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Unpopular opinion… Marine Le Pen said on Monday that she had “no particular admiration” for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, whose country was invaded by Russia, however hailing a “head of state”, and that she would not be in the Assembly on Wednesday when he addressed the French deputies because of “obligations”.
“I will not be present (Wednesday at 3 p.m. during Mr. Zelensky’s video address to the National Assembly)I have obligations taken on for a long time, ”said the candidate of the National Rally for the presidential election and deputy of Pas-de-Calais on franceinfo.
The far-right candidate, who was received by Russian President Vladimir Putin during the 2017 presidential campaign, and continues to repay a loan to a Russian creditor, has scheduled two interviews on her agenda for Wednesday afternoon, as well as a a press conference on the costing of his project.
“He defends the interests of Ukraine, he does it with a lot of energy”
Asked if she had admiration for the Ukrainian president, Marine Le Pen replied: “No, I don’t have any particular admiration for Mr. Zelensky, I just think he behaves like a leader. State. And it shouldn’t be admired, it should be normal ».
“It’s because our own leaders don’t always behave like heads of state that we find it wonderful when others do,” she added. Mr. Zelensky “is the President of Ukraine, he defends the interests of Ukraine, he does it with a lot of energy and he shows patriotism. What can I have to say about this? I am someone who defends national sovereignty,” she said.
VIDEO. “It’s time to come together”: Ukrainian President Zelensky calls for talks with Moscow
When asked if it was important to show her solidarity with the Ukrainian president, Marine Le Pen replied: “No, I showed my solidarity with the Ukrainian people first, on several occasions, including with the refugees whom I said should be welcomed in good conditions”.
Asked whether Vladimir Putin was a war criminal, the candidate said that she “did not use this term” because “one does not negotiate peace by insulting one of the two parties”. “Some have fun by multiplying the most offensive and aggressive remarks, but that makes the war last,” she said.