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France's parliament has bowed to European Union pressure and removed a 130-year-old ban on "offending the head of state."

Allegations that the U.S. had spied on EU offices in Washington and New York emerged this weekend. European officials say the incident could endanger trade talks.

Parliament had passed the legislation in April, but the main opposition party challenged its constitutionality. A ruling by the Constitutional Council on Friday paved the way for President Francois Hollande's official blessing.

The presidential palace will auction off 1,200 bottles of its finest wines — some worth almost $3,000. It hopes to raise more than $300,000

France said discreet talks to free the family had been ongoing but that no ransom was paid.

When French President Francois Hollande came for a visit, Mali's government gave him a camel. Unable to transport the camel home, Hollande left it with a local family who then ate it. Embarrassed officials have promised Hollande a new camel.

Mali gave Hollande a camel as a thank you for sending troops to repel Islamist fighters from the country. Unfortunately that camel ended up a stew.

In a TV interview, Francois Hollande said companies that pay workers more than 1 million euros will see the tax on those salaries increase to 75 percent. The announcement comes as the Socialist leader battles plummeting approval ratings.

Francois Hollande visits the northern city of Timbuktu six days after French and Malian troops liberate it; he says France is prepared to hand over command of the battle against Islamists in Mali to an African-led military force.

French President Francois Hollande has vowed to improve his country's competitiveness. But to better compete, France has to overhaul its labor market, and some hard-earned workers' rights and privileges could be lost.