With a few days away, France is all set for its presidential elections. On Saturday, President Emmanuel Macron held his first big rally for the poll season.

France presidential elections: Will Macron win re-election bid?

With France's presidential&nbsp;race&nbsp;tightening ahead of Sunday's first round vote, favourites President Emmanuel&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;and&nbsp;far-right challenger Marine&nbsp;Le&nbsp;Pen&nbsp;battled&nbsp;over&nbsp;pension reform on Monday.

Opinion polls have long predicted&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;will win a second term but&nbsp;Le&nbsp;Pen&nbsp;has tightened the gap, with polls showing the 44-year old president with only a six-point advantage in a likely run-off on April 24.

Le&nbsp;Pen&nbsp;has benefited from a campaign focused on purchasing power on which she doubled down on Monday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/emmanuel-macron-holds-first-rally-as-france-election-race-tightens-467714">Emmanuel Macron holds first rally as France election race tightens</a>

"Do you realise what retirement at 65 is? It's simply completely unfair," she told BFM TV, lambasting&nbsp;Macron's plan to increase the&nbsp;legal age at which one gets a full&nbsp;pension from 62 to 65.

Le&nbsp;Pen&nbsp;wants to keep the 62-year-old threshold and&nbsp;bring it down to 60 for those who started working before age 20. Pushing back the retirement age would hurt workers, she said, arguing that many would not manage to find a job at that age&nbsp;and&nbsp;would see their&nbsp;pension hit as a consequence

Macron, asked about criticism of his&nbsp;pension reform plans, told France Inter radio: "Those who tell you we can keep (the&nbsp;pension system) as it is now are lying to you."

Watch |&nbsp;France presidential elections: Will Macron win re-election bid?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/france-presidential-elections-will-macron-win-re-election-bid-468123/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Raising the retirement age - with exceptions for those who have tough jobs or worked longer than others - was needed to make the system viable&nbsp;and&nbsp;increase low&nbsp;pensions, he said.

Macron, when he belatedly entered the election campaign last month, said he would increase the retirement age, cut taxes and further loosen labour market rules, seeking a mandate to press on with pro-business reforms.

Stressing his pro-business credentials was not without risk as households feel the squeeze from rising prices&nbsp;and&nbsp;could put off a number of&nbsp;leftwing voters from backing him against&nbsp;Le&nbsp;Pen&nbsp;in a likely run-off on April 24.

On Saturday, in his only campaign rally before the first round,&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;tried to convince voters of the risk of a Brexit-style&nbsp;election upset that could see&nbsp;Le&nbsp;Pen&nbsp;take the far-right to power in France.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-far-right-leader-le-pen-closing-gap-on-macron-polls-466898">French far-right leader Le Pen closing gap on Macron: Polls</a>

"Look at what happened with Brexit,&nbsp;and&nbsp;so many other elections: what looked improbable&nbsp;actually happened," he said. "Nothing is impossible."

Even if&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;does win a second mandate, as polls still expect, the issue of&nbsp;pension reform, which dogged his first term, could be a problem, considering how widespread the opposition is.

One first, major challenge would be for his centre-right La Republique en Marche (LaRem) party, which has failed in all recent local elections, to win a parliamentary election in June.

With France's presidential race tightening ahead of Sunday's first round vote, favourites President Emmanuel Macron and far-right challenger Marine Le Pen battled over pension reform on Monday.

With France's presidential race tightening ahead of Sunday's first round vote, favourites President Emmanuel Macron and far-right challenger Marine Le Pen battled over pension reform on Monday. Opinion polls have long predicted Macron will win a second term but Le Pen has tightened the gap, with polls showing the 44-year old president with only a six-point advantage in a likely run-off on April 24. Le Pen has benefited from a campaign focused on purchasing power on which she doubled down on Monday. Also read | Emmanuel Macron holds first rally as France election race tightens "Do you realise what retirement at 65 is? It's simply completely unfair," she told BFM TV, lambasting Macron's plan to increase the legal age at which one gets a full pension from 62 to 65. Le Pen wants to keep the 62-year-old threshold and bring it down to 60 for those who started working before age 20. Pushing back the retirement age would hurt workers, she said, arguing that many would not manage to find a job at that age and would see their pension hit as a consequence Macron, asked about criticism of his pension reform plans, told France Inter radio: "Those who tell you we can keep (the pension system) as it is now are lying to you." Watch | France presidential elections: Will Macron win re-election bid? Raising the retirement age - with exceptions for those who have tough jobs or worked longer than others - was needed to make the system viable and increase low pensions, he said. Macron, when he belatedly entered the election campaign last month, said he would increase the retirement age, cut taxes and further loosen labour market rules, seeking a mandate to press on with pro-business reforms. Stressing his pro-business credentials was not without risk as households feel the squeeze from rising prices and could put off a number of leftwing voters from backing him against Le Pen in a likely run-off on April 24. On Saturday, in his only campaign rally before the first round, Macron tried to convince voters of the risk of a Brexit-style election upset that could see Le Pen take the far-right to power in France. Also read | French far-right leader Le Pen closing gap on Macron: Polls "Look at what happened with Brexit, and so many other elections: what looked improbable actually happened," he said. "Nothing is impossible." Even if Macron does win a second mandate, as polls still expect, the issue of pension reform, which dogged his first term, could be a problem, considering how widespread the opposition is. One first, major challenge would be for his centre-right La Republique en Marche (LaRem) party, which has failed in all recent local elections, to win a parliamentary election in June.

Macron and Le Pen battle over pensions as French election race tightens

In a recent update on French polls, President Emmanuel Macron continues to remain the favorite with far-right candidate Le Pen inching closer to securing the second position.

