While most of the world is dealing with an ever-mutating disease, France is preparing for the future. French defence innovation agency has recruited sci-fi writers & artists to envision future threats.

France recruits Sci-fi writers & authors to envision future threats

France warned its nationals on Thursday not to travel to Spain or Portugal on holiday. The warning has been given in view of a spike in Covid cases caused by Delta variant. The variant is highly contagious.

Right now, France allows people to travel to all other European Union member states if they are fully vaccinated or presently negative PCR or antigen test on their return.

But Europe Minister Clement Beaune pointedly advised the French against crossing the Pyrenees mountains to Spain or Portugal.

"For those who have not yet booked their holidays, avoid Spain and Portugal as a destination," he told France 2 television. "It's better to remain in France or go to other countries."

Beaune added that France, which fears being hit by a fourth wave of coronavirus infections this summer, was weighing restrictions on travel in Europe over the spread of the highly infectious Delta mutation.

"We have to be careful... the pandemic is not over," he said. "We will decide in the coming days, but we could put in place reinforced measures."

Germany has already put a ban on travellers from Portugal. Delta variant has become dominant in Portugal

Portugal's Foreign Minister Augusto Santos Silva acknowledged that the health situation in his country had "worsened" and said France's concerns were "understandable."

(With inputs from agencies)

France warned its nationals on Thursday not to travel to Spain or Portugal on holiday. The warning has been given in view of a spike in Covid cases caused by Delta variant.

France warned its nationals on Thursday not to travel to Spain or Portugal on holiday. The warning has been given in view of a spike in Covid cases caused by Delta variant. The variant is highly contagious. Right now, France allows people to travel to all other European Union member states if they are fully vaccinated or presently negative PCR or antigen test on their return. But Europe Minister Clement Beaune pointedly advised the French against crossing the Pyrenees mountains to Spain or Portugal. "For those who have not yet booked their holidays, avoid Spain and Portugal as a destination," he told France 2 television. "It's better to remain in France or go to other countries." Beaune added that France, which fears being hit by a fourth wave of coronavirus infections this summer, was weighing restrictions on travel in Europe over the spread of the highly infectious Delta mutation. "We have to be careful... the pandemic is not over," he said. "We will decide in the coming days, but we could put in place reinforced measures." Germany has already put a ban on travellers from Portugal. Delta variant has become dominant in Portugal Portugal's Foreign Minister Augusto Santos Silva acknowledged that the health situation in his country had "worsened" and said France's concerns were "understandable." (With inputs from agencies)

Delta variant: France warns citizens against travel to Spain, Portugal

Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared that in Russia only Russian wine can be called champagne. French producers from the region of Champagne are in a fizz over the new label law.

Gravitas: The Wine War: France Vs Russia

France's champagne industry group blasted a new Russian law that forces foreign producers to add a 'sparkling wine' reference to their bottles of champagne and called for the halting of exports of the bubbly drink to Russia.

World Business Watch: French champagne industry group fumes over new Russian law

Marine Le Pen got re-elected as head of the National Rally on Sunday. The re-election took place at a party congress where she is seeking support for her 2022 presidential bid after performing badly in regional polls.

Marine Le Pen re-elected as head of France's far-right National Rally

Marine Le Pen got re-elected as head of National Rally on Sunday. The re-election took place at a party congress where she is seeking support for her 2022 presidential bid. The party has performed badly in regional polls.

The National Rally (RN) was tipped for strong gains in regional elections last month. But the party could not win any of the 13 regions of mainland France.

The results raised questions about Le Pen's strategy of trying to detoxify her party's brand and position it as a more mainstream right-wing force.

However, there was no challenge for the party leadership. She received support from 98.35 per cent of member in online and postal ballots.

Le Pen, addressing reporters, said she felt "extremely combative' about her chances of winning presidency on her third attempt.

"I have no doubts about what needs to be done for France," said Le Pen, who will use a keynote address later Sunday to rally party faithful for the 2022 campaign.

Polls show the election coming down to another duel between Le Pen and centrist President Emmanuel Macron, who defeated the anti-immigration candidate handily in the second round of the 2017 vote.

But that scenario is no longer seen as a foregone conclusion.

Macron is also seen as being weakened by the poor performance of his Republic on the Move (LREM) party in the regional election.

LREM, which was founded in 2016, finished last of the big parties, winning just 7 percent of second-round votes in a contest characterised by record low turnout.

(With agency inputs)

Marine Le Pen got re-elected as head of National Rally on Sunday. The re-election took place at a party congress where she is seeking support for her 2022 presidential bid.

Marine Le Pen got re-elected as head of National Rally on Sunday. The re-election took place at a party congress where she is seeking support for her 2022 presidential bid. The party has performed badly in regional polls. The National Rally (RN) was tipped for strong gains in regional elections last month. But the party could not win any of the 13 regions of mainland France. The results raised questions about Le Pen's strategy of trying to detoxify her party's brand and position it as a more mainstream right-wing force. However, there was no challenge for the party leadership. She received support from 98.35 per cent of member in online and postal ballots. Le Pen, addressing reporters, said she felt "extremely combative' about her chances of winning presidency on her third attempt. "I have no doubts about what needs to be done for France," said Le Pen, who will use a keynote address later Sunday to rally party faithful for the 2022 campaign. Polls show the election coming down to another duel between Le Pen and centrist President Emmanuel Macron, who defeated the anti-immigration candidate handily in the second round of the 2017 vote. But that scenario is no longer seen as a foregone conclusion. Macron is also seen as being weakened by the poor performance of his Republic on the Move (LREM) party in the regional election. LREM, which was founded in 2016, finished last of the big parties, winning just 7 percent of second-round votes in a contest characterised by record low turnout. (With agency inputs)

Marine Le Pen re-elected as head of French far-right

France announced Friday that it will resume joint military operations in Mali, after suspending them early last month following the West African country's second coup in less than a year.

Following consultations with the Malian transitional authorities and the countries of the region France has "decided to resume joint military operations as well as national advisory missions, which had been suspended since June 3", the armed forces minister said in a statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-freezes-military-ties-with-central-african-republic-390252">France freezes military ties with Central African Republic</a>

Last month's decision to suspend the joint operations came after Mali's military strongman Assimi Goita, who led last year's coup, ousted the country's civilian transitional president and prime minister.

That move sparked diplomatic uproar, prompting the United States to suspend security assistance for Malian security forces and for the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to suspend Mali.

Both Mali and France play key roles in the fight against a bloody jihadist insurgency plaguing the Sahel region.

France has around 5,100 troops in the Sahel under its Barkhane operation which spans five countries -- Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-seeks-exit-strategy-from-mali-after-eight-year-campaign-354843">France seeks exit strategy from Mali after eight-year campaign</a>

On June 10, French President Emmanuel Macron announced a major drawdown of France's military presence in the Sahel where forces have been battling jihadist insurgents for nearly a decade.

Macron said the existing Barkhane operation would end, with France's presence becoming part of the so-called Takuba international task force in which "hundreds" of French soldiers would form the backbone.

That Takuba force currently numbers about 600 troops, half of whom are French.&nbsp;

The Czech Republic, Estonia, Italy, Romania and Sweden have also pledged to participate.

"France remains fully engaged, with its European and American allies, alongside the Sahel countries and international missions" to fight the jihadist groups which are rife in the Sahel, the armed forces ministry said in its statement on Friday.

France announced Friday that it will resume joint military operations in Mali, after suspending them early last month following the West African country's second coup in less than a year.

