President Macron says Napoleon 'is a part of us'

Numerous past presidents have shunned paying tribute to one of France's most divisive leaders, but in a speech at the Institut de France, established by Napoleon on the banks of the river Seine, Macron said history should be confronted.

Napoleon was to some a military genius, a modernizer and national hero. To others he was an imperialist, warmonger and enslaver.

"Napoleon Bonaparte is a part of us," Macron said. "He is, because saying his name continues to vibrate a thousand imaginary strings everywhere."