“We have to stand up to Russia”
“We must continue to learn the lessons of the war in Ukraine, for our energy…
“We have to stand up to Russia”
“We must continue to learn the lessons of the war in Ukraine, for our energy and food independence and our security,” underlines Michel Barnier. JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP
INTERVIEW – The former chief Brexit negotiator calls for a “real parliamentary debate” on the war in Ukraine.
Michel Barnier was Minister of Foreign Affairs and chief Brexit negotiator within the European Union.
LE FIGARO. – Eric Ciotti entrusted you with international issues within the LR party. How do you judge the place of France in the world at the start of Macron’s five-year term?
Michael Barnier. – Emmanuel Macron’s ambitions on the international scene reveal a permanent gap between grand declarations, often laudable intentions and much more modest results. Our partners as our rivals measure this hiatus and it makes the French word less credible. Another measure of the decline of our influence can be found in the disastrous figures of our foreign trade. We should better support the three million French people who live, work and create abroad. Be more vigilant in promoting the French language. No doubt, also, our diplomacy does not have all the means, but it is a mistake to weaken professionalism…
