A few weeks before the European elections, French President Emmanuel Macron returned to speak at the historic Parisian University of La Sorbonne. The newly elected young president had launched his programmatic speech for Europe there in 2017, establishing himself as a leader on the community scene. Today, Macron is back with a new political manifesto, asserting that “Europe can die it must become a military power and think more about growth.”
Faced with external enemies and internal political opposition, Macron has taken a more aggressive stance in his speech. He advocates for Europe to become better equipped militarily to face challenges posed by “unscrupulous regional powers” such as China and Russia. He emphasizes the importance of economic competitiveness, urging for a revival of the economy to prevent Europe from falling behind global competitors.
In addition to military and economic concerns, Macron addresses the issue of nationalism and anti-European sentiments within the continent. He warns against complacency and emphasizes the importance of pro-Europeans standing up to those who do not respect the rules of the European Union. Macron concludes his speech by urging for boldness and audacity in the face of rising nationalist sentiments across Europe.
Overall, Macron’s speech at La Sorbonne signals a shift towards a more assertive and proactive European Union, with a focus on strengthening defense capabilities, promoting economic growth, and combating nationalist tendencies. The French president’s words serve as a rallying cry for a united Europe that is ready to face the challenges of the future.