Germany already have their backs to the wall at Euro 2020 after their opening loss to world champions France on Tuesday but they are confident there will be no repeat of their shock first-round exit at the last World Cup.

Defender Mats Hummels' first-half own goal gave France the 1-0 Group F win and leaves three-time champions Germany in need of points from their last two matches against holders Portugal on Saturday and Hungary next week, with both games in Munich again.

"This defeat is very painful, especially for me as my own goal decided the game," said Hummels, who was recalled to the squad for the tournament after having been dropped more than two years ago.

"We obviously know full well that there is room for improvement in our game. But you could see that we want to fight really hard in this tournament, that we want to excite you (the fans) and be successful."

The Germans certainly lacked fighting spirit in Russia three years ago when they were sensationally eliminated in the first round of the World Cup after losing their opening game to Mexico and managing just one win from three group games.

On Tuesday they were up against arguably the most complete team in the world and worked hard until the end to try to turn the game around and avoid a first-ever defeat in a Euro opener.

While they again struggled to carve out clear scoring chances they did deliver a solid second-half performance, earning some praise from German media.

The tournament format with three group matches means that one win could be enough to advance to the knockout stage and midfielder Toni Kroos said there was no point dwelling on the defeat.

"We have to look ahead now," he said. "Obviously when you lose the first game and you only have three then the pressure is always great."

How coach Joachim Loew's team handles this pressure against Portugal might decide their fate.

For midfielder Joshua Kimmich, Germany showed in the defeat to France that they can compete with the best.

"What we did was we showed that we can certainly keep up with top teams at this level," Kimmich said.

"France is one of the title contenders. In the next game, we have to show that we also are one of the title contenders."

Germany already have their backs to the wall at Euro 2020 after their opening loss to world champions France on Tuesday but they are confident there will be no repeat of their shock first-round exit at the last World Cup.

Germany already have their backs to the wall at Euro 2020 after their opening loss to world champions France on Tuesday but they are confident there will be no repeat of their shock first-round exit at the last World Cup. Defender Mats Hummels' first-half own goal gave France the 1-0 Group F win and leaves three-time champions Germany in need of points from their last two matches against holders Portugal on Saturday and Hungary next week, with both games in Munich again. "This defeat is very painful, especially for me as my own goal decided the game," said Hummels, who was recalled to the squad for the tournament after having been dropped more than two years ago. "We obviously know full well that there is room for improvement in our game. But you could see that we want to fight really hard in this tournament, that we want to excite you (the fans) and be successful." The Germans certainly lacked fighting spirit in Russia three years ago when they were sensationally eliminated in the first round of the World Cup after losing their opening game to Mexico and managing just one win from three group games. On Tuesday they were up against arguably the most complete team in the world and worked hard until the end to try to turn the game around and avoid a first-ever defeat in a Euro opener. While they again struggled to carve out clear scoring chances they did deliver a solid second-half performance, earning some praise from German media. The tournament format with three group matches means that one win could be enough to advance to the knockout stage and midfielder Toni Kroos said there was no point dwelling on the defeat. "We have to look ahead now," he said. "Obviously when you lose the first game and you only have three then the pressure is always great." How coach Joachim Loew's team handles this pressure against Portugal might decide their fate. For midfielder Joshua Kimmich, Germany showed in the defeat to France that they can compete with the best. "What we did was we showed that we can certainly keep up with top teams at this level," Kimmich said. "France is one of the title contenders. In the next game, we have to show that we also are one of the title contenders."

Football: Germany already on the back foot after losing opener to France

Germany on Monday refused to accept the underdog tag in their Euro 2020 Group F opener against world champions France on Tuesday, saying they were out to win the game and payback fans for a disappointing World Cup campaign three years ago.

The Germans will play their group matches in Munich and captain Manuel Neuer said their shock 2018 World Cup first-round exit meant they had to make amends in front of a 14,000 home crowd.

With 2014 world champions Thomas Mueller and Mats Hummels back in the squad after more than two years, Germany are going into the tournament with a largely untested team after an overhaul in 2019 was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic and a string of bad results.

The three-time European champions are not among the title favorites this time, unlike France.

"We know France has been successful in the past years," Neuer said. "But we are still a very good team, uncomfortable to play against.

"We have respect for them but we don't see ourselves as the underdogs. We want to win the game here in Munich," he said.

Germany coach Joachim Loew, in his final tournament before stepping down after 15 years in charge, is set to include Leon Goretzka in his squad, with the midfielder having recovered from injury and having trained several times with the team.

Midfielder Jonas Hofmann is not expected to feature.

"What will be important tomorrow is to do what the team has shown in the past 14 days," he said. "That we are brimming with ambition and confidence, that we will go into the one-on-ones and we will throw everything into this game."

Germany also plays European champions Portugal before taking on Hungary in their last group game.

Germany on Monday refused to accept the underdog tag in their Euro 2020 Group F opener against world champions France on Tuesday, saying they were out to win the game and payback fans for a disappointing World Cup campaign three years ago.

Germany on Monday refused to accept the underdog tag in their Euro 2020 Group F opener against world champions France on Tuesday, saying they were out to win the game and payback fans for a disappointing World Cup campaign three years ago. The Germans will play their group matches in Munich and captain Manuel Neuer said their shock 2018 World Cup first-round exit meant they had to make amends in front of a 14,000 home crowd. With 2014 world champions Thomas Mueller and Mats Hummels back in the squad after more than two years, Germany are going into the tournament with a largely untested team after an overhaul in 2019 was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic and a string of bad results. The three-time European champions are not among the title favorites this time, unlike France. "We know France has been successful in the past years," Neuer said. "But we are still a very good team, uncomfortable to play against. "We have respect for them but we don't see ourselves as the underdogs. We want to win the game here in Munich," he said. Germany coach Joachim Loew, in his final tournament before stepping down after 15 years in charge, is set to include Leon Goretzka in his squad, with the midfielder having recovered from injury and having trained several times with the team. Midfielder Jonas Hofmann is not expected to feature. "What will be important tomorrow is to do what the team has shown in the past 14 days," he said. "That we are brimming with ambition and confidence, that we will go into the one-on-ones and we will throw everything into this game." Germany also plays European champions Portugal before taking on Hungary in their last group game.

Football: Germany won't accept underdogs tag against France

Following the new regulations brought in due to Brexit, thousands of British nationals living in Europe face the risk of losing their local healthcare, employment and other similar rights if they fail to apply to remain residents in the next 14 days.

As per the new rules, the people who fail to apply to remain resident can have a major negative impact regarding access to healthcare, pension, employment, rental agreements, and many other similar rights.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nearly-62-eu-residents-used-personal-contacts-to-get-access-to-healthcare-survey-391669" hreflang="en">Nearly 62% EU residents used personal contacts to get access to healthcare: Survey</a>

The warning was issued by the British in Europe, a group that helps Britishers living abroad be aware of the post-Brexit rights and problems.

In Europe, France has the largest population of British nationals who are vulnerable to losing these rights as the British embassy has claimed that nearly 135,000 Britons have applied for post-Brexit residency. The total population is estimated to be approximately 148,300, which means 13,300 Britons are at risk of losing their rights.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-pandemic-germanys-birth-rate-climbs-to-record-high-391637" hreflang="en">Amid pandemic, Germany's birth rate climbs to record high</a>

However, it has also been added that since France does not ask for registration from EU nationals, the exact number of Britons living in France might be much higher than the calculated number.

The campaigners have also accused the French and the UK government of not raising enough awareness about this matter, putting several Britons at risk of losing their rights.

"With just two weeks remaining to apply for residency in France,&nbsp;Latvia, Luxembourg and Malta, we urge UK nationals living in those countries to apply for residency now, if they have not done so already," a spokesperson for the UK government said. "Support is available for anyone who needs help to apply. Even if they are missing documents, they should apply and explain in the application form. The important thing is to apply. Guidance is available on the 'Living in' guides on gov.uk."

Following the new regulations brought in due to Brexit, thousands of British nationals living in Europe face the risk of losing their local healthcare, employment and other similar rights if they fail to apply to remain residents in the next 14 days.

Following the new regulations brought in due to Brexit, thousands of British nationals living in Europe face the risk of losing their local healthcare, employment and other similar rights if they fail to apply to remain residents in the next 14 days. As per the new rules, the people who fail to apply to remain resident can have a major negative impact regarding access to healthcare, pension, employment, rental agreements, and many other similar rights. Also read | Nearly 62% EU residents used personal contacts to get access to healthcare: Survey The warning was issued by the British in Europe, a group that helps Britishers living abroad be aware of the post-Brexit rights and problems. In Europe, France has the largest population of British nationals who are vulnerable to losing these rights as the British embassy has claimed that nearly 135,000 Britons have applied for post-Brexit residency. The total population is estimated to be approximately 148,300, which means 13,300 Britons are at risk of losing their rights. Also read | Amid pandemic, Germany's birth rate climbs to record high However, it has also been added that since France does not ask for registration from EU nationals, the exact number of Britons living in France might be much higher than the calculated number. The campaigners have also accused the French and the UK government of not raising enough awareness about this matter, putting several Britons at risk of losing their rights. "With just two weeks remaining to apply for residency in France, Latvia, Luxembourg and Malta, we urge UK nationals living in those countries to apply for residency now, if they have not done so already," a spokesperson for the UK government said. "Support is available for anyone who needs help to apply. Even if they are missing documents, they should apply and explain in the application form. The important thing is to apply. Guidance is available on the 'Living in' guides on gov.uk."

British nationals in France risk losing right to healthcare, pension and more: Campaigners

Prosecutors in France said Monday that they had dropped an investigation into accusations of rape of a minor and sexual aggression by a prominent political scientist because the statute of limitations had expired.

The prosecutors opened their investigation of the academic, Olivier Duhamel, on Jan. 5, following accusations by his stepdaughter, Camille Kouchner, that he sexually abused her twin brother more than 30 years ago. Such abuse would be considered incest under French law, even though the boy was Duhamel’s stepson.

In a book published in early January, “La Familia Grande,” Kouchner, an associate professor of law at Paris Descartes University, accused Duhamel of abusing her brother starting when he was 14.

The book rocked Paris’ elite circles of intellectuals, artists and politicians, whom Kouchner accused of having largely protected the well-connected Duhamel, who was the president of “Le Siècle,” an elite social club in the capital, and the head of the governing board overseeing the prestigious Sciences Po university. Duhamel has since resigned from all the positions he held.

