France’s outgoing overseas affairs minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, has undiplomatically welcomed the election defeat of Australia’s conservative authorities after a disagreement final 12 months over an deserted submarine deal between the 2 international locations.
Australia scrapped the acquisition value as much as A$90bn (£50bn) final September in favour of a safety pact with the US and the UK.
Scott Morrison, then the prime minister, rejected accusations that his authorities had lied to France, which consequently recalled its ambassadors from the US and Australia as an indication of protest and mentioned that it was knowledgeable of the pact solely hours earlier than the general public announcement was made.
Le Drian made the remarks about Morrison’s defeat in Saturday’s elections throughout a ceremony in Paris during which he handed over to his successor, Catherine Colonna.
💬 Australie: "La défaite du Premier ministre Morrisson me va très bien"
Lors de la passation de pouvoir au Quai d'Orsay avec Catherine Colonna, Jean-Yves Le Drian s'est réjouit de la défaite du Premier ministre australien aux élections législatives ⤵ pic.twitter.com/f7wHk0drxD
He mentioned: “I can’t cease myself from saying that the defeat of Morrison fits me very effectively.”
Le Drian added that Morrison’s actions over the submarine deal confirmed “brutality and cynicism, and I'd even be tempted to say of unequivocal incompetence”.
He added that he hoped that the French authorities “can resume frank and constructive dialogue with Australia sooner or later”.
Morrison, the US president, Joe Biden, and the UK prime minister, Boris Johnson, unveiled a brand new safety partnership final 12 months, referred to as the Aukus pact, that scuppered Australia’s 2016 cope with French shipbuilder Naval Group to construct 12 typical submarines.
Australia’s choice has led to an escalation of tensions between Paris and Canberra.
Le Drian mentioned in September he felt “stabbed within the again” over the “unacceptable” deal that might harm French enterprise.
The French president, Emmanuel Macron, accused Morrison of mendacity to him final 12 months over the deserted submarine contract.
Australia’s rightwing Coalition authorities misplaced energy after practically a decade in workplace. Morrison conceded defeat and introduced he would step down as chief of his get together.
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