French Presidential election 2022: Macron & Le Pen battle over pension reforms

Ahead of Presidential polls in France, Opposition leader Marine Le Pen criticizes President Emmanuel Macron for using private consultants

Presidential polls in France: Opposition rakes up President Macron's consultant scandal

French elections are just 8 days away and race for President is heating up. Will French President Macron get a second term? Watch this report.

Will Macron get a second term as France goes to polls in 8 days?

French Presidential election 2022: Le Pen closes the gap in opinion polls

As per polls, President Emmanuel Macron continues to remain the favourite with far-right candidate Le Pen inching closer to securing the second position in French elections in 2022.

Polls: Emmanuel Macron likely to win by 53% of votes

Eric Zemmour, France's Donald Trump, is running for President. He is anti-Muslim, anti-immigrants, He wants to ban Hijab and names that are not French. Zemmour is so far-right, that he makes Le Pen look moderate. Palki Sharma has a report.

Gravitas: Meet France's Donald Trump who is running for President

President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday holds his first rally of the French election campaign, with far-right rival Marine Le Pen eating into what once seemed his unassailable lead barely a week ahead of the ballot.

The centrist Macron threw his hat into the election ring at the last moment and has been distracted by the war in&nbsp;Ukraine, conducting diplomacy from the Elysee while Le Pen paces the country to discuss basic issues, including purchasing power.&nbsp;

With the first round of elections on April 10,&nbsp;followed by a run-off on April 24,&nbsp;polls have shown Le Pen comfortably in second place in the initial stage and narrowing the gap on Macron for round two.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-far-right-leader-le-pen-closing-gap-on-macron-polls-466898">French far-right leader Le Pen closing gap on Macron: Polls</a>

Macron's 1230 GMT rally before an expected crowd of 35,000 at the indoor La Defense Arena stadium,&nbsp;a vast venue that usually hosts top-level rugby and rock concerts,&nbsp;represents a pivotal chance for the president to regain momentum.

He will make his appearance more "physical" than traditional rallies, according to his campaign team, requiring an "energetic presence" on stage.

He will address his supporters for an hour or more, it said.

The latest Elabe poll published Saturday showed Le Pen garnering 47 percent of the vote in a second-round run-off against Macron, who was projected to win 53 percent.

Allowing for a margin of error in the poll, this could put Le Pen in the zone to snatch victory.

"Of course Marine Le Pen can win," Macron's former prime minister Edouard Philippe warned in an interview with the Le Parisien daily posted online Thursday.

Philippe, who is backing Macron, added that "if she wins, believe me, things will be seriously different for the country... Her programme is dangerous."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-10-world-news-macron-calls-for-restraint-in-words-and-actions-regarding-ukraine-conflict-and-more-466071">Top 10 world news: Macron calls for restraint in words and actions over Ukraine crisis and more</a>

Possible to defeat Macron

Le Pen, who lost to Macron in the 2017 polls run-off, has sought to moderate her image in the last half decade in a process helped by the emergence of Eric Zemmour as a fellow candidate in the far-right.

While Zemmour risks taking votes from Le Pen in the first round, his more radical stances in immigration and Islam have helped her project a more mainstream image.

"We feel it on the ground, there is a great dynamic, a hope that is emerging as the campaign nears it end," she said on a visit to eastern France Friday.

"What people said was the automatic re-election of Emmanuel Macron turned out to be fake news. It is perfectly possible to defeat Emmanuel Macron and radically change the politics of this country," she added.

Sarkozy snub?&nbsp;

But the first round risks being a disaster for The Republicans,&nbsp;the traditional right-wing party that was the political home of ex-presidents such as Nicolas Sarkozy and Jacques Chirac.

Their candidate Valerie Pecresse is projected by most polls to be vying with Zemmour for fourth place after failing to find momentum in the campaign.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-general-vidaud-to-step-down-as-military-intelligence-chief-over-ukraine-war-failure-467255">&nbsp;French General Vidaud to step down as military intelligence chief over Ukraine war 'failure'</a>

Her big chance to ignite her bid will be at a rally Sunday in southern Paris. But the Le Parisien daily reported that Sarkozy,&nbsp;whose support is still coveted by the right despite criminal convictions,&nbsp;would be staying away in a major snub to her campaign.

The Socialist candidate, Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo, is struggling to reach beyond low single figures while the Greens hopeful Yannick Jadot has failed to put the environment at the centre stage of the campaign.

The left's main hope is the far-left candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon who most polls project coming in third place but believes he has a chance of making a run-off.

Melenchon, an explosive orator, will address an open air meeting in Place du Capitole in centre of the southern French city of Toulouse on Sunday.

Watch |&nbsp;Will Macron get a second term as France goes to polls in 8 days?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/will-macron-get-a-second-term-as-france-goes-to-polls-in-8-days-467628/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday holds his first rally of the French election campaign, with far-right rival Marine Le Pen eating into what once seemed his unassailable lead barely a week ahead of the ballot.