The accusations also helped set off a new reckoning over sexual abuse and incest in France, a country that has gone through a delayed reaction to the #MeToo movement. Soon after allegations against Duhamel were made, sexual abuse accusations against several other powerful men in the French establishment also became public.

Prosecutors declined to reveal details of the investigation. But they said in a statement Monday that had the statute of limitations not expired, “the facts revealed or alleged” in the investigation would have “led to prosecution.” Duhamel’s lawyer declined to comment.

Duhamel himself has sought to avoid speaking publicly about the allegations, telling the weekly magazine L’Obs in January: “I do not react, and I have nothing to say. Anything I might say would, in any event, be, I don’t know, distorted.”

From the outset, accusations against Duhamel were expected to fall outside the statute of limitations, which was 20 years at the time of the alleged offense. But French prosecutors regularly open investigations in sexual abuse cases to identify other potential victims even though the statute of limitations may have expired.

Kouchner did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In an interview in January, she acknowledged that Duhamel was unlikely to face punishment but said that she wanted, through her book, to leave testimony that her children could read and that could pave the way for a better awareness of incest in French society.

Her book helped prompt a move by the French government to overhaul the country’s legislation on sex between adults and minors. Under the new law, which was enacted in April, a sexual relationship with a minor younger than 15 is characterized as rape and is punishable by 20 years in prison, unless the age gap between the consensual partners is small.

Until the law was revised, France prohibited sex between an adult and a minor younger than 15, but it was not automatically considered rape.

The scandal surrounding Duhamel also unleashed a deluge of personal stories on social media from people in France who said they were victims of incest and led to the resignation of the director of Sciences Po after it became clear he had taken no action against Duhamel despite knowing of the accusations against him.

It was also quickly followed by fresh allegations of sexual abuse against other powerful figures in politics, the arts and the media, providing momentum for a #MeToo movement in France that had struggled after many in the country dismissed it as a product of American puritanism and a distortion of feminism.

Kouchner in January said that “a real awareness” about sexual abuse was rising in French society, to an extent she had not expected.

“What is happening in the real world is very powerful,” she said.

Prosecutors in France said Monday that they had dropped an investigation into accusations of rape of a minor and sexual aggression by a prominent political scientist because the statute of limitations had expired.

Prosecutors in France said Monday that they had dropped an investigation into accusations of rape of a minor and sexual aggression by a prominent political scientist because the statute of limitations had expired. The prosecutors opened their investigation of the academic, Olivier Duhamel, on Jan. 5, following accusations by his stepdaughter, Camille Kouchner, that he sexually abused her twin brother more than 30 years ago. Such abuse would be considered incest under French law, even though the boy was Duhamel’s stepson. In a book published in early January, “La Familia Grande,” Kouchner, an associate professor of law at Paris Descartes University, accused Duhamel of abusing her brother starting when he was 14. The book rocked Paris’ elite circles of intellectuals, artists and politicians, whom Kouchner accused of having largely protected the well-connected Duhamel, who was the president of “Le Siècle,” an elite social club in the capital, and the head of the governing board overseeing the prestigious Sciences Po university. Duhamel has since resigned from all the positions he held. The accusations also helped set off a new reckoning over sexual abuse and incest in France, a country that has gone through a delayed reaction to the #MeToo movement. Soon after allegations against Duhamel were made, sexual abuse accusations against several other powerful men in the French establishment also became public. Prosecutors declined to reveal details of the investigation. But they said in a statement Monday that had the statute of limitations not expired, “the facts revealed or alleged” in the investigation would have “led to prosecution.” Duhamel’s lawyer declined to comment. Duhamel himself has sought to avoid speaking publicly about the allegations, telling the weekly magazine L’Obs in January: “I do not react, and I have nothing to say. Anything I might say would, in any event, be, I don’t know, distorted.” From the outset, accusations against Duhamel were expected to fall outside the statute of limitations, which was 20 years at the time of the alleged offense. But French prosecutors regularly open investigations in sexual abuse cases to identify other potential victims even though the statute of limitations may have expired. Kouchner did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In an interview in January, she acknowledged that Duhamel was unlikely to face punishment but said that she wanted, through her book, to leave testimony that her children could read and that could pave the way for a better awareness of incest in French society. Her book helped prompt a move by the French government to overhaul the country’s legislation on sex between adults and minors. Under the new law, which was enacted in April, a sexual relationship with a minor younger than 15 is characterized as rape and is punishable by 20 years in prison, unless the age gap between the consensual partners is small. Until the law was revised, France prohibited sex between an adult and a minor younger than 15, but it was not automatically considered rape. The scandal surrounding Duhamel also unleashed a deluge of personal stories on social media from people in France who said they were victims of incest and led to the resignation of the director of Sciences Po after it became clear he had taken no action against Duhamel despite knowing of the accusations against him. It was also quickly followed by fresh allegations of sexual abuse against other powerful figures in politics, the arts and the media, providing momentum for a #MeToo movement in France that had struggled after many in the country dismissed it as a product of American puritanism and a distortion of feminism. Kouchner in January said that “a real awareness” about sexual abuse was rising in French society, to an extent she had not expected. “What is happening in the real world is very powerful,” she said.

France drops rape investigation of prominent intellectual

French European Affairs junior minister Clement Beaune said on Monday that current tensions over Brexit between British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government and the European Union were 'a test' for Europe. 
 
The tensions between Britain and the EU threatened to overshadow the Group of Seven summit's conclusion on Sunday, with London accusing France of 'offensive' remarks that Northern Ireland was not part of the United Kingdom. 
 
"Mr Johnson thinks that you can sign deals with the Europeans and not respect them and that Europe will not react. It is a test for Europe," Beaune told Europe 1 radio. 
 
"I am telling the British people, (Brexit) commitments must be respected... If it is not the case, retaliatory measures could be taken," Beaune added. 
 
During talks with Emmanuel Macron at the G7 summit, Johnson queried how the French president would react if Toulouse sausages could not be sold in Paris markets, echoing London's accusation that the EU is preventing sales of British chilled meats in Northern Ireland. 
 
"In Northern Ireland, there are sausage import problems... Why? Because when you leave the European Union, you have necessarily some (trade) barriers," Beaune said. 
 
"I cannot tell the French or the Europeans that Britain can export via (EU member) Ireland some products, such as meat without any control... That is what it is all about. Brexit has consequences."

French European Affairs junior minister Clement Beaune said on Monday that current tensions over Brexit between British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government and the European Union were 'a test' for Europe.

French European Affairs junior minister Clement Beaune said on Monday that current tensions over Brexit between British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government and the European Union were 'a test' for Europe. The tensions between Britain and the EU threatened to overshadow the Group of Seven summit's conclusion on Sunday, with London accusing France of 'offensive' remarks that Northern Ireland was not part of the United Kingdom. "Mr Johnson thinks that you can sign deals with the Europeans and not respect them and that Europe will not react. It is a test for Europe," Beaune told Europe 1 radio. "I am telling the British people, (Brexit) commitments must be respected... If it is not the case, retaliatory measures could be taken," Beaune added. During talks with Emmanuel Macron at the G7 summit, Johnson queried how the French president would react if Toulouse sausages could not be sold in Paris markets, echoing London's accusation that the EU is preventing sales of British chilled meats in Northern Ireland. "In Northern Ireland, there are sausage import problems... Why? Because when you leave the European Union, you have necessarily some (trade) barriers," Beaune said. "I cannot tell the French or the Europeans that Britain can export via (EU member) Ireland some products, such as meat without any control... That is what it is all about. Brexit has consequences."

Brexit tensions are a test for Europe, says French minister

Thousands of people across France marched against what organisers said was going influence of the far-right ideas ahead of presidential elections due next year.

Members of more than 100 left-leaning organisations participated in 'Liberty March' in about 140 cities and towns across the country.

The march was the first opportunity for the left to come out in the streets after a year and a half of Covid-19 restrictions.

Organisers reported 70,000 in Paris and 150,000 around the nation.

The protester vented against issues like recent legislation that they say chips away at liberties. A recently-passed law that could see prosecutions for publishing footage of police officers in action was criticised.

Far-right ideas "are no longer the monopoly of far-right parties and ... have now largely penetrated the political class," said Benoit Hamon, who was a Socialist presidential candidate in 2017.

In Paris, hard-left leader Jean-Luc Melenchon had flour thrown in his face as he spoke to reporters.

The move against the veteran politician, who has been accused of fuelling conspiracy theories ahead of next year's elections, came days after President Emmanuel Macron was slapped in the face while shaking hands with people on a regional visit.

Group partaking included Socialists, Communists, ecologists and unions, among others.

(With inputs from agencies)

Thousands of people across France marched against what organisers said was going influence of the far-right ideas ahead of presidential elections due next year. Members of more than 100 left-leaning organisations participated in 'Liberty March' in about 140 cities and towns across the country.

Thousands of people across France marched against what organisers said was going influence of the far-right ideas ahead of presidential elections due next year. Members of more than 100 left-leaning organisations participated in 'Liberty March' in about 140 cities and towns across the country. The march was the first opportunity for the left to come out in the streets after a year and a half of Covid-19 restrictions. Organisers reported 70,000 in Paris and 150,000 around the nation. The protester vented against issues like recent legislation that they say chips away at liberties. A recently-passed law that could see prosecutions for publishing footage of police officers in action was criticised. Far-right ideas "are no longer the monopoly of far-right parties and ... have now largely penetrated the political class," said Benoit Hamon, who was a Socialist presidential candidate in 2017. In Paris, hard-left leader Jean-Luc Melenchon had flour thrown in his face as he spoke to reporters. The move against the veteran politician, who has been accused of fuelling conspiracy theories ahead of next year's elections, came days after President Emmanuel Macron was slapped in the face while shaking hands with people on a regional visit. Group partaking included Socialists, Communists, ecologists and unions, among others. (With inputs from agencies)

Thousands protest far-right ideas in France

G7 leaders are on Saturday set to agree on a joint declaration aimed at preventing another pandemic, as they resume wide-ranging talks at their first in-person summit in almost two years.

