World News | EU Flag Disappears From Paris' Arc De Triomphe Amid Controversy

Paris [France], January 2 (ANI/ Sputnik): The flag of the European Union was no longer flying under the Arc de Triomphe in Paris on Sunday after prompting an outcry from the French right for replacing national colors.

The bloc's blue-with-stars banner appeared beneath the iconic arc's vault on New Year's Eve to mark the handover of the European Union's rotating presidency to France on January 1. French opposition leaders slammed the move as an attack on the national identity and an insult to the tomb of an unknown soldier at the arc's base.

Also Read | Earthquake in China: 22 Injured After Quake of Magnitude 5.5 Rattles Yunnan Province.

Marine Le Pen, the leader of the right-wing National Rally, called the flag's premature removal "a beautiful patriotic victory" and thanked "all those in love with France and the Republic" for pushing back against President Emmanuel Macron.

The right accused the centrist president of using France's EU presidency for campaigning. Macron is expected to announce his reelection bid ahead of the polls in April. He is challenged by Le Pen, The Republican's Valerie Pecresse and far-right pundit Eric Zemmour. (ANI/ Sputnik)

Also Read | Indian Kills Compatriot With Wooden Plank on New Year’s Day in Singapore, Arrested.

(The above story is verified and authored by ANI staff, ANI is South Asia's leading multimedia news agency with over 100 bureaus in India, South Asia and across the globe. ANI brings the latest news on Politics and Current Affairs in India & around the World, Sports, Health, Fitness, Entertainment, & News. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)