The Minister of Ecological Transition will not go to COP29 after criticism from the Azerbaijani president against “President Macron's regime”

Ilham Aliev denounced France's colonial history and “crimes” in its overseas territories, including New Caledonia, during a speech at the Climate Conference on Wednesday.

It will ultimately be without her. The Minister of Ecological Transition, Agnès Pannier-Runacher, announced on Wednesday November 13 that she would not go to COP29 in Baku after comments “unacceptable” Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliev “against France and Europe”.

“Direct attacks against our country, its institutions and its territories are unjustifiable”denounced the minister before the Senate during the government questions session. She accuses Azerbaijan of exploiting “the fight against climate change for an unworthy personal agenda”. “French teams” will nevertheless be on site in Baku to participate in the COP29 debates, she subsequently confirmed to Public Senate.

The Azerbaijani president denounced France's colonial history and “crimes” of “President Macron's regime” in its overseas territories, including New Caledonia, during a speech at COP29 on Wednesday. Azerbaijan, whose relations with France are strained due to French support for its historic enemy Armenia, has been accused by Paris of interference during recent riots in New Caledonia, allegations rejected by Baku.

Ilham Aliev also attacked the Council of Europe, a human rights organization of which Azerbaijan is a member. He threatened to leave the body after being accused of attacks on fundamental freedoms.