EU flag removed from France's Arc de Triomphe after right-wing outrage

A giant European Union flag attached to Arc de Triomphe in Paris to mark start of France’s six-month presidency of bloc was removed on Sunday after drawing outr from right-wing leers. According to BBC, EU flag was raised in place of French tricolour on New Year’s Eve in a bid to mark France’s turn as rotating EU president. Blue lights will also illuminate arch and or landmarks such as Eiffel Tower for rest of this week. 

However, French President Emmanuel Macron’s right-wing political rivals for spring elections reacted with fury to removal of French flag at Arc de Triomphe, accusing him of “erasing” French identity. As per BBC report, y called it an “affront” to France’s herit and its veterans. Far-right leer Marine Le Pen, who is a candidate in presidential election in April, said "replacing" French flag at monument was an attack on country's identity. 

When EU flag was first installed at Arc, Marine Le Pen vowed to file a complaint with State Council, France’s highest court for ministrative matters. After EU flag’s removal, she described it as a “victory” resulting from pressure on government. Separately, Valerie Pecresse, a conservative candidate, who could be Macron's main challenger in upcoming election, also objected to position of EU flag: "Preside over Europe yes, erase French identity !", she tweeted. 

EU flag was removed in line with ‘planned schedule’ 

An official at French Presidency, on or hand, said that EU flag was meant to only be at Arc for two days and removal was in line with “planned schedule”. European Affairs Minister Clément Beaune denied government h bowed to pressure from far-right and said flag h been taken down as planned. While speaking to France Inter rio, he also pointed out French flag which is sometimes displayed at Arc is t a permanent fixture re. 

Meanwhile, on Saturday, Macron h outlined priorities of France’s EU presidency based on three principles - strengning European sovereignty, developing a new model of growth, and creating a Europe closer to its citizens. He said that specific goals included better border protection and manment of migration. Improved security, techlogical invation and defending rule of law, are also top priorities, French President ded.

(Im: Twitter/AP)