Francois Hollande’s plane hit by lightning

THERE was drama during Socialist Francois Hollande’s first day as French president when his plane was struck by lightning.

Mr Holande’s Falcon 7X aircraft was hit by lighting as he headed to Berlin to meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel to discuss Europe’s financial crisis.

No one was hurt, but the plane returned to its Paris airbase as a precaution where the president and his officials were transferred to another aircraft.

After meeting in Berlin, Mrs Merkel and Mr Hollande said they both want Greece to remain part of the eurozone. Mr Hollande also pledged to work together with Germany “for the good of Europe”.

Mr Hollande added that “everything must be put on the table by everyone” to promote growth.