A loyalist of Emmanuel Macron s is on a diplomatic charm offensive in South America after Paris opposed a trade deal with the continent s Mercosur bloc to appease French farmers.
France s education minister has announced a ban on long robes in classrooms, citing concerns over secularism and attempts to destabilize schools. The ban is aimed at garments primarily worn by Muslims, but critics argue that they are simply a fashion statement.
Widespread violence erupted in France in late June following the shooting of a teenager during a traffic check. Following the riots, a police officer has been placed in custody in relation to the beating of another young man.