Page 21 - Emmanuel Macron

France doesn't rule out sending warplanes to Ukraine amid war with Russia

President Emmanuel Macron said Monday that France doesn't exclude sending fighter jets to Ukraine, but laid out multiple conditions before such a significant step might be taken. France has sent Ukraine air-defense systems, rocket launcher units, cannons and other military equipment and has pledged to send armored surveillance and combat vehicles, but has stopped short of sending battle tanks or heavier weaponry. Asked at a news conference in The Hague on Monday if France is considering sending warplanes, Macron said nothing is excluded as long as certain conditions are met. Among those conditions: that providing such equipment would not lead to an escalation of tensions or be used to touch Russian soil, and that it wouldn't weaken the capacities of the French army," Macron said. He also said Ukraine would have to formally request the planes. He noted that he will meet visiting Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov in Paris on Tuesday. Ukrainian officials have been stepping

Macron calls on France, Germany to become pioneers of Europe refoundation

Macron on Sunday pointed out that the first task of the two countries, as pioneers, should be building together a new energy model beyond their differences

We want to partner in building base for defence industries in India: France

French Ambassador Emmanuel Lenain has said his country wants to be a partner in the process of building a national industrial base for defence industries in India. Talking to reporters on Saturday on board French aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle which took part in the Indo-French naval exercise 'Varuna' off the Goa coast, Lenain said the two countries can co-produce lot of equipment for the defence and space sectors. France is committed to making available the best technologies to Indian forces without restrictions, he said. Lenain said France has really understood the vision of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India). We understand that also because we are a highly independent country and we have been through that process also. We want to be a partner in the process to build a national industrial base for defence industries in India, he said. When India is looking to diversify its suppliers, France is a great option, the envoy said. Lenain said his country is committed to

France's Macron to hike military funds amid Russia-Ukraine war, new threats

French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday proposed to boost defence spending by more than a third through 2030 and to transform" France's nuclear-armed military, to better face evolving threats and take into account the impact of Russia's war in Ukraine. Macron announced a proposal for 413 billion euros (nearly USD 450 billion) in military spending for the period of 2024-2030, to ensure our freedom, our security, our prosperity, our place in the world. That compares with spending of about 295 billion euros in a similar military plan for 2019-2025. The money would notably go to modernising France's nuclear arsenal, boosting intelligence spending by 60 per cent, doubling the number of military reservists, reinforcing cyberdefence and developing more remote-controlled weapons. Nuclear deterrence is an element that makes France different from other countries in Europe. We see anew, in analyzing the war in Ukraine, its vital importance," he said in a speech to military personnel at an

French President Macron floats new military spending plan amid Ukraine war

The plan is expected to include higher military spending in line with NATO expectations that members spend 2% of GDP on defense

Strikes, protests test French govt's plan to raise retirement age to 64

In a country with an aging population and growing life expectancy where everyone receives a state pension, Macron's government says the reform is the only way to keep the system solvent

French President Emmanuel Macron may visit India in first half of 2023

Preparations for an expected visit by French President Emmanuel Macron to India, situation arising out of the Ukraine conflict and ways to expand bilateral defence cooperation figured prominently during a fresh round of strategic dialogue between the two sides on Thursday, people familiar with the matter said. The two sides are working on the dates for Macron's visit even as it emerged that French fighter Rafale was much ahead of American F/A-18 Super Hornet in the multi-billion dollar contract to supply 26 deck-based jets to the Indian Navy. There was a report in the French media on Thursday indicating that the deal could be inked during Macron's visit to India. Last year, the Indian Navy carried out detailed evaluation of the two jets and submitted a report to the defence ministry for a final decision. "The two sides are exploring a visit by President Macron to India around March. But dates are yet to be finalised," said one of the people cited above, adding it figured in the ...

