Minister calls for foreigners to learn La Marseillaise

YOU might have to brush up on your singing voice if you want to live in France should the minister for immigration and national identity get his way.

The Telegraph reports that Brice Hortefeux wants foreigners to be taught the history and understand the values of the République, notably La Marseillaise.

The reasoning behind the move appears to be the government's anger at supporters booing the national anthem during a recent football match between France and Tunisia, at the time they went as far as threatening to empty the stadium if a similar reaction occurs.

But the government may have it's work cut out as Charles Bremner, of The Times, reports that younger minorities in France have gained strength from US president-elect Barack Obama and are keen to reclaim their Arab and African backgrounds.