Nationwide unrest broke out across France on Wednesday as protesters blocked roads, set fires and clashed with police, who responded with tear gas, as anger grows against the country’s political class.

France’s finances and politics are in turmoil. President Emmanuel Macron has just appointed a new prime minister, the fourth in 12 months.

Fitch Ratings cited the “increased fragmentation and polarization” of politics in the debt-laden country as justification for the downgrade.

Mr Macron has told his new prime minister to consult widely among France’s political parties before forming a government. He wants him to put together a budget for 2026 that can, this time, secure parliamentary approval in advance.

Foreign nationals are blamed for the incident, which has striking similarities with other recent provocations.

France moved to the brink of the Davis Cup Final 8 by taking a 2-0 lead over Croatia, while Argentina, Austria and Germany were also close to booking their spots in Bologna after dominating the opening day of their qualifying ties on Friday.

Brittney Dzialo went viral after she posted a video of her and her friend accidentally boarding a plane to Tunis, Tunisia instead of Nice, France. They say their month-long trip has been full of mishaps,

Ireland back row Aoife Wafer will make her first appearance at the Women's Rugby World Cup in the quarter-final against France in Exeter on Sunday.

Sébastien Lecornu had been defense minister. He is one of President Emmanuel Macron’s most loyal and enduring allies.

Artemis, the Pinault family's holding that controls Gucci-owner Kering, will not sell its 29% stake in sports brand Puma at the current market value and is not engaged in talks over a deal, a source close to the firm told Reuters on Thursday.