PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti (CMC) –  French President Emmanuel Macron sharply criticised Haitian officials who dismissed Prime Minister Garry Conille, calling them “complete idiots” in a video that surfaced on social media.

The remarks made during a private conversation in Rio de Janeiro, on the sidelines of the G20 summit, were in response to a Haitian individual who had blamed France for Haiti’s ongoing crisis.

Macron expressed frustration over the dismissal, stating that Conille had been an effective leader, and he had supported him. He lamented that Haiti’s political instability, fueled by drug trafficking and gang violence, had worsened the country’s situation.

The president noted that Conille’s removal was a tragic decision, as he believed the prime minister had been doing a good job. Conille had argued that only Haiti’s parliament had the authority to remove him, but since the legislature is not currently functioning, the transitional presidential council proceeded with the dismissal.

The dismissal of Conille, replaced by businessman Alix Didier Fils Aimé on November 11, has deepened uncertainty in Haiti, which has been grappling with violence, political chaos, and humanitarian crises.

The nation remains leaderless following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, and gang violence controls much of the capital.

Macron’s comments reflect ongoing frustration with the country’s political and security challenges.