French President Emmanuel Macron is under pressure (Image: Getty)
The resignation of his top diplomatic adviser, has left in a “mess”, an insider has revealed in a damning verdict.
Emmanuel Bonne has announced his resignation, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the President’s administration.
A key figure, Mr Bonne, who in the past been seen as a quasi foreign minister, told on Friday he was quitting, according to sources close to the president.
His resignation, which was first reported by La Lettre newsletter, comes amid escalating tensions within Mr Macron’s team.
A longstanding rivalry with another senior aide is understood to have come to a head, while significant policy disputes continue to divide Mr Macron’s government.
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Although Bonne’s resignation had not yet been accepted as of yesterday evening, his departure would undoubtedly strip Macron of one of his most trusted sounding boards.
The timing is also awkward, given US President-elect ’s inauguration next week.
The source – a former French diplomat – gave Politico a blunt three word prognosis that “it’s a mess.”
They said: “We are going to have to work hard to bounce back.”
Bonne’s likely departure had been anticipated in Paris for some time, given he has served in his post for five years.
Nevertheless, it is believed his decision was ultimately triggered by a collapse in his relationship with General Fabien Mandon, the president’s chief of military staff.
Mr Mandon, who was appointed less than two years ago, is widely seen as having encroached Mr Bonne’s turf, prompting a power struggle.
Another source said: “There’s been a ferocious competition between the two for a long time.”
Things came to a head last week just before Mr Macron travelled to the US for talks with PM Sir at Chequers last week.
An Elysee official said: “Emmanuel Bonne enjoys the trust of the president of the Republic and will leave his post when he wishes to.”
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Emmanuel Macron and Emmanuel Bonne, whose resignation has not yet been accepted (Image: Getty)
Sir said it was a “privilege” to host Mr Macron, the second world leader to meet the Prime Minister at his official country retreat since he took office in July.
Describing the meeting as “further evidence of our ability to work well together”, Sir Keir said the pair planned to discuss “a number of issues of concern”, including the situation in and the Middle East, while Downing Street has previously indicated that illegal migration, tech and growth would also be on the agenda.
Mr Macron said the meeting was “a great opportunity” to discuss EU-UK relations and “the main crisis” in .
Michel Barnier stepped down as France’s PM at the end of last year (Image: Getty)