French President Emmanuel Macron has slammed Turkey over its alleged involvement in ongoing clashes between the Armenia & Azerbaijan.

French President slams Turkey over its alleged role between Armenia & Azerbaijan clashes

French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday accused Lebanon's leaders of betraying their promises over the failure to form a government in the wake of the weakening of the government set up in the country.

At a rare news conference devoted to Lebanon, Macron said the political elite had decided "to betray" their obligations and had committed "collective treason" by failing to form a government.

Lebanon was left reeling without a hint of any end to the multiple crises, after its prime minister-designate stepped down following the failure of talks to form a government, despite international pressure.

Mustapha Adib's resignation on Saturday ended efforts to hammer out a reformist government. All this is happening in the wake of a colossal August 4 explosion in Beirut that killed 190 people, injured thousands and ravaged swathes of the capital.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/multiple-dangers-lebanon-reels-after-efforts-to-form-government-collapse-330690">Also read |&nbsp;'Multiple dangers': Lebanon reels after efforts to form government collapse</a>

To this end, Macron told reporters, declaring he was "ashamed" of the country's leaders: "They have decided to betray this commitment to form a government."&nbsp;

"I see that the Lebanese authorities and political forces chose to favour their partisan and individual interests to the detriment of the general interest of the the country," he added.

He also sent a pointed warning to the Iran-backed Shiite group Hezbollah, which was well represented in the outgoing government and some analysts accuse of holding up the process.

Hezbollah should "not think it is more powerful than it is.... It must show that it respects all the Lebanese. And in recent days days, it has clearly shown the opposite," said Macron.

He said Hezbollah needed to clarify over the next few weeks whether it is a serious political force to help implement a roadmap for the country or a militia at the behest of Iran.

"There's a question that needs to be asked to Hezbollah and ourselves. Is it really a political party or does it proceed just in a logic dictated by Iran, and its terrorist forces?" Macron told a news conference.

"I want us to see if in the next few weeks something is possible. I'm not naive, but we need to go to the end of this first road."

Macron, who visited Lebanon twice in the wake of the explosion, had repeatedly urged the Lebanese not to waste any more time in forming a government.

The August 4 explosion of hundreds of tons of ammonium nitrate at the Beirut port killed more than 190 people, wounded thousands and ravaged large parts of the capital.

The disaster sparked new protests over corruption and mismanagement, prompting the previous cabinet to step down.

(with inputs from agencies)

French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday accused Lebanon's leaders of betraying their promises over the failure to form a government in the wake of the weakening of the government set up in the country.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday accused Lebanon's leaders of betraying their promises over the failure to form a government in the wake of the weakening of the government set up in the country. At a rare news conference devoted to Lebanon, Macron said the political elite had decided "to betray" their obligations and had committed "collective treason" by failing to form a government. Lebanon was left reeling without a hint of any end to the multiple crises, after its prime minister-designate stepped down following the failure of talks to form a government, despite international pressure. Mustapha Adib's resignation on Saturday ended efforts to hammer out a reformist government. All this is happening in the wake of a colossal August 4 explosion in Beirut that killed 190 people, injured thousands and ravaged swathes of the capital. Also read | 'Multiple dangers': Lebanon reels after efforts to form government collapse To this end, Macron told reporters, declaring he was "ashamed" of the country's leaders: "They have decided to betray this commitment to form a government." "I see that the Lebanese authorities and political forces chose to favour their partisan and individual interests to the detriment of the general interest of the the country," he added. He also sent a pointed warning to the Iran-backed Shiite group Hezbollah, which was well represented in the outgoing government and some analysts accuse of holding up the process. Hezbollah should "not think it is more powerful than it is.... It must show that it respects all the Lebanese. And in recent days days, it has clearly shown the opposite," said Macron. He said Hezbollah needed to clarify over the next few weeks whether it is a serious political force to help implement a roadmap for the country or a militia at the behest of Iran. "There's a question that needs to be asked to Hezbollah and ourselves. Is it really a political party or does it proceed just in a logic dictated by Iran, and its terrorist forces?" Macron told a news conference. "I want us to see if in the next few weeks something is possible. I'm not naive, but we need to go to the end of this first road." Macron, who visited Lebanon twice in the wake of the explosion, had repeatedly urged the Lebanese not to waste any more time in forming a government. The August 4 explosion of hundreds of tons of ammonium nitrate at the Beirut port killed more than 190 people, wounded thousands and ravaged large parts of the capital. The disaster sparked new protests over corruption and mismanagement, prompting the previous cabinet to step down. (with inputs from agencies)

