A scandal has erupted between France and Haiti involving Macron, sparking outrage and controversy over his comments.
The President of France, Emmanuel Macron, referred to the leaders of Haiti as "idiots." A scandal has now erupted between the countries. This is reported by The Guardian and UNN.
Details
According to the publication, the Haitian government summoned the French ambassador to the country to express its protest regarding Macron's "unfriendly and inappropriate" comments.
Specifically, on Wednesday, the French president commented on the situation in the Caribbean nation, labeling the decision of Haiti's transitional presidential council to remove the Prime Minister as "absolutely foolish." This decision was made in early November amid escalating gang conflicts.
"Honestly, it is the Haitians who have destroyed Haiti by allowing drug trafficking," Macron stated.
Following these remarks, in Brazil, the French president praised former Prime Minister of Haiti, Henry Ceant, who was ousted due to disagreements with the council. Macron described him as a great leader.
"They are complete idiots; they should not have dismissed him," the French leader said.
As a result, Macron's statements sparked outrage in Haiti (a former French colony). However, on Thursday, in Chile, the president seemingly softened his tone.
The publication explained that Haiti's leadership is torn by internal strife, and three members of the transitional presidential council, tasked with restoring security and preparing for elections, are accused of corruption. They remain in their positions.
The Guardian also added that France has committed to allocating 4 million euros to a UN fund to support the critically lacking security mission aimed at helping restore safety in Haiti, as well as to finance French and Creole language courses for its military personnel.
Furthermore, the Haitian Foreign Ministry reported that during the meeting, French Ambassador Antoine Michon promised that France would stand by Haiti to assist in restoring security and conducting elections.