Global Focus

France's year of blue and yellow -  blue football jerseys in summer as the world's football champions. Yellow vests in winter for violent protests against government policy. Here is a look at the main events that marked French politics and society in 2018. France wins the FIFA World cup On 15 July 2018, France became "champions du monde" for the second time in World Cup history.France beat Croatia 4-2 in a match that media called one of the most exciting World Cup finals of the modern era.French stars like Kylian Mpabbe, Antoine Griezmann, Olivier Giroud, Ngolo Kante and Paul Pogba became national heroes, along with the team's coach Didier Deschamps.'Benallagate'  In July, a scandal marked the beginning of a long period of political turmoil in France.Alexandre Benalla, a former security aide to President Emmanuel Macron was filmed manhandling protesters during a May Day rally.Under public and media pressure, Benalla was dismissed from the Elysées Palace, while President Macron took responsibility for the inci