French President Macron accuses Lebanon leaders of betrayal over govt failure

French President Emmanuel Macron said that "It is a crisis of power, an authoritarian power that cannot accept the logic of democracy and which is hanging on by force. It is clear that Lukashenko has to go."

Emmanuel Macron: Lukashenko is using force to remain in power

French President Emmanuel Macron will hold a news conference on Sunday on the political situation in Lebanon, the French presidency said.

Lebanon’s prime minister-designate, Mustapha Adib, quit on Saturday after trying for almost a month to line up a non-partisan cabinet. This dealt a blow to a French plan aimed at rallying sectarian leaders to tackle the worst crisis since the nation’s 1975-1990 civil war.

Lebanon's last government resigned in the aftermath of a colossal blast in Beirut port on August 4 that killed more than 190 people, wounded thousands and ravaged swathes of the capital.

Since his nomination on August 31, Mustapha Adib has been under pressure to form a new cabinet as soon as possible to carry out the necessary reforms to unlock billions of dollars in foreign aid.

Adib, a little-known 48-year-old former ambassador, was named just hours before French President Emmanuel Macron made his second visit to the country since the August 4 blast, pressing for the speedy formation of a reformist government.

After the August 4 explosion, it emerged the Lebanese authorities had known about the huge stockpile of ammonium nitrate fertiliser that exploded on the dockside, but had not moved it.

The port blast has rekindled public anger against Lebanon's entrenched political elite, with protesters accusing politicians across the board of incompetence and corruption.

(with inputs from agencies)

French President Emmanuel Macron will hold a news conference on Sunday on the political situation in Lebanon, the French presidency said. Lebanon’s prime minister-designate, Mustapha Adib, quit on Saturday after trying for almost a month to line up a non-partisan cabinet.

French President Emmanuel Macron will hold a news conference on Sunday on the political situation in Lebanon, the French presidency said. Lebanon’s prime minister-designate, Mustapha Adib, quit on Saturday after trying for almost a month to line up a non-partisan cabinet. This dealt a blow to a French plan aimed at rallying sectarian leaders to tackle the worst crisis since the nation’s 1975-1990 civil war. Lebanon's last government resigned in the aftermath of a colossal blast in Beirut port on August 4 that killed more than 190 people, wounded thousands and ravaged swathes of the capital. Since his nomination on August 31, Mustapha Adib has been under pressure to form a new cabinet as soon as possible to carry out the necessary reforms to unlock billions of dollars in foreign aid. Adib, a little-known 48-year-old former ambassador, was named just hours before French President Emmanuel Macron made his second visit to the country since the August 4 blast, pressing for the speedy formation of a reformist government. After the August 4 explosion, it emerged the Lebanese authorities had known about the huge stockpile of ammonium nitrate fertiliser that exploded on the dockside, but had not moved it. The port blast has rekindled public anger against Lebanon's entrenched political elite, with protesters accusing politicians across the board of incompetence and corruption. (with inputs from agencies)

French president to address situation in Lebanon on September 27

French President Emmanuel Macron led nationwide outrage Saturday after an ultra-conservative magazine portrayed a black lawmaker as a slave.

The French presidency said Macron called Danielle Obono from the far-left party France Unbowed and "expressed his clear condemnation of any form of racism".

The magazine, Valeurs Actuelles, which caters to readers on the right and far-right, showed Obono in chains with an iron collar on her neck to illustrate a seven-page imaginary story.

Prime Minister Jean Castex said it was a "revolting publication that calls for clear condemnation" and told Obono that she had the government's backing. 
 
"I share the indignation of lawmaker Obono," he said.

