France’s foreign minister once again criticized Australia and the United States over a failed $1 billion deal for French submarines. In a television interview, Jean-Yves Le Drian accused the two countries tonight, among other things, of contempt and lies.
According to Paris, France entered into a diplomatic crisis with the United States and Australia, because Australia abandoned a major purchase of French submarines. Instead, the country joins the United States.
Le Drian also didn’t have a good word for the UK, which is also involved in the deal. He accused the British of “consistent expediency”. He wants NATO to take responsibility for the failed deal.
According to the minister, President Macron has not yet called his American counterpart Biden.
Le Drian previously spoke of “unacceptable behavior” from the three countries. Yesterday, Paris announced the recall of the ambassadors of the United States and Australia for consultations. According to the minister, this is the first time that France has done so. “It shows how deep the crisis between our two countries is,” Le Drian said, referring to the United States. “There was hypocrisy, contempt and lies. You can’t act like that in a partnership.”
Upon his sudden departure from Australia, the French ambassador could not hide his horror:
