During a meeting in Lorient, Valérie Hayer, the head of the presidential camp, highlighted the benefits of the European Union in relation to the D-Day commemorations. She drew a parallel between the events of June 9, 1944, and the current situation in Europe, emphasizing the importance of the European construction as a movement towards freedom and unity. Hayer spoke about the unprecedented peace and truce in Europe over the past eighty years, particularly highlighting the Franco-German relationship as a driving force behind European integration, especially during the COVID-19 crisis. She also expressed concerns about the threats to this peace, citing the invasion of Ukraine by Russia in February 2022 as a significant challenge.
Hayer defended Emmanuel Macron’s European achievements, particularly in response to the conflict in Ukraine, which she believes has underlined the need to strengthen the European defense. She called for greater investment in defense industries and innovation to reduce dependence on the US military umbrella. Hayer criticized her main opponent, Jordan Bardella of the National Rally, accusing the party of being lenient towards Vladimir Putin’s regime while claiming to be patriots. She highlighted the lack of support for Ukraine and opposition to Russia in the party’s actions in the European Parliament, aiming to undermine Bardella’s position in the polls just days before the election.
The meeting in Lorient was attended by approximately 300 people, including former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defense Jean-Yves Le Drian. Hayer’s speech emphasized the importance of peace and unity in Europe, citing the past achievements and the current challenges faced by the EU. She urged the audience to support Ukraine in its struggle for European values and to rally behind Macron’s vision for a stronger and more independent European defense. Hayer also proposed the creation of a fund worth 100 billion euros to support European defense industries, positioning herself as a proponent of a united and powerful European Union.
As the elections drew closer, Hayer continued to target Bardella and the National Rally, accusing them of hypocrisy in their stance on Russia and questioning their patriotism. She critiqued the party’s actions in the European Parliament, highlighting their lack of support for Ukraine and opposition to Russia. Hayer sought to discredit Bardella and the National Rally’s dominance in the polls by pointing out their track record on key EU issues, such as voting on sanctions against Russia and support for Ukrainian independence. With only four days remaining until the election, Hayer used her speech in Lorient to draw attention to the differences between her camp and the National Rally on key European issues.
Overall, Hayer’s speech in Lorient focused on the importance of unity and solidarity in Europe, particularly in the face of external threats such as the conflict in Ukraine. She underscored the need for a stronger European defense and greater independence from the US military, calling for investment in defense industries and innovation. Hayer positioned herself as a defender of European values and a proponent of a united Europe, contrasting her vision with that of her main opponent, Jordan Bardella of the National Rally. With the election just days away, Hayer’s speech aimed to mobilize support for her camp and undermine the National Rally’s position in the polls by highlighting its track record on key EU issues.
