French minister in anthem row

Paris: France’s black justice minister faced calls to resign on Monday for refusing to take part in what she called “karaoke” by singing the national anthem at a weekend event commemorating the abolition of slavery. The centre-right main opposition UMP roundly criticised Christine Taubira for refusing to sing the Marseillaise while the far-right National Front party demanded that she quit her post.

After critics posted remarks on her Facebook page concerning the event at Paris’s Luxembourg gardens, Ms Taubira hit back saying, ”Some events are more a time for reflection than onstage karaoke.” Her comments immediately drew outrage from the Opposition who demanded her resignation.