Trendy Tuesday - Hero Malian who saved child to be given French citizenship
A Malian immigrant, who scaled an apartment building in Paris to save the life of a dangling toddler is to be granted French citizenship, President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday.
Mamoudou Gassama, a 22-year-old undocumented immigrant who carried out a spectacular rescue of a four-year-old who was dangling from a balcony in Paris has been rewarded by the French president.
Macron revealed on Tuesday after meeting with Gassama at the Elysée Palace that the young hero, dubbed "Le Spiderman" would be granted French citizenship and enrolled as a voluntary firefighter in the French fire service.
"You have become an example because millions of people have seen you. It is only right that the nation be grateful," Macron told the 22-year-old, adding that his immigration status would be "put in order."
The president later tweeted: "With Mr Gassama who saved the life of a child after scaling four floors with his bare hands. I told him that in recognition of this act of heroism he would be regularized as soon as possible and that the Paris fire brigade were ready to welcome him."
He will be granted a residency permit on Tuesday and French citizenship at a later date.
The act of heroism, which was the top news item for most French websites and television channels, comes as French lawmakers debate a controversial bill that would speed up the deportation of economic migrants and failed asylum-seekers.
Gassama has been living illegally in France and working in construction after arriving in the country.
During his meeting with Macron the Malian told him of his experience.
"I was trembling, I couldn't believe it," he said.
Macron asked what condition the child had been in once he'd been rescued.
"He was crying, his feet were hurt" said Gassama, adding that he had seen the toddler since the incident.
"Bravo," replied the president.
Gassama's act of bravery which took place at around 8 pm on Saturday in northern Paris, was captured on film and viewed millions of times on social networks.