Page 24 - France

After 2 years out of team, N'Golo Kante key to France's success once again

It was a classic N'Golo Kant performance. Effective, understated and overshadowed by a teammate. With all the attention on Kylian Mbapp and his injured nose, Kant's tireless defensive midfield work was quietly crucial to France's 1-0 win over Austria at the European Championship on Monday. Kant had not played a competitive game for France in two years. It was as if the 33-year-old had never been away. He completed 92% of his passes and stopped Austria counterattacks to preserve France's lead following an Austria own goal. Of course he was brilliant, he was bright tonight, we needed that, France coach Didier Deschamps said through a translator. On a night when seven yellow cards were issued in total and emotions ran high, especially after Austria fans booed the injured Mbapp for what they saw as time-wasting, Kant brought much-needed calm to the French midfield. Kant was a key part of the team which won the 2018 World Cup but he last played a competitive game for France in the Nat

Mbappe's injury casts shadow on his continued participation in Euro 2024

Kylian Mbapp's facial injury in France's 1-0 win against Austria has put in doubt whether he will continue at the European Championship. An aerial head-on-shoulder collision with Austria's Kevin Danso left Mbapp curled on the field with his nose bloodied and swollen late in the Group D game at Dusseldorf Arena. I don't have the elements in my hands, France coach Didier Deschamps said. He didn't get off lightly. It is still to be seen. I cannot at this stage give the answer (if he will be ruled out). Mbapp's obvious pain following the incident prompted Austria goalkeeper Patrick Pentz to signal for urgent medical assistance. We're worried to see Kylian leave the field like that, France midfielder N'Golo Kante said. We still don't know what the situation is. ... We hope that it's not too severe and that he's back with us for the rest of the competition. Mbapp is France's talisman and his injury likely struck fear in the hearts of fans. Later he appeared to try to lighten the mood.

Mbappe suffers face injury as France wins 1-0 against Austria at Euro 2024

Kylian Mbapp suffered a facial injury and was replaced as France beat Austria 1-0 in its opening game of the European Championship. The striker, involved in the first-half goal, clashed heads with Austria's Kevin Danso late in the Group D game at Dusseldorf Arena on Monday. He was in obvious pain as he lay curled on the grass, prompting Austria goalkeeper Patrick Pentz to signal for medical attention. Mbapp received treatment and his shirt was covered with blood from what appeared to be a blow to his nose. He tried to play on but quickly fell to the ground, holding his face and prompting whistles and jeers from Austria's fans, who seemed to believe he was time-wasting as France held on for the win. He was booked by referee Jesus Gil Manzano and replaced by Olivier Giroud. France needed an own goal from Maximilian Wober in the 38th minute and handed Didier Deschamps his 100th victory as national team coach. On a mixed day for Mbapp, it was his moment of inspiration that led to the

EU leaders to discuss top jobs, policies goals at Brussels meeting

The leaders are to discuss who should be the next presidents of the European Commission and European Council, and the foreign policy chief, but their minds seem already made up

French protesters standing up to far right ahead of snap elections

Anti-racism groups were joining French unions and a brand-new left-wing coalition in protests in Paris and across France on Saturday against the surging nationalist far right as frenzied campaigning is underway ahead of snap parliamentary elections. In Paris, those who fear that the elections will produce France's first far-right government since World War II will gather at Place de la Republique before marching through eastern Paris. The French Interior Ministry said 21,000 police and gendarmes would be deployed at protests across the country, with authorities expecting between 300,000 and 500,000 protesters nationwide. In the French Riviera city of Nice, protesters marched down Jean Mdecin Avenue, the city's main shopping street. An Associated Press journalist at the scene said she heard chants against the National Rally, its leader Jordan Bardella as well as against President Emmanuel Macron. Protest organisers said 3,000 took part, while the police put the number at 2,500. Nic

Indian, French governments negotiating 26 Rafale marine fighter jet deal

The overall project is likely to be worth over Rs 50,000 crore and would help increase the number of these advanced aircraft

Left vows to tie wages to inflation, lower retirement age in France

Political parties including the Socialists, Greens, Communists and hard-left Unbowed France (LFI) will form a 'Popular Front' in a bid to challenge the far-right's National Rally

Emmanuel Macron suspends controversial voting reform in New Caledonia

French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Wednesday the suspension of controversial voting reforms in New Caledonia, following a spate of deadly unrest in the French Pacific territory. The reforms, which would have altered voting rights, are feared by the Indigenous Kanak people who say they would have marginalise them further. The issue has caused the worst violence on the archipelago in decades. The violence flared on May 13 in response to attempts by Macron's government to amend the French Constitution and change voting lists in New Caledonia. France declared a state of emergency in its Pacific territory on May 15 and rushed hundreds of troop reinforcements to help police quell the revolt that included shootings, clashes, looting and arson. Both sides of New Caledonia's bitter divide Indigenous Kanaks, who want independence and those loyal to France erected barricades, either to revolt against authorities or to protect their homes and properties. Pro-independence protesters

Oxfam urges G7 to tap fraction of military spend to resolve hunger, debt

The G7 - comprising the United States, Japan, Canada, Germany, France, Italy and Britain - is set to meet in Italy this week where leaders will discuss issues such as climate change, migration, debt

EU Election: Why France’s Macron called for snap elections?

