France’s Macron seeks to veto Ben Wallace for major NATO role

WORLD  24 November 2022 - 19:32

French President Emmanuel Macron has been met with fury after it was reported that he is seeking to veto Ben Wallace being considered to be Secretary General of NATO.

Wallace, a former soldier, has been tipped to take over from Jens Stoltenberg when his term comes to an end in September 2023, Express.co.uk reports.

But France is said to be opposed to any UK or Turkish candidates who might be up for the role.

Tory MP Andrew Bridgen accused Mr Macron of "anglophobia", telling Express.co.uk: "While Macron’s anglophobia is disappointing, he is at least consistent."

Another Tory MP told Express.co.uk that France's position raises questions for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, noting that he "sees Macron as a friend".

Meanwhile, David Jones, deputy chairman of the European Research Group, said "anyone with a fair mind would recognise it's a good idea to have a representative of a major military power in that role."

"The fact is, we are the second biggest contributor to NATO. We are the biggest military power in Europe," he added.

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