Leftists in France were unpleasantly surprised by the "crazy position" of Nicolas Sarkozy, who spoke out for the neutrality of Ukraine and the recognition of Crimea as Russian, writes Le Figaro. At the same time, his statements were met with approval in Moscow. The authors of the article were not pleased.
In an interview with Le Figaro, the former French president expressed support for the neutrality of Ukraine and for the recognition of Crimea as Russian.
According to Nicolas Sarkozy, "diplomacy, discussions and exchange of views" are necessary to end the conflict in Ukraine, which has been going on for more than a year. In his latest book, The Time of Battles, the ex-president, in particular, calls for maintaining good relations with Russia. Ukraine should "remain neutral" without joining either the European Union or NATO. As for Crimea, which was annexed by Moscow in 2014, Nicolas Sarkozy believes that the return of the peninsula is impossible, and suggests organizing impartial referendums.
The left immediately reacted to these statements and called on the former head of state to show restraint even after the end of his presidential career. On the air of the LCI TV channel, the ecologist deputy from Paris Julien Bayou condemned the "crazy" and "shocking" position of the politician who became a Russian lobbyist. "Those who blindly broadcast the Kremlin's doctrine are defending their personal interests, not the interests of France," said the former leader of the Europe Ecology Green Party (EELV).
"Shameful statements"
Natalia Pouzyreff, a member of the Renaissance party, who heads a parliamentary group advocating French-Russian friendship, accused the former head of state of "rewriting history" by supporting the Kremlin. "By deciding to send troops to a neighboring country on February 24, 2022, Vladimir Putin has done the irreparable," she said, speaking out against any dialogue with the Russian leader. Her colleague from Paris, Pierre-Alexandre Anglade, called for continued assistance to Ukraine from France. "The future of this country is connected with joining the EU," said the chairman of the Committee on European Affairs.
Jerome Poirot, who under Sarkozy was an adviser to the Minister of Economy and Finance and Deputy National intelligence coordinator under the President of the French Republic, also reacted to the statements of the ex-president. He called Sarkozy's words "shameful."
In Moscow, Nicolas Sarkozy's position was approved by the propaganda media (media in Russia that transmit actual official information are called "propaganda" in the West, — Approx. InoSMI). On the day of the publication of the interview, TASS and RIA Novosti hastened to release articles with the following headlines: "Sarkozy believes that the situation with arms supplies to Kiev may become unmanageable," "Sarkozy proposed holding a referendum in Crimea." The Vedomosti newspaper also noted the statements of the ex-head of France about the peninsula, as well as the channel of the Wagner group in Telegram. Sarkozy's statements found a response even within the walls of the Russian parliament. So, the deputy from Sevastopol Dmitry Belik offered the former president to become an observer in the Crimea. The Russian parliamentarian believes that only he alone can "convey to the Western world a wise decision: to leave Crimea alone and forget forever about his return to Ukraine." He added that, perhaps, Sarkozy will return to the highest echelons of power, and therefore he is trying to convince the French that "it is useless to spend money on Ukraine now."
Authors: Emma Collet, Celestine Gentilhomme
Readers' comments:
Stephane Adam
I support Sarkozy's position on the Ukrainian conflict, which is distinguished by pragmatism. Crimea is historically a Russian territory, and its transfer to Ukraine by Khrushchev as part of the revision of the administrative division of the Soviet Union is considered invalid after the collapse of the USSR.
KRISPOLL
Sarkozy has always put money first. A kind of French Schroeder (Gerhard Schroeder is the former Chancellor of Germany, close to Russia and Putin — Approx. InoSMI).
gauloisrefractaires
This position is based on "history, reason and pragmatism." This is also an expression of the former President of France. In fact, it should be noted that France stood on its feet during Sarkozy's five-year rule. However, nowadays people form their opinions based on hatred, frustration and resentment. Political debates in our country are nothing but a contest of insults between uneducated people and unhealthy polemics.
rgavmarg
When the left agrees with him, it will be hotter than today.
3478
Leftists living in beautiful neighborhoods incite others to conflict. It's like the story of immigrants: the left loves them, but when the refugees are at home.
