French President Emmanuel Macron estimated, Wednesday, March 22 at midday, that his highly contested pension reform should “ enter into force by the end of the year “, because she is “ necessary “, during a televised interview of thirty-five minutes on TF1 and France 2, in full social anger.
” This reform is necessary, it doesn’t make me happy, I would have liked not to do it, but that’s also why I made the commitment to do it. “, declared Emmanuel Macron, Wednesday March 22, in front of the cameras of TF1 and France 2, wishing an entry into force by the end of the year ” to make things fall into place “. “ There are not 36 solutions. “, he insisted.
The president said he was ready to endorse unpopularity to implement this reform: Me, I’m not looking to be re-elected […]but between the short-term polls and the general interest of the country, I choose the general interest of the country “said Mr. Macron, adding that” if it is necessary behind to endorse the unpopularity today, I will endorse it “. The Head of State regretted that the unions had not presented ” compromise proposal ” on the text of the reform, stressing that the government has done so, on the other hand, “ with Parliament “.
” Neither rebels nor factions »
” We cannot accept either rebels or factions “After the adoption by 49.3 of the pension reform, continued Emmanuel Macron, denouncing among demonstrators ” groups that use violence “. ” When the United States of America went through what it went through on Capitol Hill, when Brazil went through what it went through […]I tell you very clearly », « we cannot accept either rebels or factions “, explained the Head of State in reference to insurrectionary episodes experienced by the institutions in these two countries. ” We will not tolerate any overflow “, he then insisted.
Deficit, ” the magic formula »
Emmanuel Macron considered that “ the project of all the oppositions and of all those who oppose “to the pension reform, ” this is the deficit “, which he compared to a ” magical formula “. ” What is the deficit? “Questioned the head of state. “ It means, in fact, that you choose to make your children pay because, today, you refuse to decide with clarity and courage. “, he continued.
Emmanuel Macron assured Elisabeth Borne of his confidence: “ She has my trust to lead this government team “, he underlined, specifying to have asked him” to build a legislative program, a government program […] to have both fewer texts of law, shorter, clearer texts, to also change things for our compatriots in a more tangible way “.
Word expected
The speech of Emmanuel Macron, withdrawn since January 2023 on this “flagship file” of his second five-year term which turned into a political crisis, was eagerly awaited, on the eve of a new day of union mobilization, and while Unauthorized and tense demonstrations continue every evening throughout France. Strikes and blockades also continue, particularly in oil depots.
Finally, the president also denounced the “ cynicism “of some” large companies which generated significant windfall profits enabling them to buy back their own shares on the stock exchange. He also asked them an exceptional contribution ” so that “ workers can benefit of this money, adding that it counts ask the government to work on an exceptional contribution “.
(With AFP)
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