European Commission President criticizes Brexit leader for 'cowardly escape'

(Baonghean.vn) - In a statement on July 5, President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker criticized two leaders of the pro-Brexit faction, former leader of the UK Independence Party (UKIP) Nigel Farage and former London Mayor Boris Johnson, for withdrawing from their leadership positions after the UK referendum ended.

Nigel Farage suddenly announced his resignation as leader of the UK Independence Party (UKIP), and former London Mayor Boris Johnson announced his withdrawal from the race for the British Prime Minister position. Photo: The Guardian.

Jean-Claude Juncker has criticised Nigel Farage and Boris Johnson, calling them “unpatriotic fugitives” after the Brexit-leaning duo stepped down from their leadership positions following Britain’s vote to leave the European Union (EU).

Speaking at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, Mr. Juncker said: “Yesterday’s Brexit heroes have become today’s sad heroes. Those who contributed to the British people’s decision have resigned. They are backward nationalists, not patriots, because patriots do not retreat when the going gets tough.”

Mr Juncker also noted that British politicians who campaigned for Brexit failed to plan for when it became a reality, instead “leaving the sinking ship”.

The head of the liberal group in the European Parliament and former Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt also criticized the two British politicians.

“The Brexit backers remind me of rats leaving a sinking ship,” said Mr Verhofstadt.

However, the official also criticized EU leaders for being irresponsible in opposing any changes to deal with the Brexit issue.

So far, London has been slow to trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, to start formal “divorce” proceedings with the EU.

Since the shock of Brexit, EU leaders have agreed that Britain must comply with EU regulations if it wants to access the common market of 500 million people, especially regulations on free movement of people./.

Lan Ha

(According to the Guardian)