Isabel Hardman Isabel Hardman

François Hollande: Ed Miliband’s embarrassing friend

Time was when Ed Miliband had plenty to say about François Hollande. When the new French President celebrated his victory in May, the Labour leader praised Hollande for his ‘determination to help create a Europe of growth and jobs, in a way that is responsible and sustainable’. He added:

‘This new leadership is sorely needed as Europe seeks to escape from austerity. And it matters to Britain.’

Then, Miliband was keen to work together with his new friend Hollande. Just a few months down the line, though, Labour has a bit less to say about how the French president is a shining example of the centre-left showing leadership and hope in Europe. First there was the noisy exodus of top earners from France ahead of the introduction of Hollande’s flagship 75 per cent tax. And then at the weekend France’s constitutional council rejected the tax.

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