ADVERTISEMENTFrench President Emmanuel Macron emphasized his return to domestic politics in a televised interview with TF1 amidst political stagnation following last year’s fragmented elections that caused him to focus on international affairs for months.
With two years remaining in his term, Macron seeks to regain significance in national politics but avoided concrete policy announcements during the interview.
Foreign Policy and Sanctions
Discussing a potential summit in Istanbul with the leaders of Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S., Macron expressed support for a ceasefire and warned of new sanctions against Russia if it does not cooperate.
Macron also said he is open to discussions with Putin regarding a potential peacekeeping force in Ukraine and criticized Israel’s treatment of Gaza without labeling it as genocide.
Nuclear Defense and Referendums
Europe’s interest in France’s nuclear arsenal was acknowledged, with Macron hinting at discussions on its deployment and reaffirming that France will not fund security for other nations.
He also signaled potential for public referendums on significant reforms, rejecting immigration and military spend referendums.
Security and Penal Policies
Macron voiced support for giving more powers to municipal police and suggested that prisoners could contribute to their incarceration costs, along with plans to increase prison capacity, including the possibility of leasing facilities abroad.
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