France announced Friday that it will resume joint military operations in Mali, after suspending them early last month following the West African country's second coup in less than a year. Following consultations with the Malian transitional authorities and the countries of the region France has "decided to resume joint military operations as well as national advisory missions, which had been suspended since June 3", the armed forces minister said in a statement. Also read | France freezes military ties with Central African Republic Last month's decision to suspend the joint operations came after Mali's military strongman Assimi Goita, who led last year's coup, ousted the country's civilian transitional president and prime minister. That move sparked diplomatic uproar, prompting the United States to suspend security assistance for Malian security forces and for the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to suspend Mali. Both Mali and France play key roles in the fight against a bloody jihadist insurgency plaguing the Sahel region. France has around 5,100 troops in the Sahel under its Barkhane operation which spans five countries -- Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger. Also read | France seeks exit strategy from Mali after eight-year campaign On June 10, French President Emmanuel Macron announced a major drawdown of France's military presence in the Sahel where forces have been battling jihadist insurgents for nearly a decade. Macron said the existing Barkhane operation would end, with France's presence becoming part of the so-called Takuba international task force in which "hundreds" of French soldiers would form the backbone. That Takuba force currently numbers about 600 troops, half of whom are French. The Czech Republic, Estonia, Italy, Romania and Sweden have also pledged to participate. "France remains fully engaged, with its European and American allies, alongside the Sahel countries and international missions" to fight the jihadist groups which are rife in the Sahel, the armed forces ministry said in its statement on Friday.

France resumes joint military operations with Mali

French President Emmanuel Macron hosts the World Gender Equality Summit in Paris which aims to fast-track the road to gender equality and mobilise millions of dollars to achieve the long-sought goal quickly.

Top world leaders attend Gender Equality Summit in Paris

After two years of debate, the French parliament has approved fertility treatments for lesbian couples. Which other countries permit IVF for lesbians? Why are same-sex couples denied the right to raise a family? Palki Sharma has a report.

Gravitas: France clears IVF treatment for lesbians

An over-enthusiastic fan ended up tripping a German cyclist at the Tour de France, triggering a massive pile-up of dozens of riders. Are the fans too close for comfort at the iconic cycling tournament?

Gravitas: Out-of-line fan triggers Tour de France pile-up

Switzerland's Yann Sommer saved France striker Kylian Mbappe's penalty to secure a 5-4 shootout win over the world champions following a thrilling 3-3 draw after extra time on Monday to reach the Euro 2020 quarter-finals where they will meet Spain.

On a memorable evening for Swiss&nbsp;football, the so-called Nati repeatedly beat the odds, coming from 3-1 down with two goals in the final five minutes to force extra time and eventually penalties.

It was Switzerland's first knockout stage victory at a tournament since 1938 and the first time they have made the last eight since the 1954 World Cup which they hosted. They will next face Spain on Friday in St Petersburg.

"Honestly I am still in shock," said Sommer, who became the most capped Swiss keeper with 65 international appearances.

"We showed courage, heart, we left everything out there. When you come back from two goals down against the world champions it is just unbelievable, and then to win on penalties, I could not be prouder of the way we did it."

France, who had started with an unusual three-man defense and lacked any real bite upfront in the first half, looked to be heading for victory when Karim Benzema struck twice in two minutes early in the second half.

He latched on to Mbappe's through ball in the 57th minute to cancel out Switzerland's first-half lead from Haris Seferovic's header.

Benzema then headed home from near the goal-line two minutes later to take his tournament tally to four as France grabbed control of the game only minutes after the Swiss missed a 55th-minute penalty and the chance to go 2-0 up when Hugo Lloris saved Ricardo Rodriguez's spot-kick.

SWISS COMEBACK

By the time Paul Pogba curled a sensational shot into the top corner in the 75th minute to make it 3-1 for France, who had reverted to a four-man backline in the second half, few believed the momentum could shift once more.

"Nobody believed in us anymore at that stage," Sommer said. "But before the game, we had said no matter what happens in the game, it doesn’t matter if we’re down, or if things are going well, we play until the end.

"We felt France had become a bit complacent and maybe thought they had already won it. So we used that to our advantage."

Seferovic sneaked into the box again to head in his second goal with five minutes left and substitute Mario Gavranovic beat Lloris to snatch a 90th-minute equalizer and force extra time after France substitute Kingsley Coman's drive hit the bar.

Olivier Giroud twice came close for France having come off the bench but the game was to be resolved on penalties where Sommer swatted Mbappe's spot-kick away after five Swiss players had scored to earn their first-ever tournament shootout win.

The result means France coach Didier Deschamps will miss out on becoming the first man to win World Cup and Euro titles both as a player and a coach.

"It is my responsibility and I told the players that I assume it," Deschamps, who won the 2018 World Cup with France, said of the shock loss.

"When France wins merit goes always to the players. When things are less good then it is my responsibility. But that's the way sport is. You have to accept it even if it hurts."

Switzerland's Yann Sommer saved France striker Kylian Mbappe's penalty to secure a 5-4 shootout win over the world champions following a thrilling 3-3 draw after extra time on Monday to reach the Euro 2020 quarter-finals where they will meet Spain.

Switzerland's Yann Sommer saved France striker Kylian Mbappe's penalty to secure a 5-4 shootout win over the world champions following a thrilling 3-3 draw after extra time on Monday to reach the Euro 2020 quarter-finals where they will meet Spain. On a memorable evening for Swiss football, the so-called Nati repeatedly beat the odds, coming from 3-1 down with two goals in the final five minutes to force extra time and eventually penalties. It was Switzerland's first knockout stage victory at a tournament since 1938 and the first time they have made the last eight since the 1954 World Cup which they hosted. They will next face Spain on Friday in St Petersburg. "Honestly I am still in shock," said Sommer, who became the most capped Swiss keeper with 65 international appearances. "We showed courage, heart, we left everything out there. When you come back from two goals down against the world champions it is just unbelievable, and then to win on penalties, I could not be prouder of the way we did it." France, who had started with an unusual three-man defense and lacked any real bite upfront in the first half, looked to be heading for victory when Karim Benzema struck twice in two minutes early in the second half. He latched on to Mbappe's through ball in the 57th minute to cancel out Switzerland's first-half lead from Haris Seferovic's header. Benzema then headed home from near the goal-line two minutes later to take his tournament tally to four as France grabbed control of the game only minutes after the Swiss missed a 55th-minute penalty and the chance to go 2-0 up when Hugo Lloris saved Ricardo Rodriguez's spot-kick. SWISS COMEBACK By the time Paul Pogba curled a sensational shot into the top corner in the 75th minute to make it 3-1 for France, who had reverted to a four-man backline in the second half, few believed the momentum could shift once more. "Nobody believed in us anymore at that stage," Sommer said. "But before the game, we had said no matter what happens in the game, it doesn’t matter if we’re down, or if things are going well, we play until the end. "We felt France had become a bit complacent and maybe thought they had already won it. So we used that to our advantage." Seferovic sneaked into the box again to head in his second goal with five minutes left and substitute Mario Gavranovic beat Lloris to snatch a 90th-minute equalizer and force extra time after France substitute Kingsley Coman's drive hit the bar. Olivier Giroud twice came close for France having come off the bench but the game was to be resolved on penalties where Sommer swatted Mbappe's spot-kick away after five Swiss players had scored to earn their first-ever tournament shootout win. The result means France coach Didier Deschamps will miss out on becoming the first man to win World Cup and Euro titles both as a player and a coach. "It is my responsibility and I told the players that I assume it," Deschamps, who won the 2018 World Cup with France, said of the shock loss. "When France wins merit goes always to the players. When things are less good then it is my responsibility. But that's the way sport is. You have to accept it even if it hurts."

Euro 2020: Switzerland beat France on penalties to reach Euro 2020 last eight

Prosecutors had told the court that the 40-year-old should not go back to prison, as she was "very clearly a victim" of her tyrannical husband.

France: Woman who killed rapist husband set free

French voters cast ballots in run-off elections on Sunday. The elections can give far-right in French politics its first regional powerbase. In the first round of voting last Sunday,&nbsp;President Emmanuel Macron's party was to get none of France's 13 regions. However, the election was also disappointing for far-right leader Marine Le Pen.

Low voter turnout has been a surprising factor in these elections. On Sunday, only 27.89 per cent of voters had turned out by 1500 GMT. This is very low as compared to 50.54 per cent in 2015.

"I have no intention whatsoever to go and vote today, simply because I've lost faith in our politicians," Parisian Jean-Jacques told Reuters TV while strolling on one of the River Seine's bridges.

But others were galvanised by news of last Sunday's low turnout. "I didn't vote last week, but the abstention rate was a bit of a wake-up call, and so I decided to come and vote today instead of staying at home or going for a walk, because it is important," said 38-year old lawyer Masing Coulibaly.