"One is free to write a putrid novel within the limits fixed by the law. One is free to hate it. I hate it," said Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti.

Obono tweeted: "The extreme right -- odious, stupid and cruel. In brief, like itself."

The anti-racism body SOS Racisme deplored rising hate speech against African and Arab politicians and said it was mulling what legal measures could be taken to counter this.

The magazine, however, denied it was racist, saying the story concerning Obono was "a work of fiction... but never nasty."

An official from France's far-right National rally party, Wallerand de Saint-Just, said the story was "in absolute bad taste".&nbsp;

France witnessed several protests in June and July against racial injustice as well as colonial and police brutality, inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement and George Floyd's death at the knee of police in the United States.

Macron, a centrist, who raised eyebrows when he gave an interview to Valeurs Actuelles last year and praised it as a "good magazine", has pledged to root out racism.&nbsp;

But he also said France will not take down statues of figures linked to the colonial era or the slave trade, as has happened in other countries recently.

French President Emmanuel Macron led nationwide outrage Saturday after an ultra-conservative magazine portrayed a black lawmaker as a slave. The French presidency said Macron called Danielle Obono from the far-left party France Unbowed and "expressed his clear condemnation of any form of racism".

French President Emmanuel Macron led nationwide outrage Saturday after an ultra-conservative magazine portrayed a black lawmaker as a slave. The French presidency said Macron called Danielle Obono from the far-left party France Unbowed and "expressed his clear condemnation of any form of racism". The magazine, Valeurs Actuelles, which caters to readers on the right and far-right, showed Obono in chains with an iron collar on her neck to illustrate a seven-page imaginary story. Prime Minister Jean Castex said it was a "revolting publication that calls for clear condemnation" and told Obono that she had the government's backing. "I share the indignation of lawmaker Obono," he said. "One is free to write a putrid novel within the limits fixed by the law. One is free to hate it. I hate it," said Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti. Obono tweeted: "The extreme right -- odious, stupid and cruel. In brief, like itself." The anti-racism body SOS Racisme deplored rising hate speech against African and Arab politicians and said it was mulling what legal measures could be taken to counter this. The magazine, however, denied it was racist, saying the story concerning Obono was "a work of fiction... but never nasty." An official from France's far-right National rally party, Wallerand de Saint-Just, said the story was "in absolute bad taste". France witnessed several protests in June and July against racial injustice as well as colonial and police brutality, inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement and George Floyd's death at the knee of police in the United States. Macron, a centrist, who raised eyebrows when he gave an interview to Valeurs Actuelles last year and praised it as a "good magazine", has pledged to root out racism. But he also said France will not take down statues of figures linked to the colonial era or the slave trade, as has happened in other countries recently.

French President joins outrage after magazine shows black MP as a slave

French President Emmanuel Macron has warned that Lebanon is on the risk of civil war if not helped in the crisis. Macron has asked global community to help Lebanon. French Prez has pushed to establish a news government in the country.

Emmanuel Macron says Lebanon on the risk of Civil War if not helped in crisis

French President Emmanuel Macron is offering to mediate in Belarus to resolve the country's ongoing power struggle. Watch report. The French President and German Chancellor Angela Merkel discussed the crisis at Macron's summer retreat.

French President offers to mediate in Belarus power struggle

World Leaders have pledged close to 300 million dollars aid for Lebanon at a virtual conference hosted by French President Emanuel Macron.

The world comes to Lebanon's aid: International aid to bypass Lebanon's government

French President Emmanuel Macron has written to PM Modi on the devastating cyclone Amphan that hit eastern India last month.

In the letter, the French President conveyed his condolence and solidarity in the aftermath of the cyclone, the first super cyclone in the Bay of Bengal since 1999 Odisha Cyclone.

According to French diplomatic sources, Macron "offered to extend any support that India might consider necessary to come to the aid of those directly affected."

On March 31, both leaders had spoken to each other on the ongoing COVID crisis. French Development Agency will be giving a concessional loan of 200 million euros to India deal with the crisis.

