France boycotts COP29 after Azerbaijan’s ‘colonies’ attack

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🗞️ Driving the news: France is boycotting COP29 in Azerbaijan after Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev accused France of “brutally” suppressing climate concerns in its overseas territories
• French Ecological Transition Minister Agnès Pannier-Runacher condemned the remarks as “unacceptable” and announced that neither she nor President Emmanuel Macron would attend
• This absence marks the first time France has not sent high-level representatives to COP since the Paris Agreement

🔭 The context: Aliyev’s comments, linking French and Dutch “colonial” practices to climate harm, sparked immediate backlash
• He specifically highlighted environmental degradation in French Polynesia from nuclear tests and blamed Macron’s government for violence in New Caledonia earlier this year
• The boycott adds to tensions between France and Azerbaijan, particularly over French support for Armenia, Azerbaijan’s regional rival

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: France’s withdrawal raises concerns about unity at COP29, with Aliyev’s polarizing stance on Western nations disrupting the collaborative spirit necessary for climate negotiations
• France has been a key climate leader since the 2015 Paris Agreement, and its absence could weaken efforts to reach broad agreements
• The dispute reflects the geopolitical complexities that can hinder cohesive global climate action

⏭️ What's next: EU Climate Chief Wopke Hoekstra has defended France and called for a collaborative atmosphere at COP29 despite bilateral disputes
• COP29 will continue, but the absence of French leaders may impact high-level negotiations on climate finance and emissions targets
• The summit’s effectiveness could be compromised if other nations respond similarly to tensions with Azerbaijan

💬 One quote: “Azerbaijan is instrumentalizing the fight against climate change for its undignified personal agenda” – Agnès Pannier-Runacher, Climate Minister, France

📈 One stat: Deadly clashes in New Caledonia this year led to 13 fatalities amid unrest tied to constitutional changes and pro-independence protests

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