President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday holds his first rally of the French election campaign, with far-right rival Marine Le Pen eating into what once seemed his unassailable lead barely a week ahead of the ballot. The centrist Macron threw his hat into the election ring at the last moment and has been distracted by the war in Ukraine, conducting diplomacy from the Elysee while Le Pen paces the country to discuss basic issues, including purchasing power. With the first round of elections on April 10, followed by a run-off on April 24, polls have shown Le Pen comfortably in second place in the initial stage and narrowing the gap on Macron for round two. Also read | French far-right leader Le Pen closing gap on Macron: Polls Macron's 1230 GMT rally before an expected crowd of 35,000 at the indoor La Defense Arena stadium, a vast venue that usually hosts top-level rugby and rock concerts, represents a pivotal chance for the president to regain momentum. He will make his appearance more "physical" than traditional rallies, according to his campaign team, requiring an "energetic presence" on stage. He will address his supporters for an hour or more, it said. The latest Elabe poll published Saturday showed Le Pen garnering 47 percent of the vote in a second-round run-off against Macron, who was projected to win 53 percent. Allowing for a margin of error in the poll, this could put Le Pen in the zone to snatch victory. "Of course Marine Le Pen can win," Macron's former prime minister Edouard Philippe warned in an interview with the Le Parisien daily posted online Thursday. Philippe, who is backing Macron, added that "if she wins, believe me, things will be seriously different for the country... Her programme is dangerous." Also read | Top 10 world news: Macron calls for restraint in words and actions over Ukraine crisis and more Possible to defeat Macron Le Pen, who lost to Macron in the 2017 polls run-off, has sought to moderate her image in the last half decade in a process helped by the emergence of Eric Zemmour as a fellow candidate in the far-right. While Zemmour risks taking votes from Le Pen in the first round, his more radical stances in immigration and Islam have helped her project a more mainstream image. "We feel it on the ground, there is a great dynamic, a hope that is emerging as the campaign nears it end," she said on a visit to eastern France Friday. "What people said was the automatic re-election of Emmanuel Macron turned out to be fake news. It is perfectly possible to defeat Emmanuel Macron and radically change the politics of this country," she added. Sarkozy snub? But the first round risks being a disaster for The Republicans, the traditional right-wing party that was the political home of ex-presidents such as Nicolas Sarkozy and Jacques Chirac. Their candidate Valerie Pecresse is projected by most polls to be vying with Zemmour for fourth place after failing to find momentum in the campaign. Also read | French General Vidaud to step down as military intelligence chief over Ukraine war 'failure' Her big chance to ignite her bid will be at a rally Sunday in southern Paris. But the Le Parisien daily reported that Sarkozy, whose support is still coveted by the right despite criminal convictions, would be staying away in a major snub to her campaign. The Socialist candidate, Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo, is struggling to reach beyond low single figures while the Greens hopeful Yannick Jadot has failed to put the environment at the centre stage of the campaign. The left's main hope is the far-left candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon who most polls project coming in third place but believes he has a chance of making a run-off. Melenchon, an explosive orator, will address an open air meeting in Place du Capitole in centre of the southern French city of Toulouse on Sunday. Watch | Will Macron get a second term as France goes to polls in 8 days?

Emmanuel Macron holds first rally as France election race tightens

In nine days, France will hold presidential elections and ahead of this crucial polls, the political fight is heating up. French president Emmanuel Macron has launched a bitter attack against his main contender, take a look.

French Elections: Macron launches a bitter attack against Le Pen, accuses her of far-right leanings

French election 2022: France witnesses battle on the far right

In a recent update on French election 2022, President Emmanuel Macron slammed his opponent and far-right candidate Le Pen ahead of polls. He said, "we have to keep on saying the truth of her projects."

French election 2022: Emmanuel Macron slams opponent Le Pen ahead of polls

The first round of voting is just two weeks away in France. Another key player Eric Zemmour came into the picture of France elections. France is on the decline according to him, this is because of three main factors - minimum governmental interference, unchecked immigration, and the rise of Islam in the country.

French Election 2022: Who is France's Eric Zemmour?

Far-right politician Marine Le Pen is emerging as a favourite in the French Presidential Polls. Who is Le Pen? What are her views? Can she defeat Emmanuel Macron? Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Who is Marine Le Pen?

First round of voting is just two weeks away in France and new opinion polls show French far-right leader Le Pen gaining three points on President Emmanuel Macron.

French Elections: New opinion polls show Le Pen closing in on Macron

It's election season in France. The Presidential Polls begin in 12 days. Who are the candidates? What are their leanings? Which issues are they fighting over? What do opinion polls say? Palki Sharma tells you all you need to know.

Gravitas: France Elections: All you need to know

A giant snake skeleton-like figure that is said to have been discovered through Google Maps in France has set Twitter abuzz, with many claiming it to be that of the extinct <a name="_Hlk99553797">Titanoboa</a>.

On March 24, a TikTok channel, @googlemapsfun, published a video, purportedly showing an aerial view of a snake-like object off the coast of France through <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Le+Serpent+d'Oc%C3%A9an/@47.2677114,-2.1704463,204m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1">Google Maps</a>.

The video states: "Somewhere in France, we can see something giant you can only see with satellites, hidden on Google Earth.

"Users believe this to be a giant snake. It's about 30 metres long and bigger than any snake caught before."

The account seemed to suggest that the 'snake' could be a Titanoboa, an extinct genus of exceptionally large snakes, reports UK-based internet media Unilad.

The video has since been by viewed over two million users, has 70,000 likes and hundreds of comments, with users flooding the comments to debate over the discovery in France.

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While some viewers expressed awe, there were many who quickly disproved the video, calling it a mere hoax.

One said: "Ok we will not go to France."

Another wrote: "The snake is an artwork of an academy I think but I know it isn't real."

"This is what happens when the world is put on TikTok," a third commented. "People that don’t go anywhere raise conspiracies."

Following a heated discussion, fact-checking website Snopes responded to the claim that the 'giant skeleton' is actually a large, metallic snake sculpture called Le Serpent d’Océan.

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Le Serpent d'océan est une immense sculpture (130m) de l'artiste Huang Yong Ping, principalement composée d'aluminium. A découvrir à Saint-Brevin-les-Pins en France.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PaysDeLaLoire?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PaysDeLaLoire</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SaintNazaireRenversante?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SaintNazaireRenversante</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ErenJaeger?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ErenJaeger</a> 
 
👇Full YouTube video <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/widerfocus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#widerfocus</a><a href="https://t.co/U61apdbEk4">https://t.co/U61apdbEk4</a> <a href="https://t.co/0nHGPmhhvR">pic.twitter.com/0nHGPmhhvR</a>
— Wider Focus (@WiderFocus) <a href="https://twitter.com/WiderFocus/status/1498252512490627077?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The sculpture is located on the west coast of France and measures 425 feet (130 meters) long.

