Embrace Tricolour, says Royal

THE FRONT National does not have a monopoly on the French flag, Ségolène Royal has told followers at a meeting.

The former presidential candidate, who plans to stand in the Socialist Party's primary elections, told supporters that the tricolour "belonged to everyone".

Her speech, given on a stage decorated with the flag, came just two days ahead of the 30th anniversary of the election of François Mitterrand, France's only post-war Socialist president.

She said she regretted the fact the flag was often used by "extremist and xenophobic" movements.

"Now you have taken it up, our flag, don't let it go and work so that the Republic upholds its promises," she added, explaining that the promises of liberté, égalité, fraternité were the three values represented by the colours.

During her presidential campaign in 2007, Royal was criticised for a similar event in which she said she wished all families in France would have a flag that they could fly from windows on national days.