Macron vs Morrison - The Conversation

International diplomacy is supposed to be about following protocol, sticking to the script, and nice phrases that don’t mean terribly much. But did anyone tell Emmanuel Macron? As Flinders University historian Romain Fathi writes, the French President took several steps to stress his displeasure about Scott Morrison and the cancelled submarine deal. Not only did he accuse Morrison of lying, he spoke directly to Australian reporters in English – no chance of anything being lost in translation here.

Macron’s comments are embarrassing for Morrison, at a time when he already faces huge pressure on the global stage. As Griffith University’s Caitlin Byrne writes, the deepening rift between France and Australia coincides with the start of the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow. The latest incident could upset Australia’s dealings there with major global coalitions such as the G7 and the European Union, in which France is a major player. Morrison is already facing intense scrutiny at COP26 over Australia’s climate policies. The bunfight with Macron only turns up the heat.

Meanwhile, it is Cup Day in Melbourne. Celebrations around the Cup mark a welcome return to normalcy after an extremely tough pandemic for Victorians. But as CQUniversity gambling researcher Alex Russell tells us, there are signs of a growing ambivalence around the race that is supposed to stop a nation.

Judith Ireland

Deputy Editor, Politics + Society