The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs had criticized the former Prime Minister for preferring “money” to his “country” by integrating a large private Russian group.
The charge did not remain without consequence. On Sunday, the Secretary of State for European Affairs, Clément Beaune, estimated that former Prime Minister François Fillon had become “partner in crimeby Vladimir Putin on joining the board of Russian petrochemical giant Sibur. “There are people who prefer money to the country“, rebuked the tenant of the Quai d’Orsay, claiming to have “respect for the prime minister François Fillon was” even though he “disgraces” today according to him.
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Questioned this Tuesday, Valérie Pécresse sharply replied to Clément Beaune at the microphone of France Interdenouncing remarks “unworthy“. Above all, the Republican candidate assured that François Fillon had “called“Emmanuel Macron”to be surprised and indignant at the remarksfrom his secretary of state. “Emmanuel Macron has disavowed Mr. Beaune, so I think the campaign should not be an opportunity to sink into the most total indignity“, she said. And to add:Emmanuel Macron is now in charge of the European Union, he is in charge of this great responsibility. I think it does not tolerate small polemics campaign politicians.»
“Ms. Pécresse was worthy in her call for responsibility”, praises a macronist
“I am in opposition, but I show dignity. And I do not attack the President of the Republic even when I have the feeling that he is instrumentalizing an international cause for electoral purposes“, Also lambasted the president of the Île-de-France region, campaigning for the presidential election. “I show dignity and I also expect the majority to show some dignity in this matter“, she continued, referring to “purely political attacks“.
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Contacted by Le Figaro, the Élysée Palace did not wish to comment on or confirm the existence of this exchange between Emmanuel Macron and François Fillon. “Madame Pécresse was dignified in her call for responsibility and her recognition of the work done. Francois Hollande too. Too bad that Messrs. Ciotti and Retailleau and Madame Le Pen do not show the same patriotism“, However, slips a macronist. And to add, to the place of the opposition:At a time when national unity and European unity are more necessary than ever, it is a pity that some are not at work and prefer to argue pettily“.