G7 leaders are on Saturday set to agree on a joint declaration aimed at preventing another pandemic, as they resume wide-ranging talks at their first in-person summit in almost two years. The group of leading economies -- Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States -- will also try to showcase Western democratic cohesion against a resurgent China and recalcitrant Russia. They will be joined by the leaders of Australia, South Africa, and South Korea, along with India taking part remotely, as the agenda broadens to foreign policy issues and climate change. The G7 is meeting face to face for the first time since 2019, at a beachside venue in Cornwall, southwest England, after the coronavirus led to the cancellation of last year's summit. The leaders opened the three-day summit Friday with expectations of a pledge to donate one billion vaccine doses to poor countries this year and next -- much too slow to end the crisis now, campaigners said. US President Joe Biden arrived with a message of solidarity and resolve in stark contrast to the isolationist stance of his predecessor Donald Trump. After the traditional family photo and an opening session on "building back better" from Covid-19, the leaders spent the evening at a reception hosted by Queen Elizabeth II at Cornwall's Eden Project. A renowned attraction showcasing the world's ecological riches, the site also hosted a G7 meeting with Prince Charles and 10 international business leaders to discuss ramping up sustainable growth. The G7 this weekend will also tackle climate change, and safeguarding global biodiversity, to lay the groundwork for the UN's pivotal COP26 environmental summit in Scotland in November. The leaders are debating a pledge to protect at least 30 percent of the world's land and oceans by 2030. Shared threats On Saturday's foreign policy agenda, this year's coup in Myanmar and crackdown on pro-democracy supporters in Belarus are expected to figure, alongside tensions with Russia and China. Most of the leaders will reconvene on Monday in Brussels for a NATO meeting, before Biden heads on to his first summit with President Vladimir Putin in Geneva, vowing to deliver a blunt message about Russian behavior. "I'll tell you (about it) after I've delivered it," Biden told reporters Friday. The G7 is expected to finalize the "Carbis Bay Declaration" comprising a series of commitments to prevent a repeat of the devastation wreaked by the coronavirus. "For the first time today, the world's leading democracies have come together to make sure that never again will we be caught unawares," British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in remarks released ahead of the summit's second day. "That means learning lessons from the last 18 months and doing it differently next time around." Pandemic radar The declaration will be published Sunday alongside the G7's final communique, following a beachside barbecue on Saturday night. The collective steps include slashing the time taken to develop and license vaccines, treatments, and diagnostics for any future disease to under 100 days while reinforcing global surveillance networks. The leaders will vow to boost genomic sequencing capacity, and support reforms to strengthen the World Health Organization (WHO), according to Johnson's government, which like the US wants China to allow new access to WHO experts to determine how Covid-19 first emerged. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, criticized in some quarters for being too accommodating of China, welcomed the health pact. And he said the UN agency would examine a British proposal to create a "Global Pandemic Radar" to send early warnings of future outbreaks. "The world needs a stronger global surveillance system to detect new epidemic and pandemic risks," Tedros said. The G7 leaders are also expected to outline more help for developing nations to build up infrastructure, as a counterpoint to the debt-fuelled spending by China in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

G7 leaders agree on a joint declaration to stop future pandemics

France striker Wissam Ben Yedder said the reigning world champions are in the toughest group at the European Championship and that they must make a strong start to their campaign against Germany in Tuesday's opener.

France, who defeated Croatia to lift the 2018 World Cup, are in Group F alongside title holders Portugal, four-time world champions Germany and 37th ranked Hungary.

"It's the group of death. There are really good teams," said Ben Yedder.

"We are going to start the competition with a lot of energy. We are really impatient to start the competition and we are going to give it our maximum.

"We have a really big game as a starting point and we know that we have to be solid together for the first match."

Defender Benjamin Pavard said France face a tough challenge against the Germans, who will be playing in front of their home crowd in Munich.

"The first match is very exciting against Germany," Pavard said. "It is not going to be an easy game against a very good German team. We are not going to put any pressure on ourselves."

Les Bleus are favourites to win the European showpiece, but Pavard said Germany and Portugal are also in contention for the title.

"We are one of the favourites but not the favourite," the 25-year-old said. "We can't just believe it is going to be an automatic win. We have to play match by match and we will see."

France striker Wissam Ben Yedder said the reigning world champions are in the toughest group at the European Championship and that they must make a strong start to their campaign against Germany in Tuesday's opener.

France striker Wissam Ben Yedder said the reigning world champions are in the toughest group at the European Championship and that they must make a strong start to their campaign against Germany in Tuesday's opener. France, who defeated Croatia to lift the 2018 World Cup, are in Group F alongside title holders Portugal, four-time world champions Germany and 37th ranked Hungary. "It's the group of death. There are really good teams," said Ben Yedder. "We are going to start the competition with a lot of energy. We are really impatient to start the competition and we are going to give it our maximum. "We have a really big game as a starting point and we know that we have to be solid together for the first match." Defender Benjamin Pavard said France face a tough challenge against the Germans, who will be playing in front of their home crowd in Munich. "The first match is very exciting against Germany," Pavard said. "It is not going to be an easy game against a very good German team. We are not going to put any pressure on ourselves." Les Bleus are favourites to win the European showpiece, but Pavard said Germany and Portugal are also in contention for the title. "We are one of the favourites but not the favourite," the 25-year-old said. "We can't just believe it is going to be an automatic win. We have to play match by match and we will see."

Football: France are in 'group of death' at Euros, says Ben Yedder

The man who slapped the French President, Emmanuel Macron, has been sentenced to an 18-month jail term in a court hearing on Thursday.

On June 8, French President Emmanuel Macron was slapped by a man during his trip to southeast France.

Also watch | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-president-emmanuel-macron-slapped-during-visit-to-southeast-france-390185">President Emmanuel Macron slapped during visit to southeast France</a>

The 43-year-old leader was touring the village of Tain-l'Hermitage in the Drome region when he approached the barrier to engage and shake hands with the people who had lined up to meet their President.

As Macron approached the barrier to shake hands with a spectator, a man dressed in a green t-shirt, glasses and face mask slapped the President across his face.

Also watch | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-from-a-tight-slap-to-macron-to-flying-shoe-at-george-w-bush-when-world-leaders-were-at-the-receiving-end-390283">From a tight slap to Macron to flying shoe at George W Bush — When world leaders were at the receiving end</a>

The attacker was also heard yelling 'A Bas La Macronie' (Down with Macron) and 'Montjoie Saint Denis' (a battle cry of the French armies when the country was still a monarchy) before slapping the leader.

He was identified as Damien Tarel, a 28-year-old medieval history enthusiast, was pinned down by Macron’s security officers immediately after the attack and was in custody since the assault.

The prosecutor called this attack to be "an act of deliberate violence" and "absolutely unacceptable". Tarel was given an 18-month jail term,&nbsp;14 of which were suspended.

The man who slapped the French President, Emmanuel Macron, has been sentenced to an 18-month jail term in a court hearing on Thursday. On June 8, French President Emmanuel Macron was slapped by a man during his trip to southeast France.

The man who slapped the French President, Emmanuel Macron, has been sentenced to an 18-month jail term in a court hearing on Thursday. On June 8, French President Emmanuel Macron was slapped by a man during his trip to southeast France. Also watch | President Emmanuel Macron slapped during visit to southeast France The 43-year-old leader was touring the village of Tain-l'Hermitage in the Drome region when he approached the barrier to engage and shake hands with the people who had lined up to meet their President. As Macron approached the barrier to shake hands with a spectator, a man dressed in a green t-shirt, glasses and face mask slapped the President across his face. Also watch | From a tight slap to Macron to flying shoe at George W Bush — When world leaders were at the receiving end The attacker was also heard yelling 'A Bas La Macronie' (Down with Macron) and 'Montjoie Saint Denis' (a battle cry of the French armies when the country was still a monarchy) before slapping the leader. He was identified as Damien Tarel, a 28-year-old medieval history enthusiast, was pinned down by Macron’s security officers immediately after the attack and was in custody since the assault. The prosecutor called this attack to be "an act of deliberate violence" and "absolutely unacceptable". Tarel was given an 18-month jail term, 14 of which were suspended.

France: Man who slapped Macron jailed for 18 months

French forces killed an Al Qaeda leader in Sahel region of Africa, France's armed forces minister said on Friday. He vowed to keep substantial military presence in the region. These words have come just a day after French President Emmanuel Macron ordered a drawdown of French forces from Sahel.

Speaking in an impromptu address, Florence Parly said that Baye ag Bakabo, who she said was responsible for the death of two French reporters in Mali in 2013, was killed on June 5. Three other militants were also killed.

"An operation was then launched against an armed terrorist group which was about to unleash mortar fire on a base held by a Chadian battalion of MINUSMA," Parly said, referring to the United Nations mission in Mali. "Four people were neutralised in the mission."

Radio journalists Claude Verlon and Ghislaine Dupont were abducted and shot dead after interviewing a member of the MNLA Tuareg separatist group in northern Mali in November 2013, six month after French troops drove back al-Qaeda-linked groups that had seized cities and towns in northern Mali.

Families of the journalists have sought numerous legal avenues to bring the killers to justice.

Paris prosecutors as early as 2013 had named Bakabo, a Touareg rebel and drug trafficker linked to al Qaeda’s north African wing, as the chief suspect after his pick-up truck was found abandoned in the desert near the bodies of the journalists.

Florence Parly was speaking after Macron said his country's operation battling Islamist militants in Sahel would come to an end with troops now operating as part of broader international efforts in the region.

France, the former colonial power, has hailed some success against Sahel militants in recent months. However, the situation is extremely fragile and Paris has grown frustrated with no apparent end in sight to its operations, political turmoil, especially in Mali, and some regional governments directly negotiating with militants Paris has been fighting.

(With inputs from agencies)

French forces killed an Al Qaeda leader in Sahel region of Africa, France's armed forces minister said on Friday. He vowed to keep substantial military presence in the region.

