faced charges of illicit campaign spending overruns during his failed re-election bid in 2012.

The latest case concerns accusations by a Franco-Lebanese businessman, Ziad Takieddine, who says he helped funnel 5 million euros ($6 million) from Gaddafi's intelligence chief to Sarkozy's campaign chief ahead of the 2007 election.

Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy has been charged over financing his 2007 election campaign with money from late Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi, according to prosecutors.

Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy has been charged over financing his 2007 election campaign with money from late Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi, according to prosecutors. The move made Sarkozy, who ruled from 2007 to 2012 and is still an influential behind-the-scenes player on the political right, the target of an inquiry into alleged cash handovers and wire transfers between Tripoli and Paris in the months before he won power. Also read: Sarkozy mounts fightback in Libya probe It marked a dramatic acceleration in an inquiry that had largely faded in the news since it was opened five years ago, shortly after the 63-year-old left office. Sarkozy, who has persistently denied claims that he accepted millions of euros from Gaddafi, some of it delivered in cash-stuffed suitcases, had vowed to clear his name, even if it takes years. "We have the right to appeal. I will appeal these judicial restrictions," his lawyer Thierry Herzog told RTL radio, saying he believed the measures were aimed at humiliating the rightwinger. After two days of questioning in police custody over allegations that first surfaced during a French-led intervention in Libya in 2011, Sarkozy was charged with corruption, illegal campaign financing and concealment of Libyan public money. Also read: France's Sarkozy told he is suspected of taking Gaddafi election money Judges had barred Sarkozy from travelling to four countries including Libya and forbade him from talking to nine other people caught up in the five-year investigation, including two former ministers. Among those he is banned from meeting are former interior minister Claude Gueant -- who is suspected of receiving some of the cash -- and former Brice Hortefeux, a close friend who held several senior posts in Sarkozy's administration. Sarkozy had been released from police custody but put under judicial supervision. In French legal jargon, he was officially "placed under investigation" - a step judicial investigators can take if they have serious grounds for suspecting an offence. Being placed under investigation often but not always leads to trial. It was the second major investigation for Sarkozy, who also faced charges of illicit campaign spending overruns during his failed re-election bid in 2012. The latest case concerns accusations by a Franco-Lebanese businessman, Ziad Takieddine, who says he helped funnel 5 million euros ($6 million) from Gaddafi's intelligence chief to Sarkozy's campaign chief ahead of the 2007 election.

Former France president Sarkozy charged over Libyan campaign financing

French President Emmanuel Macron said Belarus’s leader Alexander Lukashenko has to step down, in comments to a French weekly published on Sunday.

“It’s clear he has to go,” he told the Journal du Dimanche, speaking days after the European Union refused to recognise Lukashenko as the country’s legitimate president.

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“It is a crisis of power, an authoritarian power that cannot accept the logic of democracy and which is hanging on by force. It is clear that Lukashenko has to go,” he said.

Tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets in Belarus since August 9 elections which opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya says she won, despite Lukashenko’s insistence he took a landslide victory.

The embattled leader has launched a brutal crackdown against the protesters -- drawing condemnation from the West, but support from Moscow.

He recently triggered new demonstrations and fresh Western criticism after holding a secret inauguration for himself.

Macron on Sunday said he had been “impressed by the courage of the protesters” in Belarus.

“They know the risks they are taking by demonstrating every weekend, and yet, they are pushing forward with the movement to make democracy come alive in this country that has been deprived of it for so long,” he said.

“Women in particular, who march every Saturday, command our respect,” he added.

More than 90 people -- most of them women -- were arrested on Saturday at opposition rallies, one NGO said.

The EU on Thursday said Lukashenko’s inauguration lacked “democratic legitimacy” and refused to recognise him as president.

Brussels is reviewing its relations with the country, the bloc’s diplomatic chief has said.

EU ministers decided in principle last month to impose sanctions against the regime, but Cyprus has been blocking approval until the bloc agrees similar measures against Turkey over gas exploration in the eastern Mediterranean.

On Friday, EU Baltic states Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia expanded their own sanctions against Belarus.

The issue will be debated during an EU summit on October 1-2 in Brussels.