In the first round of elections, Le Pen's party fell short of prediction. It came at the top in just one region, Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur

The traditional centre-right which was decimated by Macron in 2017 presidential and legislative elections, staged a surprise comeback.

A trio of its top members, all former ministers and currently at the helm of some of France's most populous regions, are running for re-election this Sunday, which they hope will give them a springboard for the 2022 presidential race.

EMERGING FAVOURITE

In particular, Xavier Bertrand of the northern Hauts-de-France region around Calais has emerged as the conservatives' favourite in opinion polls to represent the party in the presidential election.

Macron's aides see the former health minister as a threat who could eat away at the president's centre-right voter base in the first round of the presidential vote in April.

Valerie Pecresse in the greater Paris region and Laurent Wauquiez in the greater Lyon area are the other conservatives whose fate on Sunday could decide whether they challenge Bertrand in 2022 for the centre-right ticket.

Le Pen's National Rally still hopes to win its first ever region in the southeast around Marseille and Nice. Her candidate, Thierry Mariani, a former conservative minister, beat the incumbent from the centre-right last Sunday, but by a lower margin than expected.

Victory would give Le Pen momentum and a platform to challenge Macron in 2022, a repeat of the 2017 duel that polls show would be won by Macron again, though by a slimmer margin.

Elsewhere, the Greens and leftwing allies are hoping to capture the Loire valley region, while a four-way contest in Burgundy gives an outside chance to the far-right to win power.

(With inputs from agencies)

French voters cast ballots in run-off elections on Sunday. The elections can give far-right in French politics its first regional powerbase. In the first round of voting last Sunday, President Emmanuel Macron's party was to get none of France's 13 regions.

French voters cast ballots in run-off elections on Sunday. The elections can give far-right in French politics its first regional powerbase. In the first round of voting last Sunday, President Emmanuel Macron's party was to get none of France's 13 regions. However, the election was also disappointing for far-right leader Marine Le Pen. Low voter turnout has been a surprising factor in these elections. On Sunday, only 27.89 per cent of voters had turned out by 1500 GMT. This is very low as compared to 50.54 per cent in 2015. "I have no intention whatsoever to go and vote today, simply because I've lost faith in our politicians," Parisian Jean-Jacques told Reuters TV while strolling on one of the River Seine's bridges. But others were galvanised by news of last Sunday's low turnout. "I didn't vote last week, but the abstention rate was a bit of a wake-up call, and so I decided to come and vote today instead of staying at home or going for a walk, because it is important," said 38-year old lawyer Masing Coulibaly. In the first round of elections, Le Pen's party fell short of prediction. It came at the top in just one region, Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur The traditional centre-right which was decimated by Macron in 2017 presidential and legislative elections, staged a surprise comeback. A trio of its top members, all former ministers and currently at the helm of some of France's most populous regions, are running for re-election this Sunday, which they hope will give them a springboard for the 2022 presidential race. EMERGING FAVOURITE In particular, Xavier Bertrand of the northern Hauts-de-France region around Calais has emerged as the conservatives' favourite in opinion polls to represent the party in the presidential election. Macron's aides see the former health minister as a threat who could eat away at the president's centre-right voter base in the first round of the presidential vote in April. Valerie Pecresse in the greater Paris region and Laurent Wauquiez in the greater Lyon area are the other conservatives whose fate on Sunday could decide whether they challenge Bertrand in 2022 for the centre-right ticket. Le Pen's National Rally still hopes to win its first ever region in the southeast around Marseille and Nice. Her candidate, Thierry Mariani, a former conservative minister, beat the incumbent from the centre-right last Sunday, but by a lower margin than expected. Victory would give Le Pen momentum and a platform to challenge Macron in 2022, a repeat of the 2017 duel that polls show would be won by Macron again, though by a slimmer margin. Elsewhere, the Greens and leftwing allies are hoping to capture the Loire valley region, while a four-way contest in Burgundy gives an outside chance to the far-right to win power. (With inputs from agencies)

Low voter turnout in second round of French elections

The far-right National Rally party failed to secure a single region in the decisive second round of voting for France's regional elections. The second round had been seen as a key test for Marine Le Pen who had been hoping to win in one of the country's regions.

Far-right party fails to win a single region in second round of French regional elections

Marine Le Pen's far-right party failed to win any region, while President Emmanuel Macron's centrist ruling party suffered another beating in the second round of regional elections on Sunday, which was once again marred by low turnout.

Following a string of poor poll results earlier this month, France's far-right candidates were once again firmly rejected, with other voters coming together to prevent a breakthrough.

The Ifop polling agency estimated that the far-right National Rally barely surpassed 20 per cent of the vote nationally, trailing both the mainstream right and the combined weight of green and leftist candidates.

National Party leader Marine Le Pen quickly conceded that her party had failed to win any of mainland France's 12 regions. She immediately started looking forward to next year's presidential vote, but her party's showing Sunday suggested that it remains anathema to many voters.

"This evening we have not won any region," said a disappointed Le Pen, blaming "unnatural alliances" between foes and saying that "mobilisation is the key" to victories in the future.

Most notably, polling agencies said the National Rally was roundly beaten in the southeast, in the region that had been seen as its best chance of securing a breakthrough victory in the balloting for regional councils. As in previous national and local elections, voters appeared to have come together to prevent a National Rally breakthrough.

Mainstream candidates crowed that they had delivered painful blows to the anti-immigration party. No region changed camps, with the mainstream right keeping the seven it had previously and the left still in control of the other five, according to polling agencies' projections.

On the mainstream right, Xavier Bertrand crowed that the National Rally wasn't only stopped in his region, the Hauts-de-France in the north, but we made it retreat greatly.

Failure of President Emmanuel Macron's LREM

The results confirmed the failure of Macron's LREM to put down local and regional roots despite controlling the presidency and lower house of parliament.

The Ifop projection said the LREM would garner just seven per cent of the votes nationwide, despite several ministers standing and Macron himself embarking on a nationwide tour that saw him at one point slapped by a member of the public.

The LREM's chief Stanislas Guerini admitted the elections marked a "disappointment for the presidential majority".

The results leave the right in charge of seven regions, the left with five and Corsican nationalists in the office on the Mediterranean island.

"Revenge for the parties of the 'ancient world'" commented Le Monde daily, while noting the success was "tarnished by a record abstention".

(With inputs from agencies)

Marine Le Pen's far-right party failed to win any region, while President Emmanuel Macron's centrist ruling party suffered another beating in the second round of regional elections on Sunday, which was once again marred by low turnout.

Marine Le Pen's far-right party failed to win any region, while President Emmanuel Macron's centrist ruling party suffered another beating in the second round of regional elections on Sunday, which was once again marred by low turnout. Following a string of poor poll results earlier this month, France's far-right candidates were once again firmly rejected, with other voters coming together to prevent a breakthrough. The Ifop polling agency estimated that the far-right National Rally barely surpassed 20 per cent of the vote nationally, trailing both the mainstream right and the combined weight of green and leftist candidates. National Party leader Marine Le Pen quickly conceded that her party had failed to win any of mainland France's 12 regions. She immediately started looking forward to next year's presidential vote, but her party's showing Sunday suggested that it remains anathema to many voters. "This evening we have not won any region," said a disappointed Le Pen, blaming "unnatural alliances" between foes and saying that "mobilisation is the key" to victories in the future. Most notably, polling agencies said the National Rally was roundly beaten in the southeast, in the region that had been seen as its best chance of securing a breakthrough victory in the balloting for regional councils. As in previous national and local elections, voters appeared to have come together to prevent a National Rally breakthrough. Mainstream candidates crowed that they had delivered painful blows to the anti-immigration party. No region changed camps, with the mainstream right keeping the seven it had previously and the left still in control of the other five, according to polling agencies' projections. On the mainstream right, Xavier Bertrand crowed that the National Rally wasn't only stopped in his region, the Hauts-de-France in the north, but we made it retreat greatly. Failure of President Emmanuel Macron's LREM The results confirmed the failure of Macron's LREM to put down local and regional roots despite controlling the presidency and lower house of parliament. The Ifop projection said the LREM would garner just seven per cent of the votes nationwide, despite several ministers standing and Macron himself embarking on a nationwide tour that saw him at one point slapped by a member of the public. The LREM's chief Stanislas Guerini admitted the elections marked a "disappointment for the presidential majority". The results leave the right in charge of seven regions, the left with five and Corsican nationalists in the office on the Mediterranean island. "Revenge for the parties of the 'ancient world'" commented Le Monde daily, while noting the success was "tarnished by a record abstention". (With inputs from agencies)

France regional elections: Marine Le Pen and Emmanuel Macron suffer humiliating results

France's far-right led by Marine Le Pen was headed for a defeat as per exit polls. The far-right was projected to suffer defeat in all region. The ruling centrist party of French President Emmanuel Macron was on way to suffer drubbing as well&nbsp;in the second round. The voter turnout for the second round has been low.

