Left-wing primary rivals Glucksmann and Royal trade sharp exchanges in France

Tensions have risen between candidates in France's left-wing primary, Le Monde reported, three weeks ahead of the first round of voting.

According to the paper, former Socialist presidential candidate Ségolène Royal criticized European lawmaker Raphaël Glucksmann's lack of experience over the weekend, calling him a "trainee."

Le Monde reported that Glucksmann responded by referring to positions Royal had "sought for forty-five years," as the exchange between the two intensified.