French President Emmanuel Macron said Belarus’s leader Alexander Lukashenko has to step down, in comments to a French weekly published on Sunday. “It’s clear he has to go,” he told the Journal du Dimanche, speaking days after the European Union refused to recognise Lukashenko as the country’s legitimate president.

French President Emmanuel Macron said Belarus’s leader Alexander Lukashenko has to step down, in comments to a French weekly published on Sunday. “It’s clear he has to go,” he told the Journal du Dimanche, speaking days after the European Union refused to recognise Lukashenko as the country’s legitimate president. “It is a crisis of power, an authoritarian power that cannot accept the logic of democracy and which is hanging on by force. It is clear that Lukashenko has to go,” he said. Tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets in Belarus since August 9 elections which opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya says she won, despite Lukashenko’s insistence he took a landslide victory. The embattled leader has launched a brutal crackdown against the protesters -- drawing condemnation from the West, but support from Moscow. He recently triggered new demonstrations and fresh Western criticism after holding a secret inauguration for himself. Macron on Sunday said he had been “impressed by the courage of the protesters” in Belarus. “They know the risks they are taking by demonstrating every weekend, and yet, they are pushing forward with the movement to make democracy come alive in this country that has been deprived of it for so long,” he said. “Women in particular, who march every Saturday, command our respect,” he added. More than 90 people -- most of them women -- were arrested on Saturday at opposition rallies, one NGO said. The EU on Thursday said Lukashenko’s inauguration lacked “democratic legitimacy” and refused to recognise him as president. Brussels is reviewing its relations with the country, the bloc’s diplomatic chief has said. EU ministers decided in principle last month to impose sanctions against the regime, but Cyprus has been blocking approval until the bloc agrees similar measures against Turkey over gas exploration in the eastern Mediterranean. On Friday, EU Baltic states Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia expanded their own sanctions against Belarus. The issue will be debated during an EU summit on October 1-2 in Brussels.

‘It is clear Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko has to go’: France president Emmanuel Macron

A cataclysmic explosion at Beirut port sowed devastation across entire neighbourhoods, killing more than 100 people and wounding thousands

Emmanuel Macron to visit Lebanon today | Beirut explosion | WION

President Emmanuel Macron named Jean Castex, a top civil servant and local mayor who orchestrated France's coronavirus lockdown exit strategy, as his new prime minister on Friday as he acted to reinvent his administration and win back voters.

Castex, 55, hails from the centre-right of French politics and served for two years as the second-highest ranking official in the Elysee Palace during Nicolas Sarkozy's presidency.

An Elysee official described Castex as a senior civil servant whose experience in local politics would help Macron connect with provincial France. Castex was a "social Gaullist", the official said in reference to the more interventionist, socially minded wing of France's centre-right.

The announcement followed the resignation of Edouard Philippe ahead of a widely anticipated overhaul of the government by Macron.

Macron is reshaping his government as France grapples with the deepest economic depression since World War Two, a sharp downturn that will shrink the economy by about 11% in 2020 and reverse hard-fought gains on unemployment.

Investors will be watching to see if Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire, who has overseen reforms to liberalise the economy and spent big to keep companies like Air France and Renault afloat during the crisis, keeps his job.

"The return from summer holidays will be difficult, we must get ready," Macron told regional newspapers in an interview published late on Thursday.

Macron and Philippe dined together on Wednesday and met on Thursday. The Elysee source described Thursday's discussions as warm and friendly. Both men agreed on "the need for a new government to embody the next phase, a new path," the aide said.

FRESH START

Macron said last month he wanted to start afresh as France embarks on a delicate and costly recovery from its coronavirus slump. Then came his party's dire showing in nationwide municipal elections on June 28.

The local elections revealed surging support for the Green party and underlined Macron's troubles connecting with ordinary people. His La Republique en Marche party failed to win a single major city, depriving the president of a local power base ahead of 2022.

The most notable win was Philippe's success in his old redoubt of Le Havre and his resignation clears the way for him to become mayor of the northern port, from where he could emerge as a rival to Macron in two years time.

Cardboard boxes were delivered to the prime minister's offices minutes after the government stepped down.

