French President Emmanuel Macron criticised his opponents, leftist Jean-Luc Mélenchon and far-right Marine Le Pen, labelling their political projects as being about “disorder and submission,” in his first press interview since his re-election on Friday.
With France’s legislative elections due to take place on 12 and 19 June, Macron took aim at his main rivals.
“They explain that we must get out of our alliances, out of Europe, and build strategic alliances with Russia. This is submission to Russia,” said Macron.
“It is rare to win an election in which one does not run. No political party can impose a name on the president,” said Macron about Mélenchon, who, together with his left-wing alliance, wants to obtain a majority in the National Assembly to force Macron to appoint him as his prime minister.
Macron also spoke of his plans on the international front.
The French leader said he might visit Kyiv, noting that he wants to increase financial and military support to Ukraine. “Arms deliveries to Ukraine will continue,” he said.
“I have asked our industrialists to accelerate the production of armaments. It is not only to replenish our stocks but also to strengthen our independence,” he told the press.
According to Macron, Putin has committed “a historic and fundamental mistake for his people, himself, and history.”
“Russia remains a great people. I think he has isolated himself. To lock oneself up in isolation is one thing, to know how to get out of it is a difficult path,” he added.