Attack on Nice: Sarkozy blames government for failing to prevent attacks

Tributes to the more than 80 people killed, but many have yet to be identified

In the wake of the attack in Nice, former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has criticised the government for not doing enough to provide security.

The centre-right opposition leader called for any foreign nationals with links to radical Islam to be expelled from France. More than 80 people died when an attacker ploughed a lorry into people celebrating Bastille Day on Thursday.

Mohamed Lahouaiej-Bouhlel was shot dead after ramming his lorry into crowds

Eighty-five people remain in hospital, 18 of them in critical condition. Many survivors are still waiting for news of their loved ones. Only 35 bodies have so far been officially identified.


Prosecutors say painstaking measures are needed to avoid errors of identification.

Forceful message

Speaking to French television, Mr Sarkozy said "Democracy must not be weak, nor simply commemorate. Democracy must say 'We will win the war'." He said he supported stronger measures like expulsion of radicalised Muslims, and electronic tagging for those at risk of radicalisation.

France's government has said it is at war with violent jihadists. But a third major attack in 18 months has led to criticism of the country's leaders.