Criticism has arisen over the timing of French President Emmanuel Macron’s upcoming speech on Europe, scheduled for Thursday, April 25 at 11:00 am. The speech, set to take place at the Sorbonne University in Paris, coincides with the final plenary session of the European Parliament, where important votes, including one on the simplification of the common agricultural policy, are scheduled to take place. Some French Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have chosen to skip the speech in Paris, citing concerns about the timing chosen by Macron.
MEP Nora Mebarek, a socialist, expressed her disappointment with the timing of Macron’s speech, stating that it is important to show commitment to the democratic process of the European Parliament, especially during important voting sessions. Other MEPs, including the Green Party’s Marie Toussaint, have also decided not to attend Macron’s speech, as they will be participating in the plenary session in Strasbourg. The decision to hold the speech at the same time as the parliament’s crucial session has been seen as arrogant by some, while others view it as a lack of consideration for the European Parliament.
The French far-left party, La France Insoumise, has also decided to skip Macron’s speech, with MEP Manon Aubry declaring that they will be focusing on “demacronizing Europe” on June 9. Some have criticized Macron’s decision as a sign of arrogance, while others see it as a last-minute improvisation. Even within Macron’s own party, Renaissance, most MEPs have chosen to remain in Strasbourg for the parliament’s session, with only a few exceptions planning to attend Macron’s speech in Paris. Nathalie Loiseau, a Renaissance MEP, highlighted the importance of remaining in Strasbourg for crucial votes.
The timing of Macron’s speech has caused a rift among his supporters, with some criticizing his decision to schedule it during the European Parliament’s key voting session. The conflict highlights tensions between the French government and the European Parliament, with some MEPs feeling that Macron’s choice of timing shows a lack of respect for the European democratic process. Despite the controversy, Macron is set to deliver his speech on Europe on April 25, with some MEPs choosing to attend while others opt to participate in the parliament’s plenary session. The differing reactions to Macron’s speech reflect broader divisions within the French political landscape regarding the country’s relationship with the European Union.
