This is why I am for Macron
We should never allow ourselves missing the big picture. Nowadays no European country is a true World power.
The United States is the undoubted superpower while China is making rapid steps to becoming a superpower too, in a similar way with the USSR during the Cold War. Then of course Russia, while far from being considered a superpower — and won’t be so anytime soon — still has such military strength and natural resources which make it a true world power.
It is to the clear interest of all these countries if Europe is divided and fragmented. Big powers always liked the divide and conquer strategies. It is no surprise then that none of these country truly favors the prospect of deept European integration.
Looking at Europe, clearly we suffer from illusions. I mean, we seriously suffer from illusions. The UK has been that illusion-ed that thought of going out of the EU, dreaming of re-instating the British Empire. Germany feels like dominating Europe through economy and France believes that still has significant global influence. Even Italy and Spain also seem to believe they can play a global role; unfortunately thought, not a single European country can alone have any significant global influence in the 21st century. This is just illusions.
In this context, President Macron has played a very important role. He did have the courage to speak for the obvious: True union in areas such as foreign policy and defense. He has also advocated the need for entrepreneurship, research and competitiveness, more than any of his predecessors while — very importantly—he has spoken with loud a clear voice on what Europe should stands for, like policies for the climate change and inclusiveness and equal opportunities for All.
Have I ever disagreed with President Macron? Yes, many times. Have I ever been disappointed by his policies, his attitude or behaviors? Again, this has happened several times. Could he have been better? Absolutely yes.
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However, as said in the beginning of the post, we should never lose the big picture.
- Is a European Army a top priority? It absolutely is.
- Is a European foreign policy a top priority? It absolutely is.
- Are entrepreneurship, research and competitiveness a top priority? They absolutely are.
- Is a timely and effective response to climate change a top priority? It absolutely is.
- Do we need to take any possible steps to make sure that all minorities will enjoy full rights in any aspect of their lives? We absolutely do.
President Macron is very far from perfect. However, he does have stood up in these matters and he does have led initiatives for them.
The screams of the Yellow Vest protesters are music, a very melodic music actually, to many ears in the US, China and Russia who love to see Europe fragmented, who aim to implement policies of divide and conquer.
I don’t know if the Yellow Vest movement is supported by extra-European centers of influence, but it is crystal clear that it does serve them very well.
What is happening in France is totally against the interest of Europe and us Europeans though; making it crystal-clear that we expect by European leaders to be much better than what they currently do and, very importantly, that we expect them to walk the talk, at this moment there is absolutely no doubt that we must stand shoulder-to-shoulder with President Macron.
Going forward is the only way for Europe. Fragmentation will only get us backwards, it will be a recipe for certain disaster.
Monsieur le Président, nous sommes encore En Marche pour l’Europe.
