"Shame," "serious mistake"... The Syrian president's visit to France criticized by the right and the far right

A visit that sparked strong reactions, particularly from the right and far right of the French political spectrum. Interim Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa was received this Wednesday, May 7, by Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace.

This is the first visit to Europe for the new Syrian leader, who has previously held senior positions in various jihadist groups. These organizations include Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which helped overthrow dictator Bashar al-Assad . This resume of Ahmed Al-Sharaa has been criticized by opponents of the presidential majority.

National Rally President Jordan Bardella described the meeting between the French head of state and Ahmed Al-Sharaa as a "shame," calling him "an heir to Al-Qaeda and Daesh."

"Emmanuel Macron is committing an incredible betrayal of our values ​​and the memory of our victims," ​​said the far-right MEP.

RN spokesperson Laure Lavalette wrote on her social media that it was "the worst symbol for the eighth anniversary of Emmanuel Macron's election."

"History will judge this handshake very harshly," she continues.

Marine Le Pen shared her "stupor" and "dismay," describing the Syrian president as "a jihadist who has been involved with Daesh and Al-Qaeda." On the right, Republican MP Laurent Wauquiez described Ahmed Al-Charaa's visit as a "mistake" and a "serious error."

On the left, Bastien Lachaud, a member of parliament for La France Insoumise, asked Emmanuel Macron to "convince us that he was right to receive him by delivering a very clear and firm message: respect for human rights, respect for the rights of minorities, and the imperative of a democratic transition in Syria as soon as possible."

Éric Bothorel, a Renaissane MP for Côtes-d'Armor, defends Emmanuel Macron's decision to welcome the new Syrian leader. "Neither the President of the Republic nor the Minister of Foreign Affairs are naive about the pedigree of Syria's new president," the majority MP told RMC . "But Realpolitik requires us to talk with the new Syrian president to ensure that Syria can build itself," the Macronist MP explains.

For his part, Emmanuel Macron denounced the "political posturing" of the French right and far right, intended to "speak to electorates." "It's the life of animals, and it will continue," the French president quipped during a press conference alongside Ahmed Al-Charaa this Wednesday evening.