French forces killed an Al Qaeda leader in Sahel region of Africa, France's armed forces minister said on Friday. He vowed to keep substantial military presence in the region. These words have come just a day after French President Emmanuel Macron ordered a drawdown of French forces from Sahel. Speaking in an impromptu address, Florence Parly said that Baye ag Bakabo, who she said was responsible for the death of two French reporters in Mali in 2013, was killed on June 5. Three other militants were also killed. "An operation was then launched against an armed terrorist group which was about to unleash mortar fire on a base held by a Chadian battalion of MINUSMA," Parly said, referring to the United Nations mission in Mali. "Four people were neutralised in the mission." Radio journalists Claude Verlon and Ghislaine Dupont were abducted and shot dead after interviewing a member of the MNLA Tuareg separatist group in northern Mali in November 2013, six month after French troops drove back al-Qaeda-linked groups that had seized cities and towns in northern Mali. Families of the journalists have sought numerous legal avenues to bring the killers to justice. Paris prosecutors as early as 2013 had named Bakabo, a Touareg rebel and drug trafficker linked to al Qaeda’s north African wing, as the chief suspect after his pick-up truck was found abandoned in the desert near the bodies of the journalists. Florence Parly was speaking after Macron said his country's operation battling Islamist militants in Sahel would come to an end with troops now operating as part of broader international efforts in the region. France, the former colonial power, has hailed some success against Sahel militants in recent months. However, the situation is extremely fragile and Paris has grown frustrated with no apparent end in sight to its operations, political turmoil, especially in Mali, and some regional governments directly negotiating with militants Paris has been fighting. (With inputs from agencies)

France kills Al Qaeda leader in Sahel region of Africa

“Donations of doses by states have to be supplemented by donations of doses by pharmaceutical companies,” Macron told a news conference at the G7 Summit in Cornwall.

Macron calls for pharma giants to donate Covid vaccines

Citroen became the fourth automaker to reveal this week that it has been charged in France in connection with the 'dieselgate' emissions cheating scandal. The French automaker was charged by authorities over allegations of deception related to the sale of Euro 5 diesel vehicles in France between 2009 and 2015.

World Business Watch: French carmaker Citroen charged in 'dieselgate' scandal

French prosecutors have requested an 18-month jail term for a man who slapped President Emmanuel Macron in the face. The court gave Damien Tarel a sentence of 18 months in jail, but 14 of those months were suspended.

French prosecutors demand 18-month jail term for man who slapped Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday announced major drawdown of country's military presence in Sahel region of Africa. He also announced end of existing Barkhane operation.

"The time has come: Our commitment in the Sahel will not continue in the same way," Macron told a press conference.

"We will undertake a profound transformation of our military presence in the Sahel," he added. "The framework will be made clear in the weeks to come."

Macron said that he saw France's future presence as being part of the so-called Takuba international task force in the Sahel in which "hundreds" of French soldiers would form the "backbone."

This would mean the closure of French bases and would also lead to use of special forces who would be focused on anti-terror operations and military training, he added.

France currently has 5100 troops in the arid and volatile Sahel region which stretches across Africa south of the Sahara desert and spans half a dozen countries.

The Barkhane operation dates back to an initial deployment undertaken from January 2013 as Paris intervened to stop the advance of jihadists in Mali.

Macron said the French drawdown had been decided because the "longstanding presence of France... cannot be a substitute for political stability".

For years Macron has tried to get Western allies to help shoulder the burden of an anti-terror fight in the Sahel where France, the former colonial power in the region, is the lead foreign presence.&nbsp;

The killing in April of the veteran leader of Chad, a close Paris ally, and a coup in Mali last month have also underlined the threat posed by continued political instability in the region.

(With inputs from agencies)

French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday announced major drawdown of country's military presence in Sahel region of Africa. He also announced end of existing Barkhane operation.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday announced major drawdown of country's military presence in Sahel region of Africa. He also announced end of existing Barkhane operation. "The time has come: Our commitment in the Sahel will not continue in the same way," Macron told a press conference. "We will undertake a profound transformation of our military presence in the Sahel," he added. "The framework will be made clear in the weeks to come." Macron said that he saw France's future presence as being part of the so-called Takuba international task force in the Sahel in which "hundreds" of French soldiers would form the "backbone." This would mean the closure of French bases and would also lead to use of special forces who would be focused on anti-terror operations and military training, he added. France currently has 5100 troops in the arid and volatile Sahel region which stretches across Africa south of the Sahara desert and spans half a dozen countries. The Barkhane operation dates back to an initial deployment undertaken from January 2013 as Paris intervened to stop the advance of jihadists in Mali. Macron said the French drawdown had been decided because the "longstanding presence of France... cannot be a substitute for political stability". For years Macron has tried to get Western allies to help shoulder the burden of an anti-terror fight in the Sahel where France, the former colonial power in the region, is the lead foreign presence. The killing in April of the veteran leader of Chad, a close Paris ally, and a coup in Mali last month have also underlined the threat posed by continued political instability in the region. (With inputs from agencies)

Macron announces major troop drawdown from Sahel region in Africa

France has suspended military operations with Central African Republic, accusing its government of failing to respect political opposition and failing to stop a 'massive' anti-French disinformation campaign.

The French government is also suspending about 10 million euros (USD 12.1 million) in budgetary support for CAR, two French officials said on Tuesday.

The move comes amid high tensions and diplomatic wrangling over influence in the mineral-rich former French colony. Russia has business interests in the country and also sent military instructors there last year.

Central African Republic has faced deadly inter-religious and inter-communal fighting since 2013. After a 2019 peace deal, violence erupted anew after the constitutional court rejected former President Francois Bozize's effort to run for president again last year.

President Faustin Archange Touadera won reelection in December, but continues to face opposition from forces linked to Bozize. Rebels aligned with Bozize tried to attack the capital in January, underscoring how CAR's military faces serious security threats that they had looked to the French for help with.

About 160 French troops, who were providing operational support in the capital Bangui and training Central African forces have suspended their mission and stopped cooperating with the country's military, a French government official said.

The decision didn't affect the approximately 100 French troops involved in UN&nbsp;Peacekeeping forces and EU training forces in the country, or French advisers helping CAR with domestic civil security, the official said.

The official said CAR failed to respect promises toward the political opposition, and failed to fight anti-French disinformation campaigns online, notably targeting the French ambassador and defense attache.

Facebook took down hundreds of accounts and groups linked to Russia and France that were accused of using fake Facebook and Instagram accounts to wage a covert disinformation campaign in CAR before the December election.

An official in French President Emmanuel Macron's office said that CAR President Touadera ignored pressure from his country's neighbors and France to allow open up elections to opposition figures, 'but this didn't happen'.&nbsp;

Both officials weren't authorised to be publicly named. The French decision came after France suspended joint military operations last week with Malian forces until its coup leaders comply with international demands to restore civilian rule.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

France has suspended military operations with Central African Republic, accusing its government of failing to respect political opposition and failing to stop a 'massive' anti-French disinformation campaign.

France has suspended military operations with Central African Republic, accusing its government of failing to respect political opposition and failing to stop a 'massive' anti-French disinformation campaign. The French government is also suspending about 10 million euros (USD 12.1 million) in budgetary support for CAR, two French officials said on Tuesday. The move comes amid high tensions and diplomatic wrangling over influence in the mineral-rich former French colony. Russia has business interests in the country and also sent military instructors there last year. Central African Republic has faced deadly inter-religious and inter-communal fighting since 2013. After a 2019 peace deal, violence erupted anew after the constitutional court rejected former President Francois Bozize's effort to run for president again last year. President Faustin Archange Touadera won reelection in December, but continues to face opposition from forces linked to Bozize. Rebels aligned with Bozize tried to attack the capital in January, underscoring how CAR's military faces serious security threats that they had looked to the French for help with. About 160 French troops, who were providing operational support in the capital Bangui and training Central African forces have suspended their mission and stopped cooperating with the country's military, a French government official said. The decision didn't affect the approximately 100 French troops involved in UN Peacekeeping forces and EU training forces in the country, or French advisers helping CAR with domestic civil security, the official said. The official said CAR failed to respect promises toward the political opposition, and failed to fight anti-French disinformation campaigns online, notably targeting the French ambassador and defense attache. Facebook took down hundreds of accounts and groups linked to Russia and France that were accused of using fake Facebook and Instagram accounts to wage a covert disinformation campaign in CAR before the December election. An official in French President Emmanuel Macron's office said that CAR President Touadera ignored pressure from his country's neighbors and France to allow open up elections to opposition figures, 'but this didn't happen'. Both officials weren't authorised to be publicly named. The French decision came after France suspended joint military operations last week with Malian forces until its coup leaders comply with international demands to restore civilian rule. (With inputs from agencies)

France freezes military ties with Central African Republic

The authority said that a company in a dominant position is subject to a particular responsibility, that of not undermining competition.

France fines Google USD 268 million for unfair practices in online ads

The French President Emmanuel Macron was slapped by a man during his trip to southeast France on Tuesday, his aide reported.

While touring the village of Tain-l'Hermitage in the Drome region, the 43-year-old approached a man across the barrier to shake his hand.

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A protestor slaps Macron in the face in the city of Tain, shouting “down with Macron” <a href="https://t.co/Pnzs1HxNqD">pic.twitter.com/Pnzs1HxNqD</a>
— Ragıp Soylu (@ragipsoylu) <a href="https://twitter.com/ragipsoylu/status/1402249712422563840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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However, as soon as he got close to the man, the unidentified man slapped the French leader across the face.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-sees-difficult-choices-holds-back-on-re-election-bid-389270" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-sees-difficult-choices-holds-back-on-re-election-bid-389270&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwixnv3GlIjxAhX5H7cAHebmCm0QFjAEegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3M8HhjCGNhfDfhohXObjox" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-sees-difficult-choices-holds-back-on-re-election-bid-389270" target="_blank">Macron&nbsp;sees 'difficult' choices, holds back on re-election bid</a>

"Around 1:15 pm (1115 GMT), the president got back into his car after visiting a high school and came back out because onlookers were calling out to him,"&nbsp;the regional prefecture said in a statement. "He went to meet them and that's where the incident happened."

Macron’s security officials rushed to the leader’s rescue and pinned the attacker to the ground. As of now, two people have been detained by the officials to investigate the attack.

"The man who tried to slap the president and another individual are currently being questioned by the gendarmerie," the statement added.

In the video circulating on social media platforms, the attacker can be seen standing behind the barricades in a green t-shirt, glasses and face mask. He was heard yelling 'A Bas La Macronie' (Down with Macron) and 'Montjoie Saint Denis' (a battle cry of the French armies when the country was still a monarchy) before slapping the leader.

Macron was seen in the eye of the public for a few more minutes while talking to someone in the back, and was then ushered away by his security officials.

The President was visiting the area to talk to restaurant owners and students to discuss the post-covid environment and its effects on their daily lives.

The French President Emmanuel Macron was slapped by a man during his trip to southeast France on Tuesday, his aide reported. While touring the village of Tain-l'Hermitage in the Drome region, the 43-year-old approached a man across the barrier to shake his hand.

