Paris (AFP)

"Lebanon is not a French protectorate": Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of La France insoumise, criticized on Thursday Emmanuel Macron's visit to the country, two days after deadly explosions in Beirut, amounting to against any "interference".

"I warn against interference in the political life of Lebanon. It will not be accepted. Lebanon is not a French protectorate," he wrote on Twitter, as the French president spoke in front of the press on his arrival in Beirut.

"I warn the Lebanese about Macron's reforms: protect the demands of your citizen revolution," added the deputy.

Mr. Macron announced Thursday in Beirut that he wanted to "organize international aid" for Lebanon after the explosions Tuesday at the port of Beirut which devastated entire districts of the capital.

Faced with the political, social, economic and financial crisis of the country, he also wished "a dialogue of truth" with the authorities and recalled that France carries "the requirement (...) for months not to say years of essential reforms "in" certain sectors ", such as" energy, public procurement, the fight against corruption ". "If these reforms are not made, Lebanon will continue to sink," Macron warned.

Jean-Luc Mélenchon welcomed Wednesday the sending by France of assistance to Lebanon, seeing it "a very good thing". "But the official visit (of Emmanuel Macron) is more likely to embarrass and disorganize. As for meeting all the political forces in Lebanon, it would be better if it was inclusive," he added.

© 2020 AFP