Macron is taking a gamble by replacing Philippe, who is more popular then the president, political analysts say.

But keeping Philippe would have suggested that Macron was too weak to let go of his prime minister and that his party lacked the depth for a full cabinet overhaul.

President Emmanuel Macron named Jean Castex, a top civil servant and local mayor who orchestrated France's coronavirus lockdown exit strategy, as his new prime minister on Friday as he acted to reinvent his administration and win back voters.

President Emmanuel Macron named Jean Castex, a top civil servant and local mayor who orchestrated France's coronavirus lockdown exit strategy, as his new prime minister on Friday as he acted to reinvent his administration and win back voters. Castex, 55, hails from the centre-right of French politics and served for two years as the second-highest ranking official in the Elysee Palace during Nicolas Sarkozy's presidency. An Elysee official described Castex as a senior civil servant whose experience in local politics would help Macron connect with provincial France. Castex was a "social Gaullist", the official said in reference to the more interventionist, socially minded wing of France's centre-right. The announcement followed the resignation of Edouard Philippe ahead of a widely anticipated overhaul of the government by Macron. Macron is reshaping his government as France grapples with the deepest economic depression since World War Two, a sharp downturn that will shrink the economy by about 11% in 2020 and reverse hard-fought gains on unemployment. Investors will be watching to see if Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire, who has overseen reforms to liberalise the economy and spent big to keep companies like Air France and Renault afloat during the crisis, keeps his job. "The return from summer holidays will be difficult, we must get ready," Macron told regional newspapers in an interview published late on Thursday. Macron and Philippe dined together on Wednesday and met on Thursday. The Elysee source described Thursday's discussions as warm and friendly. Both men agreed on "the need for a new government to embody the next phase, a new path," the aide said. FRESH START Macron said last month he wanted to start afresh as France embarks on a delicate and costly recovery from its coronavirus slump. Then came his party's dire showing in nationwide municipal elections on June 28. The local elections revealed surging support for the Green party and underlined Macron's troubles connecting with ordinary people. His La Republique en Marche party failed to win a single major city, depriving the president of a local power base ahead of 2022. The most notable win was Philippe's success in his old redoubt of Le Havre and his resignation clears the way for him to become mayor of the northern port, from where he could emerge as a rival to Macron in two years time. Cardboard boxes were delivered to the prime minister's offices minutes after the government stepped down. Macron is taking a gamble by replacing Philippe, who is more popular then the president, political analysts say. But keeping Philippe would have suggested that Macron was too weak to let go of his prime minister and that his party lacked the depth for a full cabinet overhaul.

France's Macron picks new prime minister to reinvent presidency

President Emmanuel Macron on Friday urged the French to limit visits to elderly people who are most vulnerable to the spread of the coronavirus that has already left nine dead in the country and made hundreds ill.

Macron, who shook up his agenda this week to focus on efforts to contain the outbreak, said on a visit to an old people's home that they were by far the most vulnerable to its effects.

"Our absolute priority is to protect the people who are the most fragile in the face of this virus," Macron said.

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"The nation is behind our old... during this epidemic and we need to limit our visits as much as we can," he said.

He admitted this could prove "heartbreaking" at times but said the measure was simply one of common sense.

He emphasised that young people should not be visiting the old because "as we know, they (the young) transmit the virus a lot".

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The French health ministry said Friday that the number of cases of coronavirus infection had jumped by a further 154 to 577, with two more deaths bringing the total toll to nine.

Those who died in France so far have been old with pre-existing conditions.

Macron said that the situation was likely to last several weeks and that people should show the "spirit of responsibility" without giving into a panic.

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The health ministry said its priority was to slow the spread of the virus to limit the effects for the population when the peak of the virus is reached.

"People who are old are more at risk and should be protected," the ministry added.

One of the worst-hit regions in France is the Haut-Rhin in the east, where the number of cases jumped eightfold inside eight hours to 81, according to local officials.

Watch:&nbsp;

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The senior state official for the region, Laurent Touvet, announced a series of measures including closing some schools and banning gatherings of more than 50 people.

