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Diplomatic dispute erupts over US envoy's absence
The French foreign ministry has called for Charles Kushner, the United States' special envoy to France, to be barred from government meetings after he skipped a summons from Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and failed to clarify controversial comments about rising violence in the country.
Summons ignored, deputy sent instead
Kushner, father of former White House adviser Jared Kushner, was expected to meet Barrot on Monday evening but did not attend. Instead, he cited a prior commitment and dispatched an embassy deputy in his place.
The ministry responded sharply, accusing Kushner of disregarding "the fundamental duties of an ambassadorial role" and announcing that Barrot had requested Kushner "no longer be granted direct access" to French government ministers.
Social media post sparked French outrage
The dispute began after the US embassy in Paris posted on social media about the killing of far-right activist Quentin Deranque, claiming "violent left-wing extremism is on the rise" in France.
Deranque, a 23-year-old mathematics student, died in hospital on 14 February, two days after being assaulted by a group of masked men in Lyon. French centre-right officials attributed the attack to "far-left militants."
French government rejects US remarks
Barrot condemned the embassy's statement over the weekend, stating, "We refuse to allow this tragedy, which has devastated a French family, to be exploited for political purposes."
"We have no lessons to learn-especially on the issue of violence-from the international reactionary movement."
Jean-Noël Barrot, French Foreign Minister
Suspects charged, left-wing party denies involvement
Six men suspected of involvement in Deranque's fatal assault have been charged. Additionally, a parliamentary assistant linked to the radical left France Unbowed (LFI) party faces complicity charges.
LFI leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon, a potential 2027 presidential candidate, denied any party connection to the incident and condemned "all forms of violence."
"We express our shock, as well as our sympathy and compassion for Quentin Deranque's family and friends."
Jean-Luc Mélenchon, LFI Leader
US embassy yet to respond
The US embassy in France has not commented on the diplomatic dispute or the ministry's demands. BBC News has sought a response.
