State Duma Deputy Asafov: Macron’s statement on Russian gas is a pragmatic step for voters’ sympathy

The political life of French President Emmanuel Macron is ending, but his statements about the importance of Russian gas are not a change in strategic course, this is a pragmatic step to attract the sympathy of voters, State Duma deputy Alexander Asafov said. He shared his comment with Lenta.ru.

Previously, Macron acknowledged the importance of Russian gas, saying that it was the basis of the competitiveness of European industry.

“Macron’s political life is ending, but nevertheless, it is necessary to work for the political force that supports him, which he represents. In this position of a pragmatist and realist, he can add some sympathy, because his political opponents are, of course, more realistic and speak out about the need to at least reduce, if not cancel, aid, and about the deplorable situation in the economy. Someone must reproduce something similar to reality, at least from afar,” Asafov said.

According to the deputy, Macron's statement will not lead to the resumption of the purchase of Russian hydrocarbons.

“This is a completely objective statement, which will not have any consequences for him - no resumption of the purchase of Russian hydrocarbons, nothing. It will just perhaps slightly reduce social tension within the country caused by economic, fuel and other problems that are quite obvious. I would not regard this as a change in France’s strategic course, a return to the ideals of de Gaulle’s republic, and so on. This is simply, as they say, to win a little more sympathy from possible voters than we currently have,” Asafov added.