Germany and France try to turn tide of European skepticism
Posted October 07, 2015 7:00 am
STRASBOURG, France (AP) - French President Francois Hollande has forcefully defended a stronger Europe and, in response to an insult from the far-right, said those who disagree should leave the EU.
Hollande appeared before the European Parliament with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday in a highly unusual bid to heal divisions within the bloc.
Marine Le Pen, the French lawmaker who heads a far-right group in the parliament seeking more sovereignty for member states, referred to Hollande as "Merkel's vice-chancellor, administrator of the province of France."
Hollande replied, "If (you) don't want a stronger Europe ... the only possible path is simply to leave Europe."
Lawmakers gave him a standing ovation.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel, left, is seated next to French President Francois Hollande before addressing the members of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, eastern France, Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2015. Angela Merkel and Francois Hollande are making a historic appeal to the European Parliament on Wednesday. It's the first such joint appearance since 1989, when West German Chancellor Helmut Kohl and French President Francois Mitterrand spoke in Strasbourg days after the fall of the Berlin Wall. (AP Photo/Michael Probst)
The Associated Press
President of European parliament Martin Schulz, left, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Spain's King Felipe VI, 2nd right, and French President Francois Hollande, right, pose for photographers as they meet at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, eastern France, Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2015. Angela Merkel and Francois Hollande are making a historic appeal to the European Parliament on Wednesday. It's the first such joint appearance since 1989, when West German Chancellor Helmut Kohl and French President Francois Mitterrand spoke in Strasbourg days after the fall of the Berlin Wall. (AP Photo/Michael Probst, Pool)
The Associated Press
German Chancellor Angela Merkel gestures as she delivers her speech as part of a joint appearance with French President Francois Hollande, right, at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, eastern France, Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2015. Angela Merkel and Francois Hollande are making a historic appeal to the European Parliament on Wednesday. It's the first such joint appearance since 1989, when West German Chancellor Helmut Kohl and French President Francois Mitterrand spoke in Strasbourg days after the fall of the Berlin Wall. (AP Photo/Michael Probst)
The Associated Press
French President Francois Hollande gestures as he delivers his speech as part of a joint appearance with German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, eastern France, Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2015. Angela Merkel and Francois Hollande are making a historic appeal to the European Parliament on Wednesday. It's the first such joint appearance since 1989, when West German Chancellor Helmut Kohl and French President Francois Mitterrand spoke in Strasbourg days after the fall of the Berlin Wall. (AP Photo/Michael Probst)
The Associated Press
German Chancellor Angela Merkel shakes hand with delegates of her faction at the European Union Parliament in Strasbourg, eastern France, Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2015. Angela Merkel and Francois Hollande are making a historic appeal to the European Parliament on Wednesday. It's the first such joint appearance since 1989, when West German Chancellor Helmut Kohl and French President Francois Mitterrand spoke in Strasbourg days after the fall of the Berlin Wall. (AP Photo/Michael Probst)
The Associated Press
Spain's King Felipe VI grimaces as he prepares to speak at the European Union Parliament in Strasbourg, France, Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2015. (AP Photo/Michael Probst)
The Associated Press
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