In several Middle Eastern countries, calls were made on Saturday to boycott French products, after French President Emmanuel Macron assured him that he would not distance himself from the caricatures of the Prophet Mohammed, which are forbidden in Islam.
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Macron had spoken in this regard on Thursday in a tribute to teacher Samuel Paty, who was beheaded by an Islamist after showing caricatures of the prophet to his students in a lesson on freedom of expression.
On the social networks, calls via Arabic hashtags to boycott French products have been increasing since Friday. In Qatar, two retail chains announced that they were taking French products from the market. The University of Qatar announced on Twitter that it was postponing the French Cultural Week. In Kuwait, images were circulated on social media of Kiri and Babybel cheese being removed from store shelves. In Jordan, an opposition party called for a boycott of French products.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Macron should have “his mental health” examined. “What about a head of state who treats millions of members of different faith groups in this way: first, mental control,” Erdogan said in a televised address. According to the Turkish president, Macron needs “psychic checks”.
Those words fell very badly in Paris. President Erdogan’s comments are unacceptable. Excessiveness and rudeness are not a method. We demand that Erdogan change the course of his policy because it is dangerous in every way, ”said a French presidential official. France is recalling its ambassador to Ankara for consultations and to meet with Macron to discuss the current situation.
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