France divided over Ukraine as parliamentary debate sparks tensions
While French politicians across the spectrum are united in their support for Ukraine, a debate in parliament has highlighted the divide between pro-Europeans and nationalists when it comes to the best approach, reigniting tensions in the country's fractured political landscape.
During Monday's debate in the National Assembly on how best to back Ukraine and protect European security, French MPs from all sides expressed their support for Kyiv and saluted the country's ambassador to France, Omelchenko Vadym, who was in attendance.
However, MPs from the far right refrained from applauding Prime Minister Francois Bayrou's denunciation of US President Donald Trump's treatment of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House last week.
The debate, which did not lead to a vote, was symbolic and allowed parties to position themselves on European and French security, but also to reiterate support – or opposition – to Emmanuel Macron's diplomatic efforts towards European solutions.
Bayrou addressed the Assembly to lay out the government's "vision" on a need for European countries to come together, as the US pulls away from its traditional alliance, declaring: "It is up to us, Europeans, to guarantee the security and defence of Europe."
The disagreement on spending came from the political extremes – on the left and right.
Read more on RFI EnglishRead also:French PM Bayrou slams Trump's 'brutal' humiliation of Zelensky in Oval OfficeFront line 'getting closer', warns French FM as MPs prepare to debate UkraineFrance and EU move to secure Ukraine minerals as US pushes for deal
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