The sculpture is listed on Val De Loire's website under 'Museum and interpretation centres'. It was created by Chinese artist Huang Yong Ping and the website states that it is free to go and see.

(With inputs from agencies)

A giant snake skeleton-like figure that is said to have been discovered through Google Maps in France has set Twitter abuzz, with many claiming it to be that of the extinct Titanoboa.

A giant snake skeleton-like figure that is said to have been discovered through Google Maps in France has set Twitter abuzz, with many claiming it to be that of the extinct Titanoboa. On March 24, a TikTok channel, @googlemapsfun, published a video, purportedly showing an aerial view of a snake-like object off the coast of France through Google Maps. The video states: "Somewhere in France, we can see something giant you can only see with satellites, hidden on Google Earth. "Users believe this to be a giant snake. It's about 30 metres long and bigger than any snake caught before." The account seemed to suggest that the 'snake' could be a Titanoboa, an extinct genus of exceptionally large snakes, reports UK-based internet media Unilad. The video has since been by viewed over two million users, has 70,000 likes and hundreds of comments, with users flooding the comments to debate over the discovery in France. × While some viewers expressed awe, there were many who quickly disproved the video, calling it a mere hoax. One said: "Ok we will not go to France." Another wrote: "The snake is an artwork of an academy I think but I know it isn't real." "This is what happens when the world is put on TikTok," a third commented. "People that don’t go anywhere raise conspiracies." Following a heated discussion, fact-checking website Snopes responded to the claim that the 'giant skeleton' is actually a large, metallic snake sculpture called Le Serpent d’Océan. Le Serpent d'océan est une immense sculpture (130m) de l'artiste Huang Yong Ping, principalement composée d'aluminium. A découvrir à Saint-Brevin-les-Pins en France.#PaysDeLaLoire #SaintNazaireRenversante #ErenJaeger 👇Full YouTube video #widerfocushttps://t.co/U61apdbEk4 pic.twitter.com/0nHGPmhhvR — Wider Focus (@WiderFocus) February 28, 2022 × The sculpture is located on the west coast of France and measures 425 feet (130 meters) long. The sculpture is listed on Val De Loire's website under 'Museum and interpretation centres'. It was created by Chinese artist Huang Yong Ping and the website states that it is free to go and see. (With inputs from agencies)

Giant ‘snake skeleton’ discovered on Google Maps, buzz on Titanoboa rife; but there’s a catch

France is gearing up for Presidential elections and the first round of voting is just two weeks away. Now, French far-right leader Le Pen is closing in on President Macron as elections heat up.

French elections heat up: French far-right leader Le Pen closing in on President Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron is all set for French Presidential election and the voting in France will begin on April 10th.

Election season amid Ukraine war: Who is challenging French President Emmanuel Macron?

A probe has been launched into recent violent unrest in the Paris suburb of Sevran, said&nbsp;French&nbsp;Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin on Tuesday, during which police came under attack from youths.

The trouble in Sevran comes with the&nbsp;French&nbsp;presidential election less than two weeks away, in which fears over violent crime, racial tensions and terrorism will feature high among voters' concerns.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-government-to-file-criminal-complaint-against-care-group-orpea-465942">French government to file criminal complaint against care group Orpea</a>

"An inquiry is underway concerning the intervention of police last Saturday afternoon in Sevran. Following violence and acts of vandalism, 16 arrests were made during the weekend and police apprehended 13 people yesterday evening," said Darmanin on his Twitter account.

Stephane Blanchet, who is the mayor for Sevran which lies to the north-east of Paris, wrote on his Twitter account that trouble had first broken out during the weekend after a local man, aged 33, died after being shot by police.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wary-of-escalation-france-calls-for-restraint-after-bidens-butcher-jibe-466052">&nbsp;Wary of escalation, France calls for restraint after Biden's 'butcher' jibe</a>

French&nbsp;media reports said the police had opened fire on him after chasing him on suspicion of having stolen a vehicle.

Images posted on social media showed youths clashing with police during the weekend and into the start of this week.

France's 'banlieues' - high-rise housing estates on the outskirts of major cities - have long been flashpoints of anger over social and economic grievances. In 2005, unrest lasted three weeks after two youths died fleeing police in another northern Paris suburb.

Watch |&nbsp;France's Presidential election: President Emmanuel Macron faces worried voters

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A probe has been launched into recent violent unrest in the Paris suburb of Sevran, said French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin on Tuesday, during which police came under attack from youths.

A probe has been launched into recent violent unrest in the Paris suburb of Sevran, said French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin on Tuesday, during which police came under attack from youths. The trouble in Sevran comes with the French presidential election less than two weeks away, in which fears over violent crime, racial tensions and terrorism will feature high among voters' concerns. Also read | French government to file criminal complaint against care group Orpea "An inquiry is underway concerning the intervention of police last Saturday afternoon in Sevran. Following violence and acts of vandalism, 16 arrests were made during the weekend and police apprehended 13 people yesterday evening," said Darmanin on his Twitter account. Stephane Blanchet, who is the mayor for Sevran which lies to the north-east of Paris, wrote on his Twitter account that trouble had first broken out during the weekend after a local man, aged 33, died after being shot by police. Also read | Wary of escalation, France calls for restraint after Biden's 'butcher' jibe French media reports said the police had opened fire on him after chasing him on suspicion of having stolen a vehicle. Images posted on social media showed youths clashing with police during the weekend and into the start of this week. France's 'banlieues' - high-rise housing estates on the outskirts of major cities - have long been flashpoints of anger over social and economic grievances. In 2005, unrest lasted three weeks after two youths died fleeing police in another northern Paris suburb. Watch | France's Presidential election: President Emmanuel Macron faces worried voters

French Interior Minister: Probe underway into recent violent unrest in Paris suburb

Nicolas Zepeda, a Chilean man accused of murdering his Japanese ex-girlfriend in France in 2016, goes on trial Tuesday in the eastern city of Besancon.