&nbsp;"I am very proud to announce the French development agency, AFD is going to provide a special loan of 200 million euro to finance and support some health programmes for the most vulnerable population in India", French envoy Emmanuel Lenain had told WION in an interview last month.

Meanwhile, France continues to top foreign investment inflows in Europe according to Business France’s 2019 Annual Report on Foreign Investment in France.

The report was discussed in a video conference by French PM Edouard Philippe, Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire, Foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian. In attendance were a select group of CEOs including Chairman of Mahindra Group--Anand Mahindra from India.&nbsp;

In 2019 18 Indian companies to invested or re-invest in France, creating or maintaining two times more jobs than in 2018, bringing the total number of Indian companies in France to more than 120.

French President Emmanuel Macron has written to PM Modi on the devastating cyclone Amphan that hit eastern India last month. In the letter, the French President conveyed his condolence and solidarity in the aftermath of the cyclone, the first super cyclone in the Bay of Bengal since 1999 Odisha Cyclone.

French President Emmanuel Macron has written to PM Modi on the devastating cyclone Amphan that hit eastern India last month. In the letter, the French President conveyed his condolence and solidarity in the aftermath of the cyclone, the first super cyclone in the Bay of Bengal since 1999 Odisha Cyclone. According to French diplomatic sources, Macron "offered to extend any support that India might consider necessary to come to the aid of those directly affected." On March 31, both leaders had spoken to each other on the ongoing COVID crisis. French Development Agency will be giving a concessional loan of 200 million euros to India deal with the crisis. "I am very proud to announce the French development agency, AFD is going to provide a special loan of 200 million euro to finance and support some health programmes for the most vulnerable population in India", French envoy Emmanuel Lenain had told WION in an interview last month. Meanwhile, France continues to top foreign investment inflows in Europe according to Business France’s 2019 Annual Report on Foreign Investment in France. The report was discussed in a video conference by French PM Edouard Philippe, Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire, Foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian. In attendance were a select group of CEOs including Chairman of Mahindra Group--Anand Mahindra from India. In 2019 18 Indian companies to invested or re-invest in France, creating or maintaining two times more jobs than in 2018, bringing the total number of Indian companies in France to more than 120.

French President Emmanuel Macron writes to PM Modi, offers all support on Cyclone Amphan aftermath

French President Emmanuel Macron lost his absolute parliamentary majority on Tuesday after several of his MPs defected to create a new political group.

Seven of Macron's La Republique En Marche (LREM) MPs have joined the new group called "Ecology, Democracy, Solidarity".

The move leaves the centrist LREM party with 288 lawmakers out of a total of 577 just one short of an absolute majority. Yet LREM and its centrist allies, including 46 lawmakers from the MoDem party, remain largely dominant at the National Assembly which has the final say in the law-making process.

A new independent group was created Tuesday at the National Assembly after seven lawmakers left Macron's LREM.

The move echoes tensions over the political direction Macron's young party, born from the 2017 presidential race, should follow. It comes at an inconvenient time for Macron, who is struggling to revive the economy after two months of lockdown. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

French President Emmanuel Macron lost his absolute parliamentary majority on Tuesday after several of his MPs defected to create a new political group. Seven of Macron's La Republique En Marche (LREM) MPs have joined the new group called "Ecology, Democracy, Solidarity".

French President Emmanuel Macron lost his absolute parliamentary majority on Tuesday after several of his MPs defected to create a new political group. Seven of Macron's La Republique En Marche (LREM) MPs have joined the new group called "Ecology, Democracy, Solidarity". The move leaves the centrist LREM party with 288 lawmakers out of a total of 577 just one short of an absolute majority. Yet LREM and its centrist allies, including 46 lawmakers from the MoDem party, remain largely dominant at the National Assembly which has the final say in the law-making process. A new independent group was created Tuesday at the National Assembly after seven lawmakers left Macron's LREM. The move echoes tensions over the political direction Macron's young party, born from the 2017 presidential race, should follow. It comes at an inconvenient time for Macron, who is struggling to revive the economy after two months of lockdown. (With inputs from agencies)

French President Emmanuel Macron loses parliamentary majority after defections

Parisians have been in lockdown for nearly five weeks on Sunday (April 19), and many are already looking forward to May 11th, the date set by French President Emmanuel Macron as the end of the confinement period.