Some of the cases in Haut-Rhin have been traced to a meeting of an evangelical church from February 17 to 24 in the city of Mulhouse, attended by some 2,000 people.&nbsp;

Several participants have tested positive, including five who later flew to France's Latin American overseas department of French Guiana and began showing symptoms there.

President Emmanuel Macron on Friday urged the French to limit visits to elderly people who are most vulnerable to the spread of the coronavirus that has already left nine dead in the country and made hundreds ill.

President Emmanuel Macron on Friday urged the French to limit visits to elderly people who are most vulnerable to the spread of the coronavirus that has already left nine dead in the country and made hundreds ill. Macron, who shook up his agenda this week to focus on efforts to contain the outbreak, said on a visit to an old people's home that they were by far the most vulnerable to its effects. "Our absolute priority is to protect the people who are the most fragile in the face of this virus," Macron said. Also read: 290 million students out of school as global virus battle intensifies "The nation is behind our old... during this epidemic and we need to limit our visits as much as we can," he said. He admitted this could prove "heartbreaking" at times but said the measure was simply one of common sense. He emphasised that young people should not be visiting the old because "as we know, they (the young) transmit the virus a lot". Also see: Pope Francis accepts resignation of cardinal Barbarin over sex abuse case The French health ministry said Friday that the number of cases of coronavirus infection had jumped by a further 154 to 577, with two more deaths bringing the total toll to nine. Those who died in France so far have been old with pre-existing conditions. Macron said that the situation was likely to last several weeks and that people should show the "spirit of responsibility" without giving into a panic. Also read: Saudi Arabia reopens Mecca, Medina holy sites after coronavirus closure: Report The health ministry said its priority was to slow the spread of the virus to limit the effects for the population when the peak of the virus is reached. "People who are old are more at risk and should be protected," the ministry added. One of the worst-hit regions in France is the Haut-Rhin in the east, where the number of cases jumped eightfold inside eight hours to 81, according to local officials. Watch: × The senior state official for the region, Laurent Touvet, announced a series of measures including closing some schools and banning gatherings of more than 50 people. Some of the cases in Haut-Rhin have been traced to a meeting of an evangelical church from February 17 to 24 in the city of Mulhouse, attended by some 2,000 people. Several participants have tested positive, including five who later flew to France's Latin American overseas department of French Guiana and began showing symptoms there.

We need to limit our visits to elderly people, says Macron over coronavirus fears

Former French president Jacques Chirac, a centre-right career politician who served as head of state from 1995 to 2007, has died, his family told AFP on Thursday. He was 86.

"President Jacques Chirac died this morning surrounded by his family, peacefully," his son-in-law Frederic Salat-Baroux said.

Twice elected head of state in 1995 and 2002, his 12 years in the Elysee Palace made him France's second longest-serving post-war president after his Socialist predecessor Francois Mitterrand.

On the international stage, Chirac will be best remembered for angering the United States with his public opposition to the 2003 war in Iraq.

An instinctive conservative but with an appeal that extended beyond the right, Chirac also served two stints as prime minister in 1974-76 and 1986-88 and was mayor of his native Paris from 1977-1995.

It was his time at the helm of the French capital that resulted, once he had lost his presidential immunity, in a conviction for embezzlement and misuse of public funds.

Chirac had rarely been seen in public in recent years and was long known to have been suffering from ill-health.

Former French president Jacques Chirac, a centre-right career politician who served as head of state from 1995 to 2007, has died, his family told AFP on Thursday.

Former French president Jacques Chirac, a centre-right career politician who served as head of state from 1995 to 2007, has died, his family told AFP on Thursday. He was 86. "President Jacques Chirac died this morning surrounded by his family, peacefully," his son-in-law Frederic Salat-Baroux said. Twice elected head of state in 1995 and 2002, his 12 years in the Elysee Palace made him France's second longest-serving post-war president after his Socialist predecessor Francois Mitterrand. On the international stage, Chirac will be best remembered for angering the United States with his public opposition to the 2003 war in Iraq. An instinctive conservative but with an appeal that extended beyond the right, Chirac also served two stints as prime minister in 1974-76 and 1986-88 and was mayor of his native Paris from 1977-1995. It was his time at the helm of the French capital that resulted, once he had lost his presidential immunity, in a conviction for embezzlement and misuse of public funds. Chirac had rarely been seen in public in recent years and was long known to have been suffering from ill-health.

