Paris’ landmarks had been lit up in blue and adorned with EU flags on Saturday (January 1) in celebration for the beginning of France’s six-month presidency of the European Union.
Among the many varied websites solid in blue had been the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the French Senate and the Louvre Museum.
Landmarks of significance have additionally been lit up in each main French metropolis, together with Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux and Strasbourg.
Nonetheless, one of many shows drew criticism from far-right chief Marine Le Pen, who on Saturday protested in opposition to the putting of a European Union flag on the Arc de Triomphe, calling it an assault on French id.
Le Pen, whom polls present to be President Emmanuel Macron’s major rival for the spring presidential election, was joined by different right-wing politicians in outrage in opposition to the EU flag fluttering on the Paris landmark.
Macron, who has but to say if he’ll run for re-election in April, defeated Le Pen within the 2017 run-off by 66%-34%. All polls present him favorite to win one other five-year time period.
Le Pen mentioned she would attraction to the Council of State, which acts as authorized adviser of the chief, to take away the EU flag.
France final held the presidency 13 years in the past, beneath President Nicolas Sarkozy.
Macron has mentioned France would use the event to push the Union to maneuver on matters starting from post-COVID financial restoration to migration coverage, and European defence.