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Vaccination chief Alain Fischer spoke as daily new cases reached an almost two-month peak at more than 95,000.

Prosecutors say they have opened an investigation into allegations of rape against secretary of state for development and the Francophonie, Chrysoula Zacharopoulou, after two complaints had been received.

In his first public comments since the election, France’s president said that agreements needed to be found across party lines and that he would seek over the next weeks to establish a working majority.

Last month, Grenoble authorised all swimwear, including burkinis, sparking a legal battle with the government but the south-eastern city has now lost its appeal. 

Meanwhile, Macron’s discussions with opposition leaders will start on Tuesday with Christian Jacob, head of the rightwing Les Républicains (LR) party, which could be courted to give the president a parliamentary majority.

Government spokesperson Olivia Grégoire said the election results had left the executive with “an urgency to act”. 

Forecasters predict a re-run of last weekend's low turnout at polling stations.

Polls suggest advances by new left alliance NUPES could hobble centrists’ ability to deliver domestic reforms.

Temperature could exceed 42C in parts of France as scientists warn heatwaves will hit earlier than usual due to climate change.