Macron dutifully reminded that the reform is in line with democratic procedures and tried to justify its necessity.
Photo: REUTERS
Emmanuel Macron gave a television interview in which he reiterated his commitment to the pension reform. According to Figaro, the President’s speech failed to extinguish the ardor of the opposition that opposes the controversial bill. There are hourly reports of an expansion of the strike, with the next one scheduled for March 23. The protesters are even willing to interrupt the visit of King Charles III of Great Britain, scheduled for next week.
Expecting the law to enter into force before the end of the year, Macron dutifully reminded that the reform was in line with democratic procedures and tried to justify its necessity. “I don’t like this reform, but it is necessary,” said the president. “When I took office there were 10 million pensioners, today there are already 17.” According to the head of France, the opposition’s demands are a sure path to a budget deficit, and no one has offered a worthy alternative. He also expressed his support for Prime Minister Elizabeth Bourne, denying rumors about her possible resignation.
As soon as the interview ended, the opposition launched a verbal attack on Macron from both sides. The most frequent epithets that sound from the lips of the opponents of the pension reform addressed to him are: arrogant, arrogant, disdainful, oblivious to reality and irresponsible. The first secretary of the Socialist Party, Olivier Faure, said the president was adding fuel to the fire he lit. Even the leader of Macron-loyal Republicans, Eric Ciotti, criticized the solutions proposed in the interview as “not consistent with the depth of the crisis France finds itself in.”
EXPERT OPINION
Alexey Chikhachev, RIAC and Valdai Club expert:
– The televised speech had rather a therapeutic property to clarify once again the inevitability of the reform. The president of France clearly wants to bring the public to its knees. And, as he demonstrates the practice of his previous reforms, he knows how to do it. Macron will play for time and tip the balance in his favor, trying to change the news agenda. Impeaching the government now also makes no sense, but such an opportunity is a trump card up Macron’s sleeve. If the situation worsens, he can play this card.