The French President Emmanuel Macron was slapped by a man during his trip to southeast France on Tuesday, his aide reported. While touring the village of Tain-l'Hermitage in the Drome region, the 43-year-old approached a man across the barrier to shake his hand. A protestor slaps Macron in the face in the city of Tain, shouting “down with Macron” pic.twitter.com/Pnzs1HxNqD — Ragıp Soylu (@ragipsoylu) June 8, 2021 × However, as soon as he got close to the man, the unidentified man slapped the French leader across the face. Also read | Macron sees 'difficult' choices, holds back on re-election bid "Around 1:15 pm (1115 GMT), the president got back into his car after visiting a high school and came back out because onlookers were calling out to him," the regional prefecture said in a statement. "He went to meet them and that's where the incident happened." Macron’s security officials rushed to the leader’s rescue and pinned the attacker to the ground. As of now, two people have been detained by the officials to investigate the attack. "The man who tried to slap the president and another individual are currently being questioned by the gendarmerie," the statement added. In the video circulating on social media platforms, the attacker can be seen standing behind the barricades in a green t-shirt, glasses and face mask. He was heard yelling 'A Bas La Macronie' (Down with Macron) and 'Montjoie Saint Denis' (a battle cry of the French armies when the country was still a monarchy) before slapping the leader. Macron was seen in the eye of the public for a few more minutes while talking to someone in the back, and was then ushered away by his security officials. The President was visiting the area to talk to restaurant owners and students to discuss the post-covid environment and its effects on their daily lives.

Watch: President Emmanuel Macron slapped during visit to southeast France

A memorial to almost 22,500 servicemen and women under British command killed during&nbsp;D-Day&nbsp;and subsequent battles is to be unveiled on Sunday in northern France, a tribute seen as a long-overdue commemoration of their sacrifice.

The British Normandy Memorial, inscribed with the names of 22,442 men and women who lost their lives during the invasion of Nazi-occupied France in the summer of 1944, will open on a hillside in the Normandy village of Ver-sur-Mer on the 77th anniversary of the landings.

It overlooks Gold Beach, one of three beaches where British forces landed on the morning of June 6, 1944, to begin the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi occupation.

The memorial constructed at a cost of £33 million ($47 million) met by both the UK government and private donors is the first such in Normandy to commemorate those who fell under British command.

"The construction of a national memorial in Normandy has been a long-held ambition of Normandy Veterans, frustrated that Britain alone among the main wartime allies did not have such a memorial," the Normandy Memorial Trust said in a statement ahead of the ceremony.

It consists of a series of 160 standing white stones where the names of the soldiers who fell are inscribed in chronological order from June 6 to August 31, 1944. Some 4,000 tonnes of stone were used.

The British heir to the throne Prince Charles, in a video message shared by the Normandy Memorial Trust, described the memorial as "long overdue".

"I have long been concerned that the memory of these remarkable individuals should be preserved for generations to come as an example of personal courage and sacrifice," he said.

"The memorial... will provide a place of private and perpetual contemplation where visitors will be able to reflect on what we owe to all those who so gallantly carried out their duty with such extraordinary selflessness and resolve," Prince Charles added.

Soldiers from over three dozen nationalities, including from across the Commonwealth and French resistance fighters, served under British command in the landings.

'A lot of research'&nbsp;

Steven Dean, the manager of the project, said he hoped that the site could draw in a quarter of a million visitors every year.

"This is the only place with all the names, so it took a lot of research to find the 22,442," he told AFP.

Until now, the main site of pilgrimage for paying respects to those who died under British command has been the cemetery in the nearby town of Bayeux.

The American cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, whose 10,000 graves overlook Omaha Beach, used to welcome some one million visitors annually before the pandemic struck.

The ceremony presided over by the British Ambassador to France Ed Llewellyn, accompanied by French Defence Minister Florence Parly, begins at 0830 GMT.

It will have added symbolism as a sign of the strong historical bonds between the cross-Channel neighbours in the wake of Britain's exit from the European Union.

The site also includes a French Memorial, dedicated to the memory of estimated 20,000 French civilians who died in Normandy as a result of bombing and fighting.

Seventy-seven years on from the Normandy landings, the COVID-19 pandemic means that British survivors will not be able to travel to France for the event. However, they can take part in an online relay being broadcast in the UK.

The June 6, 1944 landings by Allied forces on five Normandy beaches were the biggest naval operation ever in terms of the number of ships deployed and the troops involved.

By the end of what became known as "the longest day", 156,000 Allied troops and 20,000 vehicles had landed in Nazi-occupied northern France despite facing a hail of bullets, artillery and aircraft fire.

A memorial to almost 22,500 servicemen and women under British command killed during D-Day and subsequent battles is to be unveiled on Sunday in northern France, a tribute seen as a long-overdue commemoration of their sacrifice.

A memorial to almost 22,500 servicemen and women under British command killed during D-Day and subsequent battles is to be unveiled on Sunday in northern France, a tribute seen as a long-overdue commemoration of their sacrifice. The British Normandy Memorial, inscribed with the names of 22,442 men and women who lost their lives during the invasion of Nazi-occupied France in the summer of 1944, will open on a hillside in the Normandy village of Ver-sur-Mer on the 77th anniversary of the landings. It overlooks Gold Beach, one of three beaches where British forces landed on the morning of June 6, 1944, to begin the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi occupation. The memorial constructed at a cost of £33 million ($47 million) met by both the UK government and private donors is the first such in Normandy to commemorate those who fell under British command. "The construction of a national memorial in Normandy has been a long-held ambition of Normandy Veterans, frustrated that Britain alone among the main wartime allies did not have such a memorial," the Normandy Memorial Trust said in a statement ahead of the ceremony. It consists of a series of 160 standing white stones where the names of the soldiers who fell are inscribed in chronological order from June 6 to August 31, 1944. Some 4,000 tonnes of stone were used. The British heir to the throne Prince Charles, in a video message shared by the Normandy Memorial Trust, described the memorial as "long overdue". "I have long been concerned that the memory of these remarkable individuals should be preserved for generations to come as an example of personal courage and sacrifice," he said. "The memorial... will provide a place of private and perpetual contemplation where visitors will be able to reflect on what we owe to all those who so gallantly carried out their duty with such extraordinary selflessness and resolve," Prince Charles added. Soldiers from over three dozen nationalities, including from across the Commonwealth and French resistance fighters, served under British command in the landings. 'A lot of research' Steven Dean, the manager of the project, said he hoped that the site could draw in a quarter of a million visitors every year. "This is the only place with all the names, so it took a lot of research to find the 22,442," he told AFP. Until now, the main site of pilgrimage for paying respects to those who died under British command has been the cemetery in the nearby town of Bayeux. The American cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, whose 10,000 graves overlook Omaha Beach, used to welcome some one million visitors annually before the pandemic struck. The ceremony presided over by the British Ambassador to France Ed Llewellyn, accompanied by French Defence Minister Florence Parly, begins at 0830 GMT. It will have added symbolism as a sign of the strong historical bonds between the cross-Channel neighbours in the wake of Britain's exit from the European Union. The site also includes a French Memorial, dedicated to the memory of estimated 20,000 French civilians who died in Normandy as a result of bombing and fighting. Seventy-seven years on from the Normandy landings, the COVID-19 pandemic means that British survivors will not be able to travel to France for the event. However, they can take part in an online relay being broadcast in the UK. The June 6, 1944 landings by Allied forces on five Normandy beaches were the biggest naval operation ever in terms of the number of ships deployed and the troops involved. By the end of what became known as "the longest day", 156,000 Allied troops and 20,000 vehicles had landed in Nazi-occupied northern France despite facing a hail of bullets, artillery and aircraft fire.

British memorial opens in France to remember D-Day fallen

13 people went on trial over death threats sent to a French teenager who unleashed an anti-Islam rant last year. The teen however faces no legal action. Is the right to blaspheme being misused in France?

Gravitas: Free speech versus blasphemy debate in France

It’s become a familiar refrain in French political life. From President Emmanuel Macron and his cabinet to the far-right opposition, from print columnists to talking heads, “Americanization” is increasingly held responsible for a whole set of social ills ailing the nation.

For some of these critics, it’s the reason so many young people — adopting the view of Black Lives Matter activists — believe police violence is a problem. For others, it explains why the quality of academic research is in decline, as fanciful ideas concocted on American college campuses like intersectionality and post-colonialism supposedly flourish. To others still, it’s why people can’t speak their mind anymore, suffocated by the threats of “cancel culture.”

Perhaps the most common gripe is that ideas and practices imported from the United States are making the French obsessed with ethnic, religious and sexual difference at the expense of their shared identity as citizens of the universal Republic.

They’re not wrong: French politics are, in fact, becoming Americanized. But the problem is not left-wing theories or censorious scolds. It is instead the rise of an insular, nationalistic, right-wing discourse driven by a belligerent style of press coverage. Distinctively French in content, the form this discourse takes — grievance-wallowing hosts conjuring embittered conversations about national decline, immigration and religion — follows America’s lead. As in the United States, the result is a degraded political landscape that empowers the far right, dragging mainstream politicians into its orbit.

Culture wars are America’s true gift to France.

Leading the charge is CNews, often called the French Fox News for its mimicry of the codes and conventions of American cable news. Launched in 2017 by a conservative billionaire, Vincent Bolloré, the network has attracted viewers by offering polemical debate marked by a hard-right bent — hitting an important milestone last month when it recorded the highest ratings of any 24-hour news network in France. The network’s star panelist is the nationalist essayist Éric Zemmour, a man convicted several times of hate speech against racial minorities and Muslims, while its star host, Pascal Praud, plays the role of objective moderator. Much like Tucker Carlson, he has a penchant for incendiary stories that allow him to speak in the name of the country’s victimized silent majority.

Instead of devoting time to the day’s top news stories, hosts tend to prefer dissecting micro-scandals that are more or less indecipherable to audiences outside the country, with chyrons capturing guests’ provocations seconds after they’re uttered. As on Fox News, the themes covered often reflect conservative anxieties about a changing nation: the size of the foreign-born population, the supposed excesses of political correctness, the place of Islam and a wounded sense of national pride.

