Emmanuel Macron hopes the EU will become the «third superpower» in the world. for 'several years' Photo: LUDOVIC MARIN/AFP
Emmanuel Macron has been branded a «hypocrite» and a threat to democracy as protesters interrupted an important speech he gave in The Hague on European sovereignty during a two-day state visit to the Netherlands.
The President France responded by yelling at the demonstrators, saying that those who do not respect the electoral process and elected leaders endanger democracy.
Mr Macron is under fire at home over pension reform and abroad over for controversial comments about Taiwan.
He faced weeks of mass protests against a pension law to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64, which Macron rammed. a non-voting parliament with the help of a special constitutional power after failing to win a majority.
Public opinion polls show that a majority of voters oppose the reform and support protests by French unions calling for a new nationwide day of action on Thursday. On Friday, the country's constitutional council must decide whether it is viable.
“Where is French democracy? When did we lose it? shouted one man during an event at the Nexus Institute. Others complained about the pension reform and what they called it a lack of action on climate change.
Two women protesting held up a sign that read: «The president is cruel and hypocritical.»
Two women interrupted their speech and held up a banner reading: «President of Violence and Hypocrisy.» Photo: FRAT
In an angry exchange that lasted for several minutes, Mr Macron shouted over the loudmouths that while the social debate is “very important”, the conference is not the place for protests.
“I can answer all your questions about what we are discussing in France. It's very important to have these kinds of discussions,” he continued as security led the protesters away.
“You vote and elect the people… (in return) you must respect the institutions that the people voted for,” he said.< /p>
«The day you think 'I don't agree with the law… … so I can do whatever I want'… you put democracy at risk,» citing the rioters who stormed the US Capitol in 2021 and the highest government buildings in Brazil earlier this year.
Regarding his pension. reforms, he said that other countries had raised the retirement age «well above 64» and that «these reforms are needed.»
He added that «I'm not sure that the taxpayer in the Netherlands will agree that we will finance a long-term social model in France … so I have to do this work at home.»
In his speech, Mr. Macron outlined his vision for the future of European sovereignty, saying that it should be based on five pillars: competitiveness, industrial policy, protectionism, reciprocity and cooperation.
He did not mention Taiwan, however, after he caused controversy over comments after his recent visit to China.
“The worst thing would be to think that we Europeans should follow this theme and take a cue from the agenda.” day of the US and China's overreaction.»
He said he hoped the EU would become the «third superpower» in the world. for «several years».
The comments have caused bewilderment on both sides of the Atlantic, especially after several days of Chinese military exercises around Taiwan.
Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said that an alliance with the United States is the «absolute foundation» of European security. .
“Some Western leaders dream of cooperation with everyone, with Russia and with some powers in the Far East,” he added, without naming these leaders.
Mr Macron and his wife Bridget were greeted by Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima upon their arrival in Amsterdam on Tuesday. Photo: LUDOVIC MARIN/AFP
Republican Senator Marco Rubio suggested that Washington reconsider its own priorities.
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“If Macron speaks for the whole of Europe, and their position now is that they are not going to choose sides between the US and China over Taiwan, maybe then we shouldn't take sides either . . . and (let them) take care of Ukraine,” Mr. Rubio said.
The Élysée Palace on Tuesday insisted that the President had never urged Europe to remain “equidistant” from the US and China.
«The United States is our allies, we share common values,» the French announced their presidency.
Earlier Tuesday, Mr Macron and his wife Brigitte were greeted by King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands and Queen Maxima upon arrival in Amsterdam.
The two-day state visit — the first visit by a French leader since Jacques Chirac 23 years ago — is meant to highlight the new dynamic between Paris and The Hague since the Brexit turning point.
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