France

Former French Prime Minister Edouard Balladur has died at 97, announced by his family. Balladur, who served from 1993 to 1995, was honoured by President Emmanuel Macron and PM Sebastien Lecornu as a devoted public servant and reformist statesman, marking his significant impact on French politics.

In a televised address from the Élysée Palace, Macron acknowledged the voters’ message and emphasised the need for “a clear majority in serenity and harmony” to counter the far-right’s progress.

The unrest began last week following a decision by lawmakers in Paris to permit more French residents to vote in local elections, a change that indigenous leaders claim will diminish the political influence of native people.

Rouen Mayor Nicolas Mayer-Rossignol said that the attack has left not just the Jewish community but the entire city “battered and in shock.” Police were alerted around 06:45 local time (04:45 GMT) after smoke was seen rising from the synagogue.

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