Arc De Triomphe Monument

Arc De Triomphe Monument

Part of: Prelims and GS II – International relations

Context French authorities took down a temporary installation of the European Union flag from the Arc de Triomphe monument in Paris, after rightwing opponents of President Emmanuel Macron accused him of “erasing” French identity.

Key takeaways 

• The giant blue flag was raised in place of a French flag on New Year’s Eve to mark France’s turn at the rotating presidency of the EU Council.
• The Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile ( ’Triumphal Arch of the Star’) is one of the most famous monuments in Paris, France.
• It honours those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, with the names of all French victories and generals inscribed on its inner and outer surfaces.
• The arch, a monument to war dead, and other landmarks including the Eiffel Tower and the Pantheon are also being illuminated with blue lights for the remainder of this week.