Overview
- At the UN Human Rights Council session on February 26, France’s envoy in Geneva condemned Francesca Albanese’s “repeated and extremely problematic statements” without calling for her resignation.
- France dropped plans to table a resolution seeking her removal at the 47‑member Council, according to the latest reports.
- Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot had earlier urged Albanese to resign, and a ministry spokesperson maintained she should step down voluntarily.
- Albanese rejected the calls to quit, said she expected clarification and apologies from France, and stated she will remain in her post.
- Diplomats note only a Council resolution could end her mandate before 2028 and consider that unlikely, while Albanese has filed a U.S. court challenge to overturn American sanctions she argues are unconstitutional.