And as with the Fox network, CNews often sets the country’s agenda. Many of the news items obsessively covered by the channel have evolved into full-blown national debates. Among them are the bullying of a teenager on social media after she called Islam a “religion of hate” on Instagram; a push from the Green Party mayor of Lyon to serve meat-free meals at school cafeterias; support from the country’s oldest student union for meetings reserved for women and nonwhite people; and the acceptance by the president’s party, En Marche, of a candidate who wears the Islamic veil onto its list for the regional elections later this month. (The party eventually withdrew the nomination under pressure.)

Such concerns, however animating for those perennially anxious about France’s secular identity, would not ordinarily dominate a country’s attention. But they’ve been elevated into national issues because leading politicians have chosen to play along — and not just those from the right-wing opposition. High-ranking members of En Marche have joined these skirmishes and, in some cases, actively opened new fronts in the culture wars themselves.

Earlier this year, Frédérique Vidal, the minister of higher education, complained of the supposed scourge of “Islamo-leftism,” a term once limited to the extreme right that refers to an imaginary political alliance between conservative Muslims and anticapitalists. Ms. Vidal even called for an investigation into the problem to examine how certain professors allegedly blur the lines between research and activism — a move rightfully condemned by the state’s top research institute as an attack on academic freedom.

Not to be outdone by his colleague, Jean-Michel Blanquer, the education minister, recently oversaw a formal ban in schools of one aspect of what’s known as “inclusive writing” — the use of both feminine and masculine word endings, separated by a middle dot, when they refer to groups of people. Though the move is unlikely to have much effect, because the practice wasn’t widely taught, it was nevertheless welcomed in some circles as a defense of the French language against creeping political correctness.

Although they claim to be protecting academic freedom, Ms. Vidal and Mr. Blanquer would be right at home in today’s Republican Party, where blasting teachers for peddling radical theories, corrupting the youth and damaging the national interest is standard fare.

What’s in it for Mr. Macron? As many have noted, the president’s advisers believe these battles bring political benefits. Most important, they’re meant to woo right-wing voters ahead of a potential rematch against Marine Le Pen, head of the far-right National Rally, in next year’s presidential election. But they’re also designed to inflict damage on the left, whose badly divided parties, struggling to talk about the problems of racial and religious discrimination within France’s secular and colorblind legal framework, regularly disagree on these very same topics.

Whether or not the strategy pays off in 2022, the culture wars are fueling support for the far right today. Polls ahead of this month’s regional elections, where 17 regional presidencies are up for grabs, show the National Rally with a solid shot of capturing majority control of a region for the first time ever — while Ms. Le Pen is within striking distance of Mr. Macron in the presidential election. That makes sense when the news cycle revolves around issues like the Islamic veil, the left’s supposed sense of moral superiority and a vastly exaggerated uptick in violence against police officers. When National Rally leaders claim their party’s longstanding grievances and preoccupations are being legitimized by the government, it’s hard to disagree.

It’s also striking to see the depths to which political discourse has sunk in a country that prides itself on its capacity for highbrow public debate and the spotlight it reserves for intellectuals. In the middle of a pandemic and after the country’s worst economic crisis since the end of World War II, the French news cycle isn’t led by discussion over truly universal issues like wealth inequality, the health system or climate change. Instead it’s focused on navel-gazing debates about identity, fueled by television personalities.

What’s more American than that?

It’s become a familiar refrain in French political life. From President Emmanuel Macron and his cabinet to the far-right opposition, from print columnists to talking heads, “Americanization” is increasingly held responsible for a whole set of social ills ailing the nation.

It’s become a familiar refrain in French political life. From President Emmanuel Macron and his cabinet to the far-right opposition, from print columnists to talking heads, “Americanization” is increasingly held responsible for a whole set of social ills ailing the nation. For some of these critics, it’s the reason so many young people — adopting the view of Black Lives Matter activists — believe police violence is a problem. For others, it explains why the quality of academic research is in decline, as fanciful ideas concocted on American college campuses like intersectionality and post-colonialism supposedly flourish. To others still, it’s why people can’t speak their mind anymore, suffocated by the threats of “cancel culture.” Perhaps the most common gripe is that ideas and practices imported from the United States are making the French obsessed with ethnic, religious and sexual difference at the expense of their shared identity as citizens of the universal Republic. They’re not wrong: French politics are, in fact, becoming Americanized. But the problem is not left-wing theories or censorious scolds. It is instead the rise of an insular, nationalistic, right-wing discourse driven by a belligerent style of press coverage. Distinctively French in content, the form this discourse takes — grievance-wallowing hosts conjuring embittered conversations about national decline, immigration and religion — follows America’s lead. As in the United States, the result is a degraded political landscape that empowers the far right, dragging mainstream politicians into its orbit. Culture wars are America’s true gift to France. Leading the charge is CNews, often called the French Fox News for its mimicry of the codes and conventions of American cable news. Launched in 2017 by a conservative billionaire, Vincent Bolloré, the network has attracted viewers by offering polemical debate marked by a hard-right bent — hitting an important milestone last month when it recorded the highest ratings of any 24-hour news network in France. The network’s star panelist is the nationalist essayist Éric Zemmour, a man convicted several times of hate speech against racial minorities and Muslims, while its star host, Pascal Praud, plays the role of objective moderator. Much like Tucker Carlson, he has a penchant for incendiary stories that allow him to speak in the name of the country’s victimized silent majority. Instead of devoting time to the day’s top news stories, hosts tend to prefer dissecting micro-scandals that are more or less indecipherable to audiences outside the country, with chyrons capturing guests’ provocations seconds after they’re uttered. As on Fox News, the themes covered often reflect conservative anxieties about a changing nation: the size of the foreign-born population, the supposed excesses of political correctness, the place of Islam and a wounded sense of national pride. And as with the Fox network, CNews often sets the country’s agenda. Many of the news items obsessively covered by the channel have evolved into full-blown national debates. Among them are the bullying of a teenager on social media after she called Islam a “religion of hate” on Instagram; a push from the Green Party mayor of Lyon to serve meat-free meals at school cafeterias; support from the country’s oldest student union for meetings reserved for women and nonwhite people; and the acceptance by the president’s party, En Marche, of a candidate who wears the Islamic veil onto its list for the regional elections later this month. (The party eventually withdrew the nomination under pressure.) Such concerns, however animating for those perennially anxious about France’s secular identity, would not ordinarily dominate a country’s attention. But they’ve been elevated into national issues because leading politicians have chosen to play along — and not just those from the right-wing opposition. High-ranking members of En Marche have joined these skirmishes and, in some cases, actively opened new fronts in the culture wars themselves. Earlier this year, Frédérique Vidal, the minister of higher education, complained of the supposed scourge of “Islamo-leftism,” a term once limited to the extreme right that refers to an imaginary political alliance between conservative Muslims and anticapitalists. Ms. Vidal even called for an investigation into the problem to examine how certain professors allegedly blur the lines between research and activism — a move rightfully condemned by the state’s top research institute as an attack on academic freedom. Not to be outdone by his colleague, Jean-Michel Blanquer, the education minister, recently oversaw a formal ban in schools of one aspect of what’s known as “inclusive writing” — the use of both feminine and masculine word endings, separated by a middle dot, when they refer to groups of people. Though the move is unlikely to have much effect, because the practice wasn’t widely taught, it was nevertheless welcomed in some circles as a defense of the French language against creeping political correctness. Although they claim to be protecting academic freedom, Ms. Vidal and Mr. Blanquer would be right at home in today’s Republican Party, where blasting teachers for peddling radical theories, corrupting the youth and damaging the national interest is standard fare. What’s in it for Mr. Macron? As many have noted, the president’s advisers believe these battles bring political benefits. Most important, they’re meant to woo right-wing voters ahead of a potential rematch against Marine Le Pen, head of the far-right National Rally, in next year’s presidential election. But they’re also designed to inflict damage on the left, whose badly divided parties, struggling to talk about the problems of racial and religious discrimination within France’s secular and colorblind legal framework, regularly disagree on these very same topics. Whether or not the strategy pays off in 2022, the culture wars are fueling support for the far right today. Polls ahead of this month’s regional elections, where 17 regional presidencies are up for grabs, show the National Rally with a solid shot of capturing majority control of a region for the first time ever — while Ms. Le Pen is within striking distance of Mr. Macron in the presidential election. That makes sense when the news cycle revolves around issues like the Islamic veil, the left’s supposed sense of moral superiority and a vastly exaggerated uptick in violence against police officers. When National Rally leaders claim their party’s longstanding grievances and preoccupations are being legitimized by the government, it’s hard to disagree. It’s also striking to see the depths to which political discourse has sunk in a country that prides itself on its capacity for highbrow public debate and the spotlight it reserves for intellectuals. In the middle of a pandemic and after the country’s worst economic crisis since the end of World War II, the French news cycle isn’t led by discussion over truly universal issues like wealth inequality, the health system or climate change. Instead it’s focused on navel-gazing debates about identity, fueled by television personalities. What’s more American than that?

France is becoming more like America. It’s terrible.

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

France: 13 on trial over online abuse, death threats against teenager girl

France&nbsp;will start offering <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">Covid-19 vaccines</a> to all young people aged 12-18 years starting on June 15, President Emmanuel Macron said Wednesday.

During a visit to the village of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie in southern&nbsp;France, Macron also noted that 50 per cent of French adults have now received at least one <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">Covid</a> vaccine jab, calling it "truly a turning point" in the country's inoculation drive.

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Vaccine supplies have increased sharply recently, prompting officials to open up appointments to all adults earlier this week, several weeks ahead of schedule.

With the country just beginning to bounce back from a severe third wave of infections, Macron's government is keen to quickly expand the vaccine coverage to slow the spread of variants.

But Macron urged people to remain "extremely careful and vigilant" and said wearing face masks outdoors would still be required in several regions for the time being.

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The 43-year-old president, who caught Covid last December, announced Monday that he and his wife had also had the jab.

Later Wednesday, Health Minister Olivier Veran told TF1 television that the vaccination programme for teenagers would not be compulsory, but on a voluntary basis and with the agreement of parents.

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Starting the vaccinations for adolescents now would make it easier to avoid schools closures at the beginning of the next academic year in September, he added.&nbsp;

The country is emerging from its third nationwide lockdown, with restaurants and cafes now allowed to serve clients outside. Indoor dining is due to resume from June 9.