Macron's ruling party could not break into double figures nationwide while the National Rally (RN) of Le Pen could not realise its main ambition of winning the Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur (PACA) region that includes Marseille and Nice, according to the estimates by polling organisations broadcast by French television.&nbsp;

The region was seen as Le Pen's best chance to bring credibility to her claims that her party is fit to be in power ahead of next year's presidential election.

An exit poll by IFOP showed the far-right winning 44.2% of the run-off vote in PACA compared to 55.8% for the mainstream conservatives. A second survey by Opinionway showed the far-right taking 45% of the vote compared to 55% for its rivals.

In another key battleground in Sunday's regional elections, the northern Hauts-de-France region, exit polls showed the centre-right ticket headed by conservative Xavier Bertrand, another contender for the 2022 presidential vote, headed for a comfortable victory over the far-right.

If the projections are confirmed, they will raise questions over how successful Le Pen's strategy of softening the image of her anti-immigration euro-sceptic party to try to eat into the traditional right's vote has been.

Even so, analysts say the apparent failure of Le Pen and her party to win in two of its strongholds should not be extrapolated on to next year's presidential election.

Voter turnout in the country's 13 regions was very low and voters typically have little affinity with their regional administrations that are responsible for promoting economic development, transport and high schools.

(With inputs from agencies)

France's far-right led by Marine Le Pen was headed for a defeat as per exit polls. The far-right was projected to suffer defeat in all region. The ruling centrist party of French President Emmanuel Macron was on way to suffer drubbing as well in the second round.

France's far-right led by Marine Le Pen was headed for a defeat as per exit polls. The far-right was projected to suffer defeat in all region. The ruling centrist party of French President Emmanuel Macron was on way to suffer drubbing as well in the second round. The voter turnout for the second round has been low. Macron's ruling party could not break into double figures nationwide while the National Rally (RN) of Le Pen could not realise its main ambition of winning the Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur (PACA) region that includes Marseille and Nice, according to the estimates by polling organisations broadcast by French television. The region was seen as Le Pen's best chance to bring credibility to her claims that her party is fit to be in power ahead of next year's presidential election. An exit poll by IFOP showed the far-right winning 44.2% of the run-off vote in PACA compared to 55.8% for the mainstream conservatives. A second survey by Opinionway showed the far-right taking 45% of the vote compared to 55% for its rivals. In another key battleground in Sunday's regional elections, the northern Hauts-de-France region, exit polls showed the centre-right ticket headed by conservative Xavier Bertrand, another contender for the 2022 presidential vote, headed for a comfortable victory over the far-right. If the projections are confirmed, they will raise questions over how successful Le Pen's strategy of softening the image of her anti-immigration euro-sceptic party to try to eat into the traditional right's vote has been. Even so, analysts say the apparent failure of Le Pen and her party to win in two of its strongholds should not be extrapolated on to next year's presidential election. Voter turnout in the country's 13 regions was very low and voters typically have little affinity with their regional administrations that are responsible for promoting economic development, transport and high schools. (With inputs from agencies)

French far-right headed for defeat in regional vote, say exit polls

Visitors will now be able to tour France's prehistoric caves through virtual reality. The caves were closed for visitors nearly six decades ago. Watch this report to know more.

France: Visitors can once again tour the Lascaux caves through VR

Baltic states have rejected a proposal by France and Germany to hold a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Is Europe breaking ranks with the U.S and charting its own policy on Russia? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Merkel & Macron seek summit with Putin

World champions France are facing mounting injuries ahead of their Euro 2020 Round of 16 matches against Switzerland on Monday, with coach Didier Deschamps struggling for options.

The French qualified less convincingly than initially expected after drawing 2-2 against Portugal in their final group game, having won one of three Group F games.

France left-back Lucas Hernandez had to be taken off with a knee injury after the first half and remains doubtful against Switzerland.

His replacement Lucas Digne is also nursing a hamstring injury and looks unlikely to be fit for Monday, forcing potential changes to Deschamps' defensive plans.

Digne's replacement in the game against Portugal, midfielder Adrien Rabiot, has himself been dealing with a nagging ankle injury since the end of the season and is not yet at 100%.

To make matters worse, Thomas Lemar suffered a leg injury and Marcus Thuram hurt his right thigh in training on Thursday, hobbling off the pitch with the support of medical staff.

France is already without Ousmane Dembele after the forward had to be taken off injured in their second group game against Hungary. Dembele has been ruled out for the rest of the tournament and will require knee surgery.

But despite the injuries, France remains the clear favourites for the game against the Swiss.

Deschamps, attempting to become the first man to win World Cups and Euros both as player and coach, maybe struggling with fit defenders but he has won back a striker.

Karim Benzema, who was recalled to the national team for the tournament after a nearly six-year absence, scored twice against Portugal.

The French have also never lost to the Swiss in a competitive game. While they are very familiar with the latter stages of a tournament, their opponents have not reached a quarter-final of a major tournament in 67 years, ever since the 1954 World Cup which they hosted.

Switzerland qualified as one of the best third-placed teams.

"Anything can happen in a tournament," said Switzerland defender Ricardo Rodriguez. "We are fit and ready. We have to be compact in defense and use our few chances. We know the French have a fantastic bench as well."

"We will give it all we have. We have already trained penalties and almost everyone scored," he smiled.

The winners will play the winners of the Round of 16 ties between Spain and Croatia.

World champions France are facing mounting injuries ahead of their Euro 2020 Round of 16 matches against Switzerland on Monday, with coach Didier Deschamps struggling for options.

World champions France are facing mounting injuries ahead of their Euro 2020 Round of 16 matches against Switzerland on Monday, with coach Didier Deschamps struggling for options. The French qualified less convincingly than initially expected after drawing 2-2 against Portugal in their final group game, having won one of three Group F games. France left-back Lucas Hernandez had to be taken off with a knee injury after the first half and remains doubtful against Switzerland. His replacement Lucas Digne is also nursing a hamstring injury and looks unlikely to be fit for Monday, forcing potential changes to Deschamps' defensive plans. Digne's replacement in the game against Portugal, midfielder Adrien Rabiot, has himself been dealing with a nagging ankle injury since the end of the season and is not yet at 100%. To make matters worse, Thomas Lemar suffered a leg injury and Marcus Thuram hurt his right thigh in training on Thursday, hobbling off the pitch with the support of medical staff. France is already without Ousmane Dembele after the forward had to be taken off injured in their second group game against Hungary. Dembele has been ruled out for the rest of the tournament and will require knee surgery. But despite the injuries, France remains the clear favourites for the game against the Swiss. Deschamps, attempting to become the first man to win World Cups and Euros both as player and coach, maybe struggling with fit defenders but he has won back a striker. Karim Benzema, who was recalled to the national team for the tournament after a nearly six-year absence, scored twice against Portugal. The French have also never lost to the Swiss in a competitive game. While they are very familiar with the latter stages of a tournament, their opponents have not reached a quarter-final of a major tournament in 67 years, ever since the 1954 World Cup which they hosted. Switzerland qualified as one of the best third-placed teams. "Anything can happen in a tournament," said Switzerland defender Ricardo Rodriguez. "We are fit and ready. We have to be compact in defense and use our few chances. We know the French have a fantastic bench as well." "We will give it all we have. We have already trained penalties and almost everyone scored," he smiled. The winners will play the winners of the Round of 16 ties between Spain and Croatia.

