Trump either ‘a useful idiot’ or purposefully weakening Europe, says MEP Glucksmann
Fresh off his primary win, the French presidential candidate showcased his pro-EU and pro-Kyiv stances at POLITICO’s Competitiveness Summit in Paris.
In Paris, former French parliamentarian Raphaël Glucksmann, a presidential candidate, criticized U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to reduce restrictions on Russian diesel exports. Glucksmann claimed that the move benefits the Kremlin at Europe's expense. He asserted that President Trump is either a "useful idiot" or an agent responsible for the weakening of European strength and freedom, directly targeting Europe as Ukraine faces Russia's war.
Glucksmann also warned that electing Marine Le Pen, his far-right rival, as French president in 2027 would be a victory for Russian President Vladimir Putin and a step towards the defeat of the European continent. Le Pen has previously expressed admiration for Putin, and her party received a loan from a Russian-linked bank in 2014.
Despite Le Pen's condemnation of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, some party officials remain opposed to helping Ukraine and prefer a closer relationship with Russia. Currently, Glucksmann is in fourth place in the polls, trailing his main competitors, while Le Pen leads. Glucksmann's presidential campaign emphasizes strengthening bonds with central and eastern European countries, opposing Russia and China, and pushing for a stronger European defense industry.
He criticized previous French presidents for relying too heavily on the U.S. and for having favorable relations with Putin and China.
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