Emmanuel Macron

In 2018, on two instances Macron refused that the Aquarius (NGO boat) would disembark in France. In June 2018, Macron refuses to welcomme the Aquarius with 600 exilees on board; two months later the Aquarius found itself in a similar situation with 141 exilees on board, once again Macron chose to disregard the situation and remain silent until Malta agreed to welcomme the boat.

In his function as a member of the European Council, Macron endorsed the many of the Conclusions of the Council. Including Conclusion of June 2018 in which it was stated that: “all vessels operating in Med must not obstruct operation of Libyan coastguard”. Moreover on 26 June 2018 he said that “the capacity to close this route [between Libya and Italy] is the most efficient response [to the migration challenge] and the most human,” he called for further reinforcement of the cooperation with Tripoli, accusing NGOs of being smugglers. (first Communication)

Under the Presidency of Macron, France provided material to the LYCG including six boats. In France the Head of State is formally the chief of armies therefore Macron incurs functional responsbility for the provision of those boats.