Here is a timeline of the affair, which gripped&nbsp;Japan, and involved years of legal wrangling with Chile.

2014: Meet in&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;

Zepeda, a teaching assistant and son of a wealthy Chilean family, meets Japanese student&nbsp;Narumi&nbsp;Kurosaki&nbsp;in&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;in 2014.

A year later they begin a relationship during which&nbsp;Kurosaki&nbsp;travels to Chile to meet Zepeda's family.

But it ends after she moves to France in August 2016 to study in Besancon.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japans-kishida-sees-growing-chance-of-russia-using-nuclear-weapons-465704">Japan's Kishida sees growing chance of Russia using nuclear weapons</a>

&nbsp;2016:&nbsp;Kurosaki&nbsp;vanishes in France&nbsp;

Zepeda travels to Besancon to see&nbsp;Kurosaki, then 21, in December 2016.

She is last seen dining with him at a restaurant a short drive from Besancon on December 4.

In the early hours of the morning, fellow students in the dormitory heard cries and thuds coming from the area of her room but her disappearance is not reported for several days, by which time Zepeda has returned to Chile.

Zepeda, who had the previous September threatened&nbsp;Kurosaki&nbsp;in a video posted online, which he later removed, admits going to her room for what he described as consensual sex and says he left straight afterwards.

Kurosaki's body has never been found, despite extensive searches, including in the nearby forests.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japans-hardcore-train-fans-accused-of-going-off-the-rails-465314">Japan's hardcore train fans accused of going off the rails</a>

Matches, flammable liquid&nbsp;

Prosecutors say that in France,&nbsp;Kurosaki&nbsp;had entered a new relationship, a development which "clearly exasperated" Zepeda.

They believe Zepeda killed his ex in a jealous rage.

In the video he had given her an ultimatum of two weeks to bend to his, unspecified, conditions.

The investigation reveals that he stopped off at a supermarket on his way to Besancon to buy matches, flammable liquid and bleach.

Mysterious messages

When Zepeda returned his hire car&nbsp;three&nbsp;days after&nbsp;Kurosaki's disappearance, it was "very dirty" with soil found on the driver's side and in the trunk, a prosecutor said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-temperatures-drop-japan-asks-public-to-save-power-warns-of-blackouts-in-plea-464559">As temperatures drop, Japan asks public to save power, warns of blackouts in plea</a>

For several days after her disappearances, messages continued to be sent from&nbsp;Kurosaki's phone to her friends and family, including messages in Japanese.

A Japanese friend of Zepeda tells police he had asked her to translate sentences into Japanese, which later appeared in one of the messages sent from the missing woman's phone.

2017-2020: Extradition saga

France soon after the disappearance issues an international warrant for Zepeda's arrest, but a Chilean judge throws out a request to arrest him in February 2017.

In April 2019 Zepeda, who had been under house arrest in the Chilean seaside resort of Vina del Mar, is questioned by a Chilean judge in the presence of French investigators.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-modi-and-japans-kishida-discuss-china-and-ukraine-conflict-463860">India’s Modi and Japan’s Kishida discussed China and Ukraine conflict: Shringla</a>

He denies involvement in&nbsp;Kurosaki's disappearance.

In July 2020, he is extradited to France for questioning over the&nbsp;case. Shortly afterwards he is charged with&nbsp;murder.

The handover is delayed by the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent border closures.

Kurosaki's family says via their lawyer they hope he will tell the truth.

French trial ordered&nbsp;

In February 2021, a French judge orders Zepeda to stand trial for&nbsp;murder. He faces life in prison if convicted.

Watch |&nbsp;India, Japan ink MoUs for investment in various sectors during 14th India-Japan annual summit

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Nicolas Zepeda, a Chilean man accused of murdering his Japanese ex-girlfriend in France in 2016, goes on trial Tuesday in the eastern city of Besancon. Here is a timeline of the affair, which gripped Japan, and involved years of legal wrangling with Chile.

Nicolas Zepeda, a Chilean man accused of murdering his Japanese ex-girlfriend in France in 2016, goes on trial Tuesday in the eastern city of Besancon. Here is a timeline of the affair, which gripped Japan, and involved years of legal wrangling with Chile. 2014: Meet in Japan Zepeda, a teaching assistant and son of a wealthy Chilean family, meets Japanese student Narumi Kurosaki in Japan in 2014. A year later they begin a relationship during which Kurosaki travels to Chile to meet Zepeda's family. But it ends after she moves to France in August 2016 to study in Besancon. Also read | Japan's Kishida sees growing chance of Russia using nuclear weapons 2016: Kurosaki vanishes in France Zepeda travels to Besancon to see Kurosaki, then 21, in December 2016. She is last seen dining with him at a restaurant a short drive from Besancon on December 4. In the early hours of the morning, fellow students in the dormitory heard cries and thuds coming from the area of her room but her disappearance is not reported for several days, by which time Zepeda has returned to Chile. Zepeda, who had the previous September threatened Kurosaki in a video posted online, which he later removed, admits going to her room for what he described as consensual sex and says he left straight afterwards. Kurosaki's body has never been found, despite extensive searches, including in the nearby forests. Also read | Japan's hardcore train fans accused of going off the rails Matches, flammable liquid Prosecutors say that in France, Kurosaki had entered a new relationship, a development which "clearly exasperated" Zepeda. They believe Zepeda killed his ex in a jealous rage. In the video he had given her an ultimatum of two weeks to bend to his, unspecified, conditions. The investigation reveals that he stopped off at a supermarket on his way to Besancon to buy matches, flammable liquid and bleach. Mysterious messages When Zepeda returned his hire car three days after Kurosaki's disappearance, it was "very dirty" with soil found on the driver's side and in the trunk, a prosecutor said. Also read | As temperatures drop, Japan asks public to save power, warns of blackouts in plea For several days after her disappearances, messages continued to be sent from Kurosaki's phone to her friends and family, including messages in Japanese. A Japanese friend of Zepeda tells police he had asked her to translate sentences into Japanese, which later appeared in one of the messages sent from the missing woman's phone. 2017-2020: Extradition saga France soon after the disappearance issues an international warrant for Zepeda's arrest, but a Chilean judge throws out a request to arrest him in February 2017. In April 2019 Zepeda, who had been under house arrest in the Chilean seaside resort of Vina del Mar, is questioned by a Chilean judge in the presence of French investigators. Also read | India’s Modi and Japan’s Kishida discussed China and Ukraine conflict: Shringla He denies involvement in Kurosaki's disappearance. In July 2020, he is extradited to France for questioning over the case. Shortly afterwards he is charged with murder. The handover is delayed by the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent border closures. Kurosaki's family says via their lawyer they hope he will tell the truth. French trial ordered In February 2021, a French judge orders Zepeda to stand trial for murder. He faces life in prison if convicted. Watch | India, Japan ink MoUs for investment in various sectors during 14th India-Japan annual summit