Jacques Chirac, former French president, dies at 86

Emmanuel Macron will be inaugurated as France&#39;s youngest-ever president on Sunday, facing daunting challenges to rejuvenate the economy and breathe new life into the beleaguered EU.

Macron, a 39-year-old centrist, will take over from President Francois Hollande, the Socialist whose five years in power were plagued by stubborn unemployment and bloody terror attacks, in a ceremony at 0800 GMT.

After ascending the red carpet at the Elysee Palace in central Paris, Macron and Hollande will have a private meeting in the president&#39;s office where Macron will be given the codes to launch France&#39;s nuclear weapons.

Hollande is clearly delighted at the election of the former investment banker, who scored a clear victory over far-right candidate Marine Le Pen on May 7.

The current president launched Macron&#39;s political career, plucking him from the world of investment banking to be an advisor and then his economy minister.

&quot;I am not handing over power to a political opponent, it&#39;s far simpler,&quot; Hollande said on Thursday.

Security will be tight with around 1,500 police officers deployed near the presidential palace and the nearby Champs Elysees avenue and surrounding roads will be blocked off.

At the end of the ceremony, a 21-gun salute will ring out from the Invalides military hospital on the other side of the River Seine.

After a formal lunch, Macron will visit Paris&#39;s town hall, a traditional stop for any new French president in his &quot;host&quot; city.

He will be accompanied by his wife Brigitte, his 64-year-old former drama teacher whose romance with the new president, and their 25-year age gap, has already generated media interest around the world.

PM named, then Berlin 
On Monday, Macron is expected to reveal the closely-guarded name of his prime minister, before flying to Berlin to meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

It is virtually a rite of passage for French leaders to make their first European trip to meet the leader of the other half of the so-called &quot;motor&quot; of the EU.

Pro-EU Macron wants to push for closer cooperation to help the bloc overcome the imminent departure of Britain, another of its most powerful members.

He intends to press for the creation of a parliament and budget for the eurozone.

Merkel welcomed Macron&#39;s decisive 32-point victory over Le Pen, saying he carried &quot;the hopes of millions of French people and also many in Germany and across Europe&quot;.

In June, Macron faces what the French media are calling a &quot;third round of the presidential election&quot; when the country elects a new parliament in a two-round vote.

The new president needs an outright majority to be able to enact his ambitious reform agenda.

The year-old political movement &quot;Republique en Marche&quot; (Republic on the Move, REM) that he formed to launch his presidential bid intends to field candidates in virtually every constituency in the country.

It unveiled 428 of its 577 candidates this week, saying it wants to bring fresh faces into the National Assembly lower house of parliament.

Half of them have never held elected office, including a retired female bullfighter and a star mathematician, and half of them are women.

Host of new faces 
Macron met many of the candidates gathered at a Paris museum on Saturday and told them they had an &quot;immense responsibility&quot;.

&quot;You are the new faces of French politics,&quot; some of those present quoted him as saying.

Macron won one of the most unpredictable French elections in modern history marked by scandal, repeated surprises and a last-minute hacking attack on his campaign.

Just as campaigning ended, hundreds of thousands of emails and documents stolen from his campaign were dumped online, leading Macron to call it an attempt at &quot;democratic destabilisation&quot;.

US authorities have said they believe Russian hackers were behind the attack.

The election saw voters reject France&#39;s two traditional political forces of left and right. Their candidates were eliminated in the first round.

Unpopular Hollande was the first to bow to the rebellious mood in December as he became the first sitting president not to seek re-election in the French fifth republic, founded in 1958.&nbsp;

(AFP)