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Pressure on hospitals has eased, with the number of Covid patients in intensive care falling steadily in recent weeks, with 2,754 serious cases as of Wednesday, down from more than 6,000 in late April.&nbsp;

Macron was in Saint-Cirq-Lapopie to launch a nationwide tour ahead of next year's presidential election, as well as regional elections set for later this month.

France will start offering Covid-19 vaccines to all young people aged 12-18 years starting on June 15, President Emmanuel Macron said Wednesday. During a visit to the village of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie in southern France, Macron also noted that 50 per cent of French adults have now received at least one Covid vaccine jab, calling it "truly a turning point" in the country's inoculation drive.

France will start offering Covid-19 vaccines to all young people aged 12-18 years starting on June 15, President Emmanuel Macron said Wednesday. During a visit to the village of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie in southern France, Macron also noted that 50 per cent of French adults have now received at least one Covid vaccine jab, calling it "truly a turning point" in the country's inoculation drive. Also Read | COVID-19 in Europe: Britain records zero deaths; Germany, France ramp up vaccination Vaccine supplies have increased sharply recently, prompting officials to open up appointments to all adults earlier this week, several weeks ahead of schedule. With the country just beginning to bounce back from a severe third wave of infections, Macron's government is keen to quickly expand the vaccine coverage to slow the spread of variants. But Macron urged people to remain "extremely careful and vigilant" and said wearing face masks outdoors would still be required in several regions for the time being. Also Read | Worldwide coronavirus cases cross 171 million, death toll at 3,557,281 The 43-year-old president, who caught Covid last December, announced Monday that he and his wife had also had the jab. Later Wednesday, Health Minister Olivier Veran told TF1 television that the vaccination programme for teenagers would not be compulsory, but on a voluntary basis and with the agreement of parents. Also Read | France reimposes strict Covid curbs on travel from UK Starting the vaccinations for adolescents now would make it easier to avoid schools closures at the beginning of the next academic year in September, he added. The country is emerging from its third nationwide lockdown, with restaurants and cafes now allowed to serve clients outside. Indoor dining is due to resume from June 9. Also Read | Paris venue hosts indoor rock concert - with masks and virus tests Pressure on hospitals has eased, with the number of Covid patients in intensive care falling steadily in recent weeks, with 2,754 serious cases as of Wednesday, down from more than 6,000 in late April. Macron was in Saint-Cirq-Lapopie to launch a nationwide tour ahead of next year's presidential election, as well as regional elections set for later this month.

France to widen Covid vaccine drive to 12 to 18-year-olds from June 15

French President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday that he planned to make "difficult" decisions this summer and again refused to confirm if he would seek another five-year term in what is expected to be a hotly contested election next year.

"I can't manage this summer taking it easy," Macron told a group of pensioners in the southern French village of Martel as part of a nationwide tour.

"I'm going to have to make some choices... some of them difficult" but necessary so that the last year of his term is "useful," he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-to-widen-covid-vaccine-drive-to-12-to-18-year-olds-from-june-15-389126" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/france-to-widen-covid-vaccine-drive-to-12-to-18-year-olds-from-june-15-389126&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiJ9PjV7PvwAhXSV3wKHbDFBYAQFjACegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1z2qiT7oWYWy5fhJ3nd4RQ" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-to-widen-covid-vaccine-drive-to-12-to-18-year-olds-from-june-15-389126" target="_blank">France to widen Covid vaccine drive to 12 to 18-year-olds from June</a>

Macron had already indicated in an interview in December that he might have to take "tough steps" that could render any re-election bid "impossible."

"It's too early to say," he replied Thursday when asked if he would run, while insisting he was determined to "carry things out until the end".

The 43-year-old centrist, whose 2017 victory upended France's political establishment, has repeatedly held his cards close to his chest about the 2022 election, when he is again expected to face off against far-right leader Marine Le Pen.&nbsp;

Right-wing heavyweight Xavier Bertrand has already declared his candidacy, and other right-wingers, including former Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier and perhaps Macron's ex-premier Edouard Philippe, could yet enter the fray.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/france-12-to-18-year-olds-to-be-vaccinated-from-june-15-389223">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/france-12-to-18-year-olds-to-be-vaccinated-from-june-15-389223/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

It would be a major sensation if Macron did not run and his popularity in polls — while not stellar — is respectable compared to those of his predecessors.

Pension reform plan?

Macron was on the second day of his latest tour to "take the pulse" of the country ahead of the vote, as well as regional elections later this month — in which his Republic on the Move party is widely expected to perform poorly.

The former investment banker swept to power with an upstart party and a pledge to enact vast reforms to unshackle the French economy and right its finances.

His ambitious plans, including tax cuts and pension overhauls, nonetheless generated fierce protests including the "yellow vests" revolt, which accused Macron of favouring the urban elite and wealthy at the expense of the rest of the population.

The Covid crisis has further stymied his reformist drive, in particular a highly symbolic overhaul of France's debt-burdened pension system, which was suspended in March last year.

His own party is divided on whether to carry through with the reform in the coming months, or put off the potentially explosive issue until after next year's vote.

"I don't think the reform that was initially planned can be revived in its current state," Macron told a group of journalists later Thursday, calling it "the mother of all reforms".

Though he said it was "too soon" to announce his plan for getting the system on sound financial footing, he added that "nothing has been ruled out".

'Couldn't care less'

Asked about France's economic prospects, Macron defended his policies, as well has his decision not to raise taxes as &nbsp;debt mounts from efforts to curtail the pain of the Covid pandemic.

"You have to produce wealth to redistribute it, something we forget too often in our country," he said. "We are the EU country that taxes the most."

"Should we massively tax the rich, an idea we seem to love? We can, but the rich will just leave!" he said.

"They call me 'president of the rich' — I couldn't care less."

French President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday that he planned to make "difficult" decisions this summer and again refused to confirm if he would seek another five-year term in what is expected to be a hotly contested election next year.

French President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday that he planned to make "difficult" decisions this summer and again refused to confirm if he would seek another five-year term in what is expected to be a hotly contested election next year. "I can't manage this summer taking it easy," Macron told a group of pensioners in the southern French village of Martel as part of a nationwide tour. "I'm going to have to make some choices... some of them difficult" but necessary so that the last year of his term is "useful," he said. Also read | France to widen Covid vaccine drive to 12 to 18-year-olds from June Macron had already indicated in an interview in December that he might have to take "tough steps" that could render any re-election bid "impossible." "It's too early to say," he replied Thursday when asked if he would run, while insisting he was determined to "carry things out until the end". The 43-year-old centrist, whose 2017 victory upended France's political establishment, has repeatedly held his cards close to his chest about the 2022 election, when he is again expected to face off against far-right leader Marine Le Pen. Right-wing heavyweight Xavier Bertrand has already declared his candidacy, and other right-wingers, including former Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier and perhaps Macron's ex-premier Edouard Philippe, could yet enter the fray. WATCH | It would be a major sensation if Macron did not run and his popularity in polls — while not stellar — is respectable compared to those of his predecessors. Pension reform plan? Macron was on the second day of his latest tour to "take the pulse" of the country ahead of the vote, as well as regional elections later this month — in which his Republic on the Move party is widely expected to perform poorly. The former investment banker swept to power with an upstart party and a pledge to enact vast reforms to unshackle the French economy and right its finances. His ambitious plans, including tax cuts and pension overhauls, nonetheless generated fierce protests including the "yellow vests" revolt, which accused Macron of favouring the urban elite and wealthy at the expense of the rest of the population. The Covid crisis has further stymied his reformist drive, in particular a highly symbolic overhaul of France's debt-burdened pension system, which was suspended in March last year. His own party is divided on whether to carry through with the reform in the coming months, or put off the potentially explosive issue until after next year's vote. "I don't think the reform that was initially planned can be revived in its current state," Macron told a group of journalists later Thursday, calling it "the mother of all reforms". Though he said it was "too soon" to announce his plan for getting the system on sound financial footing, he added that "nothing has been ruled out". 'Couldn't care less' Asked about France's economic prospects, Macron defended his policies, as well has his decision not to raise taxes as debt mounts from efforts to curtail the pain of the Covid pandemic. "You have to produce wealth to redistribute it, something we forget too often in our country," he said. "We are the EU country that taxes the most." "Should we massively tax the rich, an idea we seem to love? We can, but the rich will just leave!" he said. "They call me 'president of the rich' — I couldn't care less."

Macron sees 'difficult' choices, holds back on re-election bid

France will start vaccinating young adults and children aged 12-18 years from June 15. President Macron has urged parents to allow their children to get vaccinated.

France: 12 to 18- year-olds to be vaccinated from June 15

France, Germany and other European countries demanded answers following reports the US spied on its allies using Danish underwater cables. The report was published by Denmark's National broadcaster DR News in collaboration with other European media outlets.

Europe demands answers after US-Danish spying claims

French rock band Indochine performed at a concert venue in central Paris before a crowd of 5,000 fans in a welcomed return to pre-pandemic life, with the exception of masks and mandatory tests.

Paris venue hosts indoor rock concert with masks and virus tests

A large search operation involving elite forces and helicopters was underway in France's southern Dordogne region on Saturday after a man was reported having shot at police officers, France Info reported. There was no report of casualties.

"The man, a former member of the army, is armed and on the run as we speak (...) A police operation is taking place to avoid things get out of control," the prefect of Dordogne, Frederic Perissat, told BFM television.

The Dordogne prefecture on Twitter urged inhabitants of Le Lardin-Saint-Lazare to stay at home until further notice.

A large search operation involving elite forces and helicopters was underway in France's southern Dordogne region on Saturday after a man was reported having shot at police officers, France Info reported.

A large search operation involving elite forces and helicopters was underway in France's southern Dordogne region on Saturday after a man was reported having shot at police officers, France Info reported. There was no report of casualties. "The man, a former member of the army, is armed and on the run as we speak (...) A police operation is taking place to avoid things get out of control," the prefect of Dordogne, Frederic Perissat, told BFM television. The Dordogne prefecture on Twitter urged inhabitants of Le Lardin-Saint-Lazare to stay at home until further notice.

Police operation in France after reports of armed man on the run

Residents of a small French town laid cards and flowers on Saturday at the scene where a "very kind" and "gentle" policewoman was seriously wounded in a knife attack the day before, the latest in a spate of attacks on officers.&nbsp;

The attacker, 39-year-old French citizen Ndiaga Dieye who was known to police and a diagnosed schizophrenic, stabbed the woman in La Chapelle-sur-Erdre near the western city of Nantes on Friday.

