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French minister quits in fresh blow to President Macron

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Popular sports minister Laura Flessel, a former Olympic fencing champion, steps down for personal reasons as president's ratings hit new lows.

France partly to blame for Libya crisis says Italian minister

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Defence minister said it was 'undeniable' Libya is in crisis because in 2011 someone put their own interests ahead of those of Libyan people.

Back to school for French pupils - without their phones

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Ban was brought in under a law passed in July which also banishes tablets and smart watches from French primary and junior high schools.

The French 'children' forgotten in Belarus

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Formerly displaced people from Europe were tempted 'home' to USSR but lost their previous nationality and suffered poverty and repression.

France bans all five pesticides linked to bee loss

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Move to ban five so-called neonicotinoids hailed by beekeepers but farmers warn it could leave them all but defenceless in protecting crops.

France proposes UN sanctions for groups delaying Mali peace deal

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French official has already submitted names of individuals to UN Security Council committee set up last year to deal with Mali sanctions.

French actor Gérard Depardieu accused of rape

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His lawyer says the 69-year-old actor denies 'absolutely' the allegations made against the 69-year-old by a 22-year-old French actress.

Macron affirms love for France after 'resistant Gauls' aside

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Macron's praise for Danes as open to new ideas and description of French as 'Gauls who are resistant to change' had prompted criticism at home.

French baguette faces pinch from anti-salt MPs

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French politicians looking into health risks of additives are set to propose laws forcing bakers and processed food makers to slash salt content.

Man held over harassment and slapping of woman in Paris street

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A 25-year-old man reportedly receiving psychiatric treatment has been arrested for assaulting a young woman in a Paris street, caught on video and widely relayed by the media, after she objected to his sexually suggestive comments.