Football: Injuries pile up for France ahead of Switzerland clash

French police on Friday herded migrants on buses and cleared central Paris. The migrants had been protesting lack of accomodation and had even pitched tents in front of the Paris City Hall.

As the police cleared the crowd, there was no incident. Yann Manzi co-founder of the group Utopia 56 which organised the action, said they would come back if no viable solution is found

"All the persons evacuated stay in touch with us and if they are put back in the street, we'll start again with our actions", Manzi said.

Last year, a similar operation was organised on the Paris City Hall forecourt.

"We have way too many requests which means our accommodation network is saturated ... So we had no choice but to organise a "visibilation" action", Kerill Theurillat, a local leader of Utopia 56 told Reuters before the police cleared the protesters.

Around 200 tents, mainly red, had been set up Thursday, sheltering 300 people, including children, from sub-Saharan Africa.

"I'm living in the street, I have no home, my priority is to have a home and then to go to school", said Cisse Mohamed, an underage refugee sitting in of the tents.

Many refugees have moved to Paris since the closure of a huge migrant camp in Calais in 2016.

(With inputs from agencies)

French police on Friday herded migrants on buses and cleared central Paris. The migrants had been protesting lack of accomodation and had even pitched tents in front of the Paris City Hall.

French police on Friday herded migrants on buses and cleared central Paris. The migrants had been protesting lack of accomodation and had even pitched tents in front of the Paris City Hall. As the police cleared the crowd, there was no incident. Yann Manzi co-founder of the group Utopia 56 which organised the action, said they would come back if no viable solution is found "All the persons evacuated stay in touch with us and if they are put back in the street, we'll start again with our actions", Manzi said. Last year, a similar operation was organised on the Paris City Hall forecourt. "We have way too many requests which means our accommodation network is saturated ... So we had no choice but to organise a "visibilation" action", Kerill Theurillat, a local leader of Utopia 56 told Reuters before the police cleared the protesters. Around 200 tents, mainly red, had been set up Thursday, sheltering 300 people, including children, from sub-Saharan Africa. "I'm living in the street, I have no home, my priority is to have a home and then to go to school", said Cisse Mohamed, an underage refugee sitting in of the tents. Many refugees have moved to Paris since the closure of a huge migrant camp in Calais in 2016. (With inputs from agencies)

Police clear hundreds of migrants protesting in central Paris

European Union leaders rejected a proposal by France and Germany to restart talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Poland which opposed the talks said such a move will send a 'wrong message'.

EU leaders rejects France & Germany's proposal for talks with Putin

European Union leaders failed to agree on a proposal by&nbsp;France&nbsp;and&nbsp;Germany&nbsp;to hold a&nbsp;summit&nbsp;soon with&nbsp;Russian President Vladimir Putin&nbsp;after&nbsp;Poland and Baltic countries said it would send the wrong message as East-West ties deteriorate.

After&nbsp;U.S. President Joe Biden met&nbsp;Russian President Vladimir Putin in Geneva on June 16, French President Emmanuel Macron said the first&nbsp;EU&nbsp;summit&nbsp;with Putin since January 2014 would be "a dialogue to defend our interests". He insisted the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;could not only be reactive in its diplomacy with&nbsp;Russia.

But&nbsp;after&nbsp;late-night talks at their meeting in Brussels, the 27&nbsp;EU&nbsp;leaders failed to reach an agreement, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said early on Friday.

"It was a very comprehensive discussion and not an easy one," she told reporters. "There was no agreement today on an immediate leaders' meeting," she said.

EU&nbsp;summits with&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;ended&nbsp;after&nbsp;Moscow annexed Ukraine's Crimea peninsula in March 2014 and the West imposed sanctions.

While Austria's Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said he supported the Franco-German proposal, many other leaders were opposed.

"It was a common position of many leaders" not to change the stance on&nbsp;Russia, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said&nbsp;after&nbsp;the meeting broke up. He earlier said the idea was like "trying to engage the bear to keep a pot of honey safe".

Latvia's Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins said the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;risked rewarding&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;with a&nbsp;summit&nbsp;even though diplomacy has failed to end the conflict in eastern Ukraine with&nbsp;Russian-backed separatists.

Instead,&nbsp;EU&nbsp;leaders fell back to a familiar position of warning of more sanctions on Moscow if it continued what the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;says is a&nbsp;Russian policy of disinformation, cyber and covert attacks and interference to try to divide the bloc.

Russia&nbsp;denies any wrongdoing.

In a&nbsp;summit&nbsp;statement, leaders called on the&nbsp;European Commission and the&nbsp;EU's top diplomat Josep Borrell "to present options for additional restrictive measures, including economic sanctions" against&nbsp;Russia.

The&nbsp;EU&nbsp;has sanctions on the&nbsp;Russian energy, financial and arms sectors and individual sanctions on&nbsp;Russians accused of human rights abuses and for using banned chemical weapons.

Diplomats say further sanctions could target&nbsp;Russian money laundering or powerful oligarchs suspected of serious corruption abroad, as non-EU&nbsp;member Britain did for the first time in April.

SEARCH FOR DIALOGUE

Macron had tried in September 2019 to seek less frosty ties with Putin, without success, and&nbsp;Germany's outgoing Chancellor Angela Merkel met Putin in Moscow in January 2020. Putin held a phone call with&nbsp;European Council President Charles Michel, who chairs&nbsp;EU&nbsp;summits, on June 7 this year.

France&nbsp;and&nbsp;Germany&nbsp;want to be able to work with&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;on combating climate change and to find ways to stabilise relations. Merkel said even without a&nbsp;summit: "Formats will be explored ... under which dialogues can be started."

Many&nbsp;EU&nbsp;countries are concerned that the Kremlin does not take the bloc seriously after&nbsp;Borrell was publicly humiliated in February by the Kremlin.&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;expelled&nbsp;EU&nbsp;diplomats during Borrell's visit to Moscow without warning.

Lithuania's Nauseda said: "We should be extremely cautious, this is not like the relationship of&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;with the United States".

While&nbsp;France&nbsp;is a nuclear power, the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;relies on NATO for its territorial defence and takes decisions among 27 states, making it easier for the Kremlin to exploit divisions.

The Kremlin earlier welcomed the idea of a&nbsp;summit, saying both Brussels and Moscow needed dialogue, although&nbsp;Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said he wanted more details.

On opposing sides in standoffs in Ukraine and Belarus, and at odds over human rights, the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;and&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;accuse each other of threatening security and stability from the Baltics to the Black Sea.

The&nbsp;EU&nbsp;on Thursday imposed economic sanctions on Belarus, an ally of&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;that the Kremlin sees as a buffer state between&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;and NATO.

European Union leaders failed to agree on a proposal by France and Germany to hold a summit soon with Russian President Vladimir Putin after Poland and Baltic countries said it would send the wrong message as East-West ties deteriorate.