He then seized her firearm and fled, holding a young woman hostage for several hours before wounding two police officers during a shootout in which he was shot dead.

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In La Chapelle-sur-Erdre, Ines said she had often interacted with policewoman Katell Lereec, who had life-threatening injuries but is now out of danger.

"I am still very upset. I am very saddened for her, because she does not deserve this," the 77-year-old said.

"She is very, very kind, she is gentle, even when she speaks she speaks softly," she added.

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"We attack people like that who protect us. Who are we going to be protected by if we attack these people?"

Dieye had 19 previous convictions and had spent almost half his life in prison, where he was diagnosed as schizophrenic and had become radicalised.&nbsp;

Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said Dieye had been on a watch-list of potential terrorist sympathisers.

Since Dieye finished serving his most recent jail sentence on March 22, he had found work and housing due to an integration association in La Chapelle-sur-Erdre.

His lawyer Vincent de la Morandiere said "it was a failure of the judicial system".

"He started serving time in prison at 17, he was convicted all the time and it didn't work," he added.

"He went back and forth between the concrete of the prison and the concrete of the city."

Dieye's most serious conviction was kidnapping and robbery after tying up an elderly couple and covering them with a blanket before searching their house in 2013.

His lawyer said he was "very uncommunicative" despite a family "who sacrificied themselves to try to help him".&nbsp;

Nantes prosecutor Pierre Sennes said that, depending on the outcome of ongoing investigations, the case was likely to be handed over to the anti-terror prosecutors.

Lereec, born in 1974, has a grown-up son, the town's mayor said.

She was recruited "as a youth worker at the end of the 1990s on social mediation missions," before taking the municipal police exam, mayor Fabrice Roussel said.

A hairdresser who runs a salon behind the police station said Lereec is "doing well, we've heard from her colleague, we can't wait to see her again".

The latest bloodshed comes after several attacks on police in France, leading officers to demand better protection and harsher punishments for attacks against them.

Residents of a small French town laid cards and flowers on Saturday at the scene where a "very kind" and "gentle" policewoman was seriously wounded in a knife attack the day before, the latest in a spate of attacks on officers.

Residents of a small French town laid cards and flowers on Saturday at the scene where a "very kind" and "gentle" policewoman was seriously wounded in a knife attack the day before, the latest in a spate of attacks on officers. The attacker, 39-year-old French citizen Ndiaga Dieye who was known to police and a diagnosed schizophrenic, stabbed the woman in La Chapelle-sur-Erdre near the western city of Nantes on Friday. He then seized her firearm and fled, holding a young woman hostage for several hours before wounding two police officers during a shootout in which he was shot dead. Also read | Russia approves Air France, Lufthansa routes which avoid Belarus In La Chapelle-sur-Erdre, Ines said she had often interacted with policewoman Katell Lereec, who had life-threatening injuries but is now out of danger. "I am still very upset. I am very saddened for her, because she does not deserve this," the 77-year-old said. "She is very, very kind, she is gentle, even when she speaks she speaks softly," she added. Also read | France reimposes strict Covid curbs on travel from UK "We attack people like that who protect us. Who are we going to be protected by if we attack these people?" Dieye had 19 previous convictions and had spent almost half his life in prison, where he was diagnosed as schizophrenic and had become radicalised. Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said Dieye had been on a watch-list of potential terrorist sympathisers. Since Dieye finished serving his most recent jail sentence on March 22, he had found work and housing due to an integration association in La Chapelle-sur-Erdre. His lawyer Vincent de la Morandiere said "it was a failure of the judicial system". "He started serving time in prison at 17, he was convicted all the time and it didn't work," he added. "He went back and forth between the concrete of the prison and the concrete of the city." Dieye's most serious conviction was kidnapping and robbery after tying up an elderly couple and covering them with a blanket before searching their house in 2013. His lawyer said he was "very uncommunicative" despite a family "who sacrificied themselves to try to help him". Nantes prosecutor Pierre Sennes said that, depending on the outcome of ongoing investigations, the case was likely to be handed over to the anti-terror prosecutors. Lereec, born in 1974, has a grown-up son, the town's mayor said. She was recruited "as a youth worker at the end of the 1990s on social mediation missions," before taking the municipal police exam, mayor Fabrice Roussel said. A hairdresser who runs a salon behind the police station said Lereec is "doing well, we've heard from her colleague, we can't wait to see her again". The latest bloodshed comes after several attacks on police in France, leading officers to demand better protection and harsher punishments for attacks against them.

France hails 'gentle' policewoman stabbed in attack

France may need to change their usual slow-burn approach to tournaments at Euro 2020, but with the unexpected inclusion of Karim Benzema in the squad, the world champions have what it takes to go all the way.

Les Bleus traditionally stutter in their opening matches, but will have no such luxury at Euro 2020 where they start their campaign against Germany in Munich in Group F, which also features holders Portugal and Hungary.

Failure to win their first encounter would put huge pressure on the team and likely lead to a must-win last game against Portugal, who beat them in the Euro 2016 final in France.

"Playing against Germany in Munich, we know what to expect. We'll have to be at our very best from the start," said coach Didier Deschamps.

When they won the World Cup in 2018, France had to dig deep to beat Australia in their first game, and needed a last-gasp Dimitri Payet winner in another lacklustre performance to defeat Romania in the curtain-raiser for Euro 2016.

France have, however, acquired massive amounts of experience from their Euro 2016 and 2018 World Cup campaigns under Deschamps, himself a Euro 2000 and World Cup 1998 winner with Les Bleus in his playing days.

In a surprise move by Deschamps, France bolstered their attacking options by calling up Benzema for the first time since 2015. It will be the Real Madrid striker's first tournament with France since the 2014 World Cup.

A blackmail scandal - over which Benzema faces trial in October - and his 2016 comment that Deschamps had "bowed to the pressure of a racist part of France" when leaving the player, a Muslim of Algerian descent, out of the European Championship squad that year had put his international career into a deep freeze.

Yet Deschamps ended the player's exile by including him in a squad that will give nightmares to their opponents' defences.

Since Benzema last featured for France, Kylian Mbappe has emerged as one of the most exciting talents in recent years, Olivier Giroud has proved reliable despite a lack of playing time at his club Chelsea while Antoine Griezmann has developed into a key player in attack.

One of them, probably Giroud, will have to make way for Benzema, who scored 30 goals for Real Madrid in all competitions this season.

"I'm not going to complain that I have a lot of choices," said Deschamps, who also has the likes of Ousmane Dembele, Kingsley Coman, Marcus Thuram and Wissam Ben Yedder at his disposal.

"I have a lot of attacking players because I think that it's where we can make a difference. We'll have to find the right balance."

Deschamps is certainly hoping that firepower up front can compensate for the defence's potential weaknesses.

Raphael Varane had a tough season at Real Madrid while Presnel Kimpembe and Clement Lenglet's performances have not been convincing enough to make either one of them a certain starter in central defence.

They will, however, be shielded by a dominant midfield, which should feature the indefatigable N'Golo Kante and a wiser Paul Pogba, who are equipped to weather any storm that might come at them.

France may need to change their usual slow-burn approach to tournaments at Euro 2020, but with the unexpected inclusion of Karim Benzema in the squad, the world champions have what it takes to go all the way.

France may need to change their usual slow-burn approach to tournaments at Euro 2020, but with the unexpected inclusion of Karim Benzema in the squad, the world champions have what it takes to go all the way. Les Bleus traditionally stutter in their opening matches, but will have no such luxury at Euro 2020 where they start their campaign against Germany in Munich in Group F, which also features holders Portugal and Hungary. Failure to win their first encounter would put huge pressure on the team and likely lead to a must-win last game against Portugal, who beat them in the Euro 2016 final in France. "Playing against Germany in Munich, we know what to expect. We'll have to be at our very best from the start," said coach Didier Deschamps. When they won the World Cup in 2018, France had to dig deep to beat Australia in their first game, and needed a last-gasp Dimitri Payet winner in another lacklustre performance to defeat Romania in the curtain-raiser for Euro 2016. France have, however, acquired massive amounts of experience from their Euro 2016 and 2018 World Cup campaigns under Deschamps, himself a Euro 2000 and World Cup 1998 winner with Les Bleus in his playing days. In a surprise move by Deschamps, France bolstered their attacking options by calling up Benzema for the first time since 2015. It will be the Real Madrid striker's first tournament with France since the 2014 World Cup. A blackmail scandal - over which Benzema faces trial in October - and his 2016 comment that Deschamps had "bowed to the pressure of a racist part of France" when leaving the player, a Muslim of Algerian descent, out of the European Championship squad that year had put his international career into a deep freeze. Yet Deschamps ended the player's exile by including him in a squad that will give nightmares to their opponents' defences. Since Benzema last featured for France, Kylian Mbappe has emerged as one of the most exciting talents in recent years, Olivier Giroud has proved reliable despite a lack of playing time at his club Chelsea while Antoine Griezmann has developed into a key player in attack. One of them, probably Giroud, will have to make way for Benzema, who scored 30 goals for Real Madrid in all competitions this season. "I'm not going to complain that I have a lot of choices," said Deschamps, who also has the likes of Ousmane Dembele, Kingsley Coman, Marcus Thuram and Wissam Ben Yedder at his disposal. "I have a lot of attacking players because I think that it's where we can make a difference. We'll have to find the right balance." Deschamps is certainly hoping that firepower up front can compensate for the defence's potential weaknesses. Raphael Varane had a tough season at Real Madrid while Presnel Kimpembe and Clement Lenglet's performances have not been convincing enough to make either one of them a certain starter in central defence. They will, however, be shielded by a dominant midfield, which should feature the indefatigable N'Golo Kante and a wiser Paul Pogba, who are equipped to weather any storm that might come at them.

Football: Slow-burn approach not an option for France, but Benzema adds fire up front

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is hosting French President Emmanuel Macron at the union buildings in Pretoria. The two world leaders are likely to discuss a number of issues including the pandemic.

South African President Ramaphosa hosts Macron in Pretoria

Emmanuel Macron has asked for forgiveness, in an attempt to reset ties with Rwanda. The French President has announced debt relief to the Sudan. He is promising vaccines and a "new deal" to Africa. Palki Sharma tells you more about Macron's pivot to Africa.

Gravitas: Emmanuel Macron's Africa outreach

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