French Ambassador Says Australia’s Submarine Deal Politically Motivated

French Ambassador Says Australia’s Submarine Deal Politically Motivated
The logo of Naval Group is seen at the French naval base in the shipbuilding town of Cherbourg-en-Contentin, France, on Sep. 23, 2021. Stephane Mahe/Reuters
Caden Pearson
Updated:

France’s ambassador to Australia, Jean-Pierre Thebault, has suggested the decision to scrap an AU$90 billion submarine deal with France was politically motivated, according to local media.

His address to the National Press Club comes as bilateral tensions between Paris and Canberra soured this week after French President Emmanuel Macron, in an unprecedented move amongst allies, accused Prime Minister Scott Morrison of lying about Australia’s intentions. Morrison denied this.

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