European Union leaders failed to agree on a proposal by France and Germany to hold a summit soon with Russian President Vladimir Putin after Poland and Baltic countries said it would send the wrong message as East-West ties deteriorate. After U.S. President Joe Biden met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Geneva on June 16, French President Emmanuel Macron said the first EU summit with Putin since January 2014 would be "a dialogue to defend our interests". He insisted the EU could not only be reactive in its diplomacy with Russia. But after late-night talks at their meeting in Brussels, the 27 EU leaders failed to reach an agreement, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said early on Friday. "It was a very comprehensive discussion and not an easy one," she told reporters. "There was no agreement today on an immediate leaders' meeting," she said. EU summits with Russia ended after Moscow annexed Ukraine's Crimea peninsula in March 2014 and the West imposed sanctions. While Austria's Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said he supported the Franco-German proposal, many other leaders were opposed. "It was a common position of many leaders" not to change the stance on Russia, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said after the meeting broke up. He earlier said the idea was like "trying to engage the bear to keep a pot of honey safe". Latvia's Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins said the EU risked rewarding Russia with a summit even though diplomacy has failed to end the conflict in eastern Ukraine with Russian-backed separatists. Instead, EU leaders fell back to a familiar position of warning of more sanctions on Moscow if it continued what the EU says is a Russian policy of disinformation, cyber and covert attacks and interference to try to divide the bloc. Russia denies any wrongdoing. In a summit statement, leaders called on the European Commission and the EU's top diplomat Josep Borrell "to present options for additional restrictive measures, including economic sanctions" against Russia. The EU has sanctions on the Russian energy, financial and arms sectors and individual sanctions on Russians accused of human rights abuses and for using banned chemical weapons. Diplomats say further sanctions could target Russian money laundering or powerful oligarchs suspected of serious corruption abroad, as non-EU member Britain did for the first time in April. SEARCH FOR DIALOGUE Macron had tried in September 2019 to seek less frosty ties with Putin, without success, and Germany's outgoing Chancellor Angela Merkel met Putin in Moscow in January 2020. Putin held a phone call with European Council President Charles Michel, who chairs EU summits, on June 7 this year. France and Germany want to be able to work with Russia on combating climate change and to find ways to stabilise relations. Merkel said even without a summit: "Formats will be explored ... under which dialogues can be started." Many EU countries are concerned that the Kremlin does not take the bloc seriously after Borrell was publicly humiliated in February by the Kremlin. Russia expelled EU diplomats during Borrell's visit to Moscow without warning. Lithuania's Nauseda said: "We should be extremely cautious, this is not like the relationship of Russia with the United States". While France is a nuclear power, the EU relies on NATO for its territorial defence and takes decisions among 27 states, making it easier for the Kremlin to exploit divisions. The Kremlin earlier welcomed the idea of a summit, saying both Brussels and Moscow needed dialogue, although Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said he wanted more details. On opposing sides in standoffs in Ukraine and Belarus, and at odds over human rights, the EU and Russia accuse each other of threatening security and stability from the Baltics to the Black Sea. The EU on Thursday imposed economic sanctions on Belarus, an ally of Russia that the Kremlin sees as a buffer state between Russia and NATO.

France, Germany drop plans for Russia summit after EU outcry

Germany and France are pushing EU counterparts to consider a summit with Russian leader Vladimir&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;as the bloc weighs its strategy to keep Moscow in check, diplomats said Wednesday.

The EU's 27 leaders are set to discuss ties with its vast eastern neighbour at a meeting on Thursday as Brussels admits that relations with the Kremlin have reached their "lowest level".&nbsp;

Berlin and Paris put forward a last-minute proposal for the bloc to contemplate a potential summit in the wake of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">US President Joe Biden's</a> sit-down with&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;in Geneva last week.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-putin-summit-takeaways-respect-optimism-and-some-scepticism-392063">Biden-Putin summit takeaways: Respect, optimism, and some scepticism</a>

But there remains opposition from numerous EU members states, especially in eastern Europe -- wary of talking to the Kremlin.&nbsp;

EU ambassadors were set to hold a meeting late Wednesday evening to try to thrash out a common position.&nbsp;

"The EU must stand firm and establish a counterbalance against Russia. It must also put itself in a position to resist, in particular, cyberattacks. And it must be able to engage in dialogue with Russia on the subjects for which it has interests," one European diplomat argued.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/if-you-want-peace-prepare-for-war-russia-ready-to-cut-ties-with-eu-over-sanctions-asserts-lavrov-363130">'If you want peace, prepare for war': Russia ready to cut ties with EU over sanctions, asserts Lavrov</a>

"But there is a question over the format for this dialogue. How to conduct this dialogue? At what level? Through what channel? And what role should be given to the EU institutions."

Another diplomat insisted that it was "premature" to talk about a meeting with the Russian leader.&nbsp;

"Why have a summit with&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;if there is nothing positive to discuss," the diplomat said.&nbsp;

Ties between the EU and Russia have been in the doldrums since the Kremlin annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014.

The bloc has slapped waves of sanctions on Moscow, and Russia has responded with its own counter-measures.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-warns-will-retaliate-if-eu-imposes-new-sanctions-over-navalny-362989">Russia warns will retaliate if EU imposes new sanctions over Navalny</a>

The last summit between EU chiefs in Brussels and&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;took place in early 2014, with the Kremlin strongman preferring to deal bilaterally with individual nations since then.&nbsp;

While the German-French proposal mooted engagement with Moscow, it also made clear the bloc needed to remain united in the face of Russian aggression.&nbsp;

Proposed summit conclusions seen by AFP said there needs "a firm and coordinated response by the EU and the Member States to Russia's malign activities, making full use of all instruments at the EU's disposal, and ensuring coordination with other partners."

The draft statement said that leaders would task EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell "to present options for additional adequate and effective economic sanctions against responsible parties in reaction to destabilising actions by Russia".

Germany and France are pushing EU counterparts to consider a summit with Russian leader Vladimir Putin as the bloc weighs its strategy to keep Moscow in check, diplomats said Wednesday.

Germany and France are pushing EU counterparts to consider a summit with Russian leader Vladimir Putin as the bloc weighs its strategy to keep Moscow in check, diplomats said Wednesday. The EU's 27 leaders are set to discuss ties with its vast eastern neighbour at a meeting on Thursday as Brussels admits that relations with the Kremlin have reached their "lowest level". Berlin and Paris put forward a last-minute proposal for the bloc to contemplate a potential summit in the wake of US President Joe Biden's sit-down with Putin in Geneva last week. Also read | Biden-Putin summit takeaways: Respect, optimism, and some scepticism But there remains opposition from numerous EU members states, especially in eastern Europe -- wary of talking to the Kremlin. EU ambassadors were set to hold a meeting late Wednesday evening to try to thrash out a common position. "The EU must stand firm and establish a counterbalance against Russia. It must also put itself in a position to resist, in particular, cyberattacks. And it must be able to engage in dialogue with Russia on the subjects for which it has interests," one European diplomat argued. Also read | 'If you want peace, prepare for war': Russia ready to cut ties with EU over sanctions, asserts Lavrov "But there is a question over the format for this dialogue. How to conduct this dialogue? At what level? Through what channel? And what role should be given to the EU institutions." Another diplomat insisted that it was "premature" to talk about a meeting with the Russian leader. "Why have a summit with Putin if there is nothing positive to discuss," the diplomat said. Ties between the EU and Russia have been in the doldrums since the Kremlin annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. The bloc has slapped waves of sanctions on Moscow, and Russia has responded with its own counter-measures. Also read | Russia warns will retaliate if EU imposes new sanctions over Navalny The last summit between EU chiefs in Brussels and Putin took place in early 2014, with the Kremlin strongman preferring to deal bilaterally with individual nations since then. While the German-French proposal mooted engagement with Moscow, it also made clear the bloc needed to remain united in the face of Russian aggression. Proposed summit conclusions seen by AFP said there needs "a firm and coordinated response by the EU and the Member States to Russia's malign activities, making full use of all instruments at the EU's disposal, and ensuring coordination with other partners." The draft statement said that leaders would task EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell "to present options for additional adequate and effective economic sanctions against responsible parties in reaction to destabilising actions by Russia".

Germany, France propose EU-Russia summit: Diplomats

Thirteen people went on trial in Paris accused of cyberbullying or death threats against a teenage girl who posted online comments critical of Islam.

Thirteen people in France go on Trial for online harassment

French Prime Minister Emmanuel Macron's party has received a major blow in the regional elections. French regional elections are being seen as a dress rehearsal for next year's presidential polls.

France regional election: Far-right irked by results, Macron faces major setback

French voters go to the polls on Sunday in regional elections that will test the appeal of far-right leader Marine Le Pen's softened image less than a year before the next presidential election. 
 
Coming after a gruelling year and a half of lockdowns, curfews and restrictions, Sunday's first round is likely to prove dire for President Emmanuel Macron, whose party is projected to win none of mainland France's 13 regions. 
 
Boosted by a resurgence of law-and-order issues during the campaign, despite the fact French regions have no police powers, Le Pen is hoping to capitalise on a rebrand that has seen her ditch promises of 'Frexit' and inflammatory rhetoric. 
 
"She appears less extreme in the eyes of the French, less dangerous for democracy, than she did a decade ago," Brice Teinturier, an analyst with pollster IPSOS said. 
 
Her best chance is in the south of France, the region around Marseille and Nice, where one of her lieutenants, a former conservative minister, is projected by one opinion poll as winning the race even if all parties rally against him. 
 
