Macron's Mayotte visit sparks controversy amidst cyclone aftermath
During his visit to Mayotte, which was affected by a cyclone, Emmanuel Macron faced harsh criticism from the island's residents. At one point, the French President used rather strong language.
While visiting Mayotte, a French island in the Indian Ocean, Macron encountered discontent among the residents. The community, still reeling from the aftermath of Cyclone Chido, voiced their grievances to the President. In a heated exchange with the locals, Macron lost his composure.
In a video shared by Brut on Instagram, Macron, responding emotionally, addressed one of the islanders: "If it weren't for France, you would be 10,000 times deeper in trouble. There's no other place in the Indian Ocean that has received as much aid," Macron asserted.
Criticism following Macron's visit to Mayotte
This remark was met with criticism. Cyclone Chido, which struck Mayotte, resulted in 35 deaths, and the actual toll might be significantly higher.
Mayotte, the poorest region of France, faces severe challenges, such as water shortages and infrastructure failures. The high number of migrants on the island adds to the complexity of the situation.
Macron also urged the residents not to turn against one another and reminded them that they are part of France.
Macron's visit to Mayotte elicited mixed reactions. Another video, broadcast by BFMTV, shows the President being heckled and called upon to resign.
In 1976, Mayotte voted to remain a part of France, but it remains a subject of international dispute, with the UN not recognising French sovereignty over the island.
Various political groups criticised Macron's comments. Sebastien Chenu of the National Rally claimed the President failed to console the people of Mayotte, who feel they are treated differently. Meanwhile, Clementine Autain, a left-wing parliamentarian, described Macron's words as "a neocolonial language, unworthy of a president."