A haircut, a hug, a drink at a bar: Parisians dream of end to lockdown

In France, 79 people have lost their lives, more than 500 people are already infected with 'pandemic' Coronavirus. Despite this, French President Emmanuel Macron gives green signal to local polls going to held Sunday.

France to hold local polls in Lamorlaye amid massive outbreak of Coronavirus

In France, 79 people have lost their lives, more than 500 people are already infected of 'pandemic' Coronavirus. Despite this, French President Emmanuel Macron gives green signal to local polls going to held Sunday.

France decides go-ahead for local elections amid Coronavirus outbreak

President Emmanuel Macron said French forces had "neutralised" several dozen terrorists in Mali on Saturday, as he visited West Africa with a pledge to give new force to the battle against Islamist militants in the region.

The operation in the flashpoint city of Mopti in central Mali came just weeks after 13 French soldiers were killed in a helicopter crash as they were hunting down terrorists in the troubled country.

Macron said in a speech to the French community in Ivory Coast that 33 "terrorists" had been "neutralised", a term a source close to the presidency said meant they had been killed.

French soldiers also released two Malian gendarmes being held by terrorists, he said.

"This considerable success shows the commitment of our forces, the support that we bring to Mali, to the region and to our own security," he said.&nbsp;

"We have had losses, we also have victories this morning thanks to the commitment of our soldiers and Operation Barkhane," he said, referring to the France's military operation against Islamist militants in the Sahel.&nbsp;

Last month's crash was the biggest single-day loss for the French military in nearly four decades and raised fresh questions about the effectiveness of France's 4,500-member operation.

Macron arrived in Ivory Coast on Friday to celebrate Christmas with French troops but the terrorist&nbsp;insurgency in the region is a top item on Macron's agenda during his 48-hour stay in the region.

'Must not let threat flourish'

Away from weeks of protest strikes gripping France, Macron's personal chef travelled with him to cook dinner for around 1,000 troops at the military base in Port-Bouet, near Abidjan's airport.

"I hope we can give new depth, new commitments, a new force to this operation and win a fight that is key to the stability and security of the Sahel," the French leader told the troops.

"We will keep up the fight against terrorists. We will continue to do so with our African partners and with our European and international partners," he said. "Because if we let the threat flourish, it will impact us too."

Despite the French troop presence and a 13,000-strong UN peacekeeping force in Mali, the conflict that erupted in 2012 has engulfed the centre of the country and spread to neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger.

The leaders of five Sahel nations are due to attend a summit in Paris on January 13, when Macron said they would clarify the "political and strategic framework" of the operation against the militants.

On Sunday, Macron will pay a flying visit for talks with President Mahamadou Issoufou of Niger, where terrorist&nbsp;attacks are frequent.

Macron spent Christmas in 2017 with troops deployed to Niger and went last year to Chad.&nbsp;

In Abidjan, he said he wanted to build a new relationship between France and Ivory Coast, in particular helping youth and developing sport.

President Emmanuel Macron said French forces had "neutralised" several dozen terrorists in Mali on Saturday, as he visited West Africa with a pledge to give new force to the battle against Islamist militants in the region.

