MP cautioned for giving the finger

AN MP who put his middle finger up to the prime minister during a debate in parliament has avoided a fine and escaped with a warning.

Henri Emmanuelli, a Socialist MP representing the Landes, made the doigt d'honneur during a heated debate on taxation last week.

The incident was caught by TV cameras and has been posted on video-sharing websites.

In it, Emmanuelli appears to make the gesture towards François Fillon after the prime minister said that Germany was better at fiscal reforms than France.

National Assembly authorities have reviewed the video and issued Emmanuelli with a warning.

He had faced a temporary exclusion from parliament and a pay dock for up to two months.

Emmanuelli insisted he had not meant to make the gesture, telling reporters last week: "I did not put my finger up and if it has been interpreted that way, I am sorry."

He said he was "big enough and experienced enough" to be able to get his point across without resorting to rude gestures.

La doigt d'honneur d'Emmanuelli à Fillon? par LePostfr