A war-torn world: How Russia-Ukraine conflict dictated geopolitics globally

With the invasion turning into a misadventure for Putin in the face of a spirited Nato-backed Ukrainian defence, the world can only hope the 2 nations reach at least a brokered ceasefire deal in 2023

'Very sad' Emmanuel Macron congratulates Argentina for FIFA World Cup win

Dejected but still proud of France's World Cup team, French President Emmanuel Macron congratulated Argentina and Argentines for their win in Sunday's final. We are first of all very sad, very disappointed, Macron told reporters in Qatar. He sought to console Kylian Mbappe and other France players in the locker room, and said he told them that they made us all immensely proud, and made us all tremble with excitement. He praised Mbappe's extraordinary performance and stressed that he is only 24 and has already had the rare experience of playing in two World Cup finals. Bravo to Argentina, to the Argentine players and their people, Macron said after recounting his emotions while watching the game. Macron said the French players are expected to return to France on Monday and parade down the Champs-Elysees in Paris despite the loss. Macron will be visiting French troops stationed abroad for the holidays.

Emmanuel Macron says 'immensely proud' that France in Fifa World Cup final

French President Emmanuel Macron said he was immensely proud that France reached the World Cup final after he traveled to Qatar to watch the team's win over Morocco in the semifinals. Macron sat beside FIFA president Gianni Infantino during the match at Al Bayt Stadium and stood up to applaud after the 2-0 victory. France will play Argentina in the final on Sunday. I feel very proud of my country. I'm very happy, Macron told reporters after the match. I want the French to enjoy this simple happiness. The French leader paid tribute to the great Moroccan team, Africa's first-ever semifinalist. The Moroccans have played very well, he added. I want to tell the Moroccan people they have a great team ... I want to tell them of our friendship." Morocco was ruled by France from 1912-56. Wednesday's match had political and emotional resonance for both nations, dredging up everything that's complex about the relationship in which France still wields considerable economic, political and cult

Trust Modi to bring us together: Macron as India assumes G20 Presidency

As India assumed the G20 Presidency on December 1, French President Emmanuel Macron exuded confidence in India's leadership

White House state dinner draws names from fashion, business, politics

The first White House state dinner of President Joe Biden's administration drew big names from fashion, entertainment, politics and business who turned out to help celebrate French President Emmanuel Macron and the return of high-wattage DC social events after the pandemic. First to arrive: Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards, a Democrat, followed not long after by Gov. John Carney, representing Biden's home state of Delaware. Julia Louis-Dreyfus whizzed by the press, pausing only to say that, yes, she'd been to a state dinner before and it was all very exciting. Late-night TV host Stephen Colbert made his entrance, too, as guests passed through the White House before heading outside to a heated party tent on the South Lawn. Family made the cut too: Biden's adult children, Hunter and Ashley, and his sister, Valerie Biden, were on the guest list. Others attending, according to the official guest list: Good Morning America anchor Robin Roberts, actors Jennifer Garner and Ariana DeBose an

Biden says climate law has 'glitches' after criticism by France's Macron

President Joe Biden on Thursday acknowledged glitches in America's clean energy law that have raised concerns in Europe, but said there's tweaks we can make to satisfy allies. Biden made the comments during a joint news conference with French President Emmanuel Macron. Biden, who is honouring Macron with the first state dinner of his presidency on Thursday evening, said he and the French president spoke a a good deal about European concerns over his signature climate change law during an Oval Office meeting. Macron has made clear that he and other European leaders are concerned about incentives in the new law, known as the Inflation Reduction Act, that favor American-made climate technology, including electric vehicles. Macron said that while the Biden administration's efforts to curb climate change should be applauded, the subsidies would be an enormous setback for European companies.

