Macron's political duplicity Expert Opinions

This week, Paris once again issued a fresh batch of pro-Armenian statements, and not just anywhere, but from the podium of the UN. In his speech, President Macron noted that "France firmly stands by Armenia in the face of pressure from Azerbaijan and territorial issues."

Calling on the international community, he urged active participation in ensuring successful peace negotiations and maintaining internationally recognized borders. He received a corresponding rebuttal. The spokesperson for the Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Aykhan Hajizada, commented on Macron's statements made on September 25, deeming it unacceptable for France, which is preparing Armenia for revanchism and engaging in extensive military support for that country, to accuse Azerbaijan of exerting pressure.

Not only Macron is slandering Azerbaijan; his ministers are also active in this regard. The newly appointed French Foreign Minister, Jean-Noël Barrot, during a speech at the Armenian Embassy in France on the occasion of the 33rd anniversary of Armenia's independence, stated that "a year ago, the violent expulsion of Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh began."

So, what has triggered this latest surge of Azerbaijanophobia in Paris? To answer this question, a correspondent from Caliber.Az sought the opinions of foreign experts.

Israeli publicist Rostislav Goltzman, who heads the International Relations Commission of the Union of Journalists in Israel, remarked on the perceived toxicity of Macron's policies within Israel.

“Making bold statements from the UN podium that we stand shoulder to shoulder with Armenia may seem like an impressive gesture to Paris, but it raises the question: why has such provocative unity and calls for support for Armenia surfaced now that the situation has stabilized and peace and order are beginning to be restored in the region? Are you not satisfied that the war has ended?” the political scientist questioned.

He added that if he weren’t Israeli, he would find it surprising. However, Israelis are well aware of Macron's actions in their region, which they do not view as principled.

“For an entire year, rockets have been launched from Lebanon into Israel, forests are burning, people are dying, and tens of thousands have been evacuated from border areas. Yet, Macron seemed completely unconcerned, and Paris remained silent. But as soon as Israel launched a counterattack, Macron became alarmed and started calling for peace and an immediate ceasefire. This political duplicity is evident to me as an Israeli,” emphasized Goltzman.

Meanwhile, Belarusian political scientist and an expert on French studies, Boris Osinchuk believes that Macron has managed to form a cabinet that will largely echo his views and speak the language of Macron's rhetoric.

“Macron has significantly restricted the new Prime Minister's ability to select ministerial portfolios. Many candidates, like Michel Barnier, faced outright rejection, including the attempt to appoint Senator Laurence Garnier as Minister for Family Affairs. However, Macron was satisfied with the candidacy of Barrot. He embodies the spirit of Macron's 'lame' politics, where there are loud proclamations, but much less actual work. The 41-year-old Barrot is a politician with high ambitions but a vague understanding of how to achieve them. He cannot be considered a representative of the classical French political school; rather, he is an admirer of American hawks, adopting their tactics and imperialistic tendencies. He seems to have completely forgotten about correctness and ethics, making him prone to issuing flashy statements.

Moreover, he has close ties with members of the Armenian community in France, and judging by some of his statements, he appears ready to work in their interests.

I believe Barrot will repeatedly demonstrate his destructive approach to events in the South Caucasus, as he is inclined to stoke conflicts and infighting in the region. He will continue to actively lobby for Armenia's interests, provoking increasing irritation in Baku,” Osinchuk stated.