French President Emmanuel Macron called for a snap election after a crushing defeat in elections for the European Parliament. What's happening in the EU elections? Watch the video to find out.

After EU jolt, Macron's decision to snap parliamentary polls shock markets

The euro fell by as much as 0.6 per cent to a one-month low of $1.0733 and hit a 21-month trough against sterling of 84.49 pence

Far-right gains in EU election deal stunning defeat to Macron, Scholz

Voting has ended to elect the European Union's regional lawmakers for the next five-year term after the last remaining polls closed in Italy. Official results were expected any moment after Italian polling stations closed at 11 pm local time (2100GMT), officially ending a marathon election spanning four days across 27 bloc member countries. An initial projection provided by the European Union indicates far-right parties have made big gains at the European Parliament. In France, President Emmanuel Macron announced he was calling early legislative elections after his party suffered a heavy defeat from the far-right National Rally party. Far-right parties made major gains at the European Union parliamentary elections Sunday, dealing stunning defeats to two of the bloc's most important leaders: French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. In France, the National Rally party of Marine Le Pen dominated the polls to such an extent that Macron immediately dissolved

France enters election mode post far-right win in European Parliament vote

Macron's unexpected decision, which amounts to a roll of the dice on his political future, could hand major political power to the far-right after years on the sidelines

Biden, Macron agree on global affairs, express different views on Gaza war

US President Biden, who is currently on an official state visit to Paris, held meetings with his France counterpart

Macron hosts Biden as two leaders try to overcome past trade tensions

President Joe Biden is being feted by French President Emmanuel Macron with a state visit Saturday, as the two allies aim to show off their partnership on global security issues and move past trade tensions. Biden and Macron attended ceremonies marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day on Thursday. They met separately the following day with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Paris engagements they both used to underscore the urgent need to support Kyiv's fight against Russia's invasion. But Macron and Biden have often chafed at the pace of support for Ukraine, especially as the US by far the largest contributor to Kyiv's defence was forced to pause aid shipments for months while congressional Republicans held up an assistance package. The state visit will begin with a welcome ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe and a military parade along the Champs-Elysees leading to the Elysee Palace, where the two will hold official meetings and deliver public statements. Later, Macron will ho

Biden to meet Zelenskyy in Paris as Kyiv battles intense Russian offensive

US President Joe Biden was due to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Paris on Friday as Kyiv's army endures its hardest days of fighting since the early weeks of the war with Russia and prepares for what officials say could be a tough summer ahead. The United States is by far Kyiv's biggest supplier of wartime support, and Ukraine is trying to fend off an intense Russian offensive in eastern areas of the country. The push is focused on the Ukrainian border regions of Kharkiv and Donetsk but Ukrainian officials say it could spread wider as Russia's bigger army seeks to make its advantage tell. The offensive is seeking to exploit Kyiv's shortages of ammunition and troops along the roughly 1,000-kilometre (620-mile) front line. That shortfall in weaponry came after US military aid was held up in Congress for six months before Biden in April signed into law a USD 61 billion military aid package for Ukraine. Amid Russia's most recent onslaught and with Ukraine's army .

France to provide Mirage fighter jets to fend off Russian attacks: Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday that France will provide Ukraine with its Mirage combat aircraft to be able to defend their country against Russian aggression. Macron said in an interview with French public broadcaster that he will announce on Friday a new cooperation" with Ukraine and the sale of Mirage 2005, the French-made combat aircraft which will allow Ukraine to protect its soil, its airspace against Russian attacks. France will also start training Ukrainian pilots, Macron said. He reiterated that Ukraine should be allowed to use weapons provided by its Western allies to target Russian military targets and neutralise the points from which (the country) is being attacked.

Aukus focus: The strategic pivot to France

Capability asymmetries between India and the US impede joint training

France files charges against teen accused of plan to attack Olympic fans

French authorities on Friday raised preliminary terrorism charges against an 18-year-old accused of a plot targeting spectators attending soccer games at the upcoming Paris Olympics. The interior minister said it was the first such thwarted plot targeting the Games, which start in eight weeks as France is on its highest threat alert level. The man is accused of planning a 'violent action' on behalf of the Islamic State group's jihadist ideology, the national counterterrorism prosecutor's office said in a statement Friday. The man, who was not identified, is being held in custody pending further investigation. Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said in a statement that members of the General Directorate of Internal Security arrested an 18-year-old man from Chechnya on May 22 on suspicion of being behind a plan to attack soccer events that will be held in the southern city of Saint-Etienne. According to the initial investigation, the man was preparing an attack targeting the ...

French security officials foil plan to attack soccer events during Olympics

The French interior minister said Friday that security authorities have foiled a plan to attack soccer events during the Paris Olympics. Gerald Darmanin said in a statement that an 18-year-old man from Chechnya was arrested on May 22 on suspicion of being behind a plan to attack soccer events that will be held in the city of Saint-Etienne, southwest of Lyon. The Paris Olympics will run from July 26-Aug 11. Soccer matches will take place in cities across France before the final in Paris' Stade de France.