Haiti summons French ambassador over Macron’s “unfriendly” remarks

Haiti’s foreign minister summoned the French ambassador, Antoine Michon, on November 21 to address remarks made by President Emmanuel Macron during the G20 summit in Brazil.

Macron had described members of Haiti’s transitional council as "total morons" following their decision to dismiss Prime Minister Garry Conille, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

Macron, speaking on video, criticised the council, saying, "Honestly, it is Haitians who killed Haiti by letting in drug trafficking. They are completely dumb. They should never have fired him." The comments referred to Conille’s removal by the council earlier this month after a power struggle over control of the government.

Conille, who had been appointed in May by the transitional council, had a background in the United Nations and was tasked with guiding Haiti towards presidential elections next year while stabilising the country. He described his dismissal as unconstitutional. On November 11, businessman Alix Didier Fils Aime replaced him as prime minister.

"They are complete idiots. They should never have taken him out. The prime minister was wonderful," Macron added in the video, further escalating tensions.

The Haitian government condemned Macron’s statements, describing them as “unfriendly and inappropriate.” The Foreign Ministry confirmed that Ambassador Michon had been summoned to address the issue.

In a statement, the ministry said the comments were “unacceptable” and emphasised the need for mutual respect between the nations. During the meeting, Michon assured Haiti of France’s ongoing support, including assistance in restoring security and organising elections.

Despite the controversy, Macron reiterated France’s commitment to supporting Haiti. "France will never look away in the face of a crisis," he said, adding, "There will never be a double standard in the face of tragedy, whether in Haiti, Venezuela, or on the doorstep of Europe."

France has pledged €4 million ($4.18 million) to the United Nations fund aimed at financing a security mission to stabilise Haiti, underscoring its commitment to aiding the crisis-hit Caribbean nation.

By Aghakazim Guliyev