Emmanuel Macron was criticised for relying heavily on Ursula von der Leyen during a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Paris.
16:12, Tue, May 7, 2024 | UPDATED: 16:16, Tue, May 7, 2024
Emmanuel Macron and Ursula von der Leyen welcoming Xi Jinping in Paris (Image: Getty)
After a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Paris on Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron faced criticism from Generation Frexit leader Charles-Henri Gallois for what was deemed as an over reliance on European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Gallois took to social media to express his disapproval, sharing a photoshopped image of Macron holding von der Leyen's hand.
In his post, Gallois wrote: "Emmanuel Macron is now almost incapable of doing without Ursula von der Leyen. What a humiliation for national sovereignty and what an inability to defend national interests!"
Emmanuel Macron est désormais quasiment incapable de faire sans Ursula von der Leyen.
— Charles-Henri Gallois ???????????? (@CH_Gallois) May 7, 2024
The incident unfolded as Macron engaged in discussions with Xi Jinping, focusing on trade disputes and diplomatic efforts related to Ukraine.
Macron expressed hopes that China's influence on Moscow would aid in resolving the conflict in Ukraine, stressing the importance of dialogue and negotiation in conflict resolution.
In response, Xi Jinping reiterated China's commitment to neutrality in the war and called for all parties to restart contact and dialogue.
The leaders also discussed concerns regarding the situation in the Middle East, emphasising shared goals of achieving a cease-fire, protecting populations, and facilitating humanitarian aid delivery.
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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also participated in the meeting to address EU concerns, particularly regarding trade issues with China.
Von der Leyen stressed the importance of reciprocal access to markets and vowed to protect Europe's economy and security through tough decisions.
The discussions held significant international implications, with attention from Washington ahead of US President Joe Biden's upcoming state visit to France.
The incident underscores ongoing debates within France over its relationship with the European Union and the broader implications for national sovereignty.
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