News: The BRICS summit without the presence of French President Emmanuel Macron
The BRICS summit, which brings together the following countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, will be held from August 22 to 24 in Johannesburg, South Africa. However, a notable absence will be that of French President Emmanuel Macron, who was not invited to participate in this event.
The South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Naledi Pandor, held a press conference to announce the details of the summit. She specified that the guest list includes 67 leaders from African and Southern countries. Vladimir Putin, Russian President, will follow the summit virtually, represented by Sergei Lavrov. On the other hand, Emmanuel Macron did not receive an invitation.
This decision was taken in consensus with the other BRICS countries and is in line with the position of Russia, which considers such an invitation “inappropriate” due to France’s position vis-à-vis the war in Ukraine and its membership in NATO.
Emmanuel Macron had expressed his desire to participate in this BRICS summit, in particular through his Minister of Foreign Affairs. Catherine Colonna had clarified, during a trip to South Africa, that it was important to dialogue to find solutions. Although Naledi Pandor was not completely opposed to the possibility at that time, no invitation was ultimately sent.
This absence of the French president raises questions about relations between Western countries and the BRICS. Emmanuel Macron had expressed his desire to reject a block-to-block logic and to promote European strategic autonomy during his visit to China. Its absence at the BRICS summit shows the differences in approach and positioning between the member countries of the European Union and the BRICS.
This BRICS summit will therefore be marked by a significant absence, that of Emmanuel Macron, and will give member countries the opportunity to strengthen their ties and discuss the economic and geopolitical issues that concern them.