He will be France's youngest-ever President

Emmanuel Macron will be inaugurated as France's youngest-ever president on Sunday, facing daunting challenges to rejuvenate the economy and breathe new life into the beleaguered EU. Macron, a 39-year-old centrist, will take over from President Francois Hollande, the Socialist whose five years in power were plagued by stubborn unemployment and bloody terror attacks, in a ceremony at 0800 GMT. After ascending the red carpet at the Elysee Palace in central Paris, Macron and Hollande will have a private meeting in the president's office where Macron will be given the codes to launch France's nuclear weapons. Hollande is clearly delighted at the election of the former investment banker, who scored a clear victory over far-right candidate Marine Le Pen on May 7. The current president launched Macron's political career, plucking him from the world of investment banking to be an advisor and then his economy minister. "I am not handing over power to a political opponent, it's far simpler," Hollande said on Thursday. Security will be tight with around 1,500 police officers deployed near the presidential palace and the nearby Champs Elysees avenue and surrounding roads will be blocked off. At the end of the ceremony, a 21-gun salute will ring out from the Invalides military hospital on the other side of the River Seine. After a formal lunch, Macron will visit Paris's town hall, a traditional stop for any new French president in his "host" city. He will be accompanied by his wife Brigitte, his 64-year-old former drama teacher whose romance with the new president, and their 25-year age gap, has already generated media interest around the world. PM named, then Berlin On Monday, Macron is expected to reveal the closely-guarded name of his prime minister, before flying to Berlin to meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel. It is virtually a rite of passage for French leaders to make their first European trip to meet the leader of the other half of the so-called "motor" of the EU. Pro-EU Macron wants to push for closer cooperation to help the bloc overcome the imminent departure of Britain, another of its most powerful members. He intends to press for the creation of a parliament and budget for the eurozone. Merkel welcomed Macron's decisive 32-point victory over Le Pen, saying he carried "the hopes of millions of French people and also many in Germany and across Europe". In June, Macron faces what the French media are calling a "third round of the presidential election" when the country elects a new parliament in a two-round vote. The new president needs an outright majority to be able to enact his ambitious reform agenda. The year-old political movement "Republique en Marche" (Republic on the Move, REM) that he formed to launch his presidential bid intends to field candidates in virtually every constituency in the country. It unveiled 428 of its 577 candidates this week, saying it wants to bring fresh faces into the National Assembly lower house of parliament. Half of them have never held elected office, including a retired female bullfighter and a star mathematician, and half of them are women. Host of new faces Macron met many of the candidates gathered at a Paris museum on Saturday and told them they had an "immense responsibility". "You are the new faces of French politics," some of those present quoted him as saying. Macron won one of the most unpredictable French elections in modern history marked by scandal, repeated surprises and a last-minute hacking attack on his campaign. Just as campaigning ended, hundreds of thousands of emails and documents stolen from his campaign were dumped online, leading Macron to call it an attempt at "democratic destabilisation". US authorities have said they believe Russian hackers were behind the attack. The election saw voters reject France's two traditional political forces of left and right. Their candidates were eliminated in the first round. Unpopular Hollande was the first to bow to the rebellious mood in December as he became the first sitting president not to seek re-election in the French fifth republic, founded in 1958. (AFP)

Macron to take office as French President today

It has taken only three years for Emmanuel Macron to rise from being an unknown government adviser to be elected France&#39;s youngest head of state since Napoleon.

Elected on Sunday several months before his 40th birthday, the centrist has turned a stale establishment upside down while eschewing the wave of economic and political nationalism that helped Britain to vote for &quot;Brexit&quot; and Donald Trump to be elected U.S. president.

His election represents a long-awaited generational change in French politics where the same faces have dominated for years.

He will be the youngest leader in the current Group of Seven (G7) major nations and has elicited comparisons with youthful leaders past and present, from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to British ex-premier Tony Blair and even President John F. Kennedy in the United States.

Many attribute Macron&#39;s stunning rise to a deep yearning for a fresh face, coupled with a rare message of optimism in a country that has long been obsessed with national decline.

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&quot;His campaign has been like group therapy - to convert the French to optimism,&quot; said writer Michel Houellebecq.

The unexpected collapse of many mainstream opponents certainly played a part, but Macron had the tactical nous to seize his chance.

He seemed destined for a steady climb up the ranks of the French establishment when he decided to apply his skills as a deal-making investment banker to the world of politics.

But since striking out on his own in August 2016 after only two years as a minister, he has tapped into widespread disenchantment to broadcast a strong anti-establishment message.

