Michel Barnier vowed to slash spending and temporarily raise some taxes, but his plan must contend with three bitterly opposed political blocs and an aversion in France to working across party lines.

Lawmakers gave new French Prime Minister Michel Barnier a rough ride, heckling him constantly, as he laid out his proposed policies in an inaugural speech to parliament on Tuesday, a baptism of fire that highlighted how difficult governing will be for his minority government.

In his inaugural address to parliament, new French prime minister says country's 'colossal' debt is 'sword of Damocles'

French far-right leader Marine Le Pen denied violating any rules as she and her National Rally party and two dozen others went on trial on Monday, accused of embezzling European Parliament funds, in a case that has the potential to derail her political ambitions.

The anti-immigration politician could receive a decade in prison and a fine of up to €1 million if found guilty.

Far-right National Rally leader Marine Le Pen went on trial in Paris on Monday on charges of abusing European Parliament funds by hiring aides provided at taxpayer expense for party matters.

France forward Antoine Griezmann has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 33. He ends his international career with 137 senior caps and 44 goals, making him his country’s joint-third highest appearance maker and fourth top scorer.

World Cup winner Antoine Griezmann, one of France’s most influential players over the past decade, took the soccer world by surprise Monday when he announced the end of his international career with Les Bleus.

France midfielder Antoine Griezmann announced the end of his international career on Monday after being coach Didier Deschamps's most important player for a decade, during which he won a World Cup title.