France, Feb. 15 -- French President Emmanuel Macron has described France Unbowed (LFI) as a far-left movement in which "antisemitic expressions" are emerging and "must be combated", in an interview with Radio J- a Paris-based radio station aimed at France's Jewish community -that has reignited tensions with the opposition party.

"I think it's no secret that they are on the far left," Macron said in the interview, recorded on Friday and published on Sunday. The classification mirrors a recent decision by the interior ministry - one strongly disputed by LFI.

"I note that in the positions they take, particularly on antisemitism, they contravene the fundamental principles of the Republic," the head of state added.

Macron said that "clearly...