French President Emmanuel Macron has found himself at the center of a diplomatic scandal after sharply criticizing Haitian leaders who ousted Prime Minister Harry Conil. His comments sparked outrage in Haiti, which officially protested the French leader's words.
In a speech on Wednesday, Macron called the decision by Haiti's transitional council to fire the prime minister "absolutely stupid" and accused Haitian leaders of destroying the country themselves.
"To be honest, it was the Haitians who killed Haiti by allowing the drug trade," said the French president. He also praised Harry Coneill, calling him a "great leader" and added: "They are complete idiots, they shouldn't have sacked him."
In response, the Haitian government summoned the French ambassador to protest Macron's "unfriendly and inappropriate" remarks. The Haitian side considered these statements as interference in the country's internal affairs.
In addition, Macron's comments touched on the sensitive issue of Haiti's historical relationship with France, as Haiti was a French colony until independence in 1804.
The decision by Haiti's transitional council to fire Harry Conil comes amid a deepening crisis in the country, including rising gang violence and allegations of corruption against council members. Despite this, council members remain in their positions, which has caused additional tension within the country.
On Thursday, during a speech in Chile, Macron tried to soften his position. He emphasized that France will not turn away from the crisis in Haiti and will act without double standards regarding global tragedies.
"France will never leave Haiti in trouble, just like any other country faced with a tragedy," said the French president.
