French President Emmanuel Macron is facing growing pressure to strip Russian President Vladimir Putin of his prestigious French Legion of Honor medal. The award was presented to Putin in 2006 by former French President Jacques Chirac in recognition of his efforts to strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries. However, in light of recent events, many believe that Putin no longer deserves the award.
The calls to revoke the award come amid increasing tensions between France and Russia. The French government has been critical of the Kremlin’s human rights record as well as its military actions in Ukraine and its interference in other countries’ elections. The French Foreign Ministry has also condemned the recent crackdown on opposition figures and independent media in Russia.
Despite these concerns, President Macron has so far been reluctant to take action against Putin. He has said that he believes in the importance of maintaining a dialogue with Russia and that the award is meant to recognize the recipient’s efforts to promote peace and friendship between France and Russia. However, many believe that, in light of recent events, Putin no longer deserves such recognition.
The Legion of Honor is France’s highest award for military and civil merits and has been awarded to many prominent figures throughout history, including former US First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and writer Orson Welles. Revoking the award would be a significant gesture and would send a clear message to Putin that France no longer views him as a friend and ally.
The decision to strip Putin of his award is not an easy one, and President Macron is likely weighing the potential consequences of such a move. On the one hand, it could damage relations between France and Russia and potentially lead to retaliation from the Kremlin. On the other hand, it could show that France is taking a strong stance on human rights and will not tolerate actions that are seen as detrimental to international stability.
The debate over whether to revoke Putin’s award is a complex one and is likely to continue in the coming days and weeks. Regardless of the outcome, it is clear that the award is no longer seen as a symbol of friendship and cooperation between France and Russia, and that many believe that Putin no longer deserves such recognition.