Despite having attended France&#39;s most prestigious schools, making a killing by brokering a $10 billion corporate acquisition, and serving in a Socialist government under President Francois Hollande, Macron has vowed to shake up the system that he comes from.

&quot;France is blocked by the self-serving tendencies of its elite,&quot; he told supporters at a rally in the southern town of Pau. &quot;And I&#39;ll tell you a little secret,&quot; he added, lowering his voice: &quot;I know it, I was part of it.&quot;

&quot;ALWAYS DOING SO MANY THINGS&quot;

Born in Amiens, in the northern rustbelt, to a family of doctors, he describes in his campaign book &quot;Revolution&quot; an idyllic childhood spent &quot;in books, a little removed from the world&quot;.

There, at age 15, he met his future wife Brigitte, who was his drama teacher - 24 years his senior and married with children. Their unusual relationship has fuelled intense coverage by the glossy boulevard magazines.

After school, he moved to Paris and attended the Sciences-Po and the Ecole Nationale d&#39;Administration (ENA) academies, the traditional training ground of the French elite. In parallel, he worked as a research assistant to the philosopher Paul Ricoeur.

&quot;He was always doing so many things at the same time,&quot; his Sciences-Po classmate Marc Ferracci told Reuters.

After finishing near the top of his class, he joined the civil service, before a four-year stint working in mergers and acquisitions for the investment bank Rothschild.

Helping to broker Nestle&#39;s acquisition of Pfizer&#39;s baby food division earned him a small fortune.

After Rothschild, he joined Hollande&#39;s staff in the Elysee in 2012 and it was not long before he became economy minister.

&quot;He always wanted to be in politics, be elected. He talked about it all the time,&quot; said his ENA classmate Gaspard Gantzer, now Hollande&#39;s spin doctor.

In government, Macron set about attacking some of the sacred cows of the French &quot;social model&quot; such as the 35-hour working week, iron-clad job protection, and the civil service&#39;s culture of jobs-for-life.

These are messages that have earned him surprising popularity for an ex-banker in a country where many disdain the world of high finance - but also the contempt of many on the traditional left, as well as the nationalist right.

&quot;You are already hated before you have even set foot in the Elysee,&quot; left-wing film director Francois Ruffin wrote in an open letter to Macron published last week.

&quot;UBER OF FRENCH POLITICS&quot;

Macron, who sleeps little and can often be seen online on the Telegram messaging service at 2 a.m., says his ambition is to bridge the left-right divide that has long dominated French politics.

Yet when he quit the government last August to build up the political movement he had founded only four months earlier, many saw him as a shooting star - at best.

&quot;He won&#39;t last five minutes with the bad guys in the campaign,&quot; one of his predecessors at the finance and economy ministry scoffed privately last November.

But with the ruling Socialists in disarray and the centre-right&#39;s candidate, Francois Fillon, mired in a financial scandal, Macron emerged in pole position.

&quot;He did to French politics what Uber did to taxis,&quot; said Laurent Bigorgne, a friend of Macron&#39;s and head of the Institut Montaigne think-tank.

&quot;It was clear from the start that Uber would make taxis obsolete; only the taxis didn&#39;t see it coming.&quot;

Macron has continued to confound opponents and pundits by building up huge grassroots support and winning endorsements from defecting centre-left and centre-right politicians.

Far-right National Front candidate Marine Le Pen, whom he defeated after an acrimonious runoff campaign, scornfully dubbed him a &quot;smirking banker&quot; in a rancorous TV debate, painting him as the candidate of &quot;globalisation and Uberisation gone wild&quot;.

In a final put-down, when Le Pen attempted to interrupt his summing-up, Macron told her: &quot;You stay on TV. I want to be president of the country.&quot;&nbsp;

(Reuters)

