Uganda president assures tourists of improved security after kidnapping
discontent swiftly turned into a broader backlash against inequality and an aloof political elite.
Macron launched the debate in response to the yellow vest protest movement, which has seen roadblocks and rioting since it launched in November. The largely leaderless movement has since broadened its demands to include pay rises, tax cuts, better public services, more direct democracy, and Macron’s resignation.
Junior environment minister Emmanuel Wargon said more than 500000 people had responded online to the debate, which involved a website for direct contributions as well as more than 10000 local meetings.
The official analysis presented to Philippe at the Grand Palais yesterday showed strong support for climate action – but not through taxation.
There was also a demand for fairer taxation, analyst Frederic Micheau said, with many contributors calling for income tax to be extended to currently exempt lower paid workers, the re-establishment of a wealth tax abolished under Macron, and cuts to VAT, especially on necessities.
Tight public finances mean Macron has limited wriggle room.
“The French have understood… that we cannot lower taxes if we don’t lower public spending,” Philippe said.
New policy measures are yet to be decided and could be put to a plebiscite. The option of a referendum – which has the advantage of responding to the yellow vests’ demand for more people’s votes – remains on the table. UGANDA’S President Yoweri Museveni yesterday assured tourists of their safety in Uganda, noting that the security in national parks would be enhanced.
The president tweeted that tourists should come and enjoy the beauty of the east African country.
“We shall deal with these isolated pockets of criminals,” said Museveni. “However, I want to reassure the country and tourists that Uganda is safe and we shall continue to improve the security in our parks. Come and enjoy the Pearl of Africa.”
The president’s comments came a day after security forces in the country rescued US tourist Kimberly Sue Endicott and her tour guide, JeanPaul Mirenge. The two were kidnapped by unknown gunmen last Tuesday at Queen Elizabeth National Park in the western part of the country. According to the police, the kidnappers had asked for a ransom of $500 000.
The country earns about $1.5 billion (R21bn) annually from tourism and the figure is expected to double by 2020.
Endicott and Mirenge were released after a “negotiated settlement” was reached with the kidnappers, the firm that had organised her safari said yesterday. US President Donald Trump called for the kidnappers to be found.
The US embassy in Uganda did not return calls for comment. Uganda Police spokeswoman Polly Namaye said she could not confirm whether a ransom had been paid.
It remains unclear who was responsible for the abduction, which took place in an area once roamed by fighters belonging to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an anti-Kampala rebel group that is now mostly dormant.
The group is still believed to have camps in eastern Congo.
“Uganda must find the kidnappers of the US tourist and guide before people will feel safe in going there,” Trump tweeted yesterday. “Bring them to justice openly and quickly!”
The last attack on tourists in a Ugandan park was in 1999 when an American couple, four Britons and two New Zealanders were killed, along with four Ugandan guides.
They were ambushed in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a few kilometres south of the Queen Elizabeth Park. The Queen Elizabeth Park is one of the most visited in the country, with tourists flocking there to see lions, hippos, crocodiles and antelope.