Page 22 - Emmanuel Macron

French President Macron champions pension plan as key to French economy

French President Emmanuel Macron advocated Tuesday for his contested plan to increase the pension eligibility age as part of the pro-business policies he has promoted since he took office in 2017, saying people need to work a little longer to make the system financially sustainable. Macron visited the Rungis International Market in the southern suburbs of Paris for his first public discussion with French workers since lawmakers started debating the government's pension-reform legislation earlier this month, prompting series of strikes and protests. The bill, which the Senate expects to start considering on March 2, would push back the minimum retirement age from 62 to 64 and require people to have worked for at least 43 years to be entitled to a full pension, amid other measures. People know that yes, on average, you have to work a little longer, all of them, because otherwise we won't be able to finance our pensions properly, Macron said. All French retirees receive a state pensio

France prepares for 5th day of nationwide protests against pension reform

France is bracing for a fifth day of nationwide strikes and protests on Thursday against a pension reform that is the flagship policy of President Emmanuel Macron's second term. This latest round is expected to be less disruptive that on previous occasions, with the Paris Metro working normally and most schools unaffected. A railway worker walkout will severely disrupt high speed TGV trains and regional services, however. Almost a third of flights are expected to be cancelled at Paris' second busiest airport, Orly, and traffic will be interrupted at regional airports as well. The proposed pension reforms have unleashed the most turbulent debate in years in the National Assembly, with uncertainty looming over the final outcome. Tensions at parliament are fed by the unpopularity of the reform aimed at raising the minimum retirement age from 62 to 64 and requiring people to have worked for at least 43 years to be entitled to a full pension, amid other measures. The powerful union th

India can mobilise world to address Russia-Ukraine war issue: French Prez

French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday said India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership can mobilise the world to address the "tremendous issue" of Russian aggression against Ukraine. "We are working for the success of India's G-20 Presidency in a difficult context with the Russian aggression against Ukraine," Macron said during the leaders' virtual meeting to announce Air India's 250 aircraft deal with Airbus. "India, under your leadership, clearly can be the one to mobilise the whole world and help us address the tremendous issue we have in front of us," the French President said. India has not publicly criticised Russia for its military action in Ukraine, but Prime Minister Narendra Modi had told Russian President Vladimir Putin last year that "today's era is not of war". Modi's public remarks during a meeting with Putin in Samarkand last year were welcomed by world leaders and even found a mention in the G-20 declaration in Indonesia. Macron said Air India's dea

PM to interact with French President Macron via video conferencing today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will interact with French President Emmanuel Macron via video conferencing on Tuesday. "Today PM Modi will interact with French President Emmanuel Macron via VC at 4:30 pm," an official said. India and France enjoy deep friendly ties, with the leaders of the two countries also sharing a warm personal equation.

Macron weighs kicking Vladimir Putin out of French Legion of Honour

Ukraine's wartime leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy has now been bestowed with France's highest medal of honour. But there's a problem: Russian President Vladimir Putin has the same medal. French President Emmanuel Macron pinned the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour medal on Zelenskyy's chest after the two met in the French presidential palace Thursday, a move Macron said was meant to show France's immense" recognition for Ukraine's valor since Russia invaded it a year ago. Some French legislators and activists have called on Macron to rescind Putin's award because of the war. Macron didn't rule out stripping Putin of the honour bestowed by then-President Jacques Chirac in 2006. Macron told reporters Friday that such a decision has serious meaning, and it should be taken at the right moment.'' He noted that he has rescinded the honour in the past. Macron stripped Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein of his Legion of Honor award in the wake of widespread sexual misconduct allegations aga

Over 750,000 protest in France against Macron's pension reform plans

Turnout at the previous nationwide demonstration on January 31 was estimated by the Ministry at 1.2 million and by the CGT at 2.8 million

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