French President Emmanuel Macron called on Germany on Monday to “wake up” to fight against the rise of far-right parties in Europe.
French President Emmanuel Macron said in Dresden, Germany, on Monday that voters and leaders must “wake up” to fight the rise of far-right parties on the European continent.
On the second day of his state visit to Germany, E. Macron highlighted the close ties between the two traditional great powers of the European Union in the run-up to the elections to the European Parliament, during which far-right parties both countries hope to gain ground.
The state visit, which began on Sunday, was originally scheduled to take place last July, but was postponed at the last minute due to riots that broke out in France following the murder of 17-year-old Nahel killed by police shooting.
The President declared during his speech: _”Let’s look around us at the fascination with authoritarian regimes. Let’s look in Europe at the illiberal moment we are experiencing. Some say – including a few kilometers from here – in fact, let’s take the Europe’s money, but let’s not worry about the independence of judges. Let’s take Europe’s money, but let’s forget the freedom of the press Let’s take Europe’s money, but let’s forget cultural diversity. . Let’s take Europe’s money, but forget the autonomy of universities and academic freedom.”_For him, “the fear of a changing world” fuels the rise of the far right in Europe. Emmanuel Macron added: “Everywhere in our democracies, these ideas are thriving, fueled by extremists, particularly on the far right. This bad wind is blowing across Europe, it’s a reality. So let’s wake up!”
While President Macron frequently visits Germany, Paris and Berlin trying to coordinate their positions on the EU and foreign policy, this is the first high-profile state visit since Jacques Chirac in 2000.
This speech comes a few days before the European elections, from June 6 to 9, 2024.