It has taken only three years for Emmanuel Macron to rise from being an unknown government adviser to be elected France's youngest head of state since Napoleon. Elected on Sunday several months before his 40th birthday, the centrist has turned a stale establishment upside down while eschewing the wave of economic and political nationalism that helped Britain to vote for "Brexit" and Donald Trump to be elected U.S. president. His election represents a long-awaited generational change in French politics where the same faces have dominated for years. He will be the youngest leader in the current Group of Seven (G7) major nations and has elicited comparisons with youthful leaders past and present, from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to British ex-premier Tony Blair and even President John F. Kennedy in the United States. Many attribute Macron's stunning rise to a deep yearning for a fresh face, coupled with a rare message of optimism in a country that has long been obsessed with national decline. Many attribute Macron's stunning rise to a deep yearning for a fresh face, coupled with a rare message of optimism in a country that has long been obsessed with national decline × "His campaign has been like group therapy - to convert the French to optimism," said writer Michel Houellebecq. The unexpected collapse of many mainstream opponents certainly played a part, but Macron had the tactical nous to seize his chance. He seemed destined for a steady climb up the ranks of the French establishment when he decided to apply his skills as a deal-making investment banker to the world of politics. But since striking out on his own in August 2016 after only two years as a minister, he has tapped into widespread disenchantment to broadcast a strong anti-establishment message. Despite having attended France's most prestigious schools, making a killing by brokering a $10 billion corporate acquisition, and serving in a Socialist government under President Francois Hollande, Macron has vowed to shake up the system that he comes from. "France is blocked by the self-serving tendencies of its elite," he told supporters at a rally in the southern town of Pau. "And I'll tell you a little secret," he added, lowering his voice: "I know it, I was part of it." "ALWAYS DOING SO MANY THINGS" Born in Amiens, in the northern rustbelt, to a family of doctors, he describes in his campaign book "Revolution" an idyllic childhood spent "in books, a little removed from the world". There, at age 15, he met his future wife Brigitte, who was his drama teacher - 24 years his senior and married with children. Their unusual relationship has fuelled intense coverage by the glossy boulevard magazines. After school, he moved to Paris and attended the Sciences-Po and the Ecole Nationale d'Administration (ENA) academies, the traditional training ground of the French elite. In parallel, he worked as a research assistant to the philosopher Paul Ricoeur. "He was always doing so many things at the same time," his Sciences-Po classmate Marc Ferracci told Reuters. After finishing near the top of his class, he joined the civil service, before a four-year stint working in mergers and acquisitions for the investment bank Rothschild. Helping to broker Nestle's acquisition of Pfizer's baby food division earned him a small fortune. After Rothschild, he joined Hollande's staff in the Elysee in 2012 and it was not long before he became economy minister. "He always wanted to be in politics, be elected. He talked about it all the time," said his ENA classmate Gaspard Gantzer, now Hollande's spin doctor. In government, Macron set about attacking some of the sacred cows of the French "social model" such as the 35-hour working week, iron-clad job protection, and the civil service's culture of jobs-for-life. These are messages that have earned him surprising popularity for an ex-banker in a country where many disdain the world of high finance - but also the contempt of many on the traditional left, as well as the nationalist right. "You are already hated before you have even set foot in the Elysee," left-wing film director Francois Ruffin wrote in an open letter to Macron published last week. "UBER OF FRENCH POLITICS" Macron, who sleeps little and can often be seen online on the Telegram messaging service at 2 a.m., says his ambition is to bridge the left-right divide that has long dominated French politics. Yet when he quit the government last August to build up the political movement he had founded only four months earlier, many saw him as a shooting star - at best. "He won't last five minutes with the bad guys in the campaign," one of his predecessors at the finance and economy ministry scoffed privately last November. But with the ruling Socialists in disarray and the centre-right's candidate, Francois Fillon, mired in a financial scandal, Macron emerged in pole position. "He did to French politics what Uber did to taxis," said Laurent Bigorgne, a friend of Macron's and head of the Institut Montaigne think-tank. "It was clear from the start that Uber would make taxis obsolete; only the taxis didn't see it coming." Macron has continued to confound opponents and pundits by building up huge grassroots support and winning endorsements from defecting centre-left and centre-right politicians. Far-right National Front candidate Marine Le Pen, whom he defeated after an acrimonious runoff campaign, scornfully dubbed him a "smirking banker" in a rancorous TV debate, painting him as the candidate of "globalisation and Uberisation gone wild". In a final put-down, when Le Pen attempted to interrupt his summing-up, Macron told her: "You stay on TV. I want to be president of the country." (Reuters)

Emmanuel Macron: France's youngest leader since Napoleon

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