French press review 4 July 2016

French press reviews  a crazy post-Brexit week which has left the United Kingdom in crisis, and also carry tributes to Michel Rocard, the father of French Social democracy who died on Saturday.

DR

Le Monde

The paper explores  post-Brexit United Kingdom.

According to Le Monde, Prime Minister David Cameron, the instigator of the Brexit referendeum has become the victim of his  own political gamble and is due to leave r 10 Downing Street in September.

The paper reports that the process of finding Cameron's successor has been transformed into a sort of shooting gallery while a rebellion against Labour leader Jeremony Corbyn has pushed the entire political system to the brink.

Furthermore, Le Monde reports from the deeply-divided country now threatened by the question of Scotland's independence which has resurfaced againas has the reunification of Ireland.

It also claims that the Brexit vote has shined a  light on the deep social, generational and geographical fractures that need to be healed by the country. This, according to the newspaper, is coupled with a trembling economy, marked by a tumbling Pound and looming questions at The City about its future.

The French papers pay front-page tributes to ex-prime Minister Michel Rocard who died on Saturday after a long bout with cancer.

Libération

The left-leaning paper offers a 12-page supplement for the so-called "pioneer of French social democracy and mentor of the a new generation of Socialists".

Rocard deserves to be credited for championing a series of essential reforms explains Libération.

It recalls  that Rocard was a "dissident of the colonial war", who after the outbreak of 1954 Algerian uprising against French colonial rule travalled to Algeria" to denounce the humiliating treatment inflicted on the country's Muslims" and who later authored a report "refuting phrases legitimizing the war".

Le Figaro

"Passing of Michel Rocard renders modern Left fatherless", the right-wing paper reads in a rare gesture of compassion.

Le Figaro says it will remember Rocard who served under President Mitterrand despite their anatagonidstic relationship, as the "father of French Social democracy, the champion of a "second left", adding that he  was Prime Minister Manuel Vall's political father".

La Croix

For the Cathoic daily "straight talker" Rocard definitely made his mark on French politics through his loyalty to his ideals, his integrity and straight talk".

Les Echos

 "No one ever accused Rocard of either disavowing his values or betraying his ideas".  observes the economic newspaper. Moreso it argues that  "during his time, Michel Rocard was the lone left-leaning politician to dare speak of economics in a realistic and inspiring manner".

France in Euro 2016 semi finals

L'Equipe, for its part, splashes on  the French national football team capturing a moment of exctasy as Les Bleu's celebrated last night's 5-2 drubbing of Iceland in the quarter finals of the Euro 2016 at the Stade de France.

The sports daily says that despite the offensive festival the defence of "Les Bleus" remains a cause for concern as they prepare for Thursday's semi final showdown against World Champions Germany in Marseille.