France removes EU flag from Arc de Triomphe after political uproar - AA

Under fire from right-wing political parties, France’s government on Sunday removed a large European flag at a major Paris landmark meant to celebrate the French presidency of the European Union.

The flag at the iconic Arc de Triomphe – along with similar displays at the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum – marked France taking over the EU presidency on Jan. 1, but the Euroskeptic opposition has pushed for a “Frexit” and flouting EU laws, and may cause trouble in looming presidential elections.

The controversy less than 100 days from the elections – whose first round is set for April 10 – was sparked after several right-wing leaders and presidential candidates expressed outrage, accusing the Emmanuel Macron government of erasing French identity and contempt for veterans, whose names are inscribed at the arc.