Gaining one region, for the first time ever, would give Le Pen a major boost less than a year before presidential elections, and would be a slap in the face for Macron, who has painted himself as a bulwark against the far-right. 
 
The far-right is also likely to do well in two other regions, around Calais in the north and in Burgundy, helped by low turnout in a country whose attention is shifting to summer holidays to forget the pandemic. 
 
In the deindustrialised north, the incumbent and frontrunner to become the conservatives' candidate in the presidential election, Xavier Bertrand, is facing Le Pen's party spokesman and Macron's justice minister. 
 
Whether Macron's party reaches the 10% threshold will determine if it can force Bertrand into an alliance to defeat the far-right, which would undermine his pitch as Macron`s opponent-in-chief in 2022. 
 
However, a win for Bertrand would bolster his chances of becoming the conservatives' presidential candidate. Macron aides see the one-time health minister as a rival, who would erode the president's centre-right voting base. 
 
Results of Sunday's first round will send parties into frantic backroom dealing for two days to strike alliances ahead of June 27's final round. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

French voters go to the polls on Sunday in regional elections that will test the appeal of far-right leader Marine Le Pen's softened image less than a year before the next presidential election.

French voters go to the polls on Sunday in regional elections that will test the appeal of far-right leader Marine Le Pen's softened image less than a year before the next presidential election. Coming after a gruelling year and a half of lockdowns, curfews and restrictions, Sunday's first round is likely to prove dire for President Emmanuel Macron, whose party is projected to win none of mainland France's 13 regions. Boosted by a resurgence of law-and-order issues during the campaign, despite the fact French regions have no police powers, Le Pen is hoping to capitalise on a rebrand that has seen her ditch promises of 'Frexit' and inflammatory rhetoric. "She appears less extreme in the eyes of the French, less dangerous for democracy, than she did a decade ago," Brice Teinturier, an analyst with pollster IPSOS said. Her best chance is in the south of France, the region around Marseille and Nice, where one of her lieutenants, a former conservative minister, is projected by one opinion poll as winning the race even if all parties rally against him. Gaining one region, for the first time ever, would give Le Pen a major boost less than a year before presidential elections, and would be a slap in the face for Macron, who has painted himself as a bulwark against the far-right. The far-right is also likely to do well in two other regions, around Calais in the north and in Burgundy, helped by low turnout in a country whose attention is shifting to summer holidays to forget the pandemic. In the deindustrialised north, the incumbent and frontrunner to become the conservatives' candidate in the presidential election, Xavier Bertrand, is facing Le Pen's party spokesman and Macron's justice minister. Whether Macron's party reaches the 10% threshold will determine if it can force Bertrand into an alliance to defeat the far-right, which would undermine his pitch as Macron`s opponent-in-chief in 2022. However, a win for Bertrand would bolster his chances of becoming the conservatives' presidential candidate. Macron aides see the one-time health minister as a rival, who would erode the president's centre-right voting base. Results of Sunday's first round will send parties into frantic backroom dealing for two days to strike alliances ahead of June 27's final round. (With inputs from agencies)

French far-right tests voters' appetite in regional elections

France striker Antoine Griezmann says he would like to see out his playing days in Major League Soccer to realise a long-held desire to live in the United States. 
 
Griezmann, who is set to make his 50th consecutive start for France in Saturday`s Euro 2020 game against Hungary, has long been fascinated with life stateside and is a keen basketball fan, often travelling to NBA games when he has time off. 
 
The striker has had a mostly underwhelming time at Barcelona since joining the Catalans from Atletico Madrid for 120 million euros ($142 million) but said he would like to stay at the club until his contract ends. 
 
"My contract with Barcelona runs until June 2024 and after that I think it will be the right time to go to the United States," Griezmann told French newspaper Le Figaro on Saturday. 
 
"I love that country, that culture, the NBA, and have a desire to discover it more, although I will also have to think about my family." 
 
Griezmann, 30, has never been shy of the limelight and made a 2018 documentary called The Decision about his dilemma on whether to stay at Atletico or join Barcelona, inspired by a programme of the same name on LeBron James` move from the Cleveland Cavaliers to Miami Heat in 2010. 
 
But he said he is tired of constant media attention and believes his and family`s privacy would be respected more in the United States. 
 
"This is also why I love the United States and why I want to go there, because you go unnoticed, which is not the case in France or Spain," he added. 
 
Griezmann`s Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi has also expressed a desire to live in the United States.

France striker Antoine Griezmann says he would like to see out his playing days in Major League Soccer to realise a long-held desire to live in the United States.

France striker Antoine Griezmann says he would like to see out his playing days in Major League Soccer to realise a long-held desire to live in the United States. Griezmann, who is set to make his 50th consecutive start for France in Saturday`s Euro 2020 game against Hungary, has long been fascinated with life stateside and is a keen basketball fan, often travelling to NBA games when he has time off. The striker has had a mostly underwhelming time at Barcelona since joining the Catalans from Atletico Madrid for 120 million euros ($142 million) but said he would like to stay at the club until his contract ends. "My contract with Barcelona runs until June 2024 and after that I think it will be the right time to go to the United States," Griezmann told French newspaper Le Figaro on Saturday. "I love that country, that culture, the NBA, and have a desire to discover it more, although I will also have to think about my family." Griezmann, 30, has never been shy of the limelight and made a 2018 documentary called The Decision about his dilemma on whether to stay at Atletico or join Barcelona, inspired by a programme of the same name on LeBron James` move from the Cleveland Cavaliers to Miami Heat in 2010. But he said he is tired of constant media attention and believes his and family`s privacy would be respected more in the United States. "This is also why I love the United States and why I want to go there, because you go unnoticed, which is not the case in France or Spain," he added. Griezmann`s Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi has also expressed a desire to live in the United States.

Football-France's Griezmann sets sights on MLS in 2024

France made only one change to the starting lineup that beat Germany 1-0 in their group opener with Lucas Digne coming in at left back in place of Lucas Hernandez to take on Hungary on Saturday. 
 
Coach Didier Deschamps decided to stick with the midfield trio of N`Golo Kante, Paul Pogba and Adrien Rabiot that dominated their first Euro 2020 game while the attacking trident of Antoine Griezman, Kylian Mbappe, Karim Benzema also remains intact. 
 
Hungary, playing at home in the Puskas Arena, go with a back three of Endre Botka, Willi Orban and Attila Szalai. 
 
Former France youth international Loic Nego - the only change in the Hungary lineup - and Attila Fiola are expected to start as wing backs. 
 
Skipper Aadam Szalai and Roland Sallai will lead the line as they look to score their first goal at the European Championship following a 3-0 loss to Portugal in their opening game. 
 
TEAMS 
 
Hungary: Peter Gulacsi; Endre Botka, Willi Orban, Attila Szalai; Loic Nego, Adam Nagy, Andras Schafer, Laszlo Kleinheisler, Attila Fiola; Roland Sallai, Aadam Szalai (captain) 
 
France: Hugo Lloris; Benjamin Pavard, Raphael Varane, Presnel Kimpempe, Lucas Digne; N`Golo Kante, Paul Pogba, Adrien Rabiot; Antoine Griezman, Kylian Mbappe, Karim Benzema

France made only one change to the starting lineup that beat Germany 1-0 in their group opener with Lucas Digne coming in at left back in place of Lucas Hernandez to take on Hungary on Saturday.

France made only one change to the starting lineup that beat Germany 1-0 in their group opener with Lucas Digne coming in at left back in place of Lucas Hernandez to take on Hungary on Saturday. Coach Didier Deschamps decided to stick with the midfield trio of N`Golo Kante, Paul Pogba and Adrien Rabiot that dominated their first Euro 2020 game while the attacking trident of Antoine Griezman, Kylian Mbappe, Karim Benzema also remains intact. Hungary, playing at home in the Puskas Arena, go with a back three of Endre Botka, Willi Orban and Attila Szalai. Former France youth international Loic Nego - the only change in the Hungary lineup - and Attila Fiola are expected to start as wing backs. Skipper Aadam Szalai and Roland Sallai will lead the line as they look to score their first goal at the European Championship following a 3-0 loss to Portugal in their opening game. TEAMS Hungary: Peter Gulacsi; Endre Botka, Willi Orban, Attila Szalai; Loic Nego, Adam Nagy, Andras Schafer, Laszlo Kleinheisler, Attila Fiola; Roland Sallai, Aadam Szalai (captain) France: Hugo Lloris; Benjamin Pavard, Raphael Varane, Presnel Kimpempe, Lucas Digne; N`Golo Kante, Paul Pogba, Adrien Rabiot; Antoine Griezman, Kylian Mbappe, Karim Benzema

Euro 2020: Digne only change for France in tested lineup vs Hungary

Hungary will leave everything on the pitch against world champions France in their Group F match on Saturday in Budapest, coach Marco Rossi said, noting wryly that the French team is worth 15 times more than his side. 
 
