Winston Peters says French PM's anti-nationalism speech strayed too far from Armistice theme

November 12, 2018

Emmanuel Macron hit out at nationalism in his speech, in what was seen as a dig at US President Donald Trump.

Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters has criticised French leader Emmanuel Macron’s speech at an Armistice celebration in Paris, saying he failed to recognise all countries that fought in the war 100 years ago.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, US President Donald Trump and the Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel were among the powerful world leaders at the Arc de Triomphe overnight.

Mr Peters said it was a "good speech" but he said it was very political.

The Deputy Prime Minister said Macron failed to acknowledge all countries and focused more on anti-nationalism.

“It was a very good speech, it’s not a criticism but in terms of the big picture, it should have been about all of us more than just one country after all we put all these men on a boat and sent it to France, and I would have liked to have heard more about that today.”

Mr Peters said Mr Macron’s speech was heavily directed towards US President Donald Trump.

Macron said "nationalism is a betrayal of patriotism".

The French leader focused on how countries should be trying to achieve global goals and work together rather than focusing on their own goals.

Mr Peters said it was a humbling experience to be there.

“It was a moving experience to be here in circumstances where people are losing their lives in their thousands 100 years ago.”

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