Macron calls for ‘action in face of fears and fractures’
EMMANUEL MACRON called on France to unite around his pro-European vision, as he was inaugurated as president, ahead of weeks of meetings with leaders across the Continent.
In a short handwritten speech, the 44-year-old French president warned that France and the Continent face severe and immediate challenges – from the climate crisis to the war in Ukraine.
Such crises, he warned, will require collaboration at a French and European level. “The time ahead will be that of resolute action for France and for Europe,” he said, cementing his vision as a pro-European Union, pro-Nato leader in the face of growing Euroscepticism across the bloc.
His comments come before a trip to Strasbourg tomorrow, where he will visit the European Parliament followed by a dinner in Berlin with Olaf Scholz, the German chancellor.
France and Europe, Mr Macron said in his speech, needed to commit to preventing an escalation of the war in Ukraine, fighting climate change, and promoting democracy.
“This action, we all know, comes at a time when our nation is full of fears and fractures,” he added, referring to growing social tensions at home.
Mr Macron promised to find a “fair method” to ease such tensions, promising that the government would work together with unions, associations, and others from the political, economic, social and cultural world.
Some 500 people were in attendance at yesterday’s ceremony at the Elysée Palace, including former presidents Nicolas Sarkozy and François Hollande.
Members of Mr Macron’s outgoing cabinet, headed by Jean Castex, the prime minister, were also present.