Murder case across three continents: Japan's Narumi Kurosaki

France is gearing up for Presidential election. President Emmanuel Macron is eyeing re-election as he faces worried voters during campaigning.

France's Presidential election: President Emmanuel Macron faces worried voters

An auction site in southern France plunged into chaos after a local Gabonese community held protest against the auction of a 19th-century wooden carved mask that was sold for 4.2 million euros (US $ $4.6 million).

Activists in Montpellier disrupted the auction on Saturday saying that whoever bought the mask was receiving stolen goods.

The rare wooden “Ngil” mask is used in ceremonies by the Fang ethnic people of Gabon.

The distinctive shape of the Ngil masks is believed to have played a huge influence on the work of famous European artists including Picasso and Modigliani.

“It’s a case of receiving stolen goods,” a man describing himself as a member of the Gabonese community in Montpellier exclaimed from the back of the auction room, surrounded by half a dozen compatriots, AFP reported.

“We’ll file a complaint. Our ancestors, my ancestors, from the Fang community, we will recover this object”, the protester added, describing the mask as a ‘colonial ill-gotten gain’,” he was quoted as saying.

Notably, the base price of the mask was set at 300,000-400,000 euros and nobody was expecting to fetch even a tenth of the sum it was sold for.

According to the auctioneer in charge of the sale, Jean-Christophe Giuseppi, this piece belonged "to the secret society of the Ngil 'vigilantes' who roamed the villages to flush out troublemakers, among whom were individuals suspected of witchcraft."

Giuseppi said the auction was "entirely legal", as far as he was aware.

The demonstrators were later escorted out of the auction hall calmly by security guards, but their protest continued against the sale of African works of art.

According to reports, Saturday's auction also included a Congolese chair which sold for 44,000 euros.

(With inputs from agencies)

An auction site in southern France plunged into chaos after a local Gabonese community held protest against the auction of a 19th-century wooden carved mask that was sold for 4.

An auction site in southern France plunged into chaos after a local Gabonese community held protest against the auction of a 19th-century wooden carved mask that was sold for 4.2 million euros (US $ $4.6 million). Activists in Montpellier disrupted the auction on Saturday saying that whoever bought the mask was receiving stolen goods. The rare wooden “Ngil” mask is used in ceremonies by the Fang ethnic people of Gabon. The distinctive shape of the Ngil masks is believed to have played a huge influence on the work of famous European artists including Picasso and Modigliani. “It’s a case of receiving stolen goods,” a man describing himself as a member of the Gabonese community in Montpellier exclaimed from the back of the auction room, surrounded by half a dozen compatriots, AFP reported. “We’ll file a complaint. Our ancestors, my ancestors, from the Fang community, we will recover this object”, the protester added, describing the mask as a ‘colonial ill-gotten gain’,” he was quoted as saying. Notably, the base price of the mask was set at 300,000-400,000 euros and nobody was expecting to fetch even a tenth of the sum it was sold for. According to the auctioneer in charge of the sale, Jean-Christophe Giuseppi, this piece belonged "to the secret society of the Ngil 'vigilantes' who roamed the villages to flush out troublemakers, among whom were individuals suspected of witchcraft." Giuseppi said the auction was "entirely legal", as far as he was aware. The demonstrators were later escorted out of the auction hall calmly by security guards, but their protest continued against the sale of African works of art. According to reports, Saturday's auction also included a Congolese chair which sold for 44,000 euros. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Stolen goods’: Protest erupts after rare Gabon mask sold for $4.6mn in southern France

France is all set to hold the first round of presidential elections that are scheduled to take place on April 10. Just two weeks to go for the first round of polls, candidates are now ramping up efforts to increase the voter turnout which has been projected to be historically low this year.

France: Voter turnout concerns loom over election, Macron remains clear favorite

French President Emmanuel Macron appealed for calm and restraint in both, words and action, in handling Ukraine conflict. His comments have come just a day after US President Joe Biden called Russian President Vladimir Putin a 'butcher'. Biden also said that Putin should not remain in power.

"I wouldn't use this type of wording because I continue to hold discussions with President Putin," Macron said on France 3 TV channel.

Biden was in Warsaw, Poland on Saturday when the strong words were uttered by him. Biden's words that Putin "cannot remain in power" prompted a quick clarification from the American camp.

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A White House official later said Biden's remarks did not represent a shift in Washington's policy and were meant to prepare the world's democracies for an extended conflict, not back regime change in Russia.

