On the face of it, recalling their ambassadors seems like a petulant and counter-productive way of registering a protest. What is it supposed to do that a speec

On the face of it, recalling their ambassadors seems like a petulant and counter-productive way of registering a protest. What is it supposed to do that a speech wouldn't? Is there any effect of this other than not having someone to formally represent France's interests in those countries?