Emmanuel Macron snubs Boris Johnson to make time for chat with Putin - as Downing Street denies rift

Emmanuel Macron snubs Boris Johnson to make time for chat with Putin - as Downing Street denies rift
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Aden-Jay Wood

By Aden-Jay Wood


Published: 03/05/2022

- 20:49

Updated: 14/02/2023

- 11:30

The pair haven't spoken on the phone since Mr Macron was re-elected back on April 24

Downing Street has denied a rift between Emmanuel Macron and Boris Johnson despite the pair not holding a call since the French President was re-elected.

Mr Macron won a President election run-off over Marine Le Pen on April 24.


But since that time, he has not picked up the phone to Mr Johnson.

Mr Macron did, however, speak to Russian President Vladimir Putin this morning.

Boris Johnson and Emmanuel Macron
Boris Johnson and Emmanuel Macron
Alastair Grant

Mr Macron did have time to speak with Vladimir Putin earlier today
Mr Macron did have time to speak with Vladimir Putin earlier today
Reuters

The call was instigated by Mr Macron, who had previously spoken with Ukrainian President Volodymy Zelenskyy on Saturday, according to the Elysee Palace.

But despite the snub, Mr Johnson’s official spokesman has hit back calls that there is a rift.

He said: “We speak regularly to our French counterparts, the PM has spoken to President Macron in recent weeks and months and they will continue to do so.

When asked why Mr Johnson and Mr Macron are yet to speak since his election victory, he added: "Macron was obviously re-elected so it's a slightly different situation to having a new world leader.

“But I'm sure they will speak in due course.”

The spokesman was then asked whether the pair have had fallen out, to which he replied: “No. Timings for leaders calls can move around.

“They will speak in due course and we will confirm when they have done."

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