The Europeans are not a referendum
Bruno Lonchampt, Dole (Jura)
Are European elections a national referendum? Confusion has reigned since voting for the Strasbourg Parliament led voters to return to the polling booths to nominate deputies in Paris. The head of state, after defining himself as a bulwark against the far right in the presidential elections of 2017 and 2022, opens the door to potential cohabitation. He is playing with fire by shifting responsibility to citizens, at the risk of throwing France into a real crisis. A European vote, any more than a legislative vote, is nothing like a referendum. As a voter, I feel held hostage. The failure of presidential policy confronts us with the gamble of a man who seems to accept neither failure nor challenge, and remains closed to any real negotiation. It is difficult to say today which France will open the Olympic Games. (“Emmanuel Macron, the July scenarios“, L’Express of June 13.)
Macron towards a Gaullian departure?
Franck Beyeler, Nantes (Loire-Atlantique)
The President of the Republic drew conclusions both from the results of an election and from a way the political world operates that is opaque and misunderstood by citizens. The departure of Emmanuel Macron, in the more or less long term, will only have any meaning for France and will only be Gaullian if it proves to be a prerequisite for a renovation of this political framework which makes it possible to restore confidence and commitment of all. Under this condition alone, his departure would make him one of the great heads of state of the Fifth Republic. (“Emmanuel Macron: the president condemned not to renew“, on Lexpress.fr)
Recognize Palestine, but with conditions…
Louis Causero, Essey-les-Nancy (Meurthe-et-Moselle)
The recognition of the Palestinian state by certain states without conditions seems irresponsible to me. Yes, a Palestinian state must be recognized; it is in fact done by many democratic states, but with formal and firm preconditions: the release of all Israeli hostages; the total cessation of fighting; the recognition of an independent Israeli state; the modification of the Hamas charter, in particular its extremist clauses; an expanded consultation under the authority of the UN… Only recognition with these conditions met will make an effective and realistic contribution to peace. (“Palestinian state: the long journey to international recognition“, on Lexpress.fr)
Retirements: let’s listen to Peyrelevade!
Christian Hamon, Saint-Nazaire (Loire-Atlantique)
“Where to find 20 billion in savings?”, you ask. The response was provided by the column of Jean Peyrelevade, a man of the left, in your April 25 edition. “Most of the deficit in the pension system comes from the civil service,” he explains to us. His argument is very clear and we can only regret the deafness of politicians in general on this subject. (“Praise of rigor, by Jean Peyrelevade”L’Express of April 25.)
Ukraine: shame on the absent deputies!
Bernard Dewas, Orléans (Loiret)
Courageous President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the National Assembly on June 7, the day after the D-Day commemoration. Did the absent deputies really have other emergencies? What are the priorities of the country’s human rights representatives? These empty places sadden me for all Ukrainians. Political disagreements are permitted; abandoning an attacked people is a serious mistake. (“Volodymyr Zelensky at the National Assembly: “Putin is the anti-Europe”on Lexpress.fr)