This is the fourth time the president has spoken publicly since the start of the crisis. All the hot topics of the moment were addressed… or almost. He is expected to speak again in early July to clarify his measures.
“The fight against the epidemic is not over.” Right from the start, he sets the tone. This time, the head of the executive got straight to the point… at least at the beginning.
Returning to school on June 22
All levels are concerned except high schools. “Nurseries, schools, and middle schools will prepare to welcome all students from June 22 on a mandatory basis and according to normal attendance rules.”
Unwavering support for the police
For several weeks, the police have been subjected to lynching by a part of the population. They are accused of police violence. But Emmanuel Macron wanted to remind of their unwavering commitments. “Police officers and gendarmes are exposed to daily risks, which is why they deserve the support of the public authority and the recognition of the nation,” he asserted, convinced that “without republican order, there is neither security nor freedom.”
Firm stance against attacks on the history of France
The president referred to the degradation of monuments in England and Belgium with the statue of Leopold II. These represented figures linked either to racism or colonialism. “The Republic will erase no traces or names from its history. It will forget none of its works and will not take down any statues.” He thus denounces the co-opting of political battles by “separatist groups.” The response from RN candidate Philippe Vardon in Nice was not long in coming: “Emmanuel Macron has no right to criticize the indigenists/communalists/separatists: he has completely fueled their discourse and dangerously fed resentment!”
The lifting of travel restrictions for European travelers
This will be done in two stages. On the one hand, travel within the European Union will now be possible from today. For countries outside of Europe, this will be possible from July 1 with only one condition: “We will be able to visit states outside of Europe where the epidemic is under control.”
A step closer to local authorities
He indicated wanting to return decision-making power to local actors who demonstrated their composure during the pandemic. “The organization of the state and our action must profoundly change,” as “not everything can be decided so often in Paris.” Some elected officials from the Nice region could not hide their joy. “I am pleased with the president’s willingness to decentralize, which I had wished for. I hope the State will give local officials more powers in health and safety matters,” declared Christian Estrosi.
Towards a more sovereign Europe
The French leader wanted to stress the importance of Europe in managing the crisis. He mentioned the agreement reached between France and Germany for a 500 billion euro recovery plan. He thus wants to assert the voice of the French “in their name.” To do this, a strong and united Europe is needed in the crisis. “The consolidation of an independent Europe that equips itself to assert its identity, its culture, its uniqueness against China, the United States, and in the global disorder we know.”
A change of course in the country’s reconstruction.
The president repeatedly indicated that the second act of his term will focus on better social justice and more ecological policies. Moreover, he is scheduled to meet for the last time with the Citizen’s Convention for the Climate on June 21. It should present him with proposals to better preserve the climate. “The global economy has almost stopped; our first priority is to rebuild a strong, ecological, sovereign, and united economy.”
A mea culpa on decision-making errors
He prefers to speak of “flaws” and noted that several lives have been saved due to his action, emphasizing “tens of thousands of lives have been saved thanks to our choices.” He does not want to shirk responsibility but instead focus on the future to be better prepared in case of a resurgence of the epidemic in the fall.” “Our strengths, we will bolster. Our weaknesses, we will correct quickly and effectively.”