Joe Biden, Emmanuel Macron vow unity against Russia, discuss trade row

Presidents Joe Biden and Emmanuel Macron vowed to maintain a united front against Russia on Thursday amid growing worries about waning support for Ukraine's war effort in the US and Europe. Biden also signalled he might be willing to tweak aspects of his signature climate legislation that have raised concerns with France and other European allies. Biden was honouring Macron with a grand state dinner Thursday evening - the first of the US president's COVID-19 shadowed presidency for a foreign leader. But following up on Biden's upbeat comments might not go as smoothly as that fancy affair. Republicans who are about to take control of the House have shown less willingness than Biden to spend billions on Ukraine, and Democratic lawmakers said Thursday they were not about to jump back into the climate legislation. In fact, for all the positive statements, Macron's visit to Washington has been tempered by his criticism of Biden's Inflation Reduction Act and the challenges both leaders fa

Biden, Macron celebrate bilateral relationship amid friction on climate law

Presidents Joe Biden and Emmanuel Macron are celebrating the long-standing US-French relationship, but these are friends with differences. The French leader is using his visit to Washington to sharply criticize aspects of his ally's signature climate law as a bad deal for Europe. Biden was set to honour Macron with the first state dinner of his presidency on Thursday evening. First, the presidents will hold talks in the Oval Office that officials from both sides said were expected to largely center on efforts to stay united in their response to Russia's war in Ukraine and to coordinate their approach to an increasingly assertive China. Hundreds of people gathered on the South Lawn on a sunny but chilly morning for a pomp-filled official arrival ceremony to include a 21-gun salute and review of troops. Ushers distributed small French and American flags to the guests. Macron has made clear that he and other European leaders are concerned about the incentives in a new climate-related l

Biden, Macron ready to talk Ukraine, trade during French Prez' state visit

French President Emmanuel Macron is headed to Washington for the first state visit of Joe Biden's presidency a revival of diplomatic pageantry that had been put on hold because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Biden-Macron relationship had a choppy start. Macron briefly recalled France's ambassador to the United States last year after the White House announced a deal to sell nuclear submarines to Australia, undermining a contract for France to sell diesel-powered submarines. But the relationship has turned around with Macron emerging as one of Biden's most forward-facing European allies in the Western response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This week's visit it will include Oval Office talks, a glitzy dinner, a news conference and more comes at a critical moment for both leaders. The leaders have a long agenda for their Thursday meeting at the White House, including Iran's nuclear programme, China's increasing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific and growing concerns about security a

Macron to talk Ukraine war, trade with Biden in visit to Washington

French President Emmanuel Macron is headed to Washington for the first state visit of Joe Biden's presidency - a revival of diplomatic pageantry that had been put on hold because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Biden-Macron relationship had a choppy start. Macron briefly recalled France's ambassador to the United States last year after the White House announced a deal to sell nuclear submarines to Australia, undermining a contract for France to sell diesel-powered submarines. But the relationship has turned around with Macron emerging as one of Biden's most forward-facing European allies in the Western response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This week's visit - it will include Oval Office talks, a glitzy dinner, a news conference and more - comes at a critical moment for both leaders. The leaders have a long agenda for their Thursday meeting at the White House, including Iran's nuclear program, China's increasing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific and growing concerns about security

Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022: 'Sports should not be politicised', says Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday that "sports should not be politicised," days after it was announced to criticism that he would attend the World Cup in Qatar if France reaches the semifinals. Speaking in Bangkok, Macron said issues about Qatar's human rights record and the environment were "questions you have to ask yourself when you award the event." Qatar won the hosting rights for this year's tournament in a FIFA vote in 2010. The World Cup has sparked multiple controversies from the living conditions of migrant workers to the impact on the environment of air-conditioned stadiums and the place of LGBTQ people, women and minorities. The first World Cup to be held in an Arab country opens on Sunday. On Monday, the presidential Elysee said Macron will go to the Qatar if the country's national team reaches the semifinals, specifying that the French president "wrote them a message" to this effect. Last month, the city of Paris said it will not broadcast World Cu

India takes over G20 presidency for 2023, PM Modi extends invitation

PM Modi took over the "key" from Indonesian president Joko Widodo, India will officially assume the presidency of G20 on December 1

PM holds bilateral talks with French President on sidelines of G20 Summit

On the second day of his official visit to Bali, PM Modi will participate in the Digital Transformation Session at the 17th edition of the G20 Leaders Summit