"We want to stop the war that Russia has launched in Ukraine without escalation -- that's the objective," Macron said on France 3 TV, noting the objective was to obtain a cease fire and the withdrawal of troops through diplomatic means.

"If this is what we want to do, we should not escalate things -- neither with words nor actions," he said.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/if-i-was-the-us-president-id-threaten-to-drop-a-nuclear-bomb-on-russia-trump-465947">If I was the US President, I’d threaten to drop a nuclear bomb on Russia: Trump</a>

The French president on Friday had said he was seeking to hold more talks with President Putin in the coming days regarding the situation in Ukraine as well as an initiative to help people leave the besieged city of Mariupol.

President Putin sent his troops into Ukraine on what he calls a "special military operation" to demilitarise and "denazify" Ukraine. Ukraine and the West say Putin launched an unprovoked war of aggression.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/leading-energy-analyst-says-russian-gas-sales-to-china-will-not-make-up-for-loss-of-european-markets-465956">Leading energy analyst says Russian gas sales to China 'will not make up for loss of European markets'</a>

Far-right French presidential candidate Marine Le Pen said she backed Macron's approach.

"Obviously, those are words that add oil to the fire," she said, when asked about Biden's comment.

"The fact that the president of the Republic is not entering into this escalation is a good thing," she said, speaking on France 3 in a pre-recorded interview that was broadcast on Sunday.

(With inputs from agencies)

French President Emmanuel Macron appealed for calm and restraint in both, words and action, in handling Ukraine conflict. His comments have come just a day after US President Joe Biden called Russian President Vladimir Putin a 'butcher'.

French President Emmanuel Macron appealed for calm and restraint in both, words and action, in handling Ukraine conflict. His comments have come just a day after US President Joe Biden called Russian President Vladimir Putin a 'butcher'. Biden also said that Putin should not remain in power. "I wouldn't use this type of wording because I continue to hold discussions with President Putin," Macron said on France 3 TV channel. Biden was in Warsaw, Poland on Saturday when the strong words were uttered by him. Biden's words that Putin "cannot remain in power" prompted a quick clarification from the American camp. × A White House official later said Biden's remarks did not represent a shift in Washington's policy and were meant to prepare the world's democracies for an extended conflict, not back regime change in Russia. "We want to stop the war that Russia has launched in Ukraine without escalation -- that's the objective," Macron said on France 3 TV, noting the objective was to obtain a cease fire and the withdrawal of troops through diplomatic means. "If this is what we want to do, we should not escalate things -- neither with words nor actions," he said. Also Read: If I was the US President, I’d threaten to drop a nuclear bomb on Russia: Trump The French president on Friday had said he was seeking to hold more talks with President Putin in the coming days regarding the situation in Ukraine as well as an initiative to help people leave the besieged city of Mariupol. President Putin sent his troops into Ukraine on what he calls a "special military operation" to demilitarise and "denazify" Ukraine. Ukraine and the West say Putin launched an unprovoked war of aggression. Also Read: Leading energy analyst says Russian gas sales to China 'will not make up for loss of European markets' Far-right French presidential candidate Marine Le Pen said she backed Macron's approach. "Obviously, those are words that add oil to the fire," she said, when asked about Biden's comment. "The fact that the president of the Republic is not entering into this escalation is a good thing," she said, speaking on France 3 in a pre-recorded interview that was broadcast on Sunday. (With inputs from agencies)

Wary of escalation, France calls for restraint after Biden's 'butcher' jibe

Far-right&nbsp;presidential&nbsp;candidate&nbsp;Marine&nbsp;Le&nbsp;Pen&nbsp;was jeered by&nbsp;protesters&nbsp;in the&nbsp;French&nbsp;overseas territory of&nbsp;Guadeloupe, who streamed into a hotel where she was recording a television program, BFM TV reported on Sunday.

Protestors chanted “out&nbsp;Le&nbsp;Pen” and “racist&nbsp;Le&nbsp;Pen,” as they swarmed around the&nbsp;candidate&nbsp;on Saturday while&nbsp;she was escorted out of the room and through the hotel.

Her campaign intends to file&nbsp;a complaint, her spokesman Julien Odoul told Franceinfo.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-government-to-file-criminal-complaint-against-care-group-orpea-465942">French government to file criminal complaint against care group Orpea</a>

"This is agitation from extreme&nbsp;left-wing militants, local Black groups who spoil everything, wherever they are active in the territory of the Republic," he said, referring to an anti-fascist movement that was often blamed for violence at street marches in France during the yellow vest movement.

Opinion polls show&nbsp;Le&nbsp;Pen&nbsp;and President Emmanuel Macron as the likely two&nbsp;candidates to come out top in the first round of the election on April 10 and go through to the April 24 run-off vote, with Macron seen as the eventual winner.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-summons-russian-envoy-over-unacceptable-tweets-that-mocked-europe-465545">&nbsp;France summons Russian envoy over 'unacceptable' tweets that mocked Europe</a>

The far-right&nbsp;leader has focused on domestic issues such as inflation and cost of living during a campaign that has been overshadowed by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, while&nbsp;Macron has been engaged in a flurry of diplomatic meetings, including NATO, G7 and European summits last week.

Watch |&nbsp;French Presidential election: Emmanuel Macron all set for re-election

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/french-presidential-election-emmanuel-macron-all-set-for-re-election-465782/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen was jeered by protesters in the French overseas territory of Guadeloupe, who streamed into a hotel where she was recording a television program, BFM TV reported on Sunday.

