Macron Privately Called Boris Johnson a ‘Clown’, Says French Magazine

THE GUARDIAN: Report follows French president’s complaint about PM’s behaviour after they discussed sinking of refugee boat in the Channel

Macron reportedly said of Johnson: ‘We have discussions like big people, and then he gives us a hard time before or afterwards in an inelegant way. It’s always the same circus.’ Photograph: Murdo MacLeod/The Guardian
The French president, Emmanuel Macron, referred to Boris Johnson in a private conversation as a “clown”, according to reports in France.

The political magazine Le Canard enchaîné, often described as the French equivalent of Private Eye, reported Macron as saying the British prime minister has “the attitude of a vulgarian”.

It came as Macron complained about Johnson’s behaviour after the leaders spoke by phone after last Wednesday’s sinking of a refugee boat in the Channel.

The French president was angered after Johnson tweeted a letter outlining a five-point plan to tackle the issue of Channel crossings. “I spoke two days ago with prime minister Johnson in a serious way,” Macron said at a press conference on Friday after the tweet. “For my part I continue to do that, as I do with all countries and all leaders. I am surprised by methods when they are not serious. We do not communicate from one leader to another on these issues by tweets and letters that we make public.” » | Tom Ambrose | Thursday, December 2, 2021