PARIS – French presidential frontrunner Emmanuel Macron drew a storm of criticism Wednesday after calling France’s colonisation of Algeria a "crime against humanity". His visit also included a stop at the Martyrs’ Memorial in Algiers, saying he wanted to promote a "reconciliation of memories" between the two countries. Les Republicans candidate Francois Fillon on Wednesday denounced what he called "this hatred of our history, this perpetual repentance that is unworthy of a candidate for the presidency of the republic". And Fillon has been tripped up by his own comments on French colonialism. Macron remains the frontrunner in the presidential race, with 39 per cent of those surveyed in the latest survey by pollsters Ipsos giving him a favourable opinion.

Source: Viet Nam News February 16, 2017 04:13 UTC