[ad_1]
PARIS: French authorities took down a temporary installation of the EU flag from the Arc de Triomphe monument in Paris on Sunday, after rightwing opponents of President Macron accused him of “erasing” French identity. The t blue flag was raised in place of a French flag on New Year’s Eve to mark France’s turn at the rotating presidency of the EU Council, which it will hold for the next six months.
The arch and other landmarks including the Eiffel Tower are also being illuminated with blue lights for the remainder of this week. But Macron’s rightwing rivals for the presidential polls four months away seized on the removal of France’s flag, calling it an affront to the country’s heritage and its veterans. “Preside over Europe yes, erase French identity no!” tweeted Valerie Pecresse, the conservative candidate who polls indicate could be the main challenger to Macron in the upcoming vote. She urged him to restore the French flag.
Far-right candidate Marine Le Pen also denounced the move. She called the overnight removal of the EU flag “a great patriotic victory”, claiming on Twitter that a “massive mobilisation” had forced Macron to backpedal. But an official in the presidency said the flag’s removal before dawn was “in line with the planned schedule”, insisting that unlike the blue lights for monuments, it was only supposed to be at the Arc for two days.
The arch and other landmarks including the Eiffel Tower are also being illuminated with blue lights for the remainder of this week. But Macron’s rightwing rivals for the presidential polls four months away seized on the removal of France’s flag, calling it an affront to the country’s heritage and its veterans. “Preside over Europe yes, erase French identity no!” tweeted Valerie Pecresse, the conservative candidate who polls indicate could be the main challenger to Macron in the upcoming vote. She urged him to restore the French flag.
Far-right candidate Marine Le Pen also denounced the move. She called the overnight removal of the EU flag “a great patriotic victory”, claiming on Twitter that a “massive mobilisation” had forced Macron to backpedal. But an official in the presidency said the flag’s removal before dawn was “in line with the planned schedule”, insisting that unlike the blue lights for monuments, it was only supposed to be at the Arc for two days.
[ad_2]
Source link
