The President of France, Emmanuel Macron, strongly condemns the blockades at Sciences Po and universities by pro-Palestinian protestors, stating that these actions hinder debate. While he acknowledges that the situation in Gaza is troubling and calls for an immediate ceasefire, he emphasizes that preventing debate does not help resolve conflicts. Macron supports the evacuation of blocked universities by law enforcement at the request of the institutions, as he believes that the students involved in the blockades are politicized and preventing access to classrooms based on religion is against the values of the Republic.
Law enforcement recently evacuated pro-Palestinian activists from Sciences Po Paris, bringing an end to the occupation of the prestigious institution. This comes after multiple protests and blockades at Sciences Po and universities, with some cases requiring police intervention, reflecting a wider mobilization on campuses in the United States. Macron urges his Prime Minister, Gabriel Attal, to actively engage in the upcoming European election campaign through debates, meetings, and field visits, particularly calling for Attal to debate with the candidate from the far-right party, Jordan Bardella of the National Rally. With the election approaching, Macron seeks more involvement from Attal as the majority party’s candidate, Valérie Hayer, faces strong competition in the polls.
Emmanuel Macron expresses confidence in the actions of Gabriel Attal, who has been in office for four months, noting his commitment to the government’s initiatives. Macron emphasizes Attal’s qualities and engagement in the various projects he has been tasked with. When discussing the high level of support for the National Rally, Macron attributes it to their lack of governance and inconsistency in their positions. Macron criticizes the National Rally for changing their stance on crucial issues like the euro and argues that aggregating frustrations does not equate to offering a coherent program or vision for the future.
When asked about the potential national implications of the European election results, particularly considering the National Rally’s request for a dissolution if they win, Macron dismisses the question by emphasizing the European nature of the election and the need for an ambitious European agenda. He stresses the importance of working towards a strong European agenda and promises his active involvement in achieving this goal. Macron believes that the focus should be on strengthening Europe rather than drawing national conclusions from the election results, reaffirming his commitment to pushing for a progressive European agenda.
In the context of recent protests and blockades at universities in France, Emmanuel Macron warns against the use of force to impose political views and calls for dialogue as a means to resolve conflicts and issues. While he acknowledges the importance of youth engagement with international affairs, he emphasizes the need for respectful and constructive debate rather than tactics such as blockades that restrict access and hinder communication. Macron’s stance supports the principle of freedom of speech and expression while advocating for peaceful and inclusive discussions as a way to address contentious issues and reach solutions.