President Emmanuel Macron said French forces had "neutralised" several dozen terrorists in Mali on Saturday, as he visited West Africa with a pledge to give new force to the battle against Islamist militants in the region. The operation in the flashpoint city of Mopti in central Mali came just weeks after 13 French soldiers were killed in a helicopter crash as they were hunting down terrorists in the troubled country. Macron said in a speech to the French community in Ivory Coast that 33 "terrorists" had been "neutralised", a term a source close to the presidency said meant they had been killed. French soldiers also released two Malian gendarmes being held by terrorists, he said. "This considerable success shows the commitment of our forces, the support that we bring to Mali, to the region and to our own security," he said. "We have had losses, we also have victories this morning thanks to the commitment of our soldiers and Operation Barkhane," he said, referring to the France's military operation against Islamist militants in the Sahel. Last month's crash was the biggest single-day loss for the French military in nearly four decades and raised fresh questions about the effectiveness of France's 4,500-member operation. Macron arrived in Ivory Coast on Friday to celebrate Christmas with French troops but the terrorist insurgency in the region is a top item on Macron's agenda during his 48-hour stay in the region. 'Must not let threat flourish' Away from weeks of protest strikes gripping France, Macron's personal chef travelled with him to cook dinner for around 1,000 troops at the military base in Port-Bouet, near Abidjan's airport. "I hope we can give new depth, new commitments, a new force to this operation and win a fight that is key to the stability and security of the Sahel," the French leader told the troops. "We will keep up the fight against terrorists. We will continue to do so with our African partners and with our European and international partners," he said. "Because if we let the threat flourish, it will impact us too." Despite the French troop presence and a 13,000-strong UN peacekeeping force in Mali, the conflict that erupted in 2012 has engulfed the centre of the country and spread to neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger. The leaders of five Sahel nations are due to attend a summit in Paris on January 13, when Macron said they would clarify the "political and strategic framework" of the operation against the militants. On Sunday, Macron will pay a flying visit for talks with President Mahamadou Issoufou of Niger, where terrorist attacks are frequent. Macron spent Christmas in 2017 with troops deployed to Niger and went last year to Chad. In Abidjan, he said he wanted to build a new relationship between France and Ivory Coast, in particular helping youth and developing sport.

Macron says French forces 'neutralise' over 30 terrorists in Mali

Angered over President Emmanuel Macron's pension reforms, French unions on Friday called for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-strike-against-macron-reforms-enters-day-two-266522">strikes and mass protests</a> next week on Tuesday. This comes after thousands took to the street on Thursday protesting Macron-proposed retirement overhaul.

"Everybody in the street on Tuesday, December 10, for a new day... of strikes, actions and protests," Catherine Perret, a senior member of the CGT union, France's biggest public-sector union, told reporters after a meeting of four unions.

Unions' strikes and protest spilled into the second day on Friday, derailing public transport and affecting hundreds on travelers.&nbsp;

The protesters are determined not to stay put unless Macron backs down on the controversial pension overhauls.

Unions argue that Macron's "universal" pension system would eliminate dozens of separate plans for public workers and will force millions of people, in both public and private sectors, to work well beyond the legal retirement age of 62, news agency AFP reported.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/fires-tear-gas-and-clashes-in-paris-protests-against-pension-reforms-266651/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

In France, the minimum pension age is 62 which is also the lowest among developed countries across the globe. However, there exist over forty "special regimes" for railway workers, lawyers, opera employees and others that offer benefits like earlier retirements.

Macron-led government acknowledges that that a single pension system will have people work longer but will also be fairer to all, ensuring financial viability.

The recent strike by the unions was enough to throw the country into a state of chaos. As reported by AFP, rail operator SNCF said 90 per cent of high-speed TGV trains were again cancelled, and several airlines dropped flights including Air France, EasyJet and Ryanair.

Nine of the capital's 16 metro lines were shut and most others severely disrupted, sparking some 350 kilometres (220 miles) of traffic jams in the Paris region, well above the usual 200 km, the traffic website Sytadin reported.

A whopping 800,000 demonstrators took to the streets across the country on Thursday, the interior ministry estimated .

France, earlier this year, saw protests from teachers, hospital workers, police and firefighters as well as the "yellow vest" movement. The French have been demanding improved living standards.

(With inputs from AFP)&nbsp;

Angered over President Emmanuel Macron's pension reforms, French unions on Friday called for strikes and mass protests next week on Tuesday. This comes after thousands took to the street on Thursday protesting Macron-proposed retirement overhaul.

