President of France, Emmanuel Macron will visit a French-held enclave off the coast of Africa that was severely damaged by a hurricane, skipping an EU conference that was planned for Thursday.
In order to guarantee France’s involvement in important talks and votes, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will represent France at the summit, according to the Elysee Palace.
Macron’s visit is intended to show support for the people of Mayotte, a French overseas territory, and to announce potential relief efforts in the wake of Cyclone Chido, which struck the archipelago on Saturday and is thought to have killed up to thousands of people, according to officials.
On Scholz stepping in to stand for Germany, Elysee described this a “an established tradition” between the two countries, citing a similar arrangement in 2003 when then-President Jacques Chirac represented German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder at a European Council meeting.
Under an EU treaty, one council member can delegate their vote to another leader.
The EU Summit is set to discuss major international issues, including the Ukraine conflict – now approaching its third year – as well as transatlantic ties, EU-UK relations, and enlargement.
Leaders are also expected to address the Middle East situation and developments in Moldova and Georgia, two countries whose EU hopes loomed large in recent local elections.
However, Macron is set to take part in a working dinner with other EU leaders on Wednesday evening before departing for Mayotte.
Authorities in Mayotte are racing to deliver food, water, and medical supplies to victims of Chido, the worst storm to hit the islands in about a century.
The disaster devastated major areas of the Indian Ocean island, France’s poorest overseas territory.
The violent typhoon produced gusts of almost 200 kilometers per hour (125 miles per hour), demolishing homes and devastating infrastructure.
Many places remain unreachable, as damaged roads and power shortages impede relief efforts.
