Claude Malhuret’s recent Senate speech on Ukraine and European security has gained global attention, with social media users praising his bold criticisms of figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk. His evocative storytelling, particularly regarding constitutional abortion rights, has resonated deeply, earning him a standing ovation from parliamentarians. Known for his sharp wit and insightful commentary, Malhuret’s ability to articulate pressing issues has established him as a significant voice in contemporary French politics.
In recent days, a powerful speech by Claude Malhuret has captivated audiences worldwide, as social media users have been sharing the impactful eight-minute address he delivered in the Senate during a discussion on Ukraine and European security. Journalists, particularly from the United States, have lauded the eloquence of this ‘French senator’, who boldly articulated sentiments that many have been hesitant to express.
At the podium of the Luxembourg Palace on March 4, Malhuret, head of the Les Indépendants (Horizons) group, described Donald Trump as an ‘incendiary emperor’ and Elon Musk as a ‘ketamine clown’ within the ‘court of Nero’. He stated, ‘Trump’s message is that there is no point in being his ally since he will not defend you; he will impose more tariffs on you than on his enemies and will threaten to seize your territories while supporting the dictators who invade you.’
This address resonated with many, particularly due to the silence surrounding Trump’s critics. Malhuret explained to AFP, ‘I think that Americans today feel that their politicians do not know how to respond to Trump.’ He added that he received numerous messages expressing disbelief that a French politician had to vocalize what so many felt but did not say aloud.
A Standing Ovation in March 2024
Claude Malhuret is aware that his ‘speeches have had an impact in France for some time’. Those who closely monitor political discourse and are active on social media are likely familiar with his insights, particularly given his proximity to Edouard Philippe. This is not the first instance where his words have struck a chord in France. Notably, his recent speech in March was widely shared, where he addressed the Congress gathered in Versailles to solidify abortion rights in the Constitution, earning him a standing ovation from all present French parliamentarians.
In his introduction, he stated, ‘I am not going to talk to you today about constitutional law. I am going to tell you a story, a story I have never told.’ He recounted a poignant experience from his past as a doctor at a ‘small hospital in a remote corner of a southern country’, where a distraught teenager arrived in tears, accompanied by gendarmes. Malhuret reflected, ‘I was petrified. It was, of course, infanticide, and the law commanded me to comply.’ He poignantly illustrated the harsh realities of a society where being a teenage mother meant social ostracism, and where abortion was both illegal and severely punished.
Concluding his address, he pledged to vote in favor of constitutional abortion rights, expressing hope that ‘his vote will be useful to the millions of women that the law protects in France, but also to the millions of those in the world that no law protects.’ He remarked, ‘I will see the face of that young woman whose life and that of her baby were annihilated when I go to vote.’
2023: A Year of Wit and Sharp Commentary
Previously known for his sharp critiques of populists, the Yellow Vests movement, and conspiracy theorists, Malhuret received a ‘Humor and Politics’ award from the Press Club of France in 2023 for his clever remark regarding Nupes, the left-wing alliance: ‘It had been in palliative care since June; it is now at the organ harvesting stage.’ His wit has resonated widely, particularly in videos where he refers to Jean-Luc Mélenchon as ‘General Tapioca of the Old Port’ and Marine Le Pen as ‘heir to the castle of Montretout.’
In September 2021, his speech addressing anti-vax conspiracy theorists gained significant traction, especially as the health crisis in overseas territories worsened. He asserted, ‘If proof were needed of what scientists have been repeating for months, that vaccination for all is the only chance to defeat the virus, we have it before our eyes in the most glaring and saddest way possible.’ He condemned both extremes of the political spectrum for using vaccine skepticism as a means to disrupt the system, contrasting their actions with the broader French populace, who chose to get vaccinated.
His Unique Approach to Speechwriting
These impactful speeches have garnered Claude Malhuret substantial media attention. Following his remarks in June 2020 regarding the deconfinement plan and healthcare reform, Le Figaro labeled him as ‘the new star.’ In March 2022, Libération dedicated a profile to him, noting his ability to ‘delight his audience’ with his sharp critiques of populism and his engaging delivery. The international media has also taken notice, with Le Temps describing him as a ‘maverick of the French Senate.’
So, what is the secret behind Malhuret’s ability to stand out at the Senate podium, where he has been a fixture since 2014? He candidly shares, ‘The formulas come to me like that.’ He elaborates, ‘When you write a speech, you think about it, you construct it, you shape it.’ This natural flair for rhetoric, combined with his insightful commentary, continues to engage audiences and spark discussions both in France and beyond.