Angered over President Emmanuel Macron's pension reforms, French unions on Friday called for strikes and mass protests next week on Tuesday. This comes after thousands took to the street on Thursday protesting Macron-proposed retirement overhaul. "Everybody in the street on Tuesday, December 10, for a new day... of strikes, actions and protests," Catherine Perret, a senior member of the CGT union, France's biggest public-sector union, told reporters after a meeting of four unions. Unions' strikes and protest spilled into the second day on Friday, derailing public transport and affecting hundreds on travelers. The protesters are determined not to stay put unless Macron backs down on the controversial pension overhauls. Unions argue that Macron's "universal" pension system would eliminate dozens of separate plans for public workers and will force millions of people, in both public and private sectors, to work well beyond the legal retirement age of 62, news agency AFP reported. × In France, the minimum pension age is 62 which is also the lowest among developed countries across the globe. However, there exist over forty "special regimes" for railway workers, lawyers, opera employees and others that offer benefits like earlier retirements. Macron-led government acknowledges that that a single pension system will have people work longer but will also be fairer to all, ensuring financial viability. The recent strike by the unions was enough to throw the country into a state of chaos. As reported by AFP, rail operator SNCF said 90 per cent of high-speed TGV trains were again cancelled, and several airlines dropped flights including Air France, EasyJet and Ryanair. Nine of the capital's 16 metro lines were shut and most others severely disrupted, sparking some 350 kilometres (220 miles) of traffic jams in the Paris region, well above the usual 200 km, the traffic website Sytadin reported. A whopping 800,000 demonstrators took to the streets across the country on Thursday, the interior ministry estimated . France, earlier this year, saw protests from teachers, hospital workers, police and firefighters as well as the "yellow vest" movement. The French have been demanding improved living standards. (With inputs from AFP)

France: Unions call for new protests, strikes on Tuesday over pension reforms 

The United Kingdom fell into silence on Monday as the nation gathered to mark Remembrance Day. Whereas, French President Emmanuel Macron marked Remembrance Day Monday by relighting the flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier under Paris' Arc de Triomphe, below a spectacular giant Tricolor. Also, Australians across the country attended Remembrance Day services to pay tribute to those who died and suffered in all wars and conflicts.

Armistice Day marked across the United Kingdom, France and Australia

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - October 22nd, 2019

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - October 17th, 2019

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - October 16th, 2019

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - October 15th, 2019

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - October 14th, 2019

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - October 13th, 2019

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - October 9th, 2019

France President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to the slain police officials. 4 Police personnel were stabbed to death by their co-workers. Watch this video to know more.

France: Macron vows an unrelenting fight against Islam extremists

A funeral service attended by dozens of world leaders began in Paris on Monday for France's former president Jacques Chirac, who died last week aged 86.

President Vladimir Putin of Russia and former US leader Bill Clinton were among the mourners at Saint-Sulpice church in central Paris as France held a national day of mourning for its president who served from 1995-2007.

Chirac's coffin, draped in a French flag, was carried into the church by his former bodyguards while onlookers applauded outside.

As well as President Emmanuel Macron, other world leaders attending included Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani as well as EU commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker.

Chirac's widow Bernadette, who is said to be in frail health, attended a private service earlier but was not present at the main ceremony.

Chirac's immediate successors, Nicolas Sarkozy and Francois Hollande, were both present, as, in a rare public appearance, was the third president of France's modern Fifth Republic, Valery Giscard d'Estaing, 93.

Far-right leader Marine Le Pen, whose father and former far-right chief Jean-Marie Le Pen was an arch-foe of Chirac, opted in the end not to attend after Chirac's family made known she would not be welcome.

A funeral service attended by dozens of world leaders began in Paris on Monday for France's former president Jacques Chirac, who died last week aged 86. President Vladimir Putin of Russia and former US leader Bill Clinton were among the mourners at Saint-Sulpice church in central Paris as France held a national day of mourning for its president who served from 1995-2007.

A funeral service attended by dozens of world leaders began in Paris on Monday for France's former president Jacques Chirac, who died last week aged 86. President Vladimir Putin of Russia and former US leader Bill Clinton were among the mourners at Saint-Sulpice church in central Paris as France held a national day of mourning for its president who served from 1995-2007. Chirac's coffin, draped in a French flag, was carried into the church by his former bodyguards while onlookers applauded outside. As well as President Emmanuel Macron, other world leaders attending included Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani as well as EU commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker. Chirac's widow Bernadette, who is said to be in frail health, attended a private service earlier but was not present at the main ceremony. Chirac's immediate successors, Nicolas Sarkozy and Francois Hollande, were both present, as, in a rare public appearance, was the third president of France's modern Fifth Republic, Valery Giscard d'Estaing, 93. Far-right leader Marine Le Pen, whose father and former far-right chief Jean-Marie Le Pen was an arch-foe of Chirac, opted in the end not to attend after Chirac's family made known she would not be welcome.

