Michaëlle Jean facing battle in bid for Francophonie re-election

MONTREAL — Praise flowed in from politicians of all stripes when former governor general Michaëlle Jean was named the first woman leader of la Francophonie four years ago, but her support appears less unanimous as she prepares to seek another term.

Jean was named secretary general of the French-speaking nations’ organization in 2014, with a promise to promote economic development, gender equality and dialogue, especially among the developing African nations. But in recent months she has been dogged by questions about her expenses, leading one Conservative MP to suggest she has become an embarrassment to Canada.

The expenses, which were reported by Quebecor media outlets, include a $500,000 renovation to her rented Paris residence and a $20,000 piano.

Quebec MP Alupa Clarke recently asked Francophonie Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau how the Liberal party could justify supporting Jean for a second term given her “total lack of transparence” in refusing to publicly explain the expenses.

Clarke’s colleague, Gerard Deltell, also piled on, claiming that “only Liberals” could be proud of Jean’s reign.

“Michaëlle Jean has become an embarrassment to Canada,” he said in question period. “She has managed the organization in a completely irresponsible way.”

The governments of both Canada and Quebec have pledged to support her if she seeks a second term, while conceding there is room to improve the organization’s financial management.

While Jean has not officially declared her candidacy, a representative from her office confirmed she has signalled her intention to run again.

The Conservative party’s criticism of Jean is a stark change from its position in 2014, when then-prime minister Stephen Harper praised her election to the post.

“It’s a great reflection on our country, on the role we play in the francophone world, internationally, and the recognition of the importance of the French fact and the French reality in our own country,” he said at the time.

Also not supporting Jean this time is France, which dealt a blow to Jean’s chances at a second term when President Emmanuel Macron said he would back Rwandan Foreign Minister Louise Mushikiwabo when the organization chooses a new leader in October.

But an expert on La Francophonie said Jean’s biggest challenge in securing reelection isn’t her record, but rather a growing sentiment that the French-language nations’ association should have an African leader.

University of Ottawa professor Linda Cardinal, who holds a research chair on la Francophonie, said Macron’s decision is more likely motivated by France’s desire to forge stronger ties in Africa — Rwanda in particular — following decades of tensions.