There’ll always be a France

The sensitive chaps at the CRS are always up for a fight. This time it’s their turn to battle the French government:

The notorious Compagnies Républicaines de Sécurité, or CRS, are outraged at an official decree stating they can no longer drink wine or beer with their meals.

Until now, a civilised tipple was part of the daily lunch menu of the controversial force, lauded by Nicolas Sarkozy, whose trademark black body armour and riot shields are a regular feature on French streets.

A glass of wine, beer or cider – but not spirits – was always permitted with lunch, including while on duty. Even packed lunches provided out of riot vans while they were patrolling demonstrations came with a can of beer or glass of wine.

And if the CRS strike, who will be asked to beat them up? Good luck to ’em, however, since in general, I think it’s good for France to remain hopelessly, magnificently French.