Far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen was jeered by protesters in the French overseas territory of Guadeloupe, who streamed into a hotel where she was recording a television program, BFM TV reported on Sunday. Protestors chanted “out Le Pen” and “racist Le Pen,” as they swarmed around the candidate on Saturday while she was escorted out of the room and through the hotel. Her campaign intends to file a complaint, her spokesman Julien Odoul told Franceinfo. Also read | French government to file criminal complaint against care group Orpea "This is agitation from extreme left-wing militants, local Black groups who spoil everything, wherever they are active in the territory of the Republic," he said, referring to an anti-fascist movement that was often blamed for violence at street marches in France during the yellow vest movement. Opinion polls show Le Pen and President Emmanuel Macron as the likely two candidates to come out top in the first round of the election on April 10 and go through to the April 24 run-off vote, with Macron seen as the eventual winner. Also read | France summons Russian envoy over 'unacceptable' tweets that mocked Europe The far-right leader has focused on domestic issues such as inflation and cost of living during a campaign that has been overshadowed by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, while Macron has been engaged in a flurry of diplomatic meetings, including NATO, G7 and European summits last week. Watch | French Presidential election: Emmanuel Macron all set for re-election

French presidential candidate Marine Le Pen heckled by protesters in Guadeloupe

The&nbsp;French&nbsp;government&nbsp;plans to&nbsp;file&nbsp;a&nbsp;criminal&nbsp;complaint&nbsp;against&nbsp;home&nbsp;care&nbsp;group&nbsp;Orpea&nbsp;over allegations of mistreatment of elderly patients,&nbsp;government&nbsp;minister Brigitte Bourguignon said in a statement Saturday.

Following a month and a half-long investigation into the&nbsp;group's management and financial practices, the&nbsp;government&nbsp;found "significant dysfunctioning in the&nbsp;group's management, to the detriment of the&nbsp;care&nbsp;of its residents," according to the health ministry.

The&nbsp;government&nbsp;said it would send its conclusions to state prosecutors and seek to recover public funds provided to the company after uncovering possible irregularities in how they were used.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-summons-russian-envoy-over-unacceptable-tweets-that-mocked-europe-465545">France summons Russian envoy over 'unacceptable' tweets that mocked Europe</a>

The&nbsp;government&nbsp;is seeking to recover as much as several tens of millions of euros, corresponding to the period 2017 to 2020, Bourguignon said in an interview published in the&nbsp;French&nbsp;weekly newspaper Journal du Dimanche early Sunday.

Orpea&nbsp;responded later on Saturday that while the&nbsp;government&nbsp;report "does shed light on certain dysfunctions," it also "allows us to conclude that there is no organised 'system' that would lead to widespread abuse."

"We have taken the full measure of the legitimate emotion aroused by these dysfunctions, many of which stem from the shortage of&nbsp;care&nbsp;and support professionals that affects us as it does the entire nursing home sector," said Philippe Charrier,&nbsp;Orpea&nbsp;chairman and chief executive officer.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-to-ease-covid-curbs-just-before-aprils-presidential-vote-462183">France to ease Covid curbs just before April’s presidential vote</a>

A book by independent journalist Victor Castanet in January made public claims of severe failings in hygiene&nbsp;care&nbsp;in an&nbsp;Orpea&nbsp;home for elderly people in a wealthy Paris suburb. The&nbsp;French&nbsp;group&nbsp;has repeatedly denied systemic shortcomings and said in its statement on Saturday that it denies "several particularly serious allegations" in the book.

The&nbsp;government&nbsp;is inspecting the country's 7,500 elderly&nbsp;care&nbsp;homes over the next two years and plans to reinforce legal and accounting rules to better regulate&nbsp;groups managing elderly&nbsp;care, with a view to better transparency over the use of public funds, it said.

Watch |&nbsp;French Presidential election: Emmanuel Macron all set for re-election

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The French government plans to file a criminal complaint against home care group Orpea over allegations of mistreatment of elderly patients, government minister Brigitte Bourguignon said in a statement Saturday.

The French government plans to file a criminal complaint against home care group Orpea over allegations of mistreatment of elderly patients, government minister Brigitte Bourguignon said in a statement Saturday. Following a month and a half-long investigation into the group's management and financial practices, the government found "significant dysfunctioning in the group's management, to the detriment of the care of its residents," according to the health ministry. The government said it would send its conclusions to state prosecutors and seek to recover public funds provided to the company after uncovering possible irregularities in how they were used. Also read | France summons Russian envoy over 'unacceptable' tweets that mocked Europe The government is seeking to recover as much as several tens of millions of euros, corresponding to the period 2017 to 2020, Bourguignon said in an interview published in the French weekly newspaper Journal du Dimanche early Sunday. Orpea responded later on Saturday that while the government report "does shed light on certain dysfunctions," it also "allows us to conclude that there is no organised 'system' that would lead to widespread abuse." "We have taken the full measure of the legitimate emotion aroused by these dysfunctions, many of which stem from the shortage of care and support professionals that affects us as it does the entire nursing home sector," said Philippe Charrier, Orpea chairman and chief executive officer. Also read | France to ease Covid curbs just before April’s presidential vote A book by independent journalist Victor Castanet in January made public claims of severe failings in hygiene care in an Orpea home for elderly people in a wealthy Paris suburb. The French group has repeatedly denied systemic shortcomings and said in its statement on Saturday that it denies "several particularly serious allegations" in the book. The government is inspecting the country's 7,500 elderly care homes over the next two years and plans to reinforce legal and accounting rules to better regulate groups managing elderly care, with a view to better transparency over the use of public funds, it said. Watch | French Presidential election: Emmanuel Macron all set for re-election

French government to file criminal complaint against care group Orpea

French Presidential election: Emmanuel Macron all set for re-election

EV giant Tesla is facing a criminal lawsuit in France after a complaint from a taxi driver whose Tesla Model 3 crashed in Paris.

Tesla faces criminal lawsuit in France after complaint about a crashed Tesla Model 3 in Paris

Why has France been at war for a decade in the West African desert?

Thousands of people take to the streets in Paris, Bordeaux and Toulouse in a bid to protest against racism and police brutality.

France: Thousands of people take to the streets in protest against racism, police brutality

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