Funeral service for French ex-president Chirac begins

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

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

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

Jacques Chirac, former French president, dies at 86

Prime Minister Narendra Modi leaves for France as part of his tri-nation tour. He will hold bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron during his two-day state visit to France from August 22 with an aim to strengthen cooperation in the fields of defence, maritime security, counter-terrorism, and civil nuclear energy along with robust trade and investment relations. From France, the prime minister will leave for a bilateral visit to UAE and Bahrain and will return to Biarritz city in France to attend the G7 summit.

PM Modi leaves for France as part of tri-nation tour

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to hold bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron during his two-day state visit to France from August 22 with an aim to strengthen cooperation in the fields of defence, maritime security, counter-terrorism, and civil nuclear energy along with robust trade and investment relations. From France, the prime minister will leave for a bilateral visit to UAE and Bahrain and will return to Biarritz city in France to attend the G7 summit.

PM Modi to embark on tri-nation tour to France, UAE & Bahrain

Macron offers tax cut to French workers to quell anger and protests. Watch full video to know more.

French President Emmanuel Macron offers tax cuts to workers

French ambulance drivers gathered on Monday to join nationwide protests against President Macron's punishing fuel taxes and spiralling living costs, blaming a president who they see as detached from the everyday struggles of life outside the city.

The unrest began as a backlash against fuel tax hikes but has spread. It poses the most formidable challenge yet to Macron's presidency, with the escalating violence and depth of public anger against his economic reforms catching the 40-year-old leader off-guard and battling to regain control.

Macron ordered his prime minister on Sunday to hold talks with political leaders and demonstrators, as he sought a way out of nationwide protests after rioters turned central Paris into a battle zone.

Riot police on Saturday were overwhelmed as protesters ran amok in Paris's wealthiest neighbourhoods, torching dozens of cars, looting boutiques and smashing up luxury private homes and cafes in the worst disturbances the capital has seen since 1968.

The unrest began as a backlash against fuel tax hikes but has spread. It poses the most formidable challenge yet to Emmanuel Macron's presidency, with the escalating violence and depth of public anger against his economic reforms catching the 40-year-old leader off-guard and battling to regain control.

French ambulance drivers gathered on Monday to join nationwide protests against President Macron's punishing fuel taxes and spiralling living costs, blaming a president who they see as detached from the everyday struggles of life outside the city.

French ambulance drivers gathered on Monday to join nationwide protests against President Macron's punishing fuel taxes and spiralling living costs, blaming a president who they see as detached from the everyday struggles of life outside the city. The unrest began as a backlash against fuel tax hikes but has spread. It poses the most formidable challenge yet to Macron's presidency, with the escalating violence and depth of public anger against his economic reforms catching the 40-year-old leader off-guard and battling to regain control. Macron ordered his prime minister on Sunday to hold talks with political leaders and demonstrators, as he sought a way out of nationwide protests after rioters turned central Paris into a battle zone. Riot police on Saturday were overwhelmed as protesters ran amok in Paris's wealthiest neighbourhoods, torching dozens of cars, looting boutiques and smashing up luxury private homes and cafes in the worst disturbances the capital has seen since 1968. The unrest began as a backlash against fuel tax hikes but has spread. It poses the most formidable challenge yet to Emmanuel Macron's presidency, with the escalating violence and depth of public anger against his economic reforms catching the 40-year-old leader off-guard and battling to regain control.

Ambulance drivers in France join ongoing protest against President Macron's reforms

French president faces tough crowd after violence

french-president

French President, News on French President, stories on French President, articles on French President, French President stories at Wion, French President news, French President latest news

french president