"Of course if their squad are worth 900 million euros and we are only worth 60 million cumulatively, then we might actually see that difference on the pitch," Rossi told a press conference. 
 
Hungary are the underdogs in a "Group of Death" with France, Germany and Portugal. They had been holding defending champions Portugal to a goalless draw until the 84th minute in their opener on Tuesday, only to concede three goals in the closing minutes. 
 
It will likely stick to its customary defence-heavy tactics against another team boasting a world-class attacking line, Rossi said. 
 
"When you come up against... players with so much pace on their side, pressing them high will afford them space behind, so you don`t want to stretch the pitch and have space between the different areas. 
 
"If we set up in one way against Portugal it`s more than likely we`ll be in similar fashion against France," he said. "We need to produce a perfect performance form every perspective." 
 
Rossi added that against such teams luck needs to be on Hungary`s side to achieve a surprise. 
 
"We need to make sure, or hope, that France are off their game tomorrow," he said. "We would love to get a good result but I am even more interested in continued progress." 
 
Hungary is widely considered a tough opponent even for top-class teams, with a solid defence and counter-attacks capable of surprising anyone - a far cry from much weaker teams in recent decades. 
 
Rossi said his side, although unlikely to advance, must give their all against a French team that may well rest a few players in preparation for a deep run, possibly all the way to the finals. 
 
He also said that even though the weather is expected to be extremely hot, the team must not allow themselves to succumb to fatigue. 
 
"We need to run more without the ball than them," Rossi said of the expected French possession superiority. "This is going to be more difficult in the heat, so we need to make sure we run intelligently." 
 
"We can`t be tired after just four days. We did everything to be rested... No excuses, no ifs, no buts, we are here and we will go out there, and there is no such thing as fatigue." 
&nbsp;

Hungary will leave everything on the pitch against world champions France in their Group F match on Saturday in Budapest, coach Marco Rossi said, noting wryly that the French team is worth 15 times more than his side.

Hungary will leave everything on the pitch against world champions France in their Group F match on Saturday in Budapest, coach Marco Rossi said, noting wryly that the French team is worth 15 times more than his side. "Of course if their squad are worth 900 million euros and we are only worth 60 million cumulatively, then we might actually see that difference on the pitch," Rossi told a press conference. Hungary are the underdogs in a "Group of Death" with France, Germany and Portugal. They had been holding defending champions Portugal to a goalless draw until the 84th minute in their opener on Tuesday, only to concede three goals in the closing minutes. It will likely stick to its customary defence-heavy tactics against another team boasting a world-class attacking line, Rossi said. "When you come up against... players with so much pace on their side, pressing them high will afford them space behind, so you don`t want to stretch the pitch and have space between the different areas. "If we set up in one way against Portugal it`s more than likely we`ll be in similar fashion against France," he said. "We need to produce a perfect performance form every perspective." Rossi added that against such teams luck needs to be on Hungary`s side to achieve a surprise. "We need to make sure, or hope, that France are off their game tomorrow," he said. "We would love to get a good result but I am even more interested in continued progress." Hungary is widely considered a tough opponent even for top-class teams, with a solid defence and counter-attacks capable of surprising anyone - a far cry from much weaker teams in recent decades. Rossi said his side, although unlikely to advance, must give their all against a French team that may well rest a few players in preparation for a deep run, possibly all the way to the finals. He also said that even though the weather is expected to be extremely hot, the team must not allow themselves to succumb to fatigue. "We need to run more without the ball than them," Rossi said of the expected French possession superiority. "This is going to be more difficult in the heat, so we need to make sure we run intelligently." "We can`t be tired after just four days. We did everything to be rested... No excuses, no ifs, no buts, we are here and we will go out there, and there is no such thing as fatigue."

Euro 2020: Hungary must leave everything on the pitch against France - coach

France on Friday accused Russia of making efforts amounting to "seizure of power" in Central African Republic (CAR) acknowledging CAR's CAR's cooperation with Russian "mercenaries" had prompted Paris to scale down its military support.

France suspended military help and budgetary aid to the CAR this month&nbsp;accusing it of being "complicit" in anti-French disinformation campaign backed by Russia.

The CAR has become a key area in the controversy over the role in Africa of the Wagner mercenary group which is allegedly run by the shadowy businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin, a close confidant of President Vladimir Putin.

"In the Central African Republic, there is a form of a seizure of power, and in particular of military power, by Russian mercenaries," Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told BFM TV.

"We are fighting this and it has led us to take measures to withdraw a certain number of our military personnel."

French Foreign Minister said Russian personnel were surrounding CAR President Faustin Archange Touadera and were exploiting the wealth of the country.

CAR is one of the poorest countries in the world. It has been chronically unstable since its independence from France.

France launched three-year military operation in 2013 to halt sectarian violence. The operation was launched after the then president Francois Bozize, was ousted by predominantly Muslim rebel groups.

The CAR's closer relationship with Moscow dates back to 2018, when Russia sent "instructors" to help train its beleaguered armed forces and supplied small arms, gaining exemption from a UN weapons embargo.

Last December, under a bilateral cooperation agreement, the Kremlin sent several hundred personnel to shore up Touadera, who was threatened by a rebel offensive.&nbsp;

Russians also provide the president's personal protection and his powerful national security advisor, Valery Zakharov, is a Russian.

On May 30, in an interview with France's Journal du Dimanche newspaper, French President Emmanuel Macron said "anti-French talk has provided legitimacy to predatory Russian mercenaries at the apex of the state.

"Touadera... today is a hostage of the Wagner group," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

France on Friday accused Russia of making efforts amounting to "seizure of power" in Central African Republic (CAR) acknowledging CAR's CAR's cooperation with Russian "mercenaries" had prompted Paris to scale down its military support.

France on Friday accused Russia of making efforts amounting to "seizure of power" in Central African Republic (CAR) acknowledging CAR's CAR's cooperation with Russian "mercenaries" had prompted Paris to scale down its military support. France suspended military help and budgetary aid to the CAR this month accusing it of being "complicit" in anti-French disinformation campaign backed by Russia. The CAR has become a key area in the controversy over the role in Africa of the Wagner mercenary group which is allegedly run by the shadowy businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin, a close confidant of President Vladimir Putin. "In the Central African Republic, there is a form of a seizure of power, and in particular of military power, by Russian mercenaries," Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told BFM TV. "We are fighting this and it has led us to take measures to withdraw a certain number of our military personnel." French Foreign Minister said Russian personnel were surrounding CAR President Faustin Archange Touadera and were exploiting the wealth of the country. CAR is one of the poorest countries in the world. It has been chronically unstable since its independence from France. France launched three-year military operation in 2013 to halt sectarian violence. The operation was launched after the then president Francois Bozize, was ousted by predominantly Muslim rebel groups. The CAR's closer relationship with Moscow dates back to 2018, when Russia sent "instructors" to help train its beleaguered armed forces and supplied small arms, gaining exemption from a UN weapons embargo. Last December, under a bilateral cooperation agreement, the Kremlin sent several hundred personnel to shore up Touadera, who was threatened by a rebel offensive. Russians also provide the president's personal protection and his powerful national security advisor, Valery Zakharov, is a Russian. On May 30, in an interview with France's Journal du Dimanche newspaper, French President Emmanuel Macron said "anti-French talk has provided legitimacy to predatory Russian mercenaries at the apex of the state. "Touadera... today is a hostage of the Wagner group," